24 awe-inspiring places to go in the Canary Islands, from dazzling sand dunes to volcano treks and secluded beach coves

• The stunning Canary Islands are home to beautiful beaches and volcanic landscapes.
• The dramatic scenery presents incredible things to do, from hiking to stargazing, surfing, and more.

It was love at first sight when I came to the Canary Islands 15 years ago.

I was awestruck by the golden, savage sands of Fuerteventura's Cofete Beach and felt transported to another world while hiking through La Gomera's wooded canopy trails.

Even with dozens of visits under my belt, I keep returning. In my opinion, nowhere else comes close to the majesty of the Canaries.

Mostly because there are just so many incredible things to do, whether I want to spend my vacation wine tasting in volcanic vineyards, snorkeling the clear waters of El Hierro's marine reserve, or relaxing on a beach and watching my child play in the warm, inviting sands of Gran Canaria's tranquil beach coves.

With so many islands, landscapes, and attractions, it may be difficult to decide exactly which to visit. Here's a quick primer on what to expect on each of the seven main islands:

• Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the largest islands, with many activities beyond beaches. These islands are where you'll find the most activity options, both local and tourist-catered.
• Fuerteventura is all about white-sand beaches.
• Lanzarote is known for its wineries and cultural activities.
• The smaller islands of La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro are where to go for a remote escape. They boast magnificent natural wonders like untamed laurel forests, rushing waterfalls, marine reserves, and secluded black-sand beach coves, but not much else in the way of amenities.

Based on more than a decade of visits, here's my go-to guide on the best things to do on each island.

The best things to do on Tenerife

Savor a wine tasting

Each time I travel to Tenerife, I always squeeze in a stop at my preferred winery, Bodegas Monje. I recommend starting with a guided visit to learn about the history and wine-making methods of this island and particular winery, a family-owned spot that dates back to 1750.

Then, stay and taste some of its best-known blends, like my personal favorite, the salty Hollera red made from the listán negro grapes. I think Bodegas Monje has one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces on the island for watching the sunset — the expansive view of the vines, clouds, and sea is unbeatable.

Ride the cable car to the top of Spain's highest volcano

Taking the cable car to the top of the Teide Volcano, Spain's highest peak, is a must for first-time visitors. The cable cars offer views of the volcano as you fly high above the clouds, and I think the drive to the base of the volcano where you pick up the cable car is just as mesmerizing, amid a landscape of red rocks and craters. Bring layers to wear as it's much chillier at the top, even when it's swimming weather back down at sea level.

Head into the forest for a lush hike

For forest hikes ranging from easy to difficult, visit Anaga Rural Park, which takes me back to the summer I spent in Costa Rica, complete with tropical mist and jungle canopied paths. The park has many trails that pass through high peaks, sweeping green ravines, rocky paths, and panoramic viewpoints. My favorite thing about hiking here is the intermittent majestic sea views observed among all the other grand scenery.

Beach enthusiasts have their pick on Tenerife of exotic black-sand beaches with roaring ocean waves or golden coves made for relaxing.

Up north, Teresitas Beach is where the locals hang out, as it's one of the few white-sand beaches near the capital. Tourists often skip this beach because the north of the island can be cloudy and cooler. But if weather permits on a coveted sunny day, the sands of Teresitas practically glow in the sunlight.

El Duque and Las Vistas beaches in the south are favorites for the amenities available, such as beach chairs, restrooms, water sports, and nearby restaurants and bars — and most important, practically guaranteed sunshine.

Surfers should head to the windy El Médano Beach, lined with surf schools and board rentals. I usually park myself on Medano's sands to admire the jaw-dropping tricks the kitesurfers perform as they glide over the crashing waves.

My favorite beach is Los Guíos, which sits below the illustrious Gigantes Cliffs. Sitting in the shadow of these colossal rocky precipices as imposing ocean waves crash against the black-sand beach makes for an experience unlike any other.

