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Our Walking Holidays in The Canary Isles

Lying off North Africa, the Canary Islands are a perfect destination for a walking holiday, renowned for their sunny climate, extraordinary landscape and friendly people. You can take your pick from the mountainous Tenerife, lush La Gomera, dramatic Gran Canaria and the striking island of La Palma. These are spectacular destinations for discerning walkers with an eye for abundant flora and natural beauty.

Home of the indigenous Guanche people, the islands are a charming blend of beautiful colonial buildings and historic towns with traditional farming life that has remained unchanged for centuries.

A veritable paradise for bird lovers and botanists, these islands also boast unique flora. Look out for curious indigenous shrubs and stonecrops, extinct elsewhere but on La Gomera, or hardy alpine vegetation on the slopes of Mount Teide. The terrain is rocky and volcanic, providing a superb habitat for 200 species of birds from falcons to the native canary.

Tenerife's appeal lies in its soaring volcanic cliffs, snow capped Mount Teide, and fertile valleys abundant with cork and splashes of yellow mimosa. La Gomera is home to an ancient laurel forest and precipitous palm-lush ravines. On La Palma you'll find verdant forests, volcanic craters, a mountainous national park, and rich vineyards which produce sweet Malmsey wines. Gran Canaria then boasts incredibly varied landscapes from lush forests and mountains to white beaches and the cosmopolitan capital, Las Palmas.

The Canary Islands are a utopia of dramatic contrasts and can all be explored with our exciting walking holidays, available in guided and self-guided options.

Where can I go on a walking holiday in the Canary Islands?

Here are just a few of the handpicked walking holiday destinations available to you in the Canary Islands.

LA PALMA

La Palma, nicknamed La Isla Bonita ('the Beautiful Island'), is a relatively unheard-of volcanic island in the western Canaries. For its small size, it features a vast amount of diverse scenery, from dense cloud forests to volcanic landscapes with twisted rock formations and black sand beaches. This mountainous island offers an incredible holiday, walking through well-waymarked paths of extensive evidence of volcanic activity including the awe-inspiring National Park and world-famous Calderas.

LANZAROTE

A unique island of natural beauty, Lanzarote is a year-round destination with a temperate climate and otherworldly terrain. Enjoy birdwatching with the chance to see many protected bird species, walk up and across volcanic craters, enjoy time on the stunning beaches and visit the little-known island of La Graciosa in this varied week-long, self-guided trip.

LA GOMERA

Located 30km from Tenerife, La Gomera is known as the untouched Canary Island, a paradise for those who like dramatic scenery, awe-inspiring vistas, beautiful green valleys and ancient tropical rain forests. A walker's delight, the island measures just 20 square miles yet is packed with a variety of routes that are suited to all abilities. Some La Gomera holiday packages come with a car included for you to explore more of this incredible island at a pace that suits you.

GRAN CANARIA

Gran Canaria is less than 100 miles off the northwest coast of Africa and is in the centre of the Canaries Atlantic archipelago. This volcanic island is often referred to as 'a continent in miniature' with its extraordinarily varied landscapes ranging from lush green forests and valleys in the north to the towering mountainous interior, plus the desert-like dunes and beautiful white beaches of its southern shores.

TENERIFE

Renowned as the 'Island of Eternal Spring', Tenerife's wild beauty varies from the dramatic landscapes of the UNESCO Teide National Park, capped by the famous volcano itself, to its spectacular coastline with stunning ocean views. This walker's paradise offers you the opportunity to explore vibrant green valleys and lush pine forests, as well as the local activities and cultural events.

EL HIERRO

The least known of the Canary Islands, El Hierro is a mixture of volcanic scenery, pastures and beautiful Canarian pine woodlands, whose inhabitants are independently minded and fiercely proud of their unspoiled home. Explore all corners of this pristine island and its spectacular escarpments, volcanic ash cones and lava flows, great coastline and pastoral, forested central plateau.

