Five Best Natural Attractions of The Canaries

The Canary Islands are one of Spain’s true gems; combining fascinating culture and a laid back atmosphere. But, the real attraction of any holiday to the Canaries is the array of beautiful natural areas on offer – and here are five of the best.

Sand Dunes in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria offers a beautiful array of scenery that is well worth a visit, with leafy green rainforests and harsh desert environments. Yet at the top of the must-see list is the stunning Dunas de Maspalomas.

This National Park features an array of pristine sand dunes to explore, with the sand accessible by foot or camel back for those interested in something a little more unique. At the end of the day, visit the Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas and enjoy the beautiful botanical garden full of native shrubs and varied plant life.

Mount Teide in Tenerife

There’s much to love about holidays to Tenerife and the stunning natural environment far outshines the busy resorts and crowded nightclubs. Located in the beautiful Teide World Heritage National Park, Mount Teide is the highest peak on Spanish soil.

You can scale the 3,718m on foot or take the cable car to the summit for an easier journey. The atmosphere of the area means a sea of clouds often form in the backdrop, creating a dramatic and visually impressive setting for the peak.

Los Gigantes in Tenerife

This enormous mountain range also shares its name with the local seaside resort, but don’t be lured in by the sun lounges and pool decks! Far more spectacular views are on offer with a trip to theseven million year cliffs known affectionately as The Giants.

The views available from the top are a photographer’s dream, so be sure to venture up at sunset when the sun fills the skies with a spectacular array of light and colour.

Charco de los Clicos in Lanzarote

Head to the tiny seaside village of El Golfo and explore the stunning Charco de Los Clicos, a lagoon environment unlike any other. Surrounded by spectacular volcanic mountaintops, the bright green water in the lagoon stands in stark contrast to the eerily black sand to create a fascinating landscape travellers are sure to enjoy.

Garajonay National Park

Located on the island of La Gomera, the Garajonay National Park features a beautiful array of plant life with many species no longer found on the mainland. The lush landscape also includes several burbling springs and streams and the park is perfectly suited for hiking and nature excursions.

Around 70% of the park is covered by laurel forest, providing a unique environment for travellers to explore. It achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 1986 after being declared a national park five years previously.