Another standout black-sand beach is El Bollullo in the north, with its inky sands and volcanic stones alongside tube-like waves that are ideal for bodyboarding.

The best things to do on Gran Canaria

Take a stroll along a cliffside path and visit a peaceful beach cove

Gran Canaria is another one of the larger Canary Islands with lots to do and see, especially around its capital of Las Palmas. Though the capital features a beautiful stretch of white-sand beaches, the most inviting ones, in my opinion, are in the south of the island.

I love taking my little one to beach coves like Puerto Rico and Amadores, both of which have crystalline sands and low tides that are perfect for children. The cliffside paved path lined with tropical flowers complete with sea views makes for an idyllic stroll, especially once the heat of the day subsides and the sun begins to set.

Explore Sahara-style sand dunes

One of my most memorable activities on the island was when I played explorer at the Maspalomas Dunes, a 1,000-acre natural reserve made up of soft mountains created from fine sand. The hilly dunes actually made me feel as if I were frolicking in the Sahara — until I spotted the deep blue sea at the base of the sands. Just go before the sun gets too hot so you don't burn your feet.

Trek a massive crag

My top hiking spot on Gran Canaria is around Roque Nublo, a craggy rock that juts straight up the top of a mountain. Though it's not the highest point, it is one of the most iconic spots on the island, and the view from the top is astounding, as the rock overlooks mountains in the distance.

From the parking area at Degollada de la Goleta, take a fairly easy, 30-minute walk to the rock, or there are plenty of longer trails where trekkers can hike the rock's surrounding summits. Dress warmly, as it's much cooler at the higher elevation, and bring sunblock.

The best things to do on Lanzarote

Admire spaces designed by the famous Canarian architect and artist, César Manrique

To add culture to your beach vacation, opt for Lanzarote, where you may view the art and architecture on display at the César Manrique Foundation, which is the artist's former home that's now a museum.

The space is unlike any other, built upon volcanic tunnels and caves. Manrique used the island's natural environment to enhance his art, with a cave and a pool built into the volcanic rock. I enjoy puttering around the cactus garden, which is another space where Manrique seamlessly blends the island's flora with his noteworthy architecture.

Experience more than 25 volcanic craters in one natural park

A trip to the Timanfaya National Park helps visitors understand that the heart of the Canary Islands is volcanic. The rugged, crater-pocked landscape of this park is a magical mix of colors and textures that seem to ebb and flow for miles on end. I've always felt it's worth getting a guided tour so you can understand more about the history of the islands and all of their volcanic activity — there are more than 25 volcanoes in the park.

Tour volcanic vineyards

Another, more epicurean volcanic experience is visiting the many vineyards around the island. My top pick is La Geria, one of the island's oldest wineries. A tasting and tour costs 10 euros a person and takes you through the grapevines, which are planted in holes dug into volcanic ash and ensconced in volcanic stone to protect them from the elements. It's one of the most novel wineries I've ever been to.

But my favorite part is the tasting, where I can sip a glass of white wine from the malvasía grape in the outdoor tasting area, which overlooks this very different kind of vineyard amid the volcanoes beyond.

Visit Lanzarote's most exotic beach

When it comes to Lanzarote's beaches, I recommend the wild Papagayo Beach, located in a natural reserve between two large cliffs. It's one of the most isolated, remote beaches on the island.

Although it costs 3 euros a car to enter the protected space, lounging on the blustery golden sands and dipping my toes into the emerald waters makes the small fee worth it. The rest of the island's beaches are easier to reach (and free) but don't have the deserted, pristine ambiance that Papagayo does.

The best things to do on Fuerteventura

Relax on Fuerteventura's white and golden sand beaches

Fuerteventura is the island for anyone who loves the beach. You'll find mostly white-sand beaches on this island, and honestly, there isn't much else to do, as the island isn't as developed as the larger islands. But I love visiting Fuerteventura as a self-defined beach bum, and even more so during a cold European winter when I really need to sit in the sun and recharge my batteries.

