A guide to island hopping in Tenerife

Paulina, from the travel blog Paulina on the Road, lived in Tenerife for six months and shared with us her love for the island and a few personal recommendations: “The island’s beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality made it an unforgettable experience. Exploring the stunning Teide National Park and catching the breathtaking sunset from Mount Teide were my personal highlights.

“If you’re planning a visit, don’t miss out on trying the delicious local cuisine, especially the fresh seafood and traditional Canarian dishes (paps arrugadas or mojo sauce). And make sure to spend some quality time relaxing on Playa de las Teresitas, a pristine golden-sand beach that feels like paradise. If you want to go more off the beaten track, make sure to visit Tenerife’s north.”

Molly from the travel blog Piccavey.com loves the Island of Tenerife, especially as it is a good all-year-round destination: “Well known for the Teide Mountain, you can visit in the daytime. But I enjoyed a late afternoon/evening excursion to Teide National Park to see the sunset. The activity was followed by dinner at the excellent Parador. A personal highlight from a recent trip.

“I have also enjoyed visiting the local food markets around the island. The range of tropical fruits, local wines and cheeses is fabulous. The amount of potato varieties will also amaze visitors. Far more than most markets around Europe and the UK.”

There’s so much fun to be had on Tenerife, and Greta, from the travel blog Greta’s Travels, shared with us some of her suggestions based on her time on the island: “What I love most about Tenerife is the huge variety of things to do. It’s a fairly small island, but you’ll find it has lots of different landscapes, which offer lots of diversity when it comes to activities.

“The south of the island is the warmest and sunniest part of Tenerife, where you can enjoy relaxing beach days, as well as try out fun water sports like surfing, windsurfing, whale watching and kite surfing. The north is very green and mountainous, and you’ll find tons of stunning hiking trails, especially in Anaga Rural Park. In the centre of the island is Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain. Surrounding this volcano, you will find a unique lunar landscape, which is also dotted with plenty of wonderful hiking trails.

“Mount Teide is also a very famous stargazing destination, thanks to the low light pollution. In Tenerife, you will also find cute historical towns, like San Cristobal de La Laguna or Masca, where you can wander around the narrow streets and take in the colourful colonial architecture.”

Things to do in Tenerife

• Glorious beaches
• Mount Teide National Park
• Siam Park
• Cueva del viento
• Loro Parque
• Tenerife Monkey Park

Fuerteventura

Ferry crossing from Tenerife: 4 hours +
Flight time from Tenerife: 50 minutes

The second largest of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura is a must-visit on any island-hopping exercise from Tenerife. Fuerteventura is famed for its white sand beaches and year-round heat. A feature of Fuerteventura is the myriad beaches that wrap around the island, spotted with cliffs and secluded coves. Fuerteventura’s hot temperatures are cooled by consistent winds from the Atlantic, providing a refreshing respite as you explore all the island has to offer.

The consistent breeze characterising the island means that Fuerteventura is the perfect destination for a wide range of water sports. Those seeking some thrills and spills in the azure waters of the Canary Islands will find plenty to match their appetite.

Exploring the island’s incredibly rugged landscapes is a major draw for visitors. A tropic oasis one moment and an arid desert the next, the scenery is dramatic, to say the least. The spectacular Cofete is an ideal place to experience this epic contrast, as is the ancient Badlands known as Malpaís de la Arena. The natural swimming pools on the Betancuria shore provide an outdoor spa experience, and Oasis Wildlife provides a premier attraction with hands-on animal encounters.

Hammer & Guillaume, from the travel blog A Fun Couple, have visited Fuerteventura and spoke to us about their tips for future visitors and what they believe makes this island so special: “We spent almost a month in Fuerteventura during our trip around the world. We completely fell in love with this place. Fuerteventura is the ‘wildest’ island in the Canaries! The red colour of its soil, its incredible beaches, great waves, arid landscapes, and its volcanoes make Fuerteventura a truly unique place.

“As we are both very sporty, we mostly enjoyed all the outdoor activities on the island. From surfing (indeed, Fuerteventura has some of the best surf spots in Europe) to hiking, cycling, kitesurfing and sailing, we explored every corner of this island.

“However, Cofete was our favourite place to discover in Fuerteventura. This is arguably the most incredible beach in the world! We’ve never seen anything like it, even though we travelled to so many places around the world! Make sure to check it out during your trip; it’s a must-see!”

Megan has been to Fuerteventura and blogs over at her website, Megan & Aram. She spoke to us about her thoughts on Fuerteventura and some additional island-hopping possibilities: “What I loved most about Fuerteventura was that I felt like I was on a different planet. The landscapes were so barren, yet so beautiful and mesmerising. I visited during the wintertime, and the temperatures were ideal, and every day presented us with new opportunities to make new memories.

“The highlight of my trip to Fuerteventura was my day excursion to Lobos Island, just a short boat ride from Corralejo. This island is a nature reserve, and it was wild and quiet. You can go hiking, snorkelling, or just spend your time relaxing on the beach. It had something for everyone!”

Things to do in Fuerteventura

• Water sports
• Cofete beach
• Malpaís de la Arena
• Natural swimming pools
• Oasis Wildlife
• Hiking and cycling

Gran Canaria

Ferry crossing from Tenerife: 80 minutes
Flight time from Tenerife: 30 minutes

Gran Canaria is an alluring island paradise begging to be discovered when island hopping in the Canary Islands. Its diverse landscape boasts stunning beaches, dramatic volcanic cliffs, lush green valleys, and rugged mountains. Look forward to immersing yourself in the vibrant island culture, exploring charming villages, and savouring the mouthwatering local cuisine. Whether you crave relaxation or adventure, Gran Canaria offers the perfect escape with guaranteed memories to cherish.

