The Canary Islands and why each one is worth visiting
Yasya"To fly somewhere to the islands" is a perfectly achievable plan. And you won't even have to sit on a plane for 12 hours if the islands are the Canaries. Here, too, there are palm trees, beaches, and the ocean, as well as volcanoes, mountains, deserts, and cozy towns as if from a magical casket. There are seven main islands, and each is worth visiting. To start, you need to get a visa for Spain, as the islands territorially belong to it, read about entry rules, and then get tickets Moscow – Tenerife. Ready? Then let's go!
Tenerife
The largest of the entire archipelago, the most popular among tourists, and the most comfortable in terms of weather. The sun shines here all year round, and even in winter, the air warms up to +21°C. In summer, it's worth coming here for a beautiful bronze tan, and in February – for the carnival: only the one in Rio is more lavish and vibrant. There are two main resorts, and in both cases, you'll have to remember long Spanish names – Santa‑Cruz‑de‑Tenerife and Puerto‑de‑la‑Cruz. However, if you want to relax in a quieter place, you can choose from a scattering of other towns on the coast – Playa de las Américas, El Médano, Costa Adeje.
The main "feature" of the Canary Islands in general, and Tenerife in particular, is its colorful beaches. No, not green and pink, but yellow and black. Volcanic sand, snow-white or golden directly from the Sahara – the impressions from a beach holiday with them are varied, so we highly recommend alternating.
How to get there
On the way , you will have to make at least two transfers, for example, in Yerevan and Rome.
Tenerife has two airports:
- Tenerife South, also known as Reina Sofía: serves most international and European flights.
- Tenerife North, also known as Los Rodeos: focused on flights between the Canary Islands and domestic flights from Spain.
What to see
Teide Volcano: the highest point in Spain (3718 meters). You can take a funicular to the observation deck near the extinct volcano. The excursion is a must for "Star Wars" fans: some scenes from the movie were filmed here.
Los Gigantes: a resort town famous for its impressive cliffs rising above the ocean. It's worth going here to see dolphins and whales.
La Laguna: a UNESCO-listed historic city where colonial architecture has been perfectly preserved.
Gran Canaria
A continent in miniature. Such a metaphorical description of the island can be found in many guidebooks. And that's because it has green valleys, pine forests, lively cities, and even a small desert. The island, although the third largest among its counterparts, is not notable for long distances. So you can get from one end to the other in a maximum of half an hour to an hour. The average annual temperature in Gran Canaria steadily stays around +24°C, and even in January, you can swim here if you choose the right beach. There are an incredible number of them here. There's also an eight-kilometer one, where the resorts of San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, and Maspalomas are successively located.
However, even if your entire vacation is spent in Las Palmas, the island's capital, you certainly won't regret it. The city is framed by Playa de Las Canteras beach, typical Canarian architecture is generously represented in the Vegueta district, and you can learn about Christopher Columbus's connection to the island in the famous traveler's house.
How to get there
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) is located 18 km from Las Palmas and receives flights from Europe, Africa, and other Canary Islands. Many low-cost airlines fly to the island.
A ferry runs from other Canary Islands or mainland Spain (for example, from Cadiz or Huelva). This is a longer but scenic option.
What to see
Teror: despite its intimidating name, this is one of the most beautiful towns on the island, with traditional architecture, the Basilica of Our Lady del Pino, and a popular Sunday market where you can buy local products, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Puerto de Mogán: a picturesque harbor with canals, bridges, and colorful houses. A famous attraction here is an underwater trip on a yellow submarine (yes, yes, like The Beatles').
Roque Nublo: a rock monolith located in the center of the island, 1813 meters above sea level. From the top of Roque Nublo, stunning views of the island open up.
Fuerteventura
Wind. Even more wind. Lots of wind. So much so that the island's name itself speaks of it: fuerte means "strong," and el viento – "wind." This is a paradise for wind and kitesurfing enthusiasts. It's no surprise that local beaches are occupied by these lovers of riding waves under a sail or parachute. In summer, even the World Windsurfing Championship takes place here. And although beaches are the most sought-after part of the island, Fuerteventura has more to offer than just them. For example, Betancuria – the historical capital, where there is a very interesting archaeological museum. Or the town of Morro Jable: it houses a recovery and protection center where the population of loggerhead sea turtles is preserved.
How to get there
Fuerteventura Airport (FUE) is located 5 km from the island's capital, Puerto del Rosario, and receives flights from Europe and other Canary Islands.
Ferries from Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife arrive in Puerto del Rosario, Corralejo, and Morro Jable.
What to see
Corralejo Dunes Natural Park: a vast area with impressive sand dunes washed by turquoise water. An ideal place for walks and photo shoots.
Corralejo Beaches: white sandy beaches with crystal clear water, suitable for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Lobos Island: a small uninhabited island located near Corralejo. You can get there by boat. Beautiful beaches, a lighthouse, and an opportunity to admire wild nature.
Lanzarote
If Tenerife is about Martian landscapes, then Lanzarote is about lunar ones. The beautiful name "island of fire-breathing mountains" fully corresponds to reality. If you want to check, head to Timanfaya National Park, formed by volcanic eruptions in the 18th century. A bus will take you along roads among volcanoes, and then make a stop at El Diablo restaurant, where food will be cooked right in front of you using volcanic heat. There are no natural geysers here, so park employees create an imitation: they pour a bucket of water into holes in the ground, and a second later, the contents loudly shoot into the air. And after an exciting journey to fire, you can relax by the water. The main resorts on the island are Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca. The best beaches are in Papagayo Bay.
