Canary Islands Holidays

Explore Fuerteventura’s dramatic west coast in the company of some four-legged friends. Near the village of La Pared, you’ll meet your playful and affectionate animal companions for the day – three goats called Nube, Rayo and Torito, accompanied by their guide – before setting off on a scenic circular trek through extraordinary desert-like landscapes. With the goats running free around you, and fabulous views over Jandia natural park, you’ll learn about the area’s richly varied geology, from volcanic mountains stained with minerals to fossilised dunes of finest sand. About halfway through, you’ll pause for a rustic picnic and a well-earned rest (goats included) before continuing through dried-up riverbeds back to the start point. To round things off in style, there’s a final stop for a reviving coffee overlooking the sea.

• Duration: full day
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
The hike is around 6km and rated moderate.

Enjoy a highlight-filled Jeep adventure that combines well-known sights and hidden gems. The first destination is Corralejo National Park near the northern tip of Fuerteventura, an extraordinary landscape of towering sand dunes. From here, you’ll head inland towards Lajares, heading off-road en route to get a closer look at the starkly beautiful Bayuyo volcano with its twin craters. On arrival in Lajares, there’s time to explore the traditional craft shops of this sleepy Canarian village before continuing on to El Cotillo, a seaside town with some of the best beaches in Europe. You’ll be able to swim in one of its sheltered coves before checking out the Torre del Tostón, built to defend the coast against pirates. From here, you’ll head past Tindaya, a mountain considered sacred by the island’s pre-colonial population, before finishing with a gentle stroll around charming La Oliva, known for its typical island architecture.

• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Lunch is not included.

Explore Fuerteventura’s majestic coastline aboard a state-of-the-art lagoon-style catamaran that’s unique to the island. You'll set sail in search of dolphins and whales - there have been 29 different species found in the local waters so your chances of spotting some of the local marine life is good. Later, the captain will sail along the south coast of the island and drop anchor in one of the sheltered bays. You'll have time to swim in the refreshing water before lunch. Spend the rest of the afternoon on deck with a chilled beer or glass of cava, enjoying everything from the warm wind in your hair to the stunning scenery. With a maximum of 12 passengers on board, there’s plenty of space to stretch out and relax.

• Duration: full day
• Departs Tuesday to Sunday
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Water, juices, wine, beer and cava are included.

Take your taste buds on a culinary journey in southern Fuerteventura. On this full-day adventure, you’ll visit three small farms to learn about three quintessential island products and the story behind them. You’ll begin at a cactus grower, where prickly pears – otherwise known as nopal or Barbary figs – are harvested to make juice, spicy mojo sauces and jams, all of which you’ll be able to sample. From here, you’ll move on to another finca to discover the secret of top-quality organic olive oil and test your palate with a guided tasting. The third destination is a long-established family-owned goat farm, where the rich milk is used to make various cheeses according to a traditional recipe. You’ll be offered several types to try, along with a glass of red wine and a slice or two of the strangely delicious Canarian gofio bread.

• Duration: full day
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
The tour includes around 2km of walking, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

Rediscover the fun of driving on a unique adventure that takes you into some of Gran Canaria’s most remote places. You’ll be at the wheel of your own VW Beetle convertible as part of a small guided convoy into the interior, passing remote mountain villages, shimmering reservoirs, lush aloe vera plantations and steep-sided valleys studded with a thousand palm trees. It’s not just about the stunning scenery, though: it’s about zipping along with the warm breeze in your hair, music playing, and the feeling of freedom that comes from knowing that an expert is in charge of navigation. We guarantee that you won’t want to hand the keys back at the end of the five-hour road trip.

• Duration: full day
• Departs Monday to Saturday
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Drivers should hold a full driving licence, be aged over 18 and wear closed-toe shoes. Children over 4 are allowed as passengers.

Roque Nublo, ‘the rock in the clouds’, was a sacred place in ancient times and remains a symbol of Gran Canaria and a popular goal for walkers. Your hike begins to the west of this 80m-high volcanic outcrop, where you’ll pick up an ancient trail that meanders upward through pine forests, past long-solidified lava flows and strange stone columns. Along the way, you’ll learn about the herbs and medicinal plants that grow beside the path while enjoying the fresh clear air and the rugged mountain scenery. Arriving at the 1750m-high plateau on which Roque Nublo seems to sit, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Teide on the neighbouring island of Tenerife, before pausing for a well-earned rest and a relaxed picnic, giving you time to soak up the unique atmosphere of this pre-colonial religious site. From here, you’ll descend to the village of Ayacata, set in an ancient crater, where the hike ends.

• Duration: full day
• Departs Thursday
• Operates year round
• Group departures

Good to know
The walk covers 7km and is rated difficulty level 2. Suitable hiking boots are essential; hiking poles, water and a sandwich are provided.

