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Canary Islands

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The village of La Calera set at the foot of the mountains on La Gomera.

©Stian Klo/Lonely Planet

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Overview

Scented pine forests, haunting volcanoes, lunar-like landscapes, secret sandy coves, miles of Sahara-style dunes, beach-hugging resorts. This is the unique beauty of the Canary Islands.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Galdar, Spain - March 2, 2019: Woman admiring the Interior of museum and Archaeological park, Cueva Pintada, in Galdar Gran Canaria, Spain . ; Cueva Pintada Museum & Archaeological Park Shutterstock ID 1462682909; your: Bridget Brown; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: POI Image Update

    Cueva Pintada Museum & Archaeological Park

    Gran Canaria

    Discovered by a local farmer in the late 19th century, this is one of Gran Canaria's most important pre-Hispanic archaeological sites: a cave adorned with…

  • The facade of the Casa de Colon (also known as Columbus House), a museum in Las Palmas and a fine example of Canarian architecture.

    Casa-Museo de Colón

    Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

    This fascinating museum documents Columbus’ voyages and features exhibits on the Canary Islands’ historical role as a staging post for transatlantic…

  • Mount Teide Landscape

    Pico del Teide

    Tenerife

    The cable car provides the easiest way to get up to the peak of El Teide. The views are great – unless a big cloud is covering the peak, in which case you…

  • César Manrique Foundation on the island of Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain, Europe; Shutterstock ID 603358700; Your name (First / Last): Tom Stainer; GL account no.: 65050 ; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Best in Travel 2018

    Fundación César Manrique

    Lanzarote

    Upon returning definitively to Lanzarote, César Manrique built his spectacular house and creative centre, Taro de Tahíche, into the lava fields just…

  • Panoramic view of the Timanfaya National Park ( also called The Montanas del Fuego or Mountains of Fire ) in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain; Shutterstock ID 437700634; Your name (First / Last): Tom Stainer; GL account no.: 65050 ; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Best in Travel 2018

    Parque Nacional de Timanfaya

    Lanzarote

    Lanzarote's most spectacular sight, the eerie 51-sq-km Parque Nacional de Timanfaya sprawls around the Montañas del Fuego (Mountains of Fire) formed by…

  • Secret of cave

    Cueva de los Verdes

    Lanzarote

    A yawning, kilometre-long chasm, the Cueva de los Verdes is the most spectacular segment of an almost 7km-long lava tube left behind by an eruption 5000…

  • outer Jameos del Agua pool, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain; Shutterstock ID 283647977; Your name (First / Last): Tom Stainer; GL account no.: 65050 ; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Best in Travel 2018

    Jameos del Agua

    Lanzarote

    When molten lava seethed through this volcanic cavern around 5000 years ago, the ocean leaked in slightly, forming the startling clear azure lake that…

  • Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África

    Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África

    Santa Cruz de Tenerife

    Dating from 1944, this tantalising market is housed in an eye-catching building that combines a Latin American feel with Moorish-style arches and patios…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Anyone who loves the Canaries knows that it’s hard where to start. Here are 20 ideas.

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Transportation

From catching local buses, hiring a car or hopping by plane between islands, here's what you need to know to get around in the Canary Islands.

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Money and Costs

Save these tips on how to explore this stunning Spanish archipelago, with its beaches, volcanic landscapes and vibrant local culture, on a budget.

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