Walking Holidays in Canary Islands: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Some of the hiking can be very difficult, so having a good level of fitness beforehand is recommended.

The weather is warm the whole year round in the Canary Islands, so please pack and wear appropriate clothing so as not to get sunburn.

The Scenery

The scenery on each of the islands that make up the Canary Islands is beautiful, varied and interesting, with a wild variety in landscapes and terrains over the course of just a few kilometres. One can be sitting on a lovely beach, and then be in the middle of a rainforest within minutes, before reaching barren desert and volcanic mountains. There are amazing views from seemingly everywhere on the islands, with the coastline and ocean never far from eyesight.

The Weather

It is fair to say that the year-round weather in the Canary Islands is one of the main reasons that millions of people flock to them each year, with the sun shining almost every day and fantastically warm temperatures the norm. This allows for a range of outdoor activities to be undertaken for the whole year, with hiking in particular a great option.

The Community

The Canary Islands are an autonomous community of Spain, and thus the local people are fiercely proud of their local customs, traditions and culture, which is distinct to that of mainland Spain. Canarian culture has a strong influence from Latin America, with several festivals and holidays throughout the year to celebrate their unique position in Spanish society.

Sunny and warm all-year-round, with temperatures rarely getting below 20 degrees celsius and rain is almost non-existent.

Flights to Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura from all mainland Spanish hubs and several other big European cities.

Any time of year.

The Canary Islands offer one of the most varied hiking landscapes in Europe. Hikers can explore volcanic craters, lava fields, mountain ridges, subtropical forests, dramatic coastlines, and remote villages, often within the same trip. The islands also enjoy mild temperatures year-round, making them an excellent destination for walking holidays in any season.

The Canary Islands are a year-round hiking destination thanks to their warm climate and generally stable weather. Spring and autumn are especially popular for trekking and guided walking holidays because of the pleasant temperatures and clear conditions. Winter is also ideal for hiking, particularly for travelers looking to escape colder weather in mainland Europe.

For most Canary Islands hiking tours, it is recommended to bring lightweight hiking clothing, sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes, sun protection, a reusable water bottle, and a light waterproof jacket. Trekking poles can be useful on steep volcanic trails, and layers are important since temperatures can vary between coastal areas and higher elevations.

Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and La Gomera offer many beginner-friendly walking routes with well-marked trails and moderate elevation gains. Coastal walks, forest trails, and shorter volcano hikes are ideal for travelers looking for accessible hiking experiences while still enjoying the islands’ spectacular scenery.

Advanced hikers will find challenging routes across Tenerife’s Teide National Park, the rugged mountains of La Palma, and the remote ravines of Gran Canaria. Multi-day trekking routes with steep ascents, volcanic terrain, and long-distance coastal trails are popular options for experienced hikers seeking more demanding adventures.

Each island offers a distinct hiking experience. Tenerife is known for Mount Teide and volcanic landscapes, La Gomera for its ancient laurel forests, La Palma for rugged mountain trekking, Gran Canaria for dramatic ravines and varied terrain, and Lanzarote for unique lava fields and coastal scenery. Guided hiking tours are a great way to discover the highlights of each region.

The Canary Islands are easily accessible via international flights from many European cities, with major airports on Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura. Ferries and domestic flights connect the islands, making it easy to combine several destinations during a walking holiday.

Many trails in the Canary Islands are well maintained and suitable for independent hikers. However, volcanic terrain, remote mountain routes, and rapidly changing weather conditions can make some hikes challenging. Joining a guided walking holiday in the Canary Islands offers added safety, local knowledge, route planning, and access to lesser-known trails.

Popular hiking bases include Puerto de la Cruz and Vilaflor in Tenerife, San Sebastián in La Gomera, and Santa Cruz de La Palma in La Palma. Travelers can choose from mountain lodges, rural guesthouses, coastal hotels, and charming local accommodations depending on the style of their hiking trip.

Yes. Explore-Share works with certified local hiking and trekking guides who have extensive knowledge of the Canary Islands and their trail networks. Depending on the destination and activity, guides may hold certifications from organizations such as UIMLA, AEGM, or other nationally recognized mountain guiding associations. Hiking with a certified guide helps ensure a safer and more enriching outdoor experience.

In addition to hiking and trekking, visitors can enjoy whale watching, surfing, snorkeling, mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, and visiting volcanic parks and traditional villages. The islands are also known for their beaches, local cuisine, and excellent conditions for outdoor activities throughout the year.