The Canary Islands are a highly popular tourist destination for many travellers each year, offering visitors a tropical utopia filled with attractions. The memories you make here will carry with you for life and you’ll be making your way back in no time.
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the typical tourist hotspots, we’ve got you covered. Here are our favourite hidden gems in the Kanarische Inseln.
El Hierro
A self-sufficient island popular for eco-tourism, El Hierro is the farthest southwest island in the Canary Islands. The small volcanic island is a place of tranquillity, with transparent water, diverse marine life and natural pools.
Diving is a highly popular pastime here among locals and visitors. Regardless of your diving ability, you can still discover the incredible volcanic landscapes here. There are schools to help get you started and hire all the equipment you’ll need to embark on your journey.
There aren’t many beaches on the island; however, there are a number of paradisiacal natural pools to enjoy. Charco Azul is probably the most popular, notably for its turquoise waters and impressive basalt arch.
El Hierro can be reached by plane from either Tenerife or Gran Canaria. You can also travel by ferry from the port of Los Cristianos in Tenerife.
Anaga Rural Park
Tenerife is well-known for its variety of hiking trails. While people typically flock to Tenerife to enjoy the beaches, there are also several forests formed millions of years ago. On the northeast corner of Tenerife, you’ll find Anaga Rural Park, a Special Protection Area for birds like Bolle’s pigeon and the Laurel pigeon.
The park covers an impressive area of 14,500 acres, meaning you can explore to your heart’s content. Before heading out into the mountains, visit the Cruz del Carmen Visitor Centre, where they’ll give you information about the different trails here.
Once you reach the summit of the Anaga mountains, consider heading down to Antequera Beach for a spot of relaxation if you have the time. Taking a boat to the Playa de las Teresitas is an experience like no other. With its Caribbean-like coastline and great facilities, you can easily spend the whole day here.
Tenerife is easily accessible due to its two major airports. If you’re visiting during the summer, make sure to book your Tenerife transfers well in advance to save waiting in long queues at the airport.
Arrieta
Located on the coastline of Lanzarote, Arrieta is a quaint yet charming village boasting a tropical climate all year round. The area is full of eateries and attractions, should you plan to visit during your trip.
It can get slightly busy during the high season, mostly due to its golden-sand beach, Playa La Garita, that stretches over 800 yards. It’s so good that it has been awarded a Blue Flag, the highest award for beaches. You may even see surfers flock to the sea during the spring high tide.
The town is known for its long history of fishing. Walking along the shore, you can see fishermen practising their trade using traditional methods. If you love museums, there’s also the aloe vera museum that delves into the history of the plant.
