Located off the northwest coast of Africa, this archipelago includes seven main islands—each with its own personality—but Tenerife and Gran Canaria tend to be the biggest draws for travelers seeking everything from beach bliss to mountain adventure.
Here are 10 things the Canary Islands are known for—and the best things to do in Tenerife and Gran Canaria while you’re there.
1. Volcanic Landscapes
One of the defining features of the Canary Islands is their dramatic, volcanic terrain. In Tenerife, Teide National Park—home to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak—offers a surreal mix of lava fields, craters and moonlike rock formations. The landscape is so unique it’s been used in science fiction films and visiting the park is easily one of the top things to do in Tenerife. Whether you hike or take the cable car, the views are extraordinary.
2. Beaches for Every Style
The Canary Islands are known for stunning beaches, from black volcanic sands to golden shores imported from the Sahara desert. Las Teresitas in Tenerife and Playa de Amadores in Gran Canaria are popular for their calm waters and scenic settings. Surfers flock to El Médano and Playa de Las Canteras, while hidden coves offer more private escapes. No matter your style—surf, sunbathe or snorkel—there’s a perfect stretch of coast.
3. Mild Weather All Year Long
Nicknamed the “Islands of Eternal Spring,” the Canary Islands enjoy mild temperatures year-round. This makes it a popular destination in both winter and summer, when visitors seek sunshine without the swelter. With average highs between 68°F and 82°F, every month is a good month to explore the outdoors, whether you're hiking, sunbathing or taking a coastal drive.
4. Colorful Colonial Architecture
In between beaches and volcanoes, the islands offer charming towns filled with colorful colonial architecture, cobbled streets and lively plazas. In Tenerife, La Laguna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a historic center full of pastel buildings and cultural charm. Over in Gran Canaria, the Vegueta district in Las Palmas features Gothic churches and stately colonial homes that reflect centuries of Spanish influence.
5. Stargazing Opportunities
Thanks to clear skies, high altitudes and minimal light pollution, the Canary Islands are one of the best places in Europe for stargazing. Teide Observatory in Tenerife and Roque de los Muchachos Observatory in La Palma attract astronomers from around the world. Visitors can join nighttime tours to witness star-filled skies that rival any planetarium.
6. Authentic Canarian Cuisine
Canary Islands are known for their distinctive cuisine, influenced by Spanish, African and Latin American flavors. Local specialties include papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes with spicy mojo sauce), fresh seafood and gofio, a toasted flour used in a variety of dishes. Exploring food markets and dining at local restaurants is one of the tastiest things to do in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
7. Diverse Outdoor Adventures
The islands are an adventure lover’s playground. In Tenerife, hiking trails wind through pine forests and past lava fields in Anaga Rural Park, while Gran Canaria’s Roque Nublo offers a challenging climb with views that stretch to the sea. You can also go biking, scuba diving, kayaking or even paragliding. If you enjoy active travel, there’s always something new to try.
8. Lively Festivals and Local Culture
From Carnival parades to traditional music and dance, the Canary Islands are known for their vibrant cultural celebrations. Carnival season in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the biggest, second only to Rio in scale, featuring dazzling costumes and street parties. Throughout the year, you’ll also find local festivals, religious processions and artisan markets that showcase the islands’ cultural heritage.
9. Botanical Gardens and Biodiversity
Despite their rugged landscapes, the Canary Islands are rich in plant life. Tenerife’s Botanical Gardens in Puerto de la Cruz and Gran Canaria’s Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo are home to thousands of tropical and subtropical species. You’ll also encounter unique native plants while hiking or exploring nature reserves, from dragon trees to cactus gardens.
10. Island-Hopping Opportunities
With seven main islands to choose from, island-hopping is one of the best ways to explore the archipelago. Ferries and short flights connect Tenerife and Gran Canaria to smaller islands like La Gomera, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, each with its own set of beaches, trails and cultural attractions. If time allows, visiting more than one island adds variety to your trip—and showcases just how diverse this destination truly is.
What are the Canary Islands Known For?
The Canary Islands are known for volcanic landscapes, stunning beaches, mild weather and a culture that blends Spanish and island traditions. Whether you're stargazing from Mount Teide or savoring fresh seafood by the shore, the islands offer a mix of adventure and relaxation you won't find anywhere else. With so many things to do in Tenerife and Gran Canaria, the Canary Islands deliver a memorable experience for every traveler. Sun-soaked, scenic and full of surprises, this archipelago is truly a gem in the Atlantic.
Ready to explore the best of the Canaries? Discover Tenerife shore excursions and Gran Canaria shore excursions to plan your perfect island adventure.
