Although part of Spain, the Canary Islands are much closer to Africa than they are to Europe, giving the archipelago a unique blend of North African and Spanish culture.
Referred to as “The Fortunate Isles” in ancient times, the Canary Islands remain a fortunate tourism destination thanks to its beaches, subtropical climate, rich historical heritage and world famous natural attractions.
Here are a few reasons the Canary Islands should be on your travel bucket list for 2022/2023.
The Canary Islands archipelago includes the seven major islands of Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro, as well as a number of smaller islands and islets.
Although the islands are volcanic in origin and have fascinating volcanic features each has unique attractions, from national parks to historical and archaeological sites.
The Canary Islands boast three Unesco-listed sites well worth visiting.
The first is Teide National Park, home to Teide Towers, the third highest volcano in the world that towers above the main island of Tenerife. A visit to the volcano’s crater, dating back 3 million years ago, is like visiting a massive barren moonscape and not to be missed.
Another Unesco-listed volcano can be found in the Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote island. This volcano last erupted between 1730 and 1736, burying 11 villages over seven years and driving people off the island, but fortunately hasn’t rumbled in quite some time!
The third, the island of Fuerteventura, was declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 1999. The oldest of the Canary islands, Fuerteventura has been shaped by nature for more than 20 million years, resulting in gorgeous wide plains and curved hills.
In the town of Güímar on the island of Tenerife you’ll find the Pirámides de Güímar – a grouping of square, stepped pyramids.
No one quite knows who built the pyramids, but most archaeologists agree that they were used for some sort of ceremonial purpose.
One of the largest wine-growing regions in the Canary Islands is La Geria Valley on Lanzarote island, home to several vineyards and wineries.
The wine produced here is as tasty as the famous varieties that Spain is known for, excelling at white wines due to the mineral-laden soil of the island.
La Laguna on Tenerife islands is a historic city dating back to the late 1400s. Many of the town's original buildings still stand, as does the city’s local culture.
Don’t miss the Mercado Municipal de San Cristóbal de la Laguna, the local market where you can get an authentic taste of local cuisine.
In the north of Lanzarote you’ll find the volcanic Jameos del Agua cave.
Formed by a small lava flow more than 10,000 years ago, the highlight of this cave is the lagoon found in its depths.
Santa Cruz was the capital of the Canary Islands in the 1800s and still home to the house of parliament.
It’s also where you’ll find the mummy exhibit at the Museum of Man and Nature and the Tenerife Opera House that rivals Sydney’s more famous opera house.
The Timanfaya National Park in the southwestern part of the island of Lanzarote is the best destination for avid hikers.
Here, a lush coastal walk changes quickly to an arid, rocky landscape, making a striking contrast.
Gran Canaria, the third-largest and second-most-populous island of the Canary Islands, is where you want to head to view the behemoths of the ocean: whales.
The island is on the year-round migratory route of more than 20 dolphin and whale species.
Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) has reintroduced The Canary Islands to the luxury cruise line’s popular destination list. To celebrate the return of this favoured destination, NCL is offering 35% off plus one ‘Free at Sea’ option* for its 11 Night Canary Island Cruise aboard the Norwegian Sun.
Passengers on this cruise can go from floating the day away on stunning beaches in Las Palmas to melting the evening away at Mandara Spa. From delicious tapas in Santa Cruz de Tenerife to tapping their toes to award-winning Broadway musicals.
*The special offer is valid for bookings made by 30 June 2022. To book or enquire, contact your nearest Sure Travel agency. Find your nearest agency here.