Spend a fascinating day exploring the lush landscapes of Gran Canaria’s remote north-east. Thanks to a quirk of geology – the particular minerals in the lava of long-ago eruptions – rare plants thrive here, creating a unique ecosystem. As you hike through the ravine, you’ll follow a stream that flows all year round, keeping the humidity high and helping to sustain the jungle-like vegetation. Small animals such as rabbits and lizards abound here, which naturally attracts birds of prey, including hawks and buzzards as well as kestrels. After a picnic where you’ll find the lizards will happily eat bits of your sandwich from your fingers, you’ll continue to the village of Guayadeque, where you’ll be able to explore some old cave houses and taste a variety of the typical products of the area, such as the local sweet wine.

• Duration: full day
• November to April: departs Wednesday and Saturday; May to October: departs Wednesday
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
The walk covers 7km and is rated difficulty level 1.5. Suitable hiking boots are essential; hiking poles, water and a sandwich are provided.

Take a trip on a modern catamaran that’s been purpose-built for dolphin-watching, with two viewing decks, a glass bottom and specialised sound equipment for listening underwater. Aboard the wonderfully spacious and stable Multiacuatic, you’ll head out to sea to spend a couple of hours looking out for some of the 27 species of cetaceans that have been spotted around the Canary Islands, from resident bottlenose dolphins and short-finned pilot whales to visiting Risso’s dolphins. As you search, the crew of this Blue Badge-holding vessel – awarded to those who have a clear focus on conservation and the safety of marine life – will share their knowledge of these enchanting creatures with you, adding to the experience. Afterwards, you’ll head closer to the shore for a refreshing swim, the perfect way to round your marine adventure.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 10.30am to 1.30pm
• Departs Tuesday and Thursday
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Enjoy a fun-filled adventure on a 4x4 safari through the island’s varied landscapes, from lush valleys to dramatic rocky plains. The action-packed itinerary includes the hamlet of Fataga, with its narrow cobbled streets lined by small whitewashed houses, set in a palm-forested ravine. From here, you’ll venture on to dirt tracks to explore this dramatic setting further, and visit other wild gorges nearby that normal vehicles can’t reach, giving you a unique perspective on Gran Canaria’s geography. You’ll pause for lunch at a typical Canarian restaurant and stop at an aloe vera plantation where you’ll tour the fields of spiky plants and learn how they’re processed to create a host of different products.

• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Spend a fascinating few hours exploring the raw volcanic landscapes in Lanzarote’s southern region. Your journey begins in Uga, an appealing village of low white houses surrounded by palm trees. From here, you’ll head to the otherworldly Timanfaya National Park, the site of a series of eruptions from 1720 to 1736 and again in 1824. After watching demonstrations of the land’s geothermal power, you’ll board a coach to follow the starkly beautiful Ruta de Los Volcanes, with an expert guide to help make sense of what you’re seeing. Down by the sea at El Golfo, you’ll marvel at the extraordinary lagoon dyed vivid green by phytoplankton, set in the remains of a volcanic cone. Your final stop is a tour and tasting at a winery in La Geria, the island’s wine-making district, where the vines grow in land that’s completely covered in minute black volcanic pebbles.

• Duration: half day
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Enjoy the best of northern Lanzarote on a journey through its dramatic landscapes and picturesque towns and villages. Your first port of call is the former capital, Teguise, where you’ll see its appealing old church and wander the narrow cobbled streets taking in the town’s sleepy charm. From here, you’ll continue to enchanting Haría, set in “The Valley of a Thousand Palms”, and on through other typical villages before arriving at the Mirador del Río. From this sleek architect-designed viewpoint on Famara Cliff, there are fabulous views of the neighbouring island of La Graciosa and the ocean beyond. Your onward route takes you past the imposing silhouette of La Corona volcano to your final stop: Jameos del Agua, a half-collapsed tunnel in the lava that contains an underground lake and one of the world’s most unusual music venues. On the return to your pick-up point, look out for plantations of prickly-pear cactuses, used in the production of cochineal.

• Duration: half day
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Immerse yourself in the dramatic scenery of Lanzarote on a full-day adventure packed with unmissable sights. On the south coast, lava flows have created unique features, from the craggy shore and sea caves of Los Hervideros to the shallow Janubio lagoon with its salt flats. You’ll stop at El Golfo, a splash of dazzling green water in a collapsed volcanic cone, before heading to the Fire Mountains in Timanfaya National Park. In this blasted landscape – site of the island’s most recent eruptions – you’ll be able to appreciate the daunting power and stark beauty of these forces of nature. After lunch in Yaiza, one of Lanzarote’s prettiest villages, you’ll discover the plus side to all this geological restlessness in La Geria. This wine-making area in the shadow of Timanfaya is smothered in tiny black volcanic pebbles that retain precious moisture, and the vineyards that have been established here are like nowhere else. You’ll visit one of the wineries for a tasting, before heading north via sleepy towns and villages to Jameos del Agua, a volcanic cave complete with an underground lake.

