Canary Islands: 7 Canary Islands in comparison (and their most beautiful destinations)
Rugged cliffs, spectacular volcanic landscapes, bushy virgin forests and black, sandy beaches: the Canary Islands are among the most popular destinations for Germans. If you look for the Canary Islands on the map of Europe near the Spanish mainland, you will not find them. If you wonder where the Canary Islands are on the map, you will have to look much further south. Although the 7 Canary Islands belong to the EU, they lie off the west coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean.
1. Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is the Grande Dame among the Canary Islands:
Although it is only the third largest island in the Canary Islands in terms of surface area, it offers such a ridiculously large variety that it is sometimes referred to as a miniature continent.
In the north of the island, lively city life awaits visitors. The largest city in the Canary Islands, Las Palmas, offers an urban mix of historic lanes and vibrant clubs. Directly before the gates of the city lies one of the most popular beaches of Gran Canaria:
Playa de las Canteras.
Experienced locals and amazed tourists are equally impressed by the fine sand of the Canary Island. Despite its popularity, the kilometre-long promenade offers enough space to spread out.
2. Tenerife
If you don't want to decide if you prefer to relax on one of the famous black beaches of the Canary Islands or if you prefer to explore dry volcanic landscapes, you can't go wrong with Tenerife as a holiday destination.
The largest of the Canary Islands is characterized by versatility. In the north of the Spanish island in the Atlantic you stroll through the Mediterranean island pearl Santa Cruz. Especially in the evening hours you can make yourself comfortable in one of the picturesque restaurants.
Because hot days are best enjoyed on one of Tenerife's most popular beaches: Playa de las Teresitas, which is still surprisingly quiet during the week. On the weekend, however, it gets crowded. Always.
The Playa de los Cristianos in the south is especially nice for a swim. Families appreciate the shallow shore. Los Cristianos also has one of the largest ferry ports in Tenerife.
From here, boats take you to islands with less frequented airports, such as La Gomera - one of the quietest Canary Islands.
3. Fuerteventura
Just lie in the sun and bathe. If you want to experience this in a strangely exotic ambience off the coast of Morocco, you should book your trip to Fuerteventura in advance.
The second largest island of the Canary Islands is a barren desert beauty whose beaches you will fall in love with.
The interior of the island is rugged wasteland, at least if you do not have a pronounced geological instinct and want to deal with the cooled volcanic rock, on which today magnificent hotel complexes and beach bars have been opened.
Whether you're strolling along the snow-white beaches of Playa Jandía or spending your holiday on the Canary Island in the surfing paradise of El Cotillo in the north, you'll find a wide variety of activities to suit every taste:
Fuerteventura is a paradise for all activities that take place in the water.
4. Lanzarote
Lanzarote is probably the most fiery of the Canary Islands. A quarter of the entire area is covered by a terrible volcanic landscape. Round cacti in front of black lava stone underline the rough character of the lava island.
The best way to understand the origin of the Canary Islands is to let a robust camel carry you through the Timanfaya National Park. The unreal terrain is overlooked by volcanic craters and determines the charm of the often considered rugged Canary Island.
The gentle side of the muse is seen in many corners. The rather unknown artist César Manrique was famous as an architect and landscape designer for impressive houses in volcanic rock and magnificent cactus gardens on the Canary Island.
5. La Palma
La Isla Bonita. It remains questionable to this day whether Madonna's Golden Goblet really sang about the Canaries and La Palma in her world hit.
At least La Palma bears the nickname with pride and grace. The island is often called the most beautiful Canary Island.
The lush green island is above all for hiking holidaymakers the destination par excellence on the Canary Islands.
The national park Caldera de Taburiente is characterized by the huge volcanic crater in the middle of the park.
In contrast to some other Canarian Islands, it rains in the winter months on La Palma. This way you can admire brute waterfalls in the lush national park.
6. La Gomera
The leathery bay leaves hang heavily over the 2 meter high ferns. This fog and heavy raindrops make the forests on the Canary Island of La Gomera look like winding jungle relics.
Even in midsummer, when the weather in the Canary Islands is anything but autumnal and dreary. The average temperature on La Gomera is 22 °C. Everyone is actually satisfied with that.
The Canary Islands are known for their blend of rugged barrenness and pristine nature. La Gomera adds another one and shines already from the distance in rich green.
The second smallest Canary Island is an adventure paradise for active holidaymakers and nature lovers.
Volcanic mounds have a decisive influence on the image of the Canary Islands: instead of lifeless photographic backdrops, the biotopes on them are habitats for almost forgotten or extinct animal and plant species.
7. El Hierro
The western island of the Canary Islands is also the smallest:
El Hierro. The rugged, deserted, almost forgotten among the popular Canary Islands.
Those who really want to leave everything behind should spend their holidays on the Canary Islands on El Hierro.
If you can find suitable accommodation. Only 6,000 inhabitants live on the sparsely populated island. But you will be welcomed warmly and above all authentically.
The small villages along the rocky coasts seem charming, calming and above all empty. In the biggest villages Valverde and La Restinga you will find everything you need.