Hiking & Trekking in the Canary Islands — Volcanic Trails & Forest Walks

Hiking on volcanic mountain trail in the Canary Islands

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3,715m — Spain's Highest Peak
UNESCO Laurel Forest
500+ Marked Trails
Year-Round Hiking

Featured Trails

Six Iconic
Hikes

ExpertPermit Required Tenerife

Teide Summit Trail

14 km 7–9 hrs 1,200 m gain

The crown jewel of Canarian hiking — ascending Spain's highest peak through a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. The final 200m to the summit crater requires a free permit (book 2 months ahead). Views extend to all seven islands on a clear day.

Spain's highest peak (3,715m) Above the clouds Lunar landscape Permit required
Challenging Tenerife

Masca Gorge to Sea

9 km 4–5 hrs 650 m descent

Descend through the most dramatic ravine in the Canary Islands — towering basalt walls, hidden waterfalls, and a secret beach accessible only by boat. The trail ends at Masca beach where a boat returns you to Los Gigantes.

Dramatic ravine walls Boat pickup at beach Village start point Guided tours available
Moderate La Gomera

Garajonay Forest Loop

12 km 4–5 hrs 400 m gain

Walk through a living relic of the Tertiary era — the laurisilva forest that once covered the Mediterranean. Garajonay's ancient laurel trees, draped in moss and ferns, create an otherworldly atmosphere unlike any other hike in Europe.

UNESCO laurisilva forest Ancient laurel trees Misty cloud forest Wildlife spotting
Challenging La Palma

Ruta de los Volcanes

18 km 6–8 hrs 800 m gain

La Palma's most iconic long-distance trail follows the volcanic ridge of Cumbre Vieja, passing through the 2021 Tajogaite eruption zone. Witness the raw power of geological creation — new lava fields, recovering pine forests, and views to Tenerife and El Hierro.

2021 eruption zone Active volcanic ridge Pine forest recovery Panoramic Atlantic views

Timanfaya Lava Fields

6 km 2–3 hrs 150 m gain

Walk across the 1730s lava fields of Timanfaya — one of the most geologically active landscapes in Europe. Guided walks take you through the Fire Mountains where the ground temperature just 10cm below the surface exceeds 100°C.

1730s eruption landscape Geothermal activity Guided walks only Unique geology
Moderate El Hierro

El Hierro Coastal Path

10 km 3–4 hrs 300 m gain

El Hierro's coastal path connects natural rock pools, ancient fishing villages, and dramatic cliff edges on the most remote island in the archipelago. You'll likely have the trail entirely to yourself — a rare luxury in European hiking.

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Natural rock pools Zero light pollution Rarely crowded

Hiker's Guide

Essential Tips

Teide Permits

The summit permit (above 3,200m) is free but must be booked via the Teide National Park website. Slots fill 2–3 months ahead in winter. We handle this for guided clients.

Best Season

October to April is ideal — cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and lower humidity. Summer hiking is possible at altitude but hot at sea level. The islands never freeze.

Navigation

Most trails are well-marked with wooden posts. Download the Wikiloc app with offline maps before you go. GPS signal is reliable across all islands.

What to Bring

Layers are essential — temperatures drop 6°C per 1,000m of altitude. Sun protection is critical year-round. Trekking poles are recommended for Teide and Masca Gorge.

Book a Guide

Hiking Enquiry

Tell us your fitness level and dream trail — we'll arrange a certified mountain guide.