• Duration: full day
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Lanzarote has been shaped by its volcanoes, and this journey of discovery in the south will take you to some of its most otherworldly landscapes. Highlights include Timanfaya National Park, the scene of six years of all-but-non-stop eruptions in the 1730s, where the ground still simmers and where coaches take visitors along a narrow scratch of a road through the awe-inspiring Fire Mountains. The nearby coast has more geological sights, and you’ll get a panoramic view of the lagoon at Janubio, known for its salt pans, and the gnarled and jagged shoreline at Los Hervideros. At El Golfo, you’ll stop to explore the one-of-a-kind lake, stained vibrant emerald green by microscopic marine algae. After lunch in the picturesque village of Yaiza, you’ll cross into La Geria, a striking and unlikely spot for the island’s main vineyards. Here you’ll stop at a winery for a tasting and to discover how the tiny black pebbles that fell on this area during the last eruptions have proven to be such a boon.

• Duration: full day
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Spend a whole day discovering the varied delights of northern Lanzarote, from scenic villages and quirky gardens to cultural attractions with a volcanic theme. At Teguise, the former capital, you’ll soak up the atmosphere of its narrow cobbled streets and its historic church, before heading on to Haría, with its scattering of simple whitewashed houses in a sea of palm trees. You’ll pass Volcan de La Corona and the shattered land around it before visiting the impressive series of lava caves formed by its last eruption. After a brief stop at a museum dedicated to the story of aloe vera, which grows here in abundance, you’ll check out the prickly-pear plantations in Guatiza, where natural cochineal is produced. Here a former stone quarry has been turned into a cactus garden that’s more beautiful than you’d believe possible. The final call is at the César Manrique Foundation, in the former home of the influential local artist, which has a hidden secret: a lower storey slotted into a series of underground lava bubbles.

• Duration: full day
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

On the fringes of Timanfaya National Park, Los Volcanes is a startling landscape of lava fields created by the eruptions in the 1730s and 1824, and a fascinating place for a guided hike. As you walk among the volcanoes, craters and calderas, their slopes streaked orange, crimson, yellow and purple by minerals, you’ll discover an impressive range of features formed as the lava solidified, from cinder cones and tunnels to lava pools and hornitos. It’s so bare you could be walking on the moon, but if you look closer you’ll find lichens – nearly 100 different kinds – along with reptiles and birds, especially seabirds.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8am to 3pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
The 3.5-mile walk is rated easy. Closed, comfortable footwear and warm layers are recommended.

Stretch your legs on a long-distance hiking trail that takes you through some of northern Lanzarote’s most impressive scenery. The 10-kilometre walk starts at the Volcan de La Corona, a natural monument whose imposing silhouette has dominated the skyline for around 3,000 years. You’ll circle the volcano, walking through the twisted sea of petrified lava known as the Malpaís de la Corona, taking in its strange beauty. From here, you’ll continue to the top of the Famara Cliffs, all that’s left of an ancient caldera and one of the most dramatic features of the island’s northern coast. You’ll follow the path for a few kilometres, enjoying the stunning sea views, before descending through a palm-tree-dotted ravine to the charming inland hamlet of Maguez not far from Haría.

• Duration: full day
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
The 6-mile walk is rated moderate. Closed footwear is recommended.

Take to the water for a relaxing day discovering the scenic delights of La Graciosa, off Lanzarote’s north-west coast. You’ll reach the island via express ferry and board a sleek and spacious catamaran, where the pampering begins with a freshly made Mojito. As you sail along the coastline, taking in the magical views, you can lie back and soak up the sun in the nets or on the invitingly soft lounge seating. You’ll land at Caleta de Sebo, a picturesque fishing village that’s also the island’s sleepy capital, and whose unpaved streets lined with white sugar-cube houses are an appealing place to wander. Sailing on southwards, the catamaran will drop anchor in the sheltered bay just off Playa Francesa where you can snorkel, kayak or just stretch out on the soft white sand. Along the way, you’ll be able to enjoy lunch on board – a delicious freshly made paella.

• Duration: full day
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Draught beer, sangria and soft drinks on the boat are included.

Indulge in a spot of island hopping with a trip to neighbouring Fuerteventura. After a 35-minute ferry trip, you’ll reach Corralejo, from where you’ll head inland, enjoying the different landscapes along the way. Your first destination is La Oliva, briefly the capital 200 years ago and now a charming village blessed with a typically Canarian church that’s well worth a visit. From here, you’ll continue through the heart of the island to Betancuria, another former capital, where you’ll have some free time to explore: the immaculately restored 17th-century Casa Santa Maria, for instance, has a shady garden, craft demonstrations and an inviting café. Next, you’ll drop in at a traditional farm where they make goats cheese – a local speciality – and tour an aloe vera plantation. Returning northwards, along the coast this time, you’ll make a final stop at Corralejo’s famous natural park and its towering Sahara-like dunes before the return boat journey to Playa Blanca.

