Plain and simple : the Canarias have it all !
Breathtaking landscapes, hundreds of volcanoes, crystal-clear waters, pristine white sandy beaches, cute villages and of course, delicious food. The archipelago can only exceed your expectations.
Where do we go ?
The Canarias are a Spanish archipelago located in the Atlantic ocean, on the northwest coast of Africa, about 100 kilometers west of Morocco. The archipelago consists of seven main islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro) and several smaller ones.
With a high focus on surf, a huge crush on remote wild places, and if you don’t want to run, I recommend choosing only two of the seven islands : Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.
And when ?
Even if the climate can slightly vary from an island to the other, it rarely goes below 20 degrees anywhere, even in winter. I would personally advise to go March-May or September-November, when the weather is warm and sunny but not too hot, and the crowds are relatively smaller compared to the peak summer season.
What to do ?
• Fuerteventura
If you love nature, just go there. Period.
Most of the island is super wild, except for a resort town in the south that, as always, I’d advise avoiding, except if you want to hang out with German and Britts tourists… The nature is very well preserved because many areas are protected. It’s the case of the Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo and the Parque Natural de Jandía. The beaches are just next level… And they’re always surrounded by natural landscapes that you can hike and explore. Last but not least, there are over 300 volcanoes on the islands, many of them are still active but none has erupted since thousands of years. Because it is a volcanic island, there are very few trees, which gives a very cool and unusual deserty vibe.
Fuerteventura’s to do list
• Enjoy driving along scenic roads• Check out the most beautiful beaches
• Spend a day at Isla de Lobos
• Get lost in the desert
• Wander in the cute villages
• to the top of a volcano
• Try the delicious local food
Enjoy driving along scenic roads
Just like on other volcanic islands, the vegetation is rare and unusual, it looks like you’re on the moon! Just driving for point A to point B is an attraction in itself!
Check out the most beautiful beaches… especially Cofete !
Fuerteventura has the most picturesque coastlines you’ll ever lay your eyes on. Make sure to check out Playa del Castillo, Playa Blanca, Playa de Cofete, Playa de Sotavento and Playa Esquinzo.
Playa Esquinzo is great surf spot as it’s well hidden from the wind. The waves are consistent but the break is on some reefs so watch out.
At some of the beaches, you will see some little stone walls, they are called “Zocos” or “Zoqueadores“. They’re built by hand using stones that are found on the beaches and nearby areas. They’re used to protect crops from the strong winds and sandstorms that are common in the area, originally to grow cultures but now also to chill on the beach.
Playa de Cofete is obviously the most spectacular one! It stretches for over 12 kilometers along the South coast, with breathtaking views of the nearby mountains. The beach is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and dunes, creating a wild and unspoiled atmosphere. It is very remote, so getting there is obviously through an unpaved road but you’ll be driving in the Natural Park of Jandia, which is so impressive. Also, there are absolutely no facilities in the area, so bring your own food to enjoy a picnic or surfing.
Spend a day at Isla de Lobos
This is not to be missed! If you love, peaceful and unspoiled nature, this is clearly the highlight of Fuerteventura. It is a small uninhabited island, located just off the coast, named after the large number of monk seals, or “lobos marinos” in Spanish. It is a protected nature reserve and it is home to a wide variety of plants, birds, and marine life.
To go there, just go to Corralejo and book a return boat ride for Isla de Lobos in any of the travel stands on the pier.
There, you’re in for hiking and swimming. I recommend going to the top of La Caldera. It’s easily reached as it is only at 127 meters, but you’ll still have a great view of the island and it is worth seeing the crater.
Remember to take cash, cause if there is a restaurant, there is obviously no ATM or Wifi to support card reader payments on the island. The first thing you need to do when you arrive on the island is to go book a table at the restaurant cause there’s only one and it does get busy. The resto is called Chiringuito and is located in the South of the island. Once you did, you can go explore all around.
Get lost in the desert
There are really cool Dunes in Corralejo, just park along the road and walk towards the ocean or towards the inside of the land.
The dunes are formed by the trade winds that blow sand from the Sahara desert to the shores of Fuerteventura. The sand accumulates and forms dunes that can reach up to 50 meters high in some places. It’s a protected area with unique plant and animal species. You can hike in this stunning landscape, but don’t forget to take a hat and some water, as it get’s very hot.
Wander in the cute villages
El Cotillo is my favorite one, because it is the most remote and quiet one. The village has managed to maintain its traditional charm. It is a fishing village with a cute harbor and colorful fishing boats. There are obviously fresh seafood restaurants where you can have the daily catch of the local fishermen.
Corralejo is another village, much bigger than El Cotillo end therefore, more touristy. I wouldn’t advise to stay there but it is still worth strolling in the beautiful streets of the old town and along the beach, while you wait for your ride to Isla de Lobos for example.
Climb to the top of a volcano
You can hike many of the volcanoes and a cool one is Calderon Hondo. It has a 1km width and 70 meters deep crater, is one of the most prominent volcanic features on the island. From up there, you can see the islands of Los Lobos and Lanzarote.
Try the delicious local food
The food in the Canarias has a rich culinary heritage combining Spanish, African, and Latin American flavors. You will be able to find fresh seafood such as octopus, squid, sardines, and sea bream, but also great locally produced cheeses, such as “Majorero“. The traditional dishes such as “papas arrugadas,” which are small potatoes boiled in salt water and served with a spicy sauce, or “gofio,” a type of flour made from roasted maize or wheat that is used as a base for many local dishes.
• Lanzarote
You can switch island using the ferry, with the company Lineas Romero. It takes about an hour.
