This beautiful collection of islands located in the Spanish archipelago, just off the coast of north-western Africa, was made to be explored on foot. Boasting lunar-like landscapes, towering volcanoes, black sand beaches and subtropical greenery, the inviting coastal paths and exhilarating trekking routes in La Palma and Tenerife make for spectacularly varied walking and trekking holidays to the Canary Islands.
On our Canary Islands holidays, you can enjoy getting off the beaten track in La Palma. Known as the “Pretty Isle”, you’ll have the opportunity to trek along the famous ‘Ruta de los Volcanes’ passing by lava landscapes and Canary pine forests on our Walking the Island of La Palma trip. With magnificent hikes through the National Park Caldera de Taburiente to spot endemic flora and an exhilarating walk around Caldera Rim, one of the largest craters in the world, this trip also takes you to the old town of Santa Cruz where you can take a boat trip to spot dolphins and whales along the coast.
If you’re looking to see a different side of the Island, our Self-Guided Trails of La Palma allows you to discover the Dragon Trees Forest and navigate through the tiny hamlets of El Tablado and Roque del Faro while you walk across the Barranco de Los Hombres.
Tenerife is another fantastic destination in the Canary Islands. Our spectacular trip, Secrets of Tenerife Walk, allows you to explore the Chinyero Reserve, Teno Rural Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Teide National Park, on an 8-day walking tour. While you explore this subtropical climate, you might spot endemic birds such as the Canary blue chaffinch and the grey-spotted woodpecker. Passing traditional farmhouses, remote villages and 16th-century churches en route, you’ll end the adventure in Masca, a charming hamlet hidden in the folds of the Teno Massif.
Wanting to explore more of Teide National Park? Our Contrasts of Tenerife Walk takes you to the summit of Sumara for outstanding views of the Black Caves and Pico Viejo, Tenerife’s second-highest volcano, before following the Camino Real de Chasna towards the Moon Landscape.
Our Holidays to the Canary Islands
8 Daysfrom£ 959
Self-Guided Holidays (Excl. Flights)
Discover an intriguing island of spectacular escarpments, volcanic ash cones and lava flows
Walking & Trekking
Enjoy varied guided walking on the sub-tropical island of La Gomera with spectacular gorge and coastal walks.
Walking & Trekking
8 Daysfrom£ 939
Self-Guided Holidays (Excl. Flights)
Spend a week on the incredible volcanic island of Lanzarote, with a special trip to La Graciosa
Walking & Trekking
8 Daysfrom£ 1169
Self-Guided Holidays (Excl. Flights)
Discover Tenerife's wild beauty and dramatic landscapes – the 'Island of Eternal Spring'.
Walking & Trekking
8 Daysfrom£ 989
Self-Guided Holidays (Excl. Flights)
Discover Gran Canaria's varied landscapes from forests and valleys to mountains and desert dunes.
Roque de Los Muchachos, La Palma: Rising almost 2500m above La Palma, Roque de Los Muchachos is a rugged peak that juts out over one of the world’s largest volcanic craters. As you hike along the crater rim, picturesque subalpine landscapes open up, presenting uninterrupted views across La Palma and the Canary Islands. On a clear day, you can see right over to Tenerife’s Mount Teide. At certain points on the walk, you can even peer inside the caldera.
Cumbre de Bolico Ridge, Tenerife: Teno Rural Park is located northwest of Tenerife and is popular among travellers wanting to explore the natural world on their holidays to the Canary Islands. Home to sweet-smelling laurel forests, coastal cliffs and a mountainous massif, the park plays host to an array of wonderful birds, lizards and various other species of animals. Following ancient shepherd’s trails through the undulating terrain, the walk up to the Cumbre de Bolico Ridge presents you with dramatic views across the Atlantic Ocean and Mount Teide. Descending from the ridge walk, you’ll pass traditional farmsteads on the way down to Masca village.
La Ruta de Los Volcanes, La Palma: Our walking holidays to the Canary Islands wouldn’t be complete without a trek along the famous La Ruta de Los Volcanes (volcano route). Starting from Refugio del Pilar, the trail winds through pine forests and vineyards, passing volcanic craters and lava landscapes en route. With any luck you’ll spot some of the local birdlife such as kestrels and rooks along the way.
Camino Real de Chasna, Tenerife: Spanning the north and south of Tenerife, the Camino Real de Chasna is a fantastic walk that guides you along old shepherd’s paths and through dense pine forests to Paisaje Lunar, or the Moon Landscape as it’s often referred to. Carved out by volcanic eruptions, these geological formations draw walkers from around the world. The trek continues to the summit of Mount Guarjara where you’re rewarded with sublime views that stretch across the Canaries.
Teide National Park, Tenerife: Home to the majestic Mount Teide and other ancient volcanoes, Teide National Park is filled with walking trails that showcase some of Tenerife’s most beautiful and dramatic scenery. An exhilarating trek to the peak of Samara volcano, which stands 2000m above sea level, takes you on an awe-inspiring journey of discovery that will enhance your holiday. From the summit you can soak up staggering views of El Teide and beyond to Pico Viejo.
Camino Real de la Costa GR130, La Palma: Arguably the most famous hiking trail in La Palma, and perhaps even the Canary Islands, the Camino Real de la Costa, also known as GR130, links some of the island’s most integral villages. This long-distance coastal path runs through La Palma and steers you among beautiful landscapes speckled with vineyards, banana plantations, citrus groves and mango orchards before finally arriving at the colonial town of San Andrés. If the colourful fruit-strewn scenery doesn’t capture your attention, the coastal views certainly will.