The Canary Islands are renowned for their year-round mild climate, stunning landscapes, and rich culture. While each island offers unique experiences, the best way to explore the diversity of this paradise is by taking a mini road trip.
Whether you're looking for dramatic volcanic terrain, lush forests, charming coastal towns, or picturesque beaches, the Canary Islands have it all.
If you're looking for an adventure that combines breathtaking views, hidden gems, and authentic local experiences, here are some of the best mini-road trips to take in the Canary Islands.
Gran Canaria, often called a "mini continent" for its diverse landscapes, offers the perfect road trip from the coast to the mountains. Start in the vibrant capital, Las Palmas, and head south toward the famous Maspalomas Dunes. These golden sands stretch endlessly, creating a surreal desert-like landscape at the island’s southern tip, perfect for a stroll or camel ride.
From Maspalomas, drive inland to the charming village of Tejeda, nestled in the heart of the island’s mountainous region. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and passes through winding roads, valleys, and picturesque villages.
Tejeda is known for breathtaking views of Roque Nublo, a volcanic rock formation that stands as one of Gran Canaria’s most iconic landmarks. Along the way, be sure to stop at local restaurants for traditional Canarian dishes like carne con papas or pimientas padron.
Continue through the rugged terrain to Artenara, a village famous for its cave dwellings carved into volcanic rock. It offers a unique look at island life before making your way to Pico de las Nieves, the highest point on the island. From here, enjoy panoramic views of Gran Canaria, and on clear days, even the neighbouring island of Tenerife.
This road trip, including stops for food, sightseeing, and exploration, can take around 4 to 6 hours. Given the length of the drive, passengers might want to bring along some entertainment to help pass the time.
Whether it's tuning into a podcast, diving into an audiobook, or playing video or casino games on your device, there are plenty of ways to stay entertained. In recent years online betting has boomed in popularity and passengers can now easily access and wager on betting sites online. Many gamers choose to visit flexible non GamStop online casinos in the UK as these platforms are known to not only bypass the UKGC’s tough GamStop rules but also offer easy access, a large selection of games, and quality bonuses.
Beyond playing games or listening to a podcast, consider bringing along a playlist for your road trip. A playlist of fun tunes can help pass the time and add a special something to your day.
Gran Canaria’s scenic route offers a memorable adventure through sandy beaches, charming villages, and towering mountains, made even more enjoyable with the right entertainment along the way.
Tenerife, the largest island in the Canary archipelago, offers an abundance of road trip opportunities. One of the most iconic routes is the drive from the island’s southern coast to Mount Teide National Park.
Start your journey in the bustling resort of Costa Adeje, known for its golden beaches and vibrant nightlife. From there, head inland towards the UNESCO-listed Teide National Park, home to Spain's highest peak, Mount Teide.
The drive up to the park is nothing short of spectacular, with changing landscapes that go from lush forests to barren, moon-like volcanic plains. Once you arrive at Teide National Park, you can take a cable car to the summit of Mount Teide for a truly unforgettable experience. From the top, you can see the entire island of Tenerife and, on clear days, even neighbouring islands such as La Gomera and La Palma.
If you're looking for a more relaxed coastal road trip, head towards the northern part of Tenerife, stopping at charming towns such as Garachico and Icod de los Vinos. Garachico, with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings, offers a picturesque spot to enjoy local cuisine and explore the island’s colonial past. Icod de los Vinos is home to the ancient "Drago Milenario," a centuries-old dragon tree that’s one of the most famous landmarks on the island.
If you’re a fan of beautiful beaches and desert landscapes, Fuerteventura offers one of the best road trips in the Canary Islands. Start your journey in the capital, Puerto del Rosario, and head south to explore the island’s vast sandy beaches and turquoise waters. One of the highlights of this route is the drive to the stunning Playa de Sotavento, a long stretch of golden sand that is perfect for swimming, kite surfing, and simply soaking up the sun.
From Sotavento, continue south to the small village of Costa Calma, known for its calm waters and relaxed atmosphere. After a refreshing swim or a leisurely lunch, head west towards the coastal town of Corralejo, located near the impressive Corralejo Natural Park. The park is home to vast sand dunes that create a surreal landscape, perfect for exploring by foot or bike. Corralejo also offers a range of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy delicious local food with views of the neighbouring island of Lobos.
Fuerteventura is a paradise for beach lovers, and the island’s relatively undeveloped nature makes it the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful road trip along the coast.
