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Ten best things to do in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands offer so much for visitors to enjoy across several different ports of call, each with their own unique attractions. You could find yourself riding a camel one day and gliding along a lazy river in a waterpark the next, such is life in this part of the world! To help you make the most of your holiday, we spoke to our Shore Experience experts who have put together this recommended list of the best things to do in the Canary Islands.
6 min
09 Jul 2024
Best For Culture Seekers…
Acuras’ Secrets and Canary Rum – Gran Canaria
Discover the scenic charms of Acuras on this Shore Experience on the island of Gran Canaria. Tucked away in the mountains, Acuras is one of Gran Canaria’s most enchanting villages. Its cobblestone streets, lined with elaborate wooden balconies, are like something from a fairy tale. It also boasts one of the island’s most magnificent neo-Gothic cathedrals and sweeping views out to the sparkling blue seas that shimmer off Gran Canaria’s shores. Once you’ve soaked up all of Acuras’ charms, you’ll visit the largest and oldest rum distillery in Europe. Here you’ll learn the secrets behind Canary Island rum making, as well as sampling a selection of rums and liquors distilled on site.
Best For Nature Lovers…
Trekking in The Valley of 1000 Palms – Lanzarote
Stretch your legs under the warm Canarian sun on this scenic hike through Lanzarote’s Valley of 1000 Palms. You’ll start your adventure at the island’s highest peak, Peñas del Cache, trekking through Lanzarote’s only forest. Continuing on, you’ll reach the Valley’s viewpoint, where you’ll have a chance to gaze out over this beautiful green oasis in all its glory. Some free time to explore the charming village of Haria then follows before a short coach ride to the Cuevas Verdes, one of the longest volcanic tunnels in the world. Once a refuge from marauding pirates, today these extraordinary green caves are home to a 500-seat natural concert hall.
Best For Families…
Mount Teide Cable Car – Tenerife
Drink in the sweeping views from the top of Tenerife’s famous Mount Teide on this scenic cable car ride. You’ll be whisked from ground level to 11,600 feet above sea level, where you’ll alight your cable car onto the crater of the world’s third highest volcano. The thrilling ascent takes just eight minutes and rewards you with awe-inspiring panoramas stretching out across Tenerife in every direction. The trip also includes a scenic drive through Tenerife’s mist-filled Esperanza Forest, with its radiant emerald-coloured canopies and atmospheric low cloud. You’ll stop at several points along the journey, offering an opportunity to immerse yourself in this wonder of the natural world.
Best For Sun Worshippers…
A day of two beaches – Fuerteventura
Sun lovers can get their fix with this Shore Experience to two of Fuerteventura’s beaches. Your first stop will be to the Corralejo Dunes National Park, home to the largest sand dunes in the Canaries. You’ll be free to spend your time here however you wish. You could scale the dunes while watching for native birds or soak up the sun on the white sand beach between inviting dips in the sapphire sea. Next, you’ll head to Caleta de Fuste, where a palm lined promenade offers plenty of places to grab a drink or a light bite overlooking the shore. The expansive sandy bay by the marina is a perfect sunbathing spot – sheltered from the swells, it’s an excellent beach for families.
Best For Traditional Charm…
Las Palmas Walk of Discovery – Gran Canaria
Discover the colourful history of Las Palmas’ charming old town, Vagueta, on this guided walk. This centuries old district is peppered with Spanish architecture, decorative balconies, and picturesque squares. Marvel at the twin towered Cathedral of Santa Ana, with its sympathetic blend of gothic, renaissance, and neoclassical styles. You’ll also come face-to-face with Episcopal Palace, and La Casa de Colon (Columbus’ House), where the intrepid explorer famously stayed on the island on the way to discovering the new world while awaiting the repair of his ship. Today, it is a museum, housing artefacts of traditional Canarian historical significance.
Best For Thrill Seekers…
Fuerteventura by buggy – Fuerteventura
Explore Fuerteventura from a unique point of view, zipping around the island on your own self-driven all-terrain vehicle. After a quick test drive to get comfortable with the controls, you’ll set off from Corralejo, cruising along behind your guide with the cool sea breeze on your skin. Your tour will take you through beautiful national parks and coastal roads, past views of sand dunes, lava fields, and sparkling seas. After a quick pit stop to stretch your legs in Parque Holandés, you’ll continue along dirt tracks, driving the ridge of volcanic craters. Stop to admire the sweeping panoramas across Fuerteventura one last time, before returning to base and back to your ship.
Best For Wine and Foodies…
Tenerife Wine and Tapas – Tenerife
Savour a taste of Tenerife on this exclusive visit to the island’s best El Sauzal and Tacoronte wine regions. You’ll start your tour at La Baranda House of Wine, a Canarian mansion and wine museum located on a 17th Century Estate. Here, you’ll discover the heritage of Tenerife’s wine industry, and sample a selection of red, white, and Rosé wines. Afterwards, you’ll visit Bodegas Alvaro, an 80-year-old artisan winery and home to one of the largest collections of wines in the Canary Islands. After tasting even more wines, including a sparkling cava and a sweet Moscatel, you’ll enjoy a selection of traditional Tenerife tapas, including the island’s famous salt potatoes and mojo sauce.
Best For Retail Therapy…
Teguise Sunday Market – Lanzarote
If your ship calls into Lanzarote on a Sunday, be sure to visit the island’s famous Teguise Sunday Market. A shopper’s paradise, the atmosphere of this local’s favourite shopping spot is always abuzz with excitement. Lining the narrow streets that run through Lanzarote’s former capital, a visit to Teguise on market day always feels like an event. As you browse the labyrinth of stalls, rubbing shoulders with tourists and locals alike, you’ll encounter a huge variety of wares. Handmade leather goods. Silver and gold Jewellery. Local artworks and glassware. There’s so much to tempt to. Once you’ve completed your purchases, perhaps make your way to one of the surrounding bars or cafés to indulge in a strong coffee or a cool drink as you admire your keepsakes.
Best For Relaxation…
Aloe Vera Workshop – Fuerteventura
Natural beauty enthusiasts will love this opportunity to craft your own organic Aloe Vera face mask at this relaxing workshop. Offering antiseptic, anaesthetic, and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera is a super plant grown by many Canary Island residents in their gardens. You’ll start your visit with a walk through the aloe fields in the village of Tiscamanita, getting a feel for how this wonder of nature is fertilised and harvested. Then it’s mask-making time. With help from your host, you’ll blend fresh aloe vera with other natural ingredients like citrus to create your own bespoke face mask to take away with you. Perhaps, give your digestive system a boost with an aloe-infused cocktail as you work, before heading back to your ship to enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Find your Canary Islands cruise
Like the sound of some of the experiences on this list? Take a look our cruises to the Canary Islands for details of all our upcoming itineraries. Once booked, you’ll be able to browse the full list of Shore Experiences available in each port of call, simply by logging in to My Cunard from your smartphone or other internet-enabled device.
All of our Cunard Shore Experiences include travel to and from your ship and are offered in conjunction with vetted local guides. Some of our best things to do in the Canary Islands sell out quickly, so we highly recommend taking advantage of being able to book in advance to secure your space!
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