The Canary Islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean to the west of Morocco, is made up of 7 separate islands. This family-friendly holiday destination has always been a hit due to year-round sunshine, beautiful scenery and a wide range of things to do. Four of the islands being Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, are the most popular and they are visited by millions of tourists every single year.

Here are 3 things to do and see in the Canary Islands.

1. Mount Teide, Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest of the islands and the most popular with tourists and home to Mount Teide. Standing at 3,718 meters, Mount Teide is an active volcano located in Teide National Park and it creates an amazing backdrop to the already beautiful views. You can visit by car but some of the roads can be a bit windy and narrow; hence if you are feeling apprehensive about it, it’s not a good idea to drive there. Many travel companies organise day trips which some people find far easier than getting there on your own. The easiest way to get near the top is by cable car. Once there, you can take in the amazing views from Spain’s highest peak. If you want to hike to the summit, you will need a permit from the National Park office. Many companies do organise treks, but you will need to be fairly fit as the trek can take several hours, and in the blazing heat, it might not be as easy as you think.  

2. Charter a Yacht

If you are a keen sailor or just want to spend some time on the water, what better way to explore than with a Canary Islands yacht charter. Many people, particularly those travelling in larger groups or with friends, prefer to do this rather than staying on land. There are many different yachts to choose from, and they come with a range of on-board facilities such as refrigerators, hot water supply, and music players. Many additional services can also be purchased. Yachts can be chartered from several of the islands, but you must book in advance because they can get booked up very quickly. If you are not comfortable sailing yourself, you can hire a skipper to come on board with you, leaving you time to sit back, relax, and take in the wonderful Canary Island scenery.

3. Carnival Season, Lanzarote

Lanzarote is the third most populated and fourth-largest island in the Canaries. Each year, usually between February and March, each municipality hosts its own Carnival. The island transforms into a wonderful array of colour, music, and tradition; which is an amazing and very memorable experience. Each carnival has a different theme each year, usually voted for by the locals, and dates are agreed to ensure the carnivals don’t overlap. Whether it be a jungle or pirates’ theme or even a carnival with a hint of Bollywood, you are sure to have an amazing time and get a real sense of the local Lanzarote community spirit.

Got any other suggestions on what one can do and see at the Canary Islands? Share them with us below!