The best mountain hikes in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands offer a vast network of mountaineering routes, with over 170 trails available for exploration. These routes cater to a wide range of abilities, from moderate paths to challenging ascents across diverse volcanic landscapes.

Yes, the Canary Islands have several mountaineering routes suitable for beginners. While the guide focuses on moderate to difficult trails, there are 11 routes classified as easy, providing a gentler introduction to the islands' stunning natural beauty.

For experienced mountaineers seeking a challenge, the Canary Islands offer 79 difficult routes. A notable example is the Huevos del Teide – View of Mount Teide loop from Montaña Blanca, a 16.2 km trail with significant elevation gain through Teide National Park. Another demanding option is the Roque de García – Pico Viejo Crater loop from Roque Cinchado, which takes you through dramatic volcanic terrain.

Tenerife, with its iconic Teide National Park, offers otherworldly lunar landscapes and volcanic formations. La Palma is renowned for its 'Ruta de los Volcanes' and impressive craters, while Lanzarote's Timanfaya National Park provides unique volcanic vistas. Gran Canaria also features significant volcanic terrain around Roque Nublo.

Yes, many mountaineering routes in the Canary Islands are designed as loops, allowing you to return to your starting point without retracing your steps. Examples include the View of Gran Canaria – Degollada de Guajara loop from Roque Cinchado and the Teno Alto Village – View of La Gomera loop from Los Pedregales.

Many routes lead to spectacular viewpoints. The View of Gran Canaria – Degollada de Guajara loop from Roque Cinchado offers panoramic views of Gran Canaria. On Tenerife, the Huevos del Teide – View of Mount Teide loop from Montaña Blanca provides stunning vistas of Spain's highest peak. In Fuerteventura, the View from Pico de la Zarza – Pico de la Zarza summit loop from Morro Jable Lighthouse offers expansive views of the Jandía Peninsula.

Absolutely. The Canary Islands are home to unique ancient forests. Tenerife's Anaga Rural Park features ancient laurel forests, a relic from the Tertiary period, with trails like the 'Sendero de los Sentidos'. La Palma also boasts dense laurel forests, and La Gomera's Garajonay National Park is famous for its rare laurisilva forests, offering a distinct mountaineering experience.

The mountaineering routes in the Canary Islands are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 300 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse and dramatic volcanic landscapes, the unique natural features, and the well-maintained trails that offer options for various ability levels.

Yes, on clear days, some higher elevation routes provide views of neighboring islands. For instance, the hike to Roque Nublo in Gran Canaria can offer views of Mount Teide on Tenerife. Similarly, the Teno Alto Village – View of La Gomera loop from Los Pedregales on Tenerife provides glimpses of La Gomera.

While most trails do not require permits, accessing the summit of Mount Teide via the Telesforo Bravo trail in Teide National Park does require a permit. It's advisable to check the official national park website for the latest requirements and to book well in advance.

Beyond the routes themselves, the Canary Islands boast numerous natural attractions. You can find unique geological formations like the Charco de los Clicos - Green Lake in Lanzarote, or visit the Maspalomas Lagoon in Gran Canaria. Many trails also pass by significant rock formations and ancient forests.

The Canary Islands are a geological marvel. Routes through Teide National Park on Tenerife, such as the Teide National Park – Roque de García loop from Roque Cinchado, showcase spectacular volcanic formations, petrified lava fields, and ancient craters. Similarly, La Palma's 'Ruta de los Volcanes' traverses lunar-like landscapes and impressive volcanic ridges, offering a deep dive into the islands' volcanic origins.