As with all the Canary Islands, there’s ample opportunity to bask in the warmth of sun-kissed shores and embrace the untamed wilderness that calls the island home. Playa de Maspalomas, with its tumultuous sandy dunes, and the urban Playa de Las Canteras, are two of the top beaches to pay a visit to for fun in the sun.

Anu, from the travel blog Country Hopping Couple, spoke to us about her recommendations based on her visit to Gran Canaria and highlighted its famous dunes: “The fact that there’s guaranteed sunshine all through the year and for being such a small island, Gran Canaria boasts diverse landscapes and offers a wide range of attractions.  Like every other person who has been to Gran Canaria, I am going to recommend Maspalomas Sand Dunes as the highlight and topmost thing to do. You can walk across the dunes, drench in the warm beach, or catch a sunset near to Faro de Maspalomas.”

Palmitos Park is also well worth stopping by during your time on the island, packing a trio of attractions with its botanical garden, aviary, and zoo. There’s a top aquarium on offer thanks to the Poema del Mar Aquarium, and Roque Nublo is a volcanic area that has been consumed in greenery, providing incredible hiking opportunities and stunning views. The port city of Las Palmas, known for its duty-free shopping, beaches, and top-class restaurants¸ will provide plenty of delights as well.

Things to do in Gran Canaria

• Playa de Maspalomas
• Playa de Las Canteras
• Palmitos Park
• Poema del Mar Aquarium
• Roque Nublo
• Las Palmas

Lanzarote

Ferry crossing from Tenerife: 8 hours+
Flight time from Tenerife: 53 minutes

Synonymous with volcanoes and lava fields, with typical whitewashed houses, a deep blue sea and a light blue sky, Lanzarote is another perfect place to visit on an island-hopping trip from Tenerife.

Lanzarote, like a lot of the other Canary Islands, has stark, rolling mountains, beautiful beaches of white and golden sand, lush palm groves… and silence. On this biosphere reserve island, there is a fascinating mix of lively tourist resorts and peaceful little villages, so you will experience a land where tourism, art, and nature combine perfectly.

Besides visiting the volcanic landscapes, you can relax in the sunshine on one of Lanzarote’s picturesque beaches, which are perfect for the smaller members of your family. Papagayo Beach, a cove of white sand and raw beauty, and Famara Beach, boasting luscious golden sand in a natural park, are two of the most popular beaches if you want to lie down and top up that suntan.

When it comes to reasons to visit Lanzarote, Amanda from the blog The Boutique Traveler highlighted the food when speaking to us: “The thing I most enjoyed when I visited Lanzarote was the fantastic food. I am crazy about Mojo sauce and added it to almost everything I ate and took some home. I ate my body weight in pulpo and the delicious, wrinkled potatoes.

“In keeping with my passion for the island’s food, my top recommendation whilst on Lanzarote is to visit the stunning Timanfaya National Park. Enjoy its magnificent landscape, and make sure you schedule time for lunch at El Diablo. Designed by Lanzarote artist Cesar Manrique, this restaurant is enclosed in glass and has amazing views over the park. Plus, El Diablo is famous for its chicken which is cooked using the heat of the volcano.”

Things to do in Lanzarote

• Timanfaya National Park
• Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park
• Marina Rubicon
• Cueva de los Verdes
• Jardin de Cactus
• Playa de Papagayo

La Palma

Ferry crossing from Tenerife: 2 hours, 30 minutes to 3 hours
Flight time from Tenerife: 30 minutes

La Palma, or Isla Bonita as it is eloquently known, is famous for its volcanic nature and lush forests. The eruptions that have taken place on the island have created beautiful landscapes, whilst the forests that have taken centuries to grow now cover the sides of steep ravines and are home to a complete network of eye-catching hiking trails.

As a certified Starlight Reserve, La Palma is one of the best places in the world to observe the heavens and see planets and stars that wouldn’t be as clear anywhere else in the world. This paradise archipelago, like its sister islands, is home to some stunning coastal landscapes, including one of the three marine reserves in the Canary Islands: an underwater volcanic landscape that is astoundingly beautiful and full of caves, arches and walls, as well as being home to many species that are unique to the area.

You will never be bored during a trip to La Palma, with the volcanic landscape of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park waiting to be explored, the spectacular views from Roque de los Muchachos (the highest point on the island) and the brightly coloured streets of Santa Cruz de la Palma.

Danni and Fede, from the travel blog Scratch Your Mapa, spoke to us about their time on La Palma and shared a few favourite things to do when on the island: “What we loved the most about La Palma is the variety of landscapes that you can find on just one island! One minute we’d be sitting on a black sand beach, and the next we’d be sitting above the clouds surrounded by icicles.

“We highly recommend renting a car so that you can explore all of the incredible places that La Palma has to offer. Make sure to check out the natural pools in the northeast, the salt pools of Fuencaliente in the south, and the incredible viewpoint of Roque de los Muchachos, which is the highest point of the island.

“Some of the other places that we loved were Poris de Candelaria, La Caldera de Taburiente National Park, and the colourful centre of Santa Cruz de la Palma. We spent a full week in La Palma and found it to be the perfect amount of time to explore the highlights, as well as get a more local feel of this magical slice of paradise.”

Things to do in La Palma

• Roque de los Muchachos
• La Caldera de Taburiente National Park
• Santa Cruz de la Palma
• Fuencaliente
• Bosque de los Tilos
• Charco Azul