Top 5 hidden gems in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands have many incredible places to visit. You’ve probably heard of the Corralejo Dunes, the Teide volcano or the Caldera de Taburiente, but the islands also hide many little-known gems that will amaze you.

Keep on reading to discover the best hidden places in the Canaries.

• Guayadeque Ravine
• Castro Beach
• Güigüi Beach
• La Veta Beach
• Atlantic Museum

La Veta Beach in La Palma

Guayadeque Ravine in Gran Canaria

This incredible and lush ravine is in the municipality of Ingenio, about 40 minutes away from Las Palmas. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed walk or a small hike. If you visit in late winter, you will also be able to see the almond tree blossom, a truly beautiful sight.

At the entrance to the ravine, you will find a museum where you can learn more about the indigenous population who lived in the area and about the flora and fauna of the place. You can also do a very simple hiking route with breathtaking views that passes over the ravine. You will get to see caves that have been converted into houses or shops.

Finally, you can take a walk inside the ravine or take one of the longer hikes to fully explore this magical place. Don't forget to end your visit with a meal at the restaurant in the ravine, which is built inside of a cave.

Castro Beach in Tenerife

In the north of Tenerife, you can find one of the most instagrammable beaches on the island. Its black sand and the cliffs that surround it make it a spectacular landscape even when seen from above.

The most special thing about this hidden beach is that if you walk all the way along the sand, you will find fresh water cascading down the vertical wall. You can end the trip with a swim, but be careful since there might be strong currents.

Good to know: you can leave your car in a parking lot near the beach. From there you have to walk down an easy path.

Güigüi Beach in Gran Canaria

This list would not be complete without one of the most spectacular beaches on the island of Gran Canaria, Güigüi beach. Getting there is not easy, that's what makes it such an amazing place.

To get there, you need to drive until the car park past the village of Tasartico. That’s the beginning of the path to Güigüi, which is about 5 km each way with a steep slope. In total, it takes about 2 hours per way, but the beach is worth it. It’s best to avoid hiking during the hottest hours and to bring extra food and water.

Tip: if you want to visit Güigüi beach but don't want to do the hike, you can also take a water taxi from Puerto Rico beach.

Cliffs at Güigüi Beach in Gran Canaria

La Veta Beach in La Palma

This black sand beach under steep cliffs has numerous houses and cave houses that were built by the residents of Tijarafe, the nearest town. To get there you will have to follow a steep path down a cliff.

It takes about 25 minutes to go down and about 35 minutes to go back up. Remember to bring enough food and water as there are no services on the beach. When bathing, always keep in mind that there might be strong currents.

Tip: you can also get to La Veta by boat if you book a tour from the port of Tazacorte, in the west of La Palma.

Atlantic Museum in Lanzarote

The Atlantic Museum is unlike any museum you have been to before because…it’s located under the sea! The artist Jason de Caires Taylor, famous for his underwater sculptures, was commissioned to design this unique experience on the island of Lanzarote.

To visit its more than 300 sculptures, you can go to one of the diving centers in Playa Blanca and book a dive. Please note that the museum is 15 meters deep, so this activity might require some diving experience.

Book ferry tickets to the Canary Islands online

Ferryhopper makes it easy for you to book ferry tickets between the Canary Islands. Check out our Map of ferries, and compare all the available companies, routes and schedules to plan your trip now.