Walking in the Canary Islands

La Palma

Renowned for its beautiful and quite remarkable scenery, La Palma offers a myriad of walks and hikes through a diverse landscape of majestic pine forests and lush laurel woods, deep ravines, salt pans, waterfalls, natural parks, volcanic craters and an unique caldera.

The enchanting laurel forest walk offers lush vegetation and a humid microclimate whilst, in contrast, hikes in the volcanic south take you through fields of black and red ash to the Teneguia volcano. A trek through the national park from the highest point at 1,081m affords the most amazing views as you descend into the centre of the Caldera de Taburiente, and to experience the essence of the north side of the island, join a walk that leads past tiny rural hamlets, cultivated fields, forests and coastlines.

Hike to the archaeological caves of Buracas before finishing at the farmers’ market of Puntagorda, or enjoy a gentle descent from the top of Aridane valley through lava fields and pine trees to the spectacular lava flows from San Juan volcano; you’ll especially enjoy the end of the trail at Tamanca Winery.

La Gomera

With its dense forestry, beautiful cedar groves and breathtaking ravines, La Gomera appeals to nature lovers and walkers of all levels. In the centre of the island, there’s the protected Parque Nacional de Garajonay with its dense, lush flora and fauna; start a climb at Mirador de Tajaque through the park to the highest point of the island, Alto de Garjonay (1,485m) and enjoy superb panoramic views before descending through the evergreen laurel forest of El Cedro.

Hike through the Benchijigua nature reserve to the traditional village of Imada or enjoy a magical walk through Raso de Brumas forest and farmlands, emerging at Gerian, a somewhat unique hamlet on the southern-most slopes.

Tenerife

On Tenerife you can trek through the lush laurel forest of Anaga Rural Park; with its network of trails and paths, it’s ideal for all abilities of walker and hiker, whether expert, eager or simply determined. You can take a cable car almost to the top, but a real hike to the peak of Teide is not for the feint hearted with ten hours or so of tracks and pathways through landscapes of great geological interest; the last stretch along lava canals means ‘congratulations’ you’ve made it to the crater!

A walk to the Chinyero Volcano in Teide National Park boasts a great variety of scenery with delightful pinewoods backed up against some fairly young lava fields; the last eruption was only in 1909. If you’re interested in fauna, a leisurely walk to the disused quarry near to the town of Santiago del Teide will delight you as the Erjos Pools (in the quarry) have become an absolute haven for wildlife.

Of course, El Teide is the most famous of Tenerife’s numerous volcanoes but, if you’re interested geology in general, and volcanic activity in particular, you must visit Samara’s peak for the stunning views over a series of volcanic cones.