While many visitors flock to the Canary Islands for the sun, sand, and sea, the real magic often lies in exploring their hidden gems and breathtaking natural beauty from the road. If you're a fan of scenic road trips, the Canary Islands offer some of the best long drives, perfect for sightseeing and taking in the diverse landscapes that define these islands.
Here are some must-do long drives in the Canary Islands that will leave you mesmerised.
Gran Canaria is often called a ‘miniature continent’ thanks to its diverse landscapes, from sandy beaches to rugged mountains. A road trip around the island offers the perfect chance to explore the striking contrasts between the coast and the mountains.
Begin your journey in Maspalomas, a resort town known for its vast sand dunes and iconic lighthouse. Drive along the coast to Puerto Rico and Playa de Mogán, two picturesque seaside villages nestled against cliffs. The drive is dotted with scenic viewpoints, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
As you head north towards Agaete, the landscape changes. You’ll pass through the beautiful valley of Tejeda, surrounded by craggy peaks and lush greenery. Stop for coffee at one of the village’s mountain cafés, and then continue towards Agaete, a coastal town with dramatic cliffs and volcanic black sand beaches.
While the drive itself is an unforgettable experience, it’s a good idea for passengers to bring entertainment to pass the time between stops. Consider creating a playlist to match the scenery or listening to podcasts on topics that interest you. If you prefer to relax, bring along a device for playing video or casino games, or dive into a book or audiobook.
Both video and online casino games can be played in short bursts or for longer sessions, making them ideal to play on road trips between stops. Online casinos, in particular, are quickly gaining popularity, and platforms now offer bettors immense game libraries, unique bonuses, and even quick withdrawals. When it comes to choosing a casino, fast withdrawal is an important feature, especially if you’re on a road trip. With quick payouts of winnings, gamers could potentially play, win, and receive their earnings before they arrive at their destination.
Regardless of what type of entertainment you choose to bring along, don’t forget to pack some snacks to keep you energised for the journey. This road trip offers not only beautiful scenery but also an enjoyable experience, making it one of Gran Canaria’s most memorable drives.
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is famous for its imposing volcano, Mount Teide, which is also Spain’s highest peak. A drive around the island offers an incredible variety of landscapes, from arid, volcanic terrain to lush green forests and the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean.
One of the best road trips on Tenerife is the drive from the southern coast, starting from the resort town of Los Cristianos, up to the Mount Teide National Park. The route takes you through the desert-like terrain of the south, with striking volcanic formations and black lava fields. As you ascend, the scenery changes dramatically, with pine forests and cooler temperatures.
The road up to Mount Teide offers panoramic views of the island, and at the top, you'll be treated to jaw-dropping views of the island, the surrounding ocean, and even neighbouring islands like La Gomera and La Palma on clear days.
From Mount Teide, head towards the north of the island, where the landscape turns greener and lusher. The drive through the Anaga Mountains offers a completely different experience with steep roads, misty forests, and breathtaking cliffs. End your journey in the picturesque town of La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can enjoy cobbled streets, colourful colonial buildings, and vibrant cafés.
Lanzarote, known for its volcanic landscapes, offers a surreal road trip through one of the most unique terrains in the Canary Islands. The Timanfaya National Park is the highlight of the island, where you can see dramatic volcanic craters, steaming geysers, and acres of lava fields stretching to the horizon.
Start your scenic drive from the capital, Arrecife, and head south towards Yaiza. From here, drive towards the Timanfaya National Park, where you can explore the park's volcanic landscape. The route through the park is incredible, with black lava rock formations and towering volcanic cones dominating the landscape. The views are out of this world, and the park is one of the most geologically active places on earth, making it a must-see on any trip to Lanzarote.
After visiting Timanfaya, take the road towards the coastal town of Playa Blanca, known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed vibe. The drive along the coast offers spectacular views of the ocean and neighbouring islands, such as Fuerteventura. This circular route through Lanzarote allows you to experience the island’s volcanic nature, coastal beauty, and unique architecture, with the iconic white-washed buildings and volcanic structures that characterise the island.
La Palma, often referred to as "La Isla Bonita” (The Beautiful Island), offers one of the most scenic and serene road trips in the Canary Islands. The island is renowned for its lush forests, craggy cliffs, and rugged terrain. The best drive on La Palma is the route up to the Roque de los Muchachos, the island's highest point, home to the Gran Telescopio Canarias, the largest optical telescope in the world.
The drive up to the Roque de los Muchachos is not for the faint-hearted, with winding roads that climb steeply through dense forests of laurel and pine. The journey takes you from the coastal town of Santa Cruz de La Palma, where you can catch glimpses of the ocean, to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the island, the neighbouring islands, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Fuerteventura, the second-largest island in the Canary Islands, is known for its golden sandy beaches and arid, desert-like landscape. While the island is famous for its windsurfing and beach activities, it also offers some amazing scenic drives, particularly around the island’s less populated areas.
Start your journey in the island’s capital, Puerto del Rosario, and head towards the town of Betancuria. This drive takes you through the island’s mountainous interior, with winding roads offering views of craggy cliffs, valleys, and volcanic craters. Once you reach Betancuria, the island’s former capital, take a break and enjoy the town’s quaint streets and whitewashed buildings.
Continue your journey along the coast, with a stop at some of Fuerteventura’s best beaches, including the stunning Sotavento Beach, famous for its clear waters and expansive sands. This circular route offers a relaxed way to explore the island’s natural beauty, from its inland volcanic landscapes to its stunning coastline.
