The landscapes in the Canaries can often feel like another planet entirely, even for residents who have long lived here. Around 40% of the territory is protected, meaning unspoiled beauty is highly biodiverse and ideal for hiking.
While it may not offer the same level of diversity as the network of Mainland trails on Orbis Ways’, there are still dense laurel forests on La Gomera and stark volcanic plains in Lanzarote.
Gran Canaria is aptly named a "continent in miniature," as it encapsulates this diversity beautifully. Within short distances, hikers can be in forests, rocky hinterlands and expansive sand dunes. One thing that the Canaries holds over Mainland Spain is that it hosts Spain’s largest peak; Mount Teide, in Tenerife, stands at 3,718 meters tall.
Standout trails in the Canaries
The Canary Islands has several outstanding hiking trails that are globally renowned. Gran Canaria's Roque Nublo Circular Hike is a fairly short route starting at Cruz de Tejeda. The trail is challenging, as it goes through volcanic rock formations, past cave houses and dense pine forests before it eventually reaches the iconic Roque Nublo plateau.
On Tenerife, the Taganana to Tamadite coastal path is a constant view of dramatic cliffs plunging into the Ocean. The Mount Teide Trek is where you’ll ascend Spain's highest peak, while the Chinamada trail in Tenerife's Anaga Mountains introduces hikers to traditional cave dwellings.
Lanzarote's Caldera Blanca hike is where adventurers go for lunar-like volcanic landscapes, while La Palma's GR131 trail is difficult multi-day trek across volcanic ridges and pine forests.
Mainland Europe's diverse offerings
Though it’s clear that the Canaries hold their own in terms of trail selection, it’s important to remind ourselves of Mainland Europe’s offerings.
Portugal is a good place to begin, due to its mild climate and extensive coastline. Some of the Portuguese routes tie into Camino de Santiago, while others are simply coastal paths where you’re exposed to traditional fishing villages and stunning beaches.
Italy’s Alta Via 1 is an iconic trail that spans 120 kilometres through the Dolomites. Hikers will see the limestone peaks and alpine lakes, where they can stop off for tasty local food.
Sweden’s Kungsleden ("King’s Trail") is a daunting task, and it’s something that cannot be replicated in the Canaries. It spans 440 kilometres through the wilderness, cutting through four national parks but with many very remote settings. Despite its wilderness, it has relatively gentle terrain.
Scotland too, though technically not in the mainland, is a worthwhile destination for hiking, with the highlands having an expansive area of rolling hills and traditional pubs. The West Highland Way is a 9-day trek through this, though when organised through Orbis Ways, lots of the local establishments are easily spotted.
Greece’s Samaria Gorge has Europe's longest gorge hike. It descends from mountainous plateaus through the rocks, with biodiverse pine forests and quaint coastal villages.
Both destinations promise unforgettable adventures. While Mainland Europe has some environments that the Canaries lack, the opposite is also true.