It's one of the windier Canary Islands (its name, Fuerteventura, literally translates to "strong gusts"), especially in the summer months, so if you're not a fan of a breezier beach experience, this island is not for you. But this is also one of the reasons it's so popular among surfers.

Fuerteventura is extremely long, so pick the south, north, or middle and hang out within that area so you don't spend hours in your rental car each day. My favorite beach in the north is El Cotillo with some of the finest white sands in all of Europe, in my opinion. It's juxtaposed with dark volcanic stones dotted throughout the beach and its waters.

Nearby, the beach town of Corralejo has plenty of sand and sea, and just outside town kitesurfers flock to the gusty Flag Beach.

Costa Calma and Sotavento beaches in the middle of the island are quite interesting with lagoons that come and go based on the tides. These sands are great for families. I love to explore with my toddler, who enjoys waddling through the shallow waters to spot tiny fish and crabs.

There's only one small surf school along these beaches, Ion, which in addition to the regular kitesurf, surf, and windsurf rentals and classes offers lessons for kids, as well as wingsurf options, where you use a handheld wing to catch the wind and ride the waves.

At the southern tip of the island, the beaches of Jandia, such as Morro Jable, are large and beautiful. Exceptionally long and wide, no matter how many crowds come, I always feel as if the beach is empty and spacious. I also love to jog or power walk the path that runs along these beaches.

Go off-roading to discover Fuerteventura's wildest, volcano-backed beach

For me, it's not a trip to Fuerteventura without visiting Cofete Beach, one of the most far-flung, natural beaches on all of the Canary Islands. It takes about 30 minutes of off-road driving to get there, but once you spot these desolate, exotic sands backed by red and brown volcanoes, you'll never want to leave.

Just bring everything you need such as food, water, and sunblock because there are no bars or shops in this remote area. If you don't have a 4x4 rental car, plan to drive slowly until you reach the beach — I don't mind leisurely cruising along so I can simultaneously admire the landscape, which feels a bit as if I'm on Mars.

Wander the former capital of Fuerteventura

If the weather is cool or cloudy, an alternative to the beach is in Betancuria, a tiny, whitewashed village that dates back to the early 1400s and was the capital of the island through 1834. Make sure to stop into the Santa María church, wander the cobblestone village streets, and dine at one of the town's local eateries. Nearby, there are many hiking trails in the surrounding Betancuria Rural Park.

The best things to do on La Gomera

Hike a prized national forest and beyond

La Gomera is an island for nature buffs or anyone who loves to hike. My favorite is its laurel tree forest, Garajonay National Park, which feels fairy-tale-like with all kinds of plants, rushing waterfalls, and rocky mountain peaks.

What I find most special about hikes on La Gomera are the dramatically diverse landscapes and microclimates. A trek may start off in a valley weaving toward rocky, jagged peaks, heading through seaside paths and passing over verdant trees and plants. Then, you'll spot desert rocks along dusty trails and cacti, steep ravines, and banana plantations — all in one hike.

See things from a different view(point)

La Gomera has many viewpoints, or miradores, along its hiking trails to admire the scenery. My favorite is Mirador Abrante, where you can soak in views or have a drink or snack at the on-site restaurant. I find the views even more breathtaking than some of the other miradores on the island thanks to its transparent glass overhang, which offers stunning panoramas of the lush greenery, reddish rocks, and sea below.

View a one-of-a-kind natural monument from the ocean

When I tire of hikes, I like to take a boat tour to see the rock monument and geological wonder, Los Órganos. Its dripping volcanic tubes carved out by the tide resemble the pipes of an organ. This abruptly steep basalt cliff measures more than 600 feet wide and towers more than 200 feet over the foaming waves.

