Top Hiking Trails in the Canary Islands: Spain's Volcanic Wonders
Top Hiking Trails in the Canary Islands: Spain's Volcanic Wonders
The Canary Islands' volcanic landscapes boast dense laurel forests, black sand beaches, extinct craters, dramatic cliffs, seas of clouds, and Spain's highest peak, Mount Teide. Discover some of the most scenic hiking trails in Spain, many leading to stunning summits. Ready to lace up your boots?
Garajonay: A Fantasy Laurel Forest
Begin on La Gomera in Garajonay National Park, home to an ancient laurel forest with plant species extinct elsewhere for millions of years. Hiking here feels like stepping back to the Tertiary Period amid moss-draped trees and horizontal rain from low clouds. The park's name derives from a tragic legend of lovers Gara and Jonay. Guided tours are available with advance booking. For self-guided options, choose from 18 well-marked trails, up to 12.7 km (about 6.5 hours). Visit the visitor center for maps, apps, and audioguides.
Hiking in Cedro Forest, Garajonay National Park, La Gomera
© Turismo de Canarias
Camino de Jinama: Heart of a Renewable Energy Island
On El Hierro, the world's first 100% renewable energy island with more trails than roads, try the Camino de Jinama. This 3.5 km trail climbs 815 m, historically used for seasonal migrations. Descend for ease, enjoying extinct volcano views from La Ermita chapel. The island's highest point is Pico de Malpaso (1,500 m) on GR-131. Don't miss wind-twisted trees at El Sabinar.
Jinama viewing point, El Hierro
Sea of Clouds from Roque de los Muchachos
In La Palma's Caldera de Taburiente National Park, GR-131 rims a 1,500 m-deep caldera. Hike to Roque de los Muchachos for unrivaled views of a sea of clouds. Explore all park routes here. Bonus: Visit Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, home to the Gran Telescopio Canarias, under some of the world's clearest skies.
Cumbrecita viewing point, Caldera de Taburiente National Park, La Palma
© Patronato de Turismo. Excmo Cabildo Insular de La Palma
Summit Spain's Highest Peak: Mount Teide
Tenerife's Teide National Park features Spain's tallest mountain (3,718 m), the world's third-highest volcano. Ride the cable car to 3,555 m, then hike higher with a permit (or overnight at Altavista Refuge). Follow the Telesforo Bravo trail for 170 m gain and panoramic views. Fun fact: Teide casts the planet's longest shadow over the sea at dawn and dusk.
The night sky at Teide, Tenerife
© Turismo de Tenerife
Secret Shoreline Caves
Fuerteventura, famed for beaches, reveals tide-dependent caves like Herminia at Los Molinos—explore safely at low tide. Over 255 km of trails await; try SL-FV 27 in Betancuria Rural Park (1.7 km, easy): follow river Palmas, see ancient palms, La Virgen de la Peña chapel, and Peñitas reservoir. Also, boat to Islote de Lobos for its path.
Islote de Lobos Nature Reserve, Fuerteventura
© Turismo de Canarias
Roque Nublo: A Stone Window to Wonder
Gran Canaria's Roque Nublo, an 80 m volcanic monolith at 1,813 m, sacred to indigenous people and a UNESCO site (Risco Caído and Sacred Mountains). A 2.5-hour circular route accesses this extinct volcano conduit. View it through the "Nublo window" stone arch via an easy trail from Los Llanos de la Pez. Stay at Parador Cruz de Tejeda for room views.
A Walk on Mars: Lanzarote's Volcanic Realm
Lanzarote's Timanfaya National Park, shaped by 18th-19th century eruptions, offers guided routes amid otherworldly lava fields. Try the 10 km Caldera Blanca trail from Los Dolores church—family-friendly with minimal elevation. Find more Canary Islands trails here.
Los Volcanes Nature Reserve, Lanzarote
© Turismo de Canarias