Very similar to Fuerteventura with insane beaches to swim or surf and loads of volcanoes to hike, Lanzarote is also a must for all nature lovers. The landscapes are maybe a bit more diverse with higher peaks and valleys and a more dramatic coastline. It is also a bit more touristy, so you’ll cross path with more people, but still very quiet and peaceful compared to some other islands of the archipelago.
Lanzarote’s to do list
• Check out Cesare Manrique’s work• Drive into craters at Timanfaya National Park
• Spend some time at Famara’s cliffs
• Check out the cool excavated vineyards of La Geria
• Spend a day at La Graciosa
• Explore la Montaña negra, el Golfo and its lago Verde
• Beach time at Punta de Papagayo and the nearvy playas
• Dip in some of the natural pools
• Stop by some cute villages
Check out Cesare Manrique’s work all over the island
In addition to its natural attractions, Lanzarote is also known for its unique architecture and cultural heritage, particularly the work of the artist and architect Cesare Manrique. Manrique was born in Lanzarote and he is known for his work in blending art, architecture, and nature to create unique and sustainable structures and spaces. His influence can be seen throughout the island, from the Foundation, to the iconic Jameos del Agua cave complex, to the stunning Mirador del Rio viewpoint.
Drive into craters at Timanfaya National Park
This is a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so you can’t drive passed the restaurant El Diablo. There, you have to hop on a guided bus tour, which I was very reluctant to at first, but in the end, it was really worth it. The volcanoes were formed during a series of eruptions between 1730 and 1736, and it is a very unique and impressive landscape.
Spend some time at Famara’s cliffs
Famara is located on the northwest coast. There is a small peaceful village on the left when you’re facing the ocean, with white-washed houses and narrow streets. On the right, there is a great surf spot near the cliffs. I really loved it there, and we stayed more nights that originally planned. It is just beautiful, wild and cosy.
Check out the cool excavated vineyards of La Geria
The soil of Lanzarote is primarily made of volcanic ash and rock. Plus, the water sources are very limited since it rarely rains. Therefore, the farmers developed a creative way of growing grapes by digging holes in the soil, which are then surrounded by small walls made from volcanic rocks to protect the vines from the wind and retain humidity.
Spend a day at La Graciosa
Just like you need to go to Los Lobos in Fuerteventura, you have to go to La Graciosa while in Lanzarote.
You have to take a ferry from Orzola, and once you get on La Graciosa, just rent a bike. By foot, you’ll miss many cool places. There are also 4×4 taxis, but I think this really takes away the point of being in an incredibly peaceful and natural environment.
Playa de Las Conchas and Playa de la Francesa are the beaches you just can’t miss.
Las Conchas is located on the north coast and it is surrounded by rugged cliffs and volcanic formations giving it a unique and picturesque setting. You can swim in turquoise waters, sunbath and explore the rocky surroundings of the beach.
Playa de la Francesa is located in the south, and for this one you need to give up your bike and go by foot, as most of the way is in deep sand. There you can notice the nearby islands of Montaña Clara and Alegranza, as well as many cliffs and dunes around.
Before taking the ferry back to Orzola, take the time to stroll around in the little village Caleta del Sebo and check out the whitewashed houses or visit the small church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen.
Explore la Montaña negra, el Golfo and its lago Verde
Montaña Negra is a volcanic mountain located on the South-West of Lanzarote. It is known for its unique black and red volcanic rock formations. El Golfo is a small coastal town located nearby Montaña Negra, known for its dramatic coastline, black sand beach, and natural lagoon called Lago Verde. This lagoon is a unique natural wonder, with bright green water caused by the accumulation of algae and minerals.
Spend some time on the beach at Punta de Papagayo and the playas nearby
Punta de Papagayo is a remote and picturesque beach located in a protected natural area on the South of Lanzarote. The water is crystal-clear and the sand is fine white, but what I liked the most is the background environment with volcanoes that makes you feel you’re in another world.
North of Punta del Papagayo, you have playa Mujeres, which is pretty much the same, and South you can walk along the coast until Caleta del Congrio, which is way more quiet than the two others and just as beautiful. It is a nudist one though – You’ve been warned. 🙂
Dip in some of the natural pools
Punta Mujeres is a charming coastal village also known for its natural pools, small sandy beach, and traditional fishing boats. The village offers a peaceful and authentic Canarian experience, with a laid-back atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing and soaking up the local culture.
You can also find some natural pools at Los Charcones, a super remote corner on the south coast of Lanzarote, formed by volcanic rocks and filled with crystal-clear seawater. They offer a unique and beautiful setting for swimming and snorkeling, as well as hiking and enjoying the stunning scenery of the area.
Stop by some cute villages
In the middle of the island, there is the historic town of Teguise, known for its beautiful architecture, lively market, and nearby natural beauty, including volcanic landscapes and picturesque villages. You should definitely stop there for a bit of history and culture.
About 30 minutes South of Famara is Tenesar, a very small and secluded village on the southeast coast. There, you’ll see some very genuine local white houses and a beautiful black beach. There is one restaurant called Chez Bunny, that I couldn’t try because it was closed.
Last few details…
I used the app Yescapa to rent a van, it’s the third time I do, and I can only recommend it. It is very much like Airbnb but for vans. The insurance is included in the price. You may need to give your deposit in cash to the owner of the van.
You can also rent a car with CICAR or with my favorite of all times : Rentalcars.com. And as already mentioned in other articles : always book the insurance separately with Rentalcover.com.
*****
TO PUT YOU IN THE MOOD
Which island of the Canarias have you been to ?
Share your thoughts and let me know your tips !
🙂