The Canary Islands are best known for their black sandy beaches, wonderfully fresh seafood, dramatic volcanic landscapes, high-end luxury hotels, and world-class attractions. But I’m going to let you in on a little secret: this small archipelago is home to countless hiking trails that take you to all kinds of magical corners you never even knew existed.
Hiking in the Canary Islands is the best way to see for yourself just how diverse the scenery actually is. From rugged coastal trails next to plunging cliffs and magical forest pathways surrounded by laurisilva trees to treks that lead you to the top of towering volcanoes and winding routes that reveal hidden waterfalls, these hikes will show you a side of the Canary Islands you’ve never seen before.
All these Canary Islands hiking trails are incredibly well signposted. So even if you forgot to download a hiking app or your data isn’t working abroad, you’ll still be able to follow these trails and get back to where you started.
To make things easier for you, I’ve divided the hikes into three levels: easy (suitable for families with young kids), intermediate (best for regular walkers and families with older children), and difficult (ideal for expert hikers).
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The Best Hikes in the Canary Islands
Easy Canary Islands Hiking Trails
1. Cañada de Jorge in the Garajonay National Park, La Gomera
If you’re new to hiking in the Canary Islands, the Cañada de Jorge trail in the Garajonay National Park is a great one to start off with. This circular route is just over 2 miles long, has an elevation gain of 345 feet, and takes around an hour to complete.
During your adventure, you’ll pass through a dense forest full of moss-coated trees that provide you with much-needed shade from the blaring sun. I suggest you follow this path on a damp day, when the mist makes the walk feel even more magical.
My favorite thing about the Cañada de Jorge trail is that it is almost always deserted, so you won’t hear anything but the crunch of leaves under your feet and the sound of birdsong above your head.
2. Arco y Barranco de Las Peñitas, Fuerteventura
At 5.5 miles long with an elevation gain of 925 feet, the Arco y Barranco de Las Peñitas in Fuerteventura is a little trickier than the previous hike, but it’s still accessible to beginners. This circular route takes around 2.5 hours to complete, so make sure you’ve got enough water and snacks with you.
The Arco y Barranco de Las Peñitas takes you to one of the most interesting natural areas on the island. You’ll pass by rocky valleys, ochre deserts, isolated palm trees, and ancient stone houses. The highlight is the unique archway carved out of rock by wind erosion.
3. Sendero de Los Sentidos in the Anaga Rural Park, Tenerife
Not sure if hiking in the Canary Islands is right for you? If the Sendero de Los Sentidos trail in the Anaga Rural Park doesn’t win you over, then nothing will! This very basic route is one mile long, incorporates an elevation gain of 380 feet, and takes 30-40 minutes to complete, making it suitable for almost anyone.
It runs through an ancient forest full of towering, twisted laurisilva trees. Along the way, you’ll spot signposts with information on how to stimulate each of your five senses. From listening out for specific birdsong and touching the bark of centuries-old trees to looking out for native lizards and smelling the aroma of endemic plants, this hike will be one you’ll definitely want to repeat.
Moderate Canary Islands Hiking Trails
1. Roque de los Muchachos, La Palma
An excellent option if you’re familiar with hiking, the Roque de los Muchachos route takes you around the edge of an impressive volcanic caldera that’s almost one mile deep! This loop trail is 3.5 miles long, has an elevation gain of 1,120 feet, and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete.
On your way to the caldera, you’ll walk past working observatories (La Palma is one of the best spots in the world for stargazing), endemic plants that attract bees, and sensational volcanic landscapes. Because the hike is at such a high elevation, it’s worth doing whatever the weather. By the time you reach Roque de los Muchachos, you’re almost certain to be higher than any clouds!
2. Caldera de Montaña Blanca, Lanzarote
The above isn’t the only Canary Islands hiking trail that takes you to a caldera. The Caldera de Montaña Blanca in Lanzarote is another intermediate-level hike that leads you to a spectacular volcanic caldera. It takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete, is 4.6 miles long, and includes an elevation of 985 feet.
At the beginning, you’ll walk through a wide-open lava field which looks like something from an alien planet! You’ll then spot the vast, plunging caldera before continuing on and circling around the towering Montaña Blanca volcano.
My advice: avoid doing this hike on a windy day. There’s practically no protection from the elements, so you’ll get blown all over the place.
3. La Llanía, El Hierro
La Llanía is one of my favorite hikes in the Canary Islands because you can make it as easy or as difficult as you want. There are options to do a 2.6-mile hike, a 3.5-mile hike, and a 4.6-mile hike along this route, so you can tailor your trek to however you’re feeling that day. Depending on which route you choose, this journey should take you between 1.5 hours and 4 hours.
This mesmerizing trip begins in Valverde and passes through thick green forests, moon-like lava fields, and sinking craters. But it’s the viewpoints that will win you over. The Mirador Hoya de Fireba and Mirador de la Llanía reward you with spectacular views, including some gorgeous coastal panoramas.
4. Isla de Lobos, Fuerteventura
The Isla de Lobos hike is a little different from the rest because you need to take a boat from Fuerteventura to reach your starting point. This islet is located between Fuerteventura and Lanzarote and is so small that you can see the sea from wherever you’re standing! The route is 7 miles long, includes an elevation of 1,076 feet, and takes around 4 hours to complete.
During your adventure, you’ll pass by golden sandy beaches, black volcanic bays, abandoned salt fields, ancient windmills, coastal lakes, sprawling marshland, and quaint fishing villages. It’s one of the most diverse and charming hikes in the Canaries. The coastal vistas along the way are so superb that you could easily spend more than 4 hours following this route simply by stopping at every photo opportunity!
Difficult Canary Islands Hiking Trails
1. Pico del Teide, Tenerife
If you’re prepared to push yourself to the limit, make plans to hike up to the top of Mount Teide in Tenerife. On a clear day, you can see across the ocean to the neighboring Canary Islands from up here. If you’re lucky, you may even witness the “mar de nubes” (sea of clouds) natural phenomenon. You have two options when it comes to this challenge.
Most Difficult
Hike from the car park at Montaña Blanca to the peak of Mount Teide. This route is 11.6 miles long, includes an elevation gain of 4,439 feet, and takes 7-8 hours to complete.
Least Difficult
Ride the cable car to the upper station and climb the final way to the summit. This path is just 535 feet long, but the ascent is practically vertical.
Whichever option you choose, make sure you request and obtain permission to hike to the peak in advance, or you won’t be able to go.
2. El Pico de Las Nieves, Gran Canaria
Although it’s one of the toughest Canary Islands hiking trails, this circular route that takes you to El Pico de Las Nieves, Roque Nublo, and Ventana del Nublo is one of my favorites in Gran Canaria. It covers 10 miles, includes an elevation of 2,572 feet, and takes around 6-7 hours to complete, so pack a picnic!
This hike takes you through lush foothills before opening out to a volcanic gorge dotted with hidden caves. Next, you’ll trek through a pine forest and ascend a mountain pass that leads to El Pico de Las Nieves and its sensational views. The circular route then sends you past the iconic Roque Nublo and Ventana del Nublo before returning you to where you started.
