Canary Islands travel advice
Susanne Braack, from our specialists OCEANO Whale Watching, fell for La Gomera and decided to base her business there. She says:
Worth the journey
“Coming to La Gomera means a long journey, and people don’t like that... That’s why it’s so unspoilt here. You need at least a week, if not three days more – because it’s worth the journey, but it needs a bit of effort on the side of the guests as well. Don’t just go there, see the dolphins, and come back. There’s this beautiful forest, the landscape, the views.”
Surprise guests
“The Canaries are really great because of the weather in winter. December usually has fewer cetaceans around, but we did have beaked whales that came so close to the boat. They were just curious, which is often the case with cetaceans. If you have time and their belly is full and they’re not hormone-driven, then they really like to interact with human beings – if you come as a guest.”
Our Canary islands Holidays
Gran Canaria walking tours, Canary Islands
This unique volcanic island reveals unexpected variety
From
£1117 to £1551
8 days
inc UK flights
Canary Islands walking holiday
Visit Teide volcano and walk through the Garajonay Forest
From
£1336 to £1557
8 days
inc UK flights
La Palma walking holiday in the Canaries
Walk a biosphere reserve that is home to over 900 endemic species
From
£1479 to £1649
8 days
inc UK flights
Lanzarote 8 bedroom villa and yurt
Wow factor Villa, 2 x private pools, Sea Views, Nr Beach
From
€700 to €2000
per accommodation per night
Canary Islands walking holiday, La Palma
Enjoy the vastly different landscapes on La Palma
From
£864 to £974
8 days
ex flights
Family eco yurt in Lanzarote
Family-friendly luxe eco yurts, sea view, next to beach
From
€185 to €500
per accommodation per night
Debbie Sawyer, co-founder of our walking holiday specialists New Experience Holidays, lays out her favourite Canary Islands for hiking:
La Palma
“La Palma became a designated natural Biosphere in 1983 – and that’s the whole island. Its landscapes, vegetation and wildlife are so unique. La Palma is also a UNESCO Starlight Reserve. There are 1,000km of trails with waterfalls, volcanic craters, wild coastlines and rainforests… and best of all, after-dinner stargazing.”
La Gomera
“Arriving by boat, the island appears inaccessible, with cliffs and misty peaks. Walkers can enjoy hiking trails through national parks, protected abandoned villages, exceptionally rare forests of lichen covered laurel trees, peculiar rock formations and deep green ravines.”
El Hierro
“El Hierro is an exciting sea journey from La Gomera. Schedules may be erratic, but this enhances the appeal of going somewhere more remote. (Not an opinion shared by islanders!) El Hierro is volcanic with activity a constant threat – lava fields and bubbling subterranean springs. This tiny island has miraculously achieved 100 percent self-sufficiency in renewable energy. Walkers love it.”
Gran Canaria
“You can witness nature regenerating itself from forest fires and unexpected snowfall on Gran Canaria. Climate is another bonus, with each landscape experiencing its own micro-ecosystem – you can bask in sunshine by the sea and walk through misty forests all in the same day.”
Tenerife & Lanzarote
“Restoration of an ever-increasing number of self-sufficient and historical rural properties provides visitors with unique places to stay far from high rise hotels and apartments in Tenerife. Trekking through the Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote – a declared UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1993 – is a hidden secret.”
Michelle Braddock, co-owner of our accommodation experts Lanzarote Retreats, says that it’s time for tourists to look beyond the island’s undeserved ‘Lanzagrotty’ reputation.
Lanzarote life
“The people in Lanzarote are very special. They’re very friendly, because there are only about 140,000 people, so it’s like being in a big village – it’s lovely… Women travellers on their own can come and walk back from the restaurants in the dark. You’re going to be fine; all you need is a torch.”
Get behind the wheel
“I think it’s a shame that people don’t get around the island, because it’s very easy to drive, there aren’t that many cars, and the quality of the roads are fantastic. They don’t see that there are 300 volcanoes or Cesar’s amazing caves that he designed – these things are absolutely outstanding, not expensive to visit, and so unique.”
Avoid all-inclusive hotels
“All-inclusives are a nightmare. You can see why, because guests are paying all the money beforehand, so it doesn’t come into the country. Then, when guests do get there, their food is rubbish because the hotels are trying to cater on such a budget. So people come, and they want all-inclusive, but they say the food’s rubbish. And you think, ‘Well, yeah!’ It’s so negative to the island.”
Vicky Garnett, from our small group adventure holiday specialists Explore, has some pointers on where and when to walk in the Canary Islands:
Where to go
“For volcanic scenery, walk in Teide National Park on Tenerife. If you just want volcanic landscapes then Lanzarote is your island. For forest scenery: the unique laurel forest on La Palma, which is a dense subtropical cloud forest. Walking poles are recommended, especially for the descents.”
When to go
“The best months for walking are October to April, avoiding the heat of the summer – perfect conditions for exercise and earning your sangria and Canarian papas and jamon! The evenings can still be chilly and rain is possible in January and February. The Canary Gulf Stream and trade winds provide each island with its own microclimate, bringing different climatic conditions to each side of the islands.”
