Canary Islands Canary Islands Tips and Tricks

The top 10 things to do in the Canary Islands

From exploring wild landscapes and petrified lava fields to chilling on brilliant white and black sand beaches, shore experiences in the Canary Islands really do offer something for everyone.

4 min 12 Jun 2023

Editorial Team

Author

In the Atlantic Ocean just off the coast of Morocco lie the Spanish Canary Islands, each boasting a distinctive personality and diverse attractions. On a Canary Islands cruise holiday, you’ll soak in their beauty and bask in the reliably hot, sunny weather – even in winter. And as you venture on shore, you’ll find an amazing array of shore excursions to choose from to suit your own interests…

Contents

Things to do if you're feeling active
Things to do that are more leisurely
Try something unique in Tenerife

Things to do if you're feeling active

For the adventurous

Camel Ride and Fire Mountain, Lanzarote

Great fun for all the family. Ride your camel over volcanic dunes in the Timanfaya National Park, then follow the snaking road to Fire Mountain, where geothermal experiments demonstrate the fearsome heat below the surface.

For thrillseekers

The Water Kingdom, Tenerife

Part of Siam Park, this is an aquatic theme park not to be missed, with 14 major water attractions, a floating market, a tea house, a beach bar and a Thai restaurant.

For aquatic types

Surfing at Las Canteras Beach, Gran Canaria

Whether you’re a total beginner or you’ve done it before, this surfing lesson on Las Canteras city beach is great fun for all the family – and a great workout.

Camel Ride and Fire Mountain, Lanzarote

Things to do that are more leisurely

For shopaholics

Teguise Sunday Market, Lanzarote

The narrow maze of streets comes to life on market day with a vast network of shops and stalls offering everything from handmade local arts and crafts to stunning silver and gold jewellery.

For foodies

History & Flavours Of Tenerife, Tenerife

Admire the lovingly preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site of La Laguna. The town centre was used as a template for the likes of Old Havana, Lima and Cartagena. During your shore experience, enjoy delicious local snacks and refreshing drinks, including a typical passionfruit mojito.

For photographers

Leisurely Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria

Soak up the island’s sights on a panoramic drive. Sit back and relax, as you embark on a leisurely coach journey, heading south towards the vibrant resort of Playa del Ingles. You’ll enjoy photo stops at the expanse of golden sand dunes in Maspalomas and at the modern resort of Puerto Rico, where the holiday apartments are built into rocky slopes rising from the sea. Stroll the harbour and the pretty bridged waterways, shop for souvenirs, or simply watch the world go by from a café.

For sun-worshippers

Playa de las Americas On Your Own, Tenerife

Visit this high-rise and high-energy resort for beachside bars, shopping centres and the best sunbathing, as this is the sunniest and driest part of the island.

The sand dunes of Maspalomas

Try something unique in Tenerife

For the green-fingered

Gardens of the Valley, Tenerife

Explore the wonderfully laid out botanical garden, the attractive waterfalls and colourful terraces and the Risco Bello Gardens and the largest collection of orchids in the Canary Islands at the Orchid Gardens of Sitio Litre.

For budding photographers

Northern Panorama, Tenerife

This scenically rewarding excursion includes the mountains of Anaga, the magnificent Canary flora, and the El Bailadero and Pico del Ingles viewpoints.

For something a bit different

Star Gazing, Tenerife

Armed with telescopes and binoculars, join our expert guide in Cañadas del Teide National Park to discover planets, stars, galaxies, nebuloses and star clusters in the clear night sky.