CANARY ISLANDS: TOP 10 THINGS TO DO
1. Sightseeing in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
After enjoying the unique wines of Lanzarote’s La Geria Valley, you might think it can’t get better. But then comes Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a place where every corner tells a story.
This city blends modern life with rich history and natural beauty. It’s like stepping into a postcard scene—bright colors, fascinating buildings, and blue seas.
Santa Cruz offers everything from thrilling water parks at Siam Park to the serene beauty of Teide National Park. I also found whale watching here an unforgettable experience; it feels special to see these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat.
And for those who love learning about wildlife, Loro Parque is home to an array of animals that’ll leave you amazed.
2. Jameos del Agua Cave – Lanzarote
I got the chance to visit Jameos del Agua Cave and wow, it was a sight to see. This place is more than just a cave; it’s like stepping into another world. Inside, there’s this amazing underground lake.
And get this – there are tiny white crabs living in it that you can’t find anywhere else but here on Lanzarote. It felt magical looking at them scuttle around, almost invisible against the clear waters.
This cave isn’t just about natural beauty though. There’s also a cultural center and an auditorium right inside, all designed by César Manrique, a big name around these parts.
His work makes the whole experience even richer, blending art with nature in ways I hadn’t seen before. Walking through, I couldn’t help but stop every few steps to take it all in – from the unique formations of rock overhead to peeking blue skies above ocean views outside the cave entrance.
If you’re into nature or geology (or honestly even if you’re not), exploring Jameos del Agua Cave shows off some of the best wonders that Canary Islands have up their sleeve.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN_5gh-JBdM
3. Relaxing at Maspalomas Beach
Maspalomas Beach is where I found my slice of heaven. This place is quiet, making it perfect for a day of just chilling out. The sand stretches as far as the eye can see, and the sound of waves gently crashing against the shore creates a peaceful soundtrack for relaxation.
I spent hours here, reading and soaking up the sun, feeling like time slowed down just for me.
Kids love this beach too – I saw so many families having a great time. It’s not every day you find a spot that’s both serene for adults and fun for children. Watching them build sandcastles and play in the gentle waves made me think back to my own childhood days at the beach.
Maspalomas has something special that brings joy to every visitor – it’s definitely one of those must-visit places in Gran Canaria where memories are made.
4. Siam Park
So, I went to Siam Park in the Canary Islands, and man… what a blast! This place isn’t just any water park. It’s like stepping into another world with its exotic themed decor that makes you feel like you’re on some adventure.
They’ve got these wild water rides, from crazy fast slides to a giant wave pool where you can pretend to surf or just laugh as waves knock into you gently. And let’s not forget the lazy river—perfect for when I wanted to chill but still keep cool in the water.
They’re big on keeping things green too, focusing on eco-friendly fun and protecting nature. Families, thrill-seekers—everyone finds something they love here. Plus, there are places to grab a bite or shop without leaving the watery wonderland.
Honestly, chilling at Siam Park was one of those times where I forgot about everything else and just had pure fun under the sun.
5. Whale Watching on Gran Canaria
I took a catamaran cruise off the coast of Gran Canaria, and let me tell you, it was an adventure I’ll never forget. With prices ranging from $27 to $71 per adult, there’s a tour for everyone.
We were out on the ocean, scanning the horizon when suddenly we spotted them—whales! It felt like they were putting on a show just for us. The guides knew exactly where to go for the best sightings.
They shared cool facts about these giant mammals, making it both fun and educational.
Up next, why not jump into the warm waters at Playa Grande at Puerto del Carmen?
6. Timanfaya Volcano
Timanfaya National Park totally blew my mind with its wild, volcanic landscapes. It’s like another planet. Walking through the park, I saw amazing geologic formations everywhere. And guess what? This place is a dream for anyone who loves nature and learning about our earth’s history.
The park is famous for this stuff, and it’s easy to see why travelers love it here.
And then there’s that feeling of stepping into history – you’re walking on ground that was once bubbling lava.
7. Snorkeling at Playa Grande at Puerto del Carmen
So, off to Playa Grande at Puerto del Carmen we go! This place is a hit for anyone who loves getting into the water. The sea here? Crystal clear. And the marine life? Simply amazing.
We’re talking colorful fish, maybe even a sea turtle or two if you’re lucky. It’s perfect for snorkeling and swimming, no matter if you’ve never done it before or if you’re pretty much a pro.
The Beach
The beach makes getting in and out of the water super easy. Plus, the calm waters mean you don’t have to be an Olympic swimmer to enjoy yourself here. I spent hours just floating around, eyeing fish and soaking up the peace under the waves.
Next up!
And after drying off? There’s more adventure waiting next—like checking out Loro Park for some wildlife viewing.
8. Visiting Loro Park
I had the best time at Loro Park in Tenerife, and I can’t wait to share it with you. This place is not just a zoo; it’s a wildlife adventure where you get to see over 350 types of parrots and lots of other animals too.
It felt amazing to watch these creatures up close, especially the ones that are rare and endangered.
During my visit, I learned so much about these beautiful birds and animals. The park does a great job showing them in ways that make you feel like you’re part of their world. And guess what? You get to do this while walking around one of the most stunning islands in Spain.
If you love nature and want to see some incredible wildlife, then Loro Park is where you need to be.
9. Full-day Bus Tour to La Gomera Island with a Professional Guide
So, we revved up through the woodlands on quads and now it’s time to shift gears. Next up is a full-day bus journey to La Gomera Island with someone who knows it best. This tour? It’s like unlocking a treasure chest of views and stories.
Here’s what made my day unforgettable:
1. The early start was worth it. We met our guide, a walking book of La Gomera’s secrets, bright and early. They had that kind of energy that coffee dreams of having.
2. The bus ride itself was comfy. Big windows meant I missed nothing outside – from the changing landscapes to those small villages where time seems to nap.
3. Our guide dished out facts about La Gomera like they were telling us the island’s personal diary entries. History? Check. Culture? Double-check.
4. Lunch was included – and oh boy, was it delicious! Local dishes that felt like a hug from the inside out.
5. We got to explore stunning natural landscapes that had my camera working overtime. Every turn looked like a postcard coming to life.
6. The guide took us through hidden gems I’d never find by myself – whispering gorges, laughing waterfalls, and viewpoints so breathtaking, my heart did little somersaults.
7. Their storytelling brought history alive right before our eyes; we traveled back in time without leaving our seats.
8. Highlights weren’t just watched but felt – navigating through Garajonay National Park felt like stepping into another world, one where nature hums in harmony.
9. Hassle-free is the way to be – not worrying about maps or missing out made all the difference in soaking up every moment.
10.Teide National Park
I had heard so much about Teide National Park, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. This place is a must-see in Tenerife, covering nearly 75 square miles of wild landscape right in the middle of the island.
The star of the show here is definitely Mount Teide, Spain’s tallest mountain peak. It feels like another planet with its strange rock shapes and colorful lava fields.
Driving through the park myself was the best decision I made. There are over 20 trails for walking and hiking to choose from. Each path offers a unique view of this volcanic wonderland.
And yes, bringing my own car allowed me to explore at my pace, stopping whenever I wanted to soak in all that beauty or snap a photo. For those who love adventure mixed with stunning views—like watching the sunset or gazing at stars—the park also arranges special tours that make these experiences even more magical.
Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Teide National Park caters to everyone’s tastes whether you’re into challenging hikes or just want an unforgettable cable car ride up close with nature’s wonders.
