No matter what time of year, whether summer or winter – a holiday in the Canary Islands is always a good choice.
All year round, sun-seekers, hikers,
water sports enthusiasts, culture enthusiasts, and nature lovers are drawn to the sunny islands. I’ve shared my favourite excursion destinations for the islands of Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria, and tried to highlight the unique aspects of each island.
Have fun reading!
Tenerife – the largest of the Canary Islands
In the southwest of Tenerife, before the spectacular cliffs of Los Gigantes, lies the adults-only hotel TUI BLUE Los Gigantes directly on the sea.
Shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as the harbour are in the vicinity. A visit to the small bars along the harbour is particularly worthwhile: The view of the nearby cliffs of Los Gigantes is simply indescribable. You can walk from the hotel to the rock formations and take great photos.
Whale Watching in Tenerife
During your holiday in the Canary Islands, you have the unique opportunity to glimpse whales and dolphins in the wild off the coast of Tenerife.
Not far from the hotel, at Playa de las Americas or the Costa Adeje, you can admire the beautiful marine mammals on a boat trip.
I did a kayak tour in the open sea, which I can absolutely recommend. There is nothing better than seeing these majestic animals up close. It is also more sustainable and responsible than renting a jet ski, for example. Just try it!
What’s important here is: Swimming with dolphins in the wild is prohibited in Tenerife – and that’s a good thing!
El Teide National Park
The El Teide National Park is my undisputed highlight in Tenerife!
Therefore, you should definitely plan a trip there during your holiday.
The varied landscape is incredibly fascinating and you most likely will have already seen the 3,715-metre-high island volcano when you’re on the island. I was particularly impressed by the vastness, the diverse landscapes, and the colours in the national park.
The cable car ride to Pico del Teide, the highest peak in Spain, is breathtaking! If you want to book a tour or prefer to explore the national park with a hire car, ask the hotel: our BLUE Guides will be happy to help you!
Gran Canaria – black lava and white sand
There are three TUI BLUE hotels in Gran Canaria:
The TUI BLUE Orquidea, TUI BLUE Las Pitas, and the TUI BLUE Tres Vidas are located in the south of the island directly on the sea. Don’t be alarmed: Here you will mainly find dark natural beaches made of volcanic sand and occasionally a few pebbles. So absolutely pack bathing shoes! And if you’re tired of relaxing on the beach and want to discover the sights, you can hike directly from the hotels into the beautiful nature.
Holidays in Gran Canaria with children
A day trip to Aqualand Maspalomas is a great idea for holidaymakers with children. After about a quarter hour’s drive from the TUI BLUE hotels, a gigantic water slide park with many attractions awaits you. Even grown-ups – myself included – then become kids again. I can tell you: the fun factor = huge!
The Maspalomas Dunes are also around 8 kilometres from the TUI BLUE hotels. The dunes are truly spectacular and one of my personal Gran Canaria highlights. Here I feel like I’m in the Sahara!
Even your kids will be thrilled by this huge sandbox – don’t forget the shovels and buckets! 😉
My absolute tip: Sioux City! The lively western town is a few minutes’ drive from the TUI BLUE Hotel. It looks like a cowboy could ride past on his horse at any moment.
Wild West, here I come!
Lanzarote – the island of fire
Lanzarote is rightly named because the island is probably the wildest and most spectacular of the Canary Islands. Picturesque, exciting volcanic landscapes and rock passages reminiscent of another planet can be found here in abundance.
The Playa Flamingo lies right on the doorstep of the TUI BLUE Flamingo Beach, and the fine dream beach invites you to enjoy a relaxing swimming holiday. If you are travelling with small children, this beach is also great because the entrance to the sea slopes very gently. It is also protected from large waves by jetties. Beyond them lies a spectacular reef that is very popular with divers. You shouldn’t miss that either!
From the TUI BLUE Flamingo Beach, you can walk to the centre of Playa Blanca – perfect for shopping and strolling!
Lanzarote’s Highlights
The Timanfaya National Park is the must-see highlight on Lanzarote, which you should definitely visit while on your holiday in the Canary Islands. Here you will find an unusual volcanic landscape with mountains of fire, lava rocks, and an extraordinary atmosphere.
On a bus tour through the park, you’ll become aware of the incredible expanses of the rugged, bizarre landscape.
From Timanfaya National Park we continue to the tranquil fishing village of El Golfo on the thundering Atlantic coast. The white houses of this place form a beautiful contrast to the black lava landscape, while the waves of the ocean beat against the cliffs. The green lagoon, coloured by algae and just outside the village, is also an absolute must!
Fuerteventura
Do you prefer bright sandy beaches and mild weather all year round? Then you are in the right place on Fuerte!
The extensive area of the TUI BLUE RIU Calypso in the south of Fuerteventura extends in terraces along the slope. The miles of fine golden sandy beach can be reached in a few steps and invites you to take long walks along the azure sea. You can easily walk to the centre of Jandia along the promenade.
Excursions on Fuerteventura
Near the TUI BLUE RIU Calypso Hotel, about 3 kilometres away, lies the picturesque port of Morro Jable. But don’t worry, you’ll find a bus stop right next to the hotel. Here you have the opportunity to visit a sanctuary for turtles. This is not to be confused with a zoo! This is not about exhibiting as many animals as possible, but about informing visitors about the work and the turtles.
La Pared is a small, accessible place on the west coast of Fuerteventura. Here you can enjoy the gigantic rock facades formed along the beaches by the sea in wonderful tranquillity. Grab a surfboard and plunge into the sometimes gigantic waves or hike comfortably through the dunes from coast to coast.
#My Conclusion
I hope I was able to give you a brief overview of your holiday options in the Canary Islands. All have their own charm and offer unique opportunities from each other. It’s best just to visit all of them 😉
If you’re planning a holiday on one of the islands, consider what you want to experience. Then you’re sure to find the perfect island. From dream beaches to rugged volcanic landscapes to active holidays, everything is there. Some of the islands even meet several of these criteria. I can promise you this: You will fall in love with the Canary Islands just like me!
One last tip: Before your trip, check our holiday packing list and check your travel first-aid kit. This means that you are well prepared for your journey!