Canary Islands points of interest

Looking for sightseeing on your holiday to the Canaries? We’ve compiled some comments on the very best Canary Islands points of interest. Our selection, written by local experts, shows you the best places to visit and attractions for all ages and budgets as well as travel tips.

Discover the seven islands, its famous cities, must-see places and even travel tips and sightseeing recommendations.

CANARY ISLANDS TRAVEL ADVICE

Welcome to the Canary Islands! Don’t be shy and enjoy every single island. Don’t worry about anything: Canarian people are used to tourists and it’s a safe community.

Why the Canaries are a low-risk area? There is a good police presence, crime is low, it’s a gun-free archipelago and, what is probably more important for you, lifeguards monitor constantly beaches. Although be vigilant with petty thefts!

So relax and just read some tips for your holidays in the Canary Islands archipelago before reading Canary islands points of interest tips.

• Don’t forget to drive on the right-hand side.
• Be careful with currents and waves because they can be strong, specially in the west coast of Fuerteventura
• Drink bottled water
• Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated
• You don't need vaccinations.
• It’s illegal to drink alcohol in public areas and the legal drinking age is 18

CANARY ISLANDS TOWNS

Here you have a short description to explain how are towns in the Canaries so as to decide by yourself which offers you the best Canary islands points of interest.

Gran Canaria’s capital is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a cosmopolitan town full of party, culture and leisure. Tenerife has a broken heart in two main towns. On the one hand, Strolling through San Cristóbal de La Laguna is a trip back into history. Its streets mix attractive commercial, gastronomic and leisure activities with monuments and historical buildings.

On the other hand, Santa Cruz de Tenerife celebrates the second-largest carnival in the world. Other towns recommended to visit are La Orotava, Candelaria or Puerto de la Cruz. Arrecife belongs to Lanzarote and has a marked maritime atmosphere. Don’t miss San Gabriel Castle and its tiny island, Bolas Bridge, San Ginés Lagoon, Reducto beach and new marina.

Puerto del Rosario is the capital of the second largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, Fuerteventura. One of the things that stands out is the Promenade, an open-air gallery with plenty of sculptures.

Santa Cruz de La Palma is the main prettiest town in La Palma. It’s a compact city strung out along the shore, flanked by green hills and has a breathtakingly picturesque centre. Seven things to see or do there: visit the Island Museum of La Palma, Naval Museum and the Church, hide along the water tunnels, see some of the enormous telescopes along Caldera del Taburiente National Park or wander its historic streets and go shopping among the cobbled streets. And the two crown jewels are San Sebastian de La Gomera and Valverde, the capitals of La Gomera and El Hierro respectively.

San Sebastián de La Gomera will surely be enjoyed by tourists with a penchant for historic spots and Canary islands points of curiosity: Asunción Church, Conde Tower, Columbus house, etc. Do you know that Cristopher Columbus made the trip that changed the course of Modern History from La Gomera’s port? Christopher Columbus arrived in La Gomera after leaving from the port of Huelva, in 1492.

Valverde, untouched by mass tourism, is the only municipality on the island that is not next to the sea. This town shows us an example of typical Canary Islands architecture, buildings and sculptures made after the 18th century. But we recommend losing yourself further inland and discovering El Hierro.

Maspalomas points of interest

Maspalomas needs a separate section. Golden sandy beaches, shallow waters, sand dunes, high-end hotels and 17 km of stunningly beautiful coastline make it an ideal base for exploring the island for free, one area is for nudists only and the other is perfect for families.

Along the beach you will find a wide variety of water sports, why not go sailing, water skiing or diving? During the day, Maspalomas is a relaxing place. At night though, get ready to party.

Being a Blue Flag award winner, Playa de Maspalomas has sand dunes like the Sahara Desert and the zone, protected, is declared a national park. For families, there is Holiday World, a leisure park, Palmitos Park, where there are over 1500 species of birds, Moonlight Cinema, an open-air cinema, or Poema del Mar. Having a stroll, you probably see Faro de Maspalomas, a lighthouse standing at the end of the promenade.

Don’t miss Playa del Inglés, with vibrant resorts and where you will find entertainment has an English theme. Other spots are La Charca, which is a seawater lagoon, and El Oasis. Also, there is one Aqualand to have a day out for the family, Sioux City, a wild west zone, and Mundo Aborigen, to enjoy Canarian culture and history.

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