Guide to Hiking in the Canary Islands

When to Travel to the Canary Islands

The answer is simple: any time of year is perfect for hiking in the Canaries.

The Canary Islands enjoy a privileged climate all year round, with average temperatures that rarely drop below 18 ºC in winter or rise above 26 ºC in summer. During the hottest months you may encounter occasional heat spikes, as well as episodes of calima (dust in suspension from the Sahara). Spring brings an almost tropical bloom in the greener areas, while autumn and winter feel truly special for anyone coming from the northern hemisphere, thanks to their mild temperatures. And even if it rains, the sun usually comes out quickly afterwards.

How to Fly to the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands have international airports on Tenerife (North and South), Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Palma, with direct connections from several European cities. From mainland Spain there are also regular flights to all the main islands, operated by airlines such as Iberia, Vueling, Binter and Ryanair.

If you’re travelling to La Gomera or El Hierro, the usual route is to fly first to Tenerife or Gran Canaria, then connect with a local flight or take a ferry.

How to Get Around the Canary Islands

Travelling between the islands is straightforward. Local airlines such as Binter Canarias and Canaryfly operate frequent daily flights linking all the main islands. Another very practical option are the inter-island ferries, run by companies such as Fred. Olsen Express and Naviera Armas, which even allow you to take a rental car on board.

On each island, the best way to explore at your own pace is by hiring a car, with options available both at airports and ports. Companies like Cicar and TopCar offer competitive prices and wide coverage. For shorter journeys, you’ll also find local bus networks, though services are usually less frequent in rural areas.

Practical Tips for Hiking in the Canary Islands

• Be prepared: the climate is mild, but in a single day you might go from coastal heat to cool mountain air – or even snow. Comfortable hiking boots and some extra layers are a must.
• Sun and water: the Canarian sun is strong, even in winter. Sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water are essential, as many trails don’t have fountains.
• Stick to the path: the trail network is well marked, but it’s always wise to carry a map or have the GPS track downloaded to your phone. Some hikes are demanding, with narrow ridges or steep barrancos, so don’t improvise.
• Watch the weather: fog can roll in quickly in the highlands, and the laurel forests are often damp. From time to time calima appears, raising temperatures and reducing visibility – on those days, it’s best to opt for gentler walks.
• Respect the environment: many areas are National Parks or UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. Follow the signs, leave no litter, and always stay on marked trails.

Organised Trips in the Canary Islands

At S-Cape we know the Canary Islands step by step. We’ve walked and recorded the trails, selected welcoming accommodation, and spoken with locals to give each trip an authentic touch.

Our self-guided holidays are designed so you can travel at your own pace, without worrying about logistics: we include stays in small family-run hotels, breakfasts, luggage transfers and detailed routes on our app. You decide when and with whom to travel – we’ll take care of the rest.

Take a look at our Canary Islands self-guided walking holidays. And if you have any questions, feel free to contact us or call us on 0034 985 84 64 55.