Hiking in Canary Islands

Experience the subtropical climate of Spain

The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago located on the north-west coast of Africa. There are 7 main islands, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma. Every island has something different to offer but all of them will give the perfect conditions to enjoy your adventure with 4 of 14 of the National Parks of Spain and 11 Natural Parks.

Walking from dunes of white sand to narrow canyons, volcanic cliffs, magic forests and remote beaches is possible in Canarias, where the landscape of these islands are highly variable going from the dry islands of the east to the green and rainy islands of the west part of the archipelago.

A subtropical climate and a rich biodiversity make the hikes even more interesting and attractive. The islands are really well considered for astronomical observation, especially La Palma and Teide in Tenerife.

Practical Information

How to get

For arriving at any of the 7 islands from the outside of the archipelago there are two different ways, by plane and by boat.

-Boat: Trasmediterranea and Naviera Armas.

The better option to fly to the island may vary depending on the place of departure:

-Ryanair especially from UK, Spain, Ireland, Poland, northern Italy, Belgium and Germany

-Vueling especially from Spain, France, Switzerland and other countries not included in the list of the other airlines.

-Easy Jet especially from France (Paris), Switzerland and UK.

-Norwegian and SAS from Scandinavia, North America and Spain.

How to get around

By plane: Binter Canarias, Air Europa and Canary Fly

By boat: Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas

Public Transport: Each island has its bus network that connects villages.

Hitchhike is allowed except in motorways (Autopistas and Autovias)

Blablacar connects drivers with empty seats with travellers with the same way or destination.


Couchsurfing in the Canary Islands works quite well in populated areas but there’s almost no community in rural areas so it can be hard to find a host.

Wild camping is generally not allowed with the exception of the regulated camping areas where is needed to take a permission with no cost. Each island has different places to pitch a tent and different websites to take the permissions.

There is a wide offer of rural Hostels around all the islands but only a few low-budget are found in the websites of Hostelworld and Booking, especially in the countryside.

Airbnb is getting more popular worldwide and in the Canary Islands is not an exception. It can be useful for those places where only expensive hotels and apartments are found and sometimes in rural areas. You can get 25€ off for your next trip here!

What to see and do

Especially relevant is that the Canary Islands are not only beaches and sun. You will find beautiful white villages, good food and better nature. Enjoy of the volcanic landscape and Caribbean beaches of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, explore the rural villages and the summit areas of Tenerife and Gran Canaria and discover the hilly west islands with the best hikes.


The Canary Islands have a subtropical climate more wet and colder (16-18 ºC) weather during winter and dryer and warmer (24-26ºC) during summer so the temperature is always pleasant and doesn’t vary much.

The west part of the archipelago is greener due to rains often and the east part is very dry and often sunny.

The north face of the islands is way greener than the south and while in the north can be raining in the south can be sunny and hot.

When to go

Any time is good for going to the Canary Islands but the best time to hike and enjoy of the beauty of the islands is during spring when the temperatures are a bit colder and the landscape is greener. During winter expect some rain especially in the mountains.

Dangers and tips

Protect your skin form the sun and carry enough water, more during summer when temperatures can reach 40ºC.

There’s no danger of being attacked by animals. Only jellyfishes can hurt you while swimming especially during winter. Protect your skin form the sun.

Several beaches have very strong currents.

Be aware of the weather conditions while hiking and driving, heavy rain causes flash floods in the steep valleys and rockfalls may occur.

Volcanic Paradise

Reach the highest summit of Spain

All in one