Welcome to the Canary Islands, the sunniest region in Europe!
A Spanish Atlantic archipelago emerged off the coast of Morocco which inevitably seduces with the charm and hospitality of its inhabitants.
Their accent will remind you of that of Latin America, which can be explained by the long historical exchanges that have made
Canarian
a linguistic variant of Castilian.
To discover
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Tenerife – La Gomera: Canarian nature
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La Palma, Tenerife, Gran Canaria... Each of the seven Canary Islands is a veritable biosphere reserve: banana trees, coffee plants and rum distilleries, all of which sometimes give off a Caribbean scent.
Its growing success can also be explained by its gastronomy.
Do not leave without tasting the
papas con mojo
(potatoes with spicy sauce), the
gofio
(from the grinding and roasting of cereals) and the AOC cheeses, your trip would be incomplete.
Finally, appreciate the work of the Canarian architect César Manrique, distributed throughout the archipelago.
On the way !
Read alsoWhen to go to the Canary Islands?
Climate, weather, sites… The best period island by island
Tenerife, the roof of Spain
Often lush vegetation, vertiginous elevations and the highest point in Spain (the Teide volcano, 3718 m): the volcanic Tenerife has superb beaches and villages, but is also famous for hiking.
Here a view from the Teno massif, and the small village of Masca.
David Ionut
The largest (2,034 km²) and most populated (just under 1 million inhabitants) of the Canary Islands, whose volcanic origin can be guessed at every glance, is ideal for hiking.
Through lush pine forests, endemic species (red and blue tajinaste, Teide violet, etc.) and capricious rock forms, you can reach the
Teide National Park,
classified by Unesco, and home to the highest peak of Spain: the volcano which culminates at 3,718 meters.
A cable car located at the foot of the sleeping monster will drop you off 163 meters from the summit (€37 return trip per adult).
To reach it on foot, you will need to apply for a free permit online.
Limited places oblige, remember to register as early as possible.
Prefer the north of the island, where the black sand beaches keep away the mass of tourists, concentrated on the blond beaches of the south.
On this northern part is
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
, seigniorial capital, and the very lively
La Laguna
(San Cristóbal de La Laguna), also classified by Unesco: its architectural model has inspired Havana (Cuba) and Cartagena de las Indias (Colombia).
If you are with the family, opt for a visit to the
Cueva del Viento
(the cave of the wind), 17 km long on several levels (20 € per adult and 8.50 € per child).
Read alsoThe Canary Islands: a trip to utopia
Fuerteventura, dream beach destination
The dream beaches of Fuerteventura are very popular spots for kitesurfers.
Nico El N no
To the east of the archipelago, the second largest island is home to the largest Biosphere Reserve in the Canary Islands.
Desert and peaceful, Fuerteventura is largely surrounded by crystal clear, turquoise waters.
The bather will appreciate the virgin beaches of
Sotavento
in the peninsula of
Jandía
, at the extreme south of the island, surrounded by mountains and little frequented because difficult to access.
An ideal spot for water sports (windsurfing, surfing, kitesurfing...) which harbors many endemic species such as the
cardón
de Jandía (a succulent plant).
A must visit to
Betancuria
.
Founded in 1404 by Jean de Béthencourt, Norman conquistador of the Canary Islands, this city in the center of the island was the first capital of the archipelago and shelters in its narrow and lively streets picturesque rural houses, the first cathedral of the archipelago as well as the first monastery.
Read alsoThe 5 best things to do in Fuerteventura
Gran Canaria, the living
The Santa Ana Cathedral is one of the best-known monuments of Las Palmas, the highly populated capital of the island (nearly 380,000 inhabitants).
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Grand Canaria is undoubtedly the liveliest of the islands in the archipelago!
On the northern coast, its capital,
Las Palmas
, has a surprisingly wide cultural offer (Alfredo Kraus Auditorium, Pérez Galdós Theatre, Canarian Museum, Atlantic Center of Modern Art, etc.) and... a delightful urban beach,
Las Canteras
, which stretches for almost 3 km.
In the old town with its cobbled streets, colonial-style houses have been erected since the 15th century, including the
Casa Colón
where the conquistador would have stopped during his journey which led to the discovery of America.
To the north you will discover a landscape that is both intimate and exuberant, where you can visit
La Finca La Laja
, the only coffee plantation in Europe, for €6, as well as the
Destilerías Arehucas
, one of the largest and oldest wineries in continental rum (€4.20 per adult).
For families, head to the fascinating
Cueva Pintada Archaeological Museum and Park
(€6 general admission), built around a precious archaeological site (mural paintings, pre-Hispanic archaeological remains, etc.).
