City Guides: Things to do While Boating in the Canary Islands
Off the northwest coast of Africa, the Canary Islands greet boaters and travelers with a diverse landscape of rugged cliffs, lush forests and charming villages. The Canary Islands, a Spanish territory, comprise a cluster of volcanic islands offering a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural treasures.
Photo: Wikimedia
The seven main islands include Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro. Let’s discover some fun and unique things to do from private boat docks for rent in the Canary Islands.
Teide National Park (Tenerife)
Photo: Wikimedia/Mstyslav Chernov/CC by SA 3.0
Home to Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts surreal volcanic landscapes, unique flora and breathtaking views. Visitors can take a cable car ride to near the summit or hike the surrounding trails. The volcanic terrain includes craters, vents and lava flows, creating a dramatic and otherworldly atmosphere.
The park is a popular destination for hiking, stargazing and scientific research due to its clear skies and unique environment. Established in 1954, it’s Spain's oldest and most visited national park.
Anaga Rural Park (Tenerife)
Photo: Wikimedia/Diego Deslo/CC by SA
A paradise for hikers and nature lovers, this rugged park in northeastern Tenerife offers lush forests, dramatic cliffs and secluded beaches. The ancient laurel forests of Anaga Rural Park are a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a wonderful site to visit from private boat slips for rent.
Visitors can explore hiking trails, offering breathtaking views and opportunities to encounter endemic flora and fauna. Anaga is also home to small picturesque villages where traditional Canarian culture thrives, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Volcanoes
Photo: Wikimedia/H. Zell/CC by SA 3.0 (Timanfaya National Park)
Known for its otherworldly volcanic scenery, Timanfaya National Park, on Lanzarote, offers guided tours through its lunar-like landscapes, showcasing geothermal demonstrations and stunning views. You can even take a tour on a camel.
Another fascinating volcanic attraction on Lanzarote, Cueva de los Verdes is a series of lava tubes formed by volcanic eruptions. Guided tours take visitors through this natural wonder, showcasing its unique rock formations and history.
Jameos del Agua (Lanzarote)
Photo: Wikimedia/Lmbuga/CC by SA 3.0
Created by the artist César Manrique, Jameos del Agua is a blend of art, culture and natural beauty. It’s a stunning spot to visit from private boat lifts for rent. Part of a volcanic cave system formed by lava flows from the La Corona volcano, the complex features an underground lake inhabited by blind albino crabs that are endemic to the site.
Manrique transformed the caves into a stunning blend of natural and artistic beauty, incorporating a concert hall, a restaurant and a swimming pool. Jameos del Agua is celebrated for its harmonious integration of art and nature, exemplifying Manrique's vision and Lanzarote's volcanic landscape.
La Palma Biosphere Reserve (La Palma)
Photo: Wikimedia/Andre Vermeij/CC by SA 2.0
This UNESCO La Palma Biosphere Reserve is renowned for its rich biodiversity, which includes lush forests, volcanic landscapes and clear skies ideal for stargazing. The Caldera de Taburiente National Park is a highlight of any trip to a marina or private boat dock rental in the Canary Islands. The reserve promotes sustainable development, conservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage. It’s home to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, which integrates scientific research, tourism and local community engagement.
Santa Cruz de la Palma (La Palma)
Photo: Wikimedia/Tamara K./CC by SA 4.0
Santa Cruz de la Palma, the capital city of La Palma, is known for its colonial architecture, colorful balconies and historic landmarks such as the Church of El Salvador and the Castillo de Santa Catalina. Founded in 1493, its historic quarter boasts cobblestone streets, wooden balconies and the impressive Iglesia de El Salvador.
The town's maritime history is celebrated with the annual Bajada de la Virgen de las Nieves festival. Visitors enjoy the bustling Plaza de España and the Naval Museum housed in a replica of the Santa Maria. With black sand beaches and lush landscapes, Santa Cruz de La Palma offers a charming blend of history and natural beauty.
Dunas de Maspalomas (Gran Canaria)
Photo: Wikimedia/dronepicr/CC by SA 2.0
The vast sand dunes of Dunas de Maspalomas, located on the southern coast of Gran Canaria, are a popular attraction for sunbathers, hikers, and photographers. The adjacent Maspalomas Beach offers opportunities for relaxation and water sports.
If you’re ever boating around the exotic area of the Canary Islands - whether from a resort, marina or private boat dock rental - take time to explore some of these attractions.