It's impossible to arrive by car or on foot, so a boat tour is the only way to see this special sight. Just be aware when the sea in this area is extra angry, tour operators might reschedule for another day if they deem ocean conditions unsafe.

The best things to do on La Palma

Take a volcanic hike

From dramatic cliffs that dangle over glittering black sands amid massive crashing waves, the beauty of La Palma is unparalleled, hence its nickname, La Isla Bonita, which means beautiful island.

One of my favorite treks is the official Volcano Route, which includes 13 miles of trails that run through volcanoes, mountains, and cliffs. A high level of difficulty is required, so only attempt this if you're an experienced hiker.

More volcanic hikes can be done at Taburiente National Park. The lower, volcanic crater portion of the park is covered with foliage and waterfalls. As you ascend, the summits offer exceptional views. I like to drive up to one of my preferred viewpoints here, Cumbrecita. From there, I have my pick of easy, medium, or difficult walking and hiking trails, depending on my mood and energy level.

Gaze upon the dazzling night sky

The island is particularly incredible for stargazing as its deemed an official starlight reserve. I'm not typically into astrotourism, but I was mesmerized by the velvety, star-covered expanse. Official stargazing points are located around the island, but one of the best places to view the evening stars is the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory.

Perched on the edge of Taburiente National Park, the observatory sits high above the sea, complete with the largest optical-infrared telescope in the world, along with 20 other telescopes. That said, just looking up at night from pretty much anywhere affords incredible starry scenery.

Do note that La Palma suffered a volcanic explosion in late 2021, which has since been declared officially over, and shouldn't affect your travel plans to the island. Just avoid the Cumbre Vieja volcano, as there may still be some damage from ash in the immediate area.

Visit the best beach on La Palma

Many of the island's beaches aren't for sunbathing or swimming – it's best to simply discover, admire, and explore. One of my top beaches on the island is Nogales. The trek down from the parking lot takes only about 10 minutes, but it's steep. Once below, the vast black-sand beach is backed by large, moss-covered cliffs and the deep-blue color of the ocean.

The best things to do on El Hierro

Swim in natural pools

The smallest of the seven main Canary Islands, El Hierro also sits the farthest west. The island, named a World Biosphere Reserve and Geopark, is known for being exceptionally eco-friendly thanks to its dedication to running on renewable energy.

My visits to El Hierro always start with a dive into El Charco Natural Pool, where blue waters lapping volcanic rock rival the cenotes found in Mexico's Riviera Maya.

Though there are a few other natural pools on the island, the juxtaposition of this pool's color is what really sets this one apart — the white, foamy Atlantic waves collide with the rock cave and spill over into the pool's shining emerald green and turquoise waters that give it that extra wow factor.

Admire and photograph natural monuments

I like to snap every angle possible of Las Playas Natural Monument, a giant natural amphitheater carved out by the sea. Its focal point, Bonanza Rock, is a stone monument that rises from the ocean and is said to vaguely mimic the shape of the island. Depending on the time of day you visit, the ever-changing sun and cloud position over the bay make for truly memorable photos.

See the red sands on El Hierro

Though the island's beaches aren't popular for sunbathing, Playa Tacoron is worth a visit, as its dark reddish sands and rocks look almost pink or orange depending on the light — even beige, brown, or black sometimes. The protected cove's waters are calm, ideal for families with small children. Both my toddler and I love to dip our toes in the soft, lapping waves.

Dive, swim, and snorkel at the island's marine reserve

El Hierro is one of the best Canary Islands for snorkelers and divers who want to view marine life including various shark, turtle, and manta ray species. The best place to do so is in La Restinga Marine Reserve, which spans almost 2,000 square feet of ocean space.

I find diving in these waters to be particularly special thanks to the underwater caves, tunnels, and drops in the reserve, with dense coral and sea plants. My preferred spot for a dive in the reserve is El Bajón thanks to its abundance of underwater creatures — I've seen barracudas and turtles there, among other marine life.

View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting the Canary Islands.