The best hiking routes in Canary Islands

The Canary Islands present a sharp division between dense, moisture-trapping forests and barren volcanic fields. If you prefer walking under a closed canopy, the western islands offer damp, shaded paths. In Parque Nacional de Garajonay, the trails run through ancient laurel forests where condensation constantly drips from the leaves, leaving the clay underfoot damp and slick. Similarly, the steep ravines of Parque Natural de Las Nieves are filled with dense pine needles and ferns, meaning your view is mostly confined to the immediate woodland rather than distant coastlines.

For those who prefer open, rocky terrain, the eastern and central landscapes are dominated by volcanic activity and sand. Parque Nacional del Teide features high-altitude paths over rough, abrasive pumice and dark obsidian shards, where the lack of shade is a constant factor. If you walk in Parque Nacional de Timanfaya or the adjacent Parque Natural de Los Volcanes, you will traverse vast fields of sharp, brittle lava crust and black ash, where the ground feels metallic and hollow under your boots. These areas lack any vegetation, offering a stark contrast to the green western parks.

Choosing where to walk depends on your comfort with steep gradients and footing. The northern slopes of the mountainous islands feature deep barrancos that require demanding climbs on stone-laid mule tracks, whereas Parque Natural de Corralejo offers flat walking across deep, shifting coastal sand dunes. In the winter months, such as January, you may find snow dusting the high ridges of the central peaks, while the coastal paths remain dry and dusty.