With seven islands in the archipelago, each with their own distinct personality, you won't be stuck for things to do in the Canary Islands. Aside from the sugar-white, powder-soft sands on the beaches and bays, the islands are littered with attractions, making them the ideal destination for those taking a break with the family or holidaying couples who want to spend some quality downtime together. From exploring the beautiful fishing village of Puerto de Mogán to marvelling at the lava-pocked landscape at Timanfaya National Park, you'll find that you can make your holidays to the Canary Islands exactly what you want them to be!
Shopping: time to flex your credit card muscles
If there are shoppers in your group and they're wondering what to do in the Canary Islands, be sure to pay a visit to Yumbo Centrum. This spectacular shopping and entertainment centre, complete with over 200 shops and restaurants, as well as some glorious green spaces, turns shopping into one of the best things to do in the Canary Islands. You'll find everything from high-end designer clothing to delicate jewellery and electronic goods.
If you'd rather experience something more authentically Canarian, take a trip to La Orotava, in Tenerife. One of the Canaries' most beautiful old towns, it's a winding maze of quaint, cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings. Tucked away in this picturesque labyrinth, you'll find some excellent and unique boutique shops and bustling market stalls selling handcrafted goods and local produce.
Keeping the little ones entertained
If you're holidaying with children and you're stuck for what to do in the Canary Islands, don't panic: there are some fantastic, family-centric attractions. Among the biggest and the best are the various waterparks that are spread across the islands.
Hot attractions and cool pastimes
There's a superb selection of things to do in the Canary Islands, for lovers of the Great Outdoors. The Timanfaya National Park offers over 50 square kilometres of lunar-style landscape and smouldering lava-fields to explore. You can choose to see it from the safety of a coach, or warm things up a bit and take a guided tour on foot. There's also the opportunity to eat in the El Diablo restaurant, where diners can enjoy delicious dishes, cooked using geothermal heat!
If you'd prefer things a little cooler, there are boat trips from virtually all the Canary Islands, allowing you to go dolphin-spotting, snorkelling or even scuba-diving, to explore the stunning coral reefs. The sea around the Canaries is also home to varieties of sea turtle, which can often be seen bobbing about in the waves or scraping their way along the sands.
Whatever your interests, there's a bounty of things to do in the Canary Islands, helping to make your break that much more memorable.