How to get there
Lanzarote Airport (ACE), also known as Guacimeta Airport, is located 5 km from the island's capital, Arrecife, and receives flights from Europe and other Canary Islands.
Ferries arrive in Arrecife and Playa Blanca.
What to see
César Manrique House Museum: a magnificent contrast of black lava landscapes and a snow-white swimming pool near Tahíche.
Charco de los Clicos: a lagoon near the village of El Golfo, in the municipality of Yaiza. Another filming spot: scenes for "One Million Years B.C." and "Broken Embraces" were shot here.
Vineyards: a futuristic sight, completely unlike the vineyards of Provence or Tuscany. Instead of green walls of vines, there is ash and a semicircular stone fence that protects the plant from the wind.
La Palma
An island for those who want to tickle their nerves. Because active volcanoes are a constant backdrop to life on La Palma. The last major eruption occurred in 2021 and lasted 85 days. But locals still continue to call the island bonita (beautiful) and verde (green). One could also come up with something with the prefix "astro": at the highest point of the island, Roque de los Muchachos, there is an astronomical observatory, considered one of the best for stargazing. This place is part of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, where you can also see the Cascada de los Colores waterfall.
Accommodation will most likely be found in the capital – Santa Cruz de la Palma. Among the interesting sights there are houses with colorful balconies on Avenida Maritima, the Maritime Museum, and the Church of El Salvador.
How to get there
Direct flights are available from many European cities (especially from Germany, the UK, the Netherlands) and from other Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria).
Ferries to the island run from Tenerife.
What to see
Beaches: Playa de Santa Cruz with black sand, Playa Nogales with waves suitable for surfing (be careful with currents!), Puerto de Tazacorte, located at the mouth of a gorge.
Volcano Route: a popular hiking trail that runs along a mountain ridge with volcanic landscapes.
Cumbre Vieja Natural Park: after 2021, the island's landscape changed, and a new volcano, Tajogaite, even appeared here, so it's interesting to see how nature reclaims its land.
La Gomera
Volcanoes, volcanoes, volcanoes… "Is there anything life-safe in the Canaries?" you ask, and we answer: "Of course! La Gomera." It's the only island in the archipelago without volcanic activity. True, the island isn't large, but it offers many interesting things from an anthropological point of view. For example, you've probably heard that Russian is one of the hardest languages to learn. Or Chinese. Or… However, polyglots who have studied dozens of foreign languages consider entirely different ones to be the most difficult. One of them is Silbo Gomero. Shepherds used it to communicate when far apart, as whistling carries best between mountains. Even now, you can find locals on the island who can "speak" Gomero whistle.
Columbus's first expedition also stopped in La Gomera. In San Sebastián de La Gomera (more, more long names!), you can see the Aguada Well (Pozo de la Aguada) – the source from which the navigator drew water for his ships.
How to get there
La Gomera Airport is located near the capital, San Sebastián de la Gomera. Direct flights are only available from other Canary Islands, mainly Tenerife.
Regular ferries operate between La Gomera and other Canary Islands, especially Tenerife (Los Cristianos). The main ports of La Gomera are San Sebastián de la Gomera and Valle Gran Rey.
What to see
Garajonay National Park: a UNESCO World Heritage site with a laurel forest shrouded in mysterious fog (actually ordinary, but adding to the mystery).
Valle Gran Rey: a picturesque valley with palm trees, terraces, and beaches, among which the most popular is Playa del Inglés.
Gofio Museum: a museum dedicated to the traditional Canarian flour made from roasted grains.
El Hierro
Well, here we are at the finalist – the smallest and westernmost of the Canary Islands. But don't worry: this might change in the future, as the island's area is growing. Thanks to whom? Of course, thanks to the volcano (are you tired of this word yet? Hang in there!) El Hierro's coastline is rugged and full of many coves where you just want to swim. In fact, one such place is Charco Azul. It's a natural pool located in the El Golfo valley.
How to get there
El Hierro Airport is located near the capital, Valverde. Direct flights are usually only available from Tenerife (North Airport, TFN) and Gran Canaria (LPA).
Regular ferries operate between El Hierro and Tenerife (Los Cristianos).
What to see
Viewpoints: Mirador de la Peña, Mirador de Jinama, Mirador de La Llanía.
Lagartario: a breeding center for the endangered El Hierro giant lizards.
Pozo de las Calcosas: a unique coastal village with traditional houses made of volcanic stone and thatched roofs.
La Graciosa
A bonus island for those who swam and ate well on the previous ones. It's worth going here if you decide to visit Lanzarote. The distances on the island are still small, and the impressions from what you see will outweigh all travel time. Here you truly feel like you're at the edge of the world, with only the Atlantic Ocean ahead and just a couple of kilometers of land behind you. If you want to have an entire golden beach completely to yourself, La Graciosa can offer such a gift.
How to get there
There is no airport on La Graciosa. The only way to get to the island is by ferry from Órzola port on Lanzarote. Ferries run several times a day, especially during the summer season.
What to see
Caleta de Sebo: the only inhabited settlement on the island and the port of arrival, whose appearance is formed by white houses with blue and green shutters.
Playa de las Conchas: the most beautiful and famous beach on the island. Golden sand and crystal clear turquoise water. It's a 3 km walk along a wind-swept road, better to rent a bicycle.
Montaña Amarilla: a yellow volcanic crater located near the coast.