Our top Canary islands Holiday
Canary Islands walking holiday
Visit Teide volcano and walk through the Garajonay Forest
From
£1336 to £1557
8 days
inc UK flights
Small group travel:
2022: 5 Nov, 12 Nov, 19 Nov, 22 Dec
2023: 14 Jan, 4 Feb, 18 Mar, 4 Nov, 11 Nov, 18 Nov, 21 Dec
2022: 5 Nov, 12 Nov, 19 Nov, 22 Dec
2023: 14 Jan, 4 Feb, 18 Mar, 4 Nov, 11 Nov, 18 Nov, 21 Dec
Travel Team
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Tips from our travellers in the Canary Islands
At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travellers are often...other travellers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do – and opinions about what not to.
We have selected some of the most useful Canary Islands travel advice that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday – and the space inside your suitcase.
We have selected some of the most useful Canary Islands travel advice that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday – and the space inside your suitcase.
Drive north along the coast to the amazing coves and beaches of Caleton Blanco, which are unspoilt and beautiful.![]()
– Jill Manwaring went on a Lanzarote beach house holiday
“If one were looking for varied, gourmet food with a vibrant nightlife the town would not provide it. This to me was an advantage but if evening socialising was sought you might be disappointed. From my point of view it was ideal.” – Sarah Reeve on a Gran Canaria walking tour
“Walking is reasonably strenuous, so you need to be used to steep ups and downs. Few places take cards, so go with plenty of cash (there are ATMs). Weather conditions meant it was not possible to get to the summit peak on the allotted day, but [our guide] chose a lovely alternative walk.” – Helen Jones on a Gran Canaria walking tour
“If you don't like battling strong winds, don't hire a bike!” – Sarah Slade Wilson stayed at a Lanzarote self catering cottage
“Lunches and evening meals weren't included, but the optional meals organised by the guide were good value: allow less than five euros for picnic lunches and 15 euros for three-course evening meals.” – Jane Lucas on a Gran Canaria walking tour
“Walking is reasonably strenuous, so you need to be used to steep ups and downs. Few places take cards, so go with plenty of cash (there are ATMs). Weather conditions meant it was not possible to get to the summit peak on the allotted day, but [our guide] chose a lovely alternative walk.” – Helen Jones on a Gran Canaria walking tour
“If you don't like battling strong winds, don't hire a bike!” – Sarah Slade Wilson stayed at a Lanzarote self catering cottage
“Lunches and evening meals weren't included, but the optional meals organised by the guide were good value: allow less than five euros for picnic lunches and 15 euros for three-course evening meals.” – Jane Lucas on a Gran Canaria walking tour
Hire a car to explore the island, there is lots to see, from beaches to the national
park, it's well worth it!
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– Lila Caballero went on a Lanzarote beach house holiday
“Book your rental car early.” – Nancy Carey stayed at a Lanzarote self catering cottage
“Travel light. There was no porterage on the trip (which reduced tippage) which meant you carried your luggage. This included travelling on a ferry (to and back) from Tenerife and checking in to three hotels.” – Lindsay Challoner on a Canary Islands walking holiday
“Lanzarote is windy! It is also very dry and rocky, so pack sensible shoes and a hat which won't blow away. Take goggles to see the fish when swimming in the sea. Keep an eye out for wildlife – the landscape seems very barren but there are lizards and geckos and lots of birds. We even had a wading bird outside our window one day!” – Gemma Wilkins stayed at a Lanzarote seafront apartment in Punta Mujeres
“Walk around the volcanoes in a small group with an accredited guide early on during your holiday. This will change your outlook on this amazing island and its inhabitants. The unusual beauty of the island, the influence of Cesar Manrique, the sea and the weather had such an impact on us that we would love to go back.” – Sophie Nelson stayed at luxury yurt accommodation in Lanzarote
“Travel light. There was no porterage on the trip (which reduced tippage) which meant you carried your luggage. This included travelling on a ferry (to and back) from Tenerife and checking in to three hotels.” – Lindsay Challoner on a Canary Islands walking holiday
“Lanzarote is windy! It is also very dry and rocky, so pack sensible shoes and a hat which won't blow away. Take goggles to see the fish when swimming in the sea. Keep an eye out for wildlife – the landscape seems very barren but there are lizards and geckos and lots of birds. We even had a wading bird outside our window one day!” – Gemma Wilkins stayed at a Lanzarote seafront apartment in Punta Mujeres
“Walk around the volcanoes in a small group with an accredited guide early on during your holiday. This will change your outlook on this amazing island and its inhabitants. The unusual beauty of the island, the influence of Cesar Manrique, the sea and the weather had such an impact on us that we would love to go back.” – Sophie Nelson stayed at luxury yurt accommodation in Lanzarote
More about Canary islands
Ironically, the best time to visit the Canary Islands is completely out of their peak season with things to do on the Canary Islands much more wide ranging than getting sunburned on a packed beach.
Our Canary Islands travel guide uncovers the secret spots well off the tourist radar where yurts and windmills are far more prevalent than huge hotels...
Sometimes it is hard to convince people that the Canary Islands have anything more to offer than charter flights, cheap beer and chips.
There’s one easy thing you can do to help preserve this archipelago: avoid resort accommodation in the Canary Islands.
Walking in the Canary Islands reveals a side of the archipelago that the lion’s share of visitors doesn’t realise exists.
Lanzarote is for rebellious spirits. Read about how the island is home to pioneers of ecotourism still inspired by the legacy of the great architect and activist Cesar Manrique.
Responsible holidays in the Canary Islands start and end with responsible tourism and if you prefer to conserve cultural heritage and preserve wildlife then right here is where you start to travel in the right direction.
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