Our advice
Classified by Unesco in 2019, the 18,000 ha site of the sacred mountains of
Risco Caído
, in the center of the island, offers an incredible landscape.
This set of volcanic formation also encloses about twenty troglodyte sites.
Read alsoHere are the most beautiful beaches in the Canary Islands
Lanzarote, the moon
The wine-growing valley of La Geria, in the heart of the island of Lanzarote.
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Change of scenery guaranteed in Lanzarote, sometimes even wondering if we are on Earth!
The imprints of the last volcanic eruptions (18th and 19th centuries) shaped the landscape of this island in the northeast of the archipelago.
To the west, the
Timanfaya Natural Park
offers a spectacular panorama of solidified lava in reddish, black and ocher tones.
In the wine-growing valley of
La Geria
, in the heart of the island, vines are cultivated on volcanic sand which offer a renowned nectar, to be tasted in one of the many wine cellars in the area.
For a family discovery of the
Grotte
de los Verdes
or
the
Jameos del Agua
, head northeast.
It is a lava tube inside which the local artist César Manrique has created a natural and cultural space (an auditorium set up inside, a natural lake where the endemic blind crab lives…). , we will not miss a visit to the
César Manrique house-museum
located in the middle of an extraordinary palm grove in the picturesque village of
Haría
, to the north.
Read alsoTwo days in Lanzarote, the island of lunar landscapes: our program
La Graciosa, the exotic to disconnect
Caleta del Sebo, the tiny "capital" of the island of La Graciosa.
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The smallest and least populated of the Canary Islands (29.05 km² for 700 inhabitants) is part of an archipelago within the archipelago: that of
Chinijo
, with the largest marine reserve in Europe.
It was only in 2018 that it was recognized as the eighth island of the Canaries, although it still depends administratively on Lanzarote.
To get there, board a ferry from the
port of Órzola
for a 30-minute crossing (€26 return trip per adult).
Prefer the bike to travel between the two villages with dirt streets:
Caleta del Sebo
(island capital) and
Pedro Barba
.
Ideal for relaxing as a couple.
Our advice
The few bars and restaurants on the island serve delicious popular cuisine.
The most common type of accommodation remains the rental of an apartment via online booking platforms.
La Palma, the beautiful volcano
The Caldera de Taburiente National Park, located in the center of La Palma, is one of the most interesting visits to plan on
Isla Bonita
.
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Spared by mass tourism,
Isla Bonita
(“the beautiful island”) is the “volcano” destination par excellence.
Discover
the Caldera de Taburiente National Park
, in the heart of La Palma.
You will be amazed by this landscape of caldera (circular depression), ravines, streams and the striking Cascada de Colores (a waterfall coated in many colors).
The center of the island is connected to the south by the
volcano road
, an old communication route transformed into a hiking trail.
Our advice
Don't miss the amazing public garden in the colonial village of
Los Llanos de Aridane
, entirely decorated with multicolored, pop-inspired mosaics.
La Gomera, the luxuriant vegetation
Nestled in a natural depression, Agulo is located in the north of the island of La Gomera, between the municipalities of Hermigua and Vallehermoso.
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Alone, as a couple or with the family, take the paths leading you to the
Garajonay National Park
(a little less than 4000 ha), also classified by Unesco.
Located in the middle of the island and streaked with ravines, it is famous for its exuberant laurel forest.
The hike starts in
Agulo
, a northern village nicknamed “the candy of La Gomera” for the beauty of its historic center.
Climb to
Mirador de Abrante
, a glass-floored lookout point offering a breathtaking setting.
Our advice
The panoramic restaurant of the
Mirador del Palmarejo
, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has closed, but the place is worth a detour and for good reason: it undoubtedly offers the most beautiful view of the deep groove of Valle Gran Rey.
El Hierro, the submarine
The natural site of Charco Manso: the best kept secret of the archipelago, in El Hierro.
Franck Charton / Le Figaro
The most western of the islands is also the most
eco-friendly
, since it tries to achieve 100% energy autonomy.
Hot topic... In the far south, El Hierro is home to the Pointe de la
Restinga-Mar de las Calmas
marine reserve , ideal for discovering the seabed.
Its clear waters are perfect for appreciating the volcanic underwater landscape.
As a family, set off for the west coast to discover
El Sabinar
, a forest of junipers with trunks deformed and sculpted by the wind, giving them a curious twisted shape.
Our advice
Do not miss the Mirador de La Peña, which is located in Guarazoca, in the north of the island.
Designed by the Canarian architect César Manrique, it offers breathtaking views.
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Published August 2020, this article is being updated