During my more than a decade traveling the world, I had the pleasure of visiting and photographing Spain’s incredible Canary Islands. Located off the coast of Africa, the volcanic chain of islands are a Spanish province with a history dating back to the colonization of the Americas. Over the course of my visited, I explored five of the key islands in the Canaries: Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Gomera, and La Palma. Each island’s unique geography gives it a character distinct from its neighbors. These photos capture some of the culture and diversity I found on the Canary Islands and my favorite moments traveling through the area.
Recommended Resources and Readings:
Best Books About the Canary Islands:
The Canary Islands Migration to Louisiana: Containing the passenger lists of the Islenos volunteer recruits and their families that filled the eight vessels that brought Canary Islanders to Louisiana between 1778 and 1783, you won’t find a more interesting book detailing this unique chapter in history.
The Canary Islands: A Cultural History: This is the most thorough history you’ll find on the timeline of development for the Canary Islands, as well as how the island has changed hands throughout history.
The Canary Islands: A Cultural History: A different book by the same name, this version is aimed at travelers and provides the cultural context you need before visiting the islands, so that you visit armed with a deeper understanding about the unique history that has shaped modern culture and cuisine.
Lonely Planet Canary Islands: Hands down the best guidebook sharing tips on hidden gems on each island, as well as great places to stay, eat, etc.
Canary Islands 25 Secrets: A Local’s Guide: There’s nothing quite like finding the local perspective when you travel, and this guide offers plenty of tips to uncover the best parts of the island.
Plan a Trip to the Canary Islands:
Canary Islands Travel Guide: Our free guide covers everything you should know about booking travel to the Canary Islands, what you should do once you’re there, as well as where to stay and more. We also have a travel guide for Spain, and individual travel guides to the various islands and attractions:
Rent a Car: Many of the best sites are located outside of the main cities on each island, and we recommend using RentalCars.com to find the best deals on the Canary Islands.
Book Travel Insurance: Although completely safe, the landscape of the Canary Islands makes visiting more of an adventurous vacation than many places—we recommend coverage through World Nomads.
14 thoughts on “19 Incredible Photos of the Canary Islands”
Hi,
Beautiful pictures… Gran Canaria is only one, so it’s Gran Canaria, no -s ending :-)
Wow, Gary. These are amazing images. Absolutely gorgeous. Wonderful photo essay.
Great pictures really amazing
Amazing photos! In a way the Canary Islands don’t seem like Spain.
My boyfriend is in the Spanish military and sometimes travels there for week-long or month-long trips. I tagged along to a wedding of one of his buddies working there and we trekked all over Gran Canary Island.
A lovely photos, too!
Quality captures….especially the ones in Caldera de Taburiente National Park!
Gary, these pictures are just amazing. We bring a couple of Groups to The Canary Islands every year. But I do not believe I have seen such beautiful pictures from there, and I have been there at least a dozen times…. great work.
First of all, these pictures are amazing, wow. I love the variety the most, along with the beauty, I mean you’re including stars, mountains and views of palm trees all in one blog post, I love it.
Great photos Gary! I was on Tenerife after WTM this year and loved it, I hope to go back and explore more of the islands :)
Great photos Gary – they show the amazing differences between the islands.
DJ you can fly directly from Gran Canaria to Marrakech.
Hey Gary – Awesome picks. My wife and I are planning a trip in ’12 that goes something along the lines of Spain – Portugal – Canary Islands – Morocco. Do you know of any airlines that fly directly from the Canary Islands to Marrakesh? Or is there a ferry to the coast of Morocco? How did you get to the Canary Islands?
There are many flights you can get from Spain to Tenerife or Gran Canarias. It really isn’t that difficult. They get millions of tourists each year.
Hello Gary,
Obviously, next time around you will have to come to Fuerteventura! When you do, pls. contact me in order to show you the island – it is well worth it!
Kind regards,
Bernhard
Gary, I think these are some of the most magnificent photos you have ever taken. Just stunning!
Hi,
Beautiful pictures… Gran Canaria is only one, so it’s Gran Canaria, no -s ending :-)
Wow, Gary. These are amazing images. Absolutely gorgeous. Wonderful photo essay.
Great pictures really amazing
Amazing photos! In a way the Canary Islands don’t seem like Spain.
My boyfriend is in the Spanish military and sometimes travels there for week-long or month-long trips. I tagged along to a wedding of one of his buddies working there and we trekked all over Gran Canary Island.
A lovely photos, too!
Quality captures….especially the ones in Caldera de Taburiente National Park!
Gary, these pictures are just amazing. We bring a couple of Groups to The Canary Islands every year. But I do not believe I have seen such beautiful pictures from there, and I have been there at least a dozen times…. great work.
First of all, these pictures are amazing, wow. I love the variety the most, along with the beauty, I mean you’re including stars, mountains and views of palm trees all in one blog post, I love it.
Great photos Gary! I was on Tenerife after WTM this year and loved it, I hope to go back and explore more of the islands :)
Great photos Gary – they show the amazing differences between the islands.
DJ you can fly directly from Gran Canaria to Marrakech.
Hey Gary – Awesome picks. My wife and I are planning a trip in ’12 that goes something along the lines of Spain – Portugal – Canary Islands – Morocco. Do you know of any airlines that fly directly from the Canary Islands to Marrakesh? Or is there a ferry to the coast of Morocco? How did you get to the Canary Islands?
There are many flights you can get from Spain to Tenerife or Gran Canarias. It really isn’t that difficult. They get millions of tourists each year.
Hello Gary,
Obviously, next time around you will have to come to Fuerteventura! When you do, pls. contact me in order to show you the island – it is well worth it!
Kind regards,
Bernhard
Gary, I think these are some of the most magnificent photos you have ever taken. Just stunning!