National parks may seem like an exclusive preserve of the States, with a few stunners in the UK thrown in for good measure, but there are national parks across Europe and the world, and some of the finest are in the Canary Islands. If you’ve previously only associated the Canaries with Brits and Germans on package holidays, then here is the lowdown on the region’s four national parks:
Teide National Park, Tenerife
This park is home to Spain’s tallest mountain, Mount Teide, which rises more than 12,000 feet from a massive volcanic crater. You can take a cable car nearly as far as the summit but you’d have to apply to the national parks office in advance if you wanted to trek to the mouth of the volcano. You don’t have to go all the way to the rim, however, to enjoy the brilliant views of the Canaries spread out below you. Be aware though that despite being a volcano, the temperature at the summit can be much lower than at ground level.
Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote
Timanfaya is very popular with tourists, but this popularity is well deserved because of the breathtaking volcanic landscape. You can take a coach ride round the park and even dine in a restaurant where food is cooked using heat from the volcano. Thankfully, there is the option of walking parts of the park on foot, and discovering this unique natural beauty far from rowdy daytrippers.
Garajonay, Gomera
If Teide and Timonfaya are red, volcanic desert, Gomera is lush green forest. There is a huge amount of walking and trekking on this small island, which lies to the west of Tenerife. There are plenty of streams and springs that sustain rich vegetation and also a wide variety of unique animal life, from birds to lizards. It can be pretty humid here, as evidenced by the almost constant mist that hangs in the mountains; wet weather gear is recommended.
Caldera de Taburiente National Park, La Palma
Volcanic once again, Caldera de Taburiente on the small island of La Palma was declared a national park in 1954. Boasting a crater 1,500 metres deep and with a 28 kilometre perimeter, it also offers plenty of walking and hiking for adventurers. A nice mix of volcanic structures and green forest means this is a great park to visit for variety – you’ll happen upon a waterfall or two in among some beautiful Canary Island pines.