• Duration: full day
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
You’ll need to bring your passport.

Corralejo natural park, with its soaring dunes, is arguably Fuerteventura’s best-known attraction and the perfect side trip from Lanzarote. You’ll board the ferry at Playa Blanca for the 35-minute cruise to Corralejo, keeping an eye out for flying fish, dolphins or maybe even whales on the way. Once on Fuerteventura, you’ll head to El Cotillo, a picturesque fishing village where you can check out the beach, walk along the promenade or relax with a drink in one of its little cafés. From here you’ll make for Corralejo, another former fishing village that’s now a popular resort, where you can go shopping, stroll through its streets or eat the freshest of fish in one of its inviting restaurants. After that comes the natural park itself, where you can walk on the dunes and try to take the perfect photo of them. There’ll be time to swim and sunbathe on the kilometre-long beach adjoining the park, undoubtedly one of the best in the Canary Islands, before your return to Lanzarote.

• Duration: full day
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
You’ll need to bring your passport.

Roam over the little island of La Gomera by jeep on a full-day exploration of the Canaries’ second smallest island. You’ll be collected from your hotel or a point nearby and head to the ferry port for the hour-long crossing over Atlantic waters to San Sebastián de La Gomera. You’ll join a caravan of jeeps to visit the fascinating features of the island, including Garajonay National Park. Your tour includes lunch in a local restaurant where you can taste the local favourites. In the afternoon, the ferry will transport you back to the departure point, and you’ll return to your accommodation or nearby drop-off point.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 6pm
• Departs Friday
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Spend a full day visiting the must-see locations across the west and north of Tenerife with a small group. Your tour starts from your hotel or pickup point nearby, where you’re collected by minivan and travel in a group of eight or fewer guests. You’ll visit the beautiful village of hillside Masca, its classic country houses, and Garachico village, destroyed by a volcano in the 18th century. You’ll also visit Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, there are beautiful views to admire as you listen to stories and fascinating details about Tenerife from a well-informed guide. Lunch is at a restaurant in La Orotava, where you can enjoy the local flavours of the Canary Islands.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 6pm
• Monday and Friday departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Set sail for a half-day exploration aboard a glorious catamaran cruise departing from Playa de la Américas. Departing from the Puerto Colón marina in the south of Tenerife, you’ll sail northwest in search of pilot whales and dolphins found all year round in these waters. Then you’ll head towards the coast to swim in the island's crystalline waters and pause for drinks and snacks. There’s time to appreciate the immensity of the Los Gigantes Cliffs, which measure up to 600 meters in altitude, one of the highest in Europe. Finally, you’ll call at the Bay of Masca one of the most picturesque spots on the island.

• Duration: half day
• Daily departures from Puerto Colon Marina
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Stretch your legs on a half-day hike to one of Tenerife’s most scenic spots. Follow Tenerife’s Royal Path, or Camino Reales, in the southwest of the island on a half-day guided hike. The first part of the route takes you through natural habitats to reach a magnificent view of Mount Teide — the highest point of Tenerife. Then you’ll walk between cultivated terraces – where you can see tropical fruits, such as bananas, mango, and papaya – and past farmyards, where you’ll see ostriches and goats.

• Duration: half day
• Departs Tuesday & Friday
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Dedicate a day to exploring Tenerife’s looming Mount Teide and visiting the pretty village of Masca. You’ll board a panoramic bus that allows 360-degree through its windows as you travel, beginning the day with a morning in Masca, reached by a winding and scenic road. There’s time to appreciate the dramatic gorge and palm trees which extend to the sea and the pretty houses here. The next destination is the National Park of Las Cañadas del Teide, a UNESCO World Heritage Site incorporating the highest mountain peak in Spain, Mount Teide. Otherworldly landscapes with volcanic lava formations and local vegetation surround the peak, and you’ll see the volcanoes that formed this island, some as old as Tenerife itself. You’ll have the option to ride the cable car to the volcano’s highest point. On the way back, you’ll stop at Vilaflor – the highest village in Tenerife.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 6pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Spend a morning on a guided jeep safari through lands forged by nature and discover first-hand what it means to live on the slopes of a volcano — the mighty Mount Teide. You’ll travel comfortably but adventurously by jeep to one of the least-known corners of southern Tenerife. You’ll visit small villages such as Vilaflor, the highest village on the island, and see how they’ve learned how to live on the sides of a dormant volcano.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 9am to 1.30pm
• Departs Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
• Operates year-round
• Group experience