If there is a place where it is difficult to choose essential corners, it is the Canary Islands. The Archipelago is so rich, so impressive, that the list of places you can’t miss could be endless. Although they share volcanic origin, the islands have a variety of climates that has given rise to unmatched landscape and biological wealth.
On the other hand, we must add the influence that the human population has exerted for centuries, creating a unique way of life full of its own flavor. These are some of the best wonders of the Canary Islands.
The province of Santa Cruz of Tenerife It comprises the western islands of the archipelago, of which Tenerife is by far the most populated. Here we find the colossus of Teide, but also other natural environments capable of astonishing us.
Teide National Park
Teide, in Tenerifeis known for being the highest peak in Spain, with its more than 3,700 meters. This volcano, the third largest in the world from its base on the seabed, is surrounded by a spectacular national park that is one of the most visited in Spain and Europe. Legend has it that Teide (Echeyde for the Guanches) was the home of Guayota, the Evil One, but today it is the habitat of 58 plant species that only exist there, and a very varied fauna as well. The Teide National Park offers good access and a number of trails to explore its Martian physiognomy, dotted with geological emblems such as Roque Cinchado or La Tarta del Teide.
Garajonay National Park
The island of La Gomera hides within it the impressive natural treasure of Garajonay, declared a national park and World Heritage Site. The green heart of this island is a lush laurel forest, the laurel that originally covered much of Macaronesia.. Walking through this park is to immerse yourself in a magical, shady and suggestive atmosphere, where unique species such as the turquoise pigeon are hidden. Like Teide, the Garajonay National Park offers many facilities for visiting, including the Laguna Grande recreational area, the visitor center and the guide service.
The Natural Monument of Las Playas
The iron, the smallest and most remote of the islands, has as its symbol the majestic giant lizard, which only lives there. Famous for many years for the medicinal waters of the Well of Health, the island’s landscapes are in no way inferior to the rest. One of its main jewels is the Las Playas Natural Monument, a protected area that arose from a landslide in the southeast of El Hierro. It is a semicircular escarpment, similar to an amphitheater that nature itself had built, once frequented by flocks that took advantage of its green pastures.. From below, in the bay, the view of Roque de Bonanza impresses us with its more than two hundred meters.
Caldera de Taburiente National Park
The Palm, like El Hierro, is declared a Biosphere Reserve in its entirety. Here, the volcanic character can be seen in its splendor, including some recent dramatic episodes, but nature has its most beautiful side in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, the most emblematic natural wonder of the island. This “caldera” is a depression in the center of the island, surrounded by a fence of rocks that rises to 2,426 meters of Roque de los Muchachos. From the heights it is easy to enjoy a sea of clouds at your feet, as well as the silhouettes of other islands in the distance, but the park has other unforgettable spectacles such as Salto de la Desfondada, a 150-meter waterfall.
The Canarian wonders of Las Palmas
The other Canarian province, that of The Palmsincludes the islands of Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and La Graciosa, and brings together many kilometers of dream beaches and natural treasures. Let’s see what the highlights of this paradisiacal area are.
The Dunes of Maspalomas
Although Gran Canaria, like the islands we have seen so far, also has a steep and green interior, it also has an area that seems straight out of One Thousand and One Nights. The Maspalomas Dunes easily transport us to exotic deserts or even other worlds, with their expanse of golden waves of sand. The dunes are a special natural reserve, and there is nothing like it left on the island. Seeing the sea at the bottom of the dunes is one of the indelible images of this island, but it can be even more so if you come across the giant lizard that is usually found in the nearby palm grove of Charca de Maspalomas.
Wolf Island
Although it can be considered one of the essential visits to Fuerteventura, the truth is that the Wolf Island She is separated from her older sister by a short boat ride. Whoever approaches this islet will discover a natural park that delights divers and surfers, but also those who just want to marvel at its turquoise waters and views.
Timanfaya National Park
Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote It is a truly impressive place due to its geological history and continuous volcanic activity.. It was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 18th century, and the resulting land is a surreal landscape reminiscent of another planet. Volcanic activity can still be observed in the vapors that emerge from the underground, they are even used for cooking. Visiting this park transports you to an extraordinary world that highlights the amazing power of nature.
La Graciosa, on the other hand, is a small but charming island that can be visited from Lanzarote by ferry. It is the only inhabited island of the Chinijo archipelago, which is a protected area and the largest marine reserve in Europe. La Graciosa offers beautiful unspoiled beaches, such as Playa de la Cocina or Playa de los Franceses, as well as stunning panoramic views. It is an ideal place to explore by bike and enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty.
