The summer holidays are one of the most anticipated times of the year, a time that means a well-deserved rest for many to spend with the family. We all know how important it is to disconnect without worrying about work or our usual routine, but instead, letting time pass lying in the sun and exploring new places.
There are many charming corners of the Canary Islands, dream beaches, routes to discover, and impressive gastronomy that await you. Here we offer you a small list of the things you cannot miss when you come here on holiday.
5 musts to do in the Canary Islands:
· Family hiking trails.
· Gastronomic routes to enjoy the best food.
· The best beaches to lie on and bathe in clear waters.
· Concerts, festivals, and traditional fiestas.
· Where to find the best sunsets.
Hiking with the kids.
The best way to get to know the islands is to walk along their paths and trails to discover the wildest nature and amazing landscapes, and breathe the freshest air to get away from civilization.
In Gran Canaria, there are many simple trails suitable for the whole family, some of which stand out, such as the circular Roque Nublo, where you can see a unique landscape, with views of the town of Tejeda and Roque Bentayga.
The well-known Los Cernícalos, a beautiful and easy route, which ends in some beautiful waterfalls that have water all year round, or the Camino de la Plata, where you will walk through pine forests, a royal road through places of high scenic and cultural value such as Cruz de Tejeda, Cruz Grande, or the town of Tunte.
The best way to enjoy this experience to the fullest is to do it early in the day or at sunset. When the sun begins to go down, put on your hiking boots and encourage yourself to go and explore.
The 5 best easily accessible routes and trails:
Silver path: The walk begins at the foot of the main road that passes through the Llanos de la Pez, the GC-600, which is the one that connects the Pico de los Pozos de la Nieve with Ayacata. Distance: 9km.
Blue tajinaste route: The path begins in the Caldera de los Marteles, which is accessible via the GC-130 road, which goes from Telde to La Cumbre, passing through La Breña and Cazadores. Distance: 4.1km.
Circular route to Roque Nublo: The beginning of the path starts from the GC-600, the road that connects the Llanos de la Pez with Ayacata. It is signposted and has a car park. Distance: 4.9km.
Cernícalos Ravine: You have to access the town of Telde, from where the GC-131 leaves for Lomo Magullo. After this town in the direction of Cazadores there is a detour to the right towards Los Arenales. Just follow the road until you reach the Adolfo Santana recreational area. Distance: 7 km (round trip).
El Alamo: To get to the beginning of the route, you must first go to the town of Teror. From there, go down the section of the GC-21 that passes by the municipal offices of the so-called New Town Hall, which connects with Calle José Miranda Guerra. When you reach the entrance to IES Teror, turn right onto Camino Real El Álamo street. It will take you to the start of the walk. Distance: 3km (6km if you return the same way)
Canarian gastronomy route.
Try to discover the culinary treasure that awaits you in every corner of the Canary Islands, wrinkled potatoes with mojo picón sauce, ropa vieja, watercress stew, Canarian stew, or gofio, and for those with a sweet tooth, palm honey, bienmesabe, biscuits, and Canary Islands bananas are examples of the gastronomic jewels that you can try.
Ideally, you should check it out, and go and savour these gifts for the palate surrounded by a unique and magical environment. There are lots of variety to taste!
Beaches.
Looking for the perfect beach? The Canary Islands have an extraordinary climate, with paradisiacal beaches and coves, inviting you to put on your swimsuit and take a dip in one of them. They are perfect for all types of relaxation and adventure tourism, and will make you fall in love with these fantastic islands.
The eight islands that make up the Canary Archipelago have a beautiful coastline full of wild nature and tranquillity where you can relax sunbathing and swimming or enjoy various activities such as scuba diving, surfing, windsurfing, or snorkelling.
You can find so many different types of beaches in the Canary Islands, some are dark volcanic sand, fine white sand, and even in Fuerteventura, sand the shape of popcorn!
Concerts, festivals, and fiestas.
Music is a fundamental part of daily life in the Canary Islands. In the most traditional festivals of the islands, there are pilgrimages, a traditional colourful event of great importance.
In the summer months, the best pilgrimages are celebrated, so every week the streets are filled with thousands of people celebrating these popular festivals. September 7th stands out in Gran Canaria, which is the Virgen de El Pino in the municipality of Teror. It is the most important on the Island as it honours its patron saint.
There is so much to see in the archipelago that it will be impossible to get bored.
The best sunsets.
The Canary Islands have several corners to observe this unique moment that nature gives us every day, and enjoying this spectacle is priceless.
The islands have the longest daylight hours in Europe where the days are longer and sunnier thanks to their geographical location, making them perfect for this event.
The southwest coast of Tenerife, in Callao Salvaje or Playa Paraiso, are prime locations to witness the perfect sunset, when on a clear evening you can see three of the other islands, La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro, as the sun marks the end of another day in paradise.
