Canary Islands Road Trip: 15 days exploring the most beautiful islands

Explore the Canary Islands on a 15-day road trip taking in volcanoes, unspoilt beaches, authentic villages and spectacular scenery, as you make your way around four complementary islands.

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From

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Adult(s)

+ 11 years old

Children

2 - 11 years old

Babies

- 2 years old

Why choose a road trip across several islands in the Canaries?

Situated between Africa and Europe, the Canary Islands offer an incredible variety of landscapes just a few hours’ flight away. In 15 days, you can discover the archipelago’s many different facets: the mighty volcanoes of Tenerife, the mist-shrouded forests of La Gomera, the dunes of Gran Canaria and the lunar landscapes of Lanzarote.

The best time to visit is from October to May, when temperatures range from 20 to 28 °C depending on the island. This road trip strikes a good balance, with time to explore, go hiking and enjoy the beaches. Air and sea links between the islands make getting around easy and allow you to experience several different journeys in a single holiday.

Step 1: Tenerife, home to giant volcanoes and historic villages - 5 days

Tenerife is an ideal gateway to exploring the Canary Islands. The island is dominated by Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak at 3,715 metres. It is well worth spending a whole day exploring Teide National Park, where the lava flows and desert-like landscapes are reminiscent of certain scenes in Iceland.

In the north, the contrast is striking. The villages of La Orotava and Garachico boast elegant colonial architecture, whilst lush green valleys slope down towards the Atlantic Ocean. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the trails of the Anaga massif, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The atmosphere changes once again in the south of the island, with its volcanic beaches, seaside resorts and numerous water sports. Tenerife alone encapsulates much of the natural diversity for which the Canary Islands are renowned.

Discover Tenerife

Step 2: La Gomera, the hikers’ hidden gem - 3 days

A short ferry crossing from Tenerife takes you to La Gomera, often regarded as the best-preserved island in the archipelago. Here, time seems to slow down. Winding roads wind their way through deep valleys, terraced farmland and villages perched between the sea and the mountains.

The jewel of the island is Garajonay National Park. This primeval laurel forest, shrouded in mist for much of the year, is one of Europe’s rarest ecosystems. The trails are suitable for walkers of all abilities and offer spectacular views.

The sheer cliffs overlooking the ocean and the small pebble beaches enhance La Gomera’s untamed character. This natural retreat provides the perfect contrast to the hustle and bustle of Tenerife.

Step 3: Gran Canaria, a continent in miniature - 4 days

Gran Canaria is often nicknamed ‘the miniature continent’ because of the extraordinary variety of its landscapes. Within just a few kilometres, you can go from golden beaches to rugged mountains and then on to pine forests.

The island’s interior is well worth exploring in depth. The villages of Tejeda and Artenara are among the most beautiful in the Canary Islands. The scenic routes offer remarkable views of the Roque Nublo, an iconic rock formation that has become a symbol of the island.

To the south, the famous Maspalomas dunes create a setting that is unique in Europe. Part miniature desert, part coastal lagoon, the site is one of the most photographed landscapes in the archipelago. The sunsets there are particularly memorable.

Discover Gran Canaria

Step 4: Lanzarote – a journey to the heart of volcanism - 3 days

The final stop on the road trip, Lanzarote impresses with its unique beauty. Shaped by volcanic eruptions in the 18th century, the island boasts almost lunar landscapes where black lava contrasts with white houses.

Timanfaya National Park is the highlight of the trip. The roads wind through vast volcanic fields, whilst geothermal heat remains palpable beneath the surface. The spectacle is fascinating and gives an insight into the power of the natural phenomena that have shaped the island.

Lanzarote also captivates visitors with the legacy left by the artist César Manrique, who integrated architecture and nature into several unmissable sites. With vineyards planted in volcanic ash, wild coves and landscape artworks, the island offers a spectacular conclusion to this multi-island journey.

Discover Lanzarote

Practical tips for a successful road trip in the Canary Islands

For a 15-day itinerary, it is advisable to hire a car on each island rather than taking the same vehicle on the ferry. This option offers greater flexibility and often helps to keep costs down.

The ideal time to visit is from November to May, when the weather remains mild and pleasant. The Canary Islands enjoy remarkable sunshine all year round, making them a favourite destination for off-season travel.

In terms of budget, it is best to book ferry crossings and inter-island flights several weeks in advance. The distances are short, but availability can dwindle quickly during the European school holidays.