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Walk the Bonita Island of La Palma
Spain: The Canary Isles

Walk the Bonita Island of La Palma

Visit this mountainous island for an incredible holiday, walking through extensive evidence of volcanic activity including the awe-inspiring National Park and world-famous Calderas.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW07BI
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration7 nights, single centre
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$860per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts - half board as an option
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Walking the trails of Tenerife
Spain: The Canary Isles

Walking the trails of Tenerife

Few places can match the natural beauty of the Canary Islands, especially Tenerife, which has become a mecca for enthusiastic walkers. Join us on this week long walking holiday, taking in the highlights of this stunning year-round destination.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW07TR
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration7 nights, single centre
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1550per person, tour only
  • NEW FOR 2024  
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts and evening meals included
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Contrasts of Lanzarote
Spain: The Canary Isles

Contrasts of Lanzarote

A unique island of natural beauty and biological importance, Lanzarote is a year-round destination with a temperate climate and other-worldly terrain. Enjoy birdwatching, walk up and across volcanic craters, enjoy time on the stunning beaches and visit to the little-known island of La Graciosa.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW07LZ
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration7 nights, single centre
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1580per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • All buffet breakfasts
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Volcanoes and Vineyards of Lanzarote
Spain: The Canary Isles

Volcanoes and Vineyards of Lanzarote

The least known of the Canary Islands, El Hierro is a mixture of volcanic scenery, pastures and beautiful Canarian pine woodlands, whose inhabitants are independently minded and fiercely proud of their unspoiled home.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW07VV
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration7 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1580per person, tour only
  • NEW FOR 2024  

  • 4 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • Most breakfasts and two evening meals
  • Route notes provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Walking on Gran Canaria
Spain: The Canary Isles

Walking on Gran Canaria

The volcanic island of Gran Canaria is often referred to as 'a continent in miniature' with its extraordinarily varied landscapes. Ranging from lush green forests and valleys in the north, to the towering mountainous interior, to the desert-like dunes and beautiful white beaches of its southern shores.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW07RI
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration7 nights, twin centre
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1685per person, tour only

  • 5 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • All buffet breakfasts
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Contrasts of La Gomera
Spain: The Canary Isles

Contrasts of La Gomera

La Gomera is known as the untouched Canary Island, a paradise for those who like dramatic scenery, awe inspiring vistas, beautiful green valleys and ancient tropical rain forests. Popular with walkers of all abilities, this holiday comes with a car included for you to explore more of this incredible island.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW07LA
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration7 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1700per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • All buffet breakfasts
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Walking in Tenerife and La Palma
Spain: The Canary Isles

Walking in Tenerife and La Palma

Walking trip offering you the opportunity to explore two Canarian islands - the variety of Tenerife with its lunar landscapes and La Isla Bonita - La Palma.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW07TC
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration7 nights, twin centre
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$2345per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • All buffet breakfasts
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Contrasts of Tenerife Walk (with transfers)
Spain: The Canary Isles

Contrasts of Tenerife Walk (with transfers)

Renowned as the 'Island of Eternal Spring', Tenerife's wild beauty varies from the dramatic landscapes of the UNESCO Teide National Park, capped by the famous volcano itself, to its spectacular coastline with stunning ocean views.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW07TT
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration7 nights, twin centre
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$3050per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts and 3 evening meals
  • Route notes provided
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Contrasts of Tenerife Walk (with car hire)
Spain: The Canary Isles

Contrasts of Tenerife Walk (with car hire)

Renowned as the 'Island of Eternal Spring', Tenerife's wild beauty varies from the dramatic landscapes of the UNESCO Teide National Park, capped by the famous volcano itself, to its spectacular coastline with stunning ocean views.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW07TN
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration7 nights, twin centre
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$2030per person, tour only

  • 12 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts and 3 evening meals
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Walking the Trails of La Palma
Spain: The Canary Isles

Walking the Trails of La Palma

This walking trip takes advantage of the island well waymarked paths. Starting on the eastern side of La Palma, follow the coast to the north and then finally head south across the great Caldera which dominates the island.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW07PA
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration7 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1550per person, tour only

  • 8 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • Breakfasts daily
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Highlights of El Hierro Walk
Spain: The Canary Isles

Highlights of El Hierro Walk

This 7-night linear walk takes you to all corners of the smallest of the Canary Islands. The unspoiled island has spectacular escarpments, volcanic ash cones and lava flows, a great coastline and a green - pastoral and forested - central plateau.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW07CH
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration7 nights, hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1850per person, tour only

  • 9 Reviews
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts, 1 lunch and 6 evening meals
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Walking in El Hierro
Spain: The Canary Isles

Walking in El Hierro

The least known of the Canary Islands, El Hierro is a mixture of volcanic scenery, pastures and beautiful Canarian pine woodlands, whose inhabitants are independently minded and fiercely proud of their unspoiled home.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW07EH
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration7 nights, single centre
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$1865per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts and evening meals
  • Route notes provided
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Walking in Gran Canaria and La Palma
Spain: The Canary Isles

Walking in Gran Canaria and La Palma

Explore the miniature continent of Gran Canaria and La Isla Bonita of La Palma in one trip.

DEPARTURE MONTHS

JFMAMJJASOND

  • Holiday codeW07CP
  • Holiday typeSelf-guided walking
  • Duration7 nights, twin centre
  • Activity level
  • Excellent for
  • From US$2300per person, tour only
  • All accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Headwater navigation provided
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

Frequently asked questions

Which Canary Island is best for walking?

Tenerife has the most marked trails for hiking and our walking holidays allow you to see the best of the Canary Island's largest paradise. These quiet and calm trails have good accessibility and will allow you to experience a plethora of different astonishing sights on the island. From the volcanic landscape of Tiede National Park to the lush greenery of Anaga, you can take in the wild beauty of Tenerife with our guided and self-guided Canary Island walking tours.

Are the Canary Islands walkable?

Absolutely! In fact, walking is one of the best ways to enjoy the diverse wildlife and nature in the Canary Islands. They offer a variety of walking routes and hiking trails ideal for both experienced hikers and families on their first walking holiday. Simply select the package that matches your preferences and ability to enjoy the paradisiacal contrasts of the islands at your own pace.

What to expect from your walking holiday in the Canary Islands?

If you're looking to experience the breathtaking landscape and local culture of the Canary Islands on foot, then our walking holidays are the perfect adventure for you. Ideal for those who love the great outdoors and enjoy staying active, you'll be out and about in the natural beauty of these islands for most of the day.

Our self-guided walking tours come with a full itinerary, which means that you can explore the region at your own pace without missing out on any must-see sights. You'll have the opportunity to experience local cuisine, history and diverse wildlife.When you book with Headwater, you can expect an excellent level of service with added benefits, including:

  • Routes, maps and detailed notes
  • Pre-booked hotel accommodations included
  • Dedicated luggage-moving between destinations
  • GPS route directions
  • Optional flights and airport transfers

What to pack for a walking holiday in the Canary Islands?

The season in which you choose to travel to the Canary Islands will affect what you need to bring along for your walking holiday. The islands have consistent temperatures and sunshine hours between nine and 10 hours a day in the summer so it's essential that you always have appropriate sun protection with you, like suncream and hats. Even the winter months can be warm and expose you to UV rays so extra care is needed when spending most of your time outdoors.

Your destination will also need to be kept in mind when packing as the islands have slightly different climates. La Palma and La Gomera are subtropical humid and have more rain than in other parts of the Canaries. This means that you should be prepared with waterproofs if travelling here. If you're going on one of our self-guided walking holidays in the Canary Islands, we recommend packing a first-aid kit in case of emergencies.

What to wear on a walking holiday in the Canary Islands?

Due to the high levels of physical activity on your walking trip in the Canary Islands, you must stay comfortable throughout. Familiarising yourself with the difficulty grade of your chosen walking route and the weather for your period of travel will help you to decide on the right clothes to wear. Sturdy walking boots and thick socks are musts.

Depending on the season in which you're travelling, you may need clothing that suits humid and hot weather like shorts and lightweight layers.

What time of year is best for walking in the Canary Islands?

Spring and autumn are the best times of year for a walking holiday in the Canary Islands as the temperatures are significantly cooler and more comfortable than in the summer months. It also tends to rain less than in the winter.

Why choose Headwater for walking holidays in the Canary Islands?

We have nearly 40 years of experience in crafting the adventure holidays of dreams, and our walking tours in the Canary Islands are no different. Whether you're going for a self-guided or guided option, you can book your Canary Island walking excursion confidently with us today and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.

  • Outstanding destinations - Thanks to our five-step approval process, we offer some of the most exciting destinations and charming hotels in the world for your next adventure holiday.

  • Highly rated holidays - We're rated highly on Feefo so you can trust us to deliver only the most exceptional tours and customer service.

  • Hassle-free travel - We keep your journey nice and easy from take-off to coming home. We'll arrange your entire walking holiday in the Canary Islands and that includes booking your flights, too.

  • Winning awards - The British Travel Awards is just one of the accolades that we've received for our adventure holidays all over the world.

  • Sustainability at heart - We're dedicated to being part of the collective effort tackling climate change. As part of our People, Places, & Planet Plan, we're working towards becoming Nature Net Positive.

  • ABTA- and ATOL-protected - You can book your walking adventure around the Canary Islands with complete confidence thanks to our ABTA and ATOL protection. Find out what your key rights are when booking a holiday with us.

  • Benefitting communities - The Exodus Travels Foundation is passionate about working hard to make sure that our adventures empower and protect the communities and environments which we take people to visit.

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