Sailing to Canary Islands

A map of the best ports and anchorages

La Graciosa is the tiny island off the northern tip of Lanzarote. With its unpaved roads and laid-back vibes. You won’t find any towering resorts or busy boulevards here. Instead, expect a landscape of volcanic hills, pale sandy shores.

And island under the radar

The island wasn’t officially recognized as inhabited until the late 19th century, and even today, the population remains modest. Most residents live in the island’s main settlement, Caleta del Sebo, a village of whitewashed houses and sandy streets. La Graciosa remained under the radar of even the most seasoned travelers, partly due to its isolation and lack of infrastructure. In fact, the island didn’t even have proper electricity until the 1980s. But that isolation is precisely what gives La Graciosa its charm. The rugged terrain, the soft crunch of volcanic sand underfoot, and the absence of noise (save for the wind and waves) offer a sense of tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere.

The Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park

Wildlife lovers will also find themselves enchanted by La Graciosa’s biodiversity. The waters surrounding the island are part of the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park, a protected area that boasts one of Europe’s richest marine ecosystems. It’s a reminder of how delicate and precious this part of the world truly is, with conservation efforts aimed at preserving its natural beauty for future generations.

Lanzarote, the easternmost of Spain’s autonomous Canary Islands, offers lunar-like landscapes born from volcanic eruptions. A stark contrast to the traditional beach resorts found elsewhere in the archipelago and a unique topography, earning it a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation. This commitment to conservation, largely influenced by the visionary artist César Manrique, extends to an architecture and infrastructure that enhance and respect the natural environment.

Fuerteventura is the second largest of Spain’s Canary Islands. The island’s landscape is a stark contrast of arid plains and volcanic mountains, punctuated by over 150 pristine beaches. This unique geographical features have earned it a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation for its rich biodiversity and well-preserved ecosystems. Fuerteventura is also home to one of the world’s largest aloe vera plantations. Located in the town of Pájara, they offer guided tours where you can learn about the cultivation and processing of aloe vera.

Gran Canaria, the third-largest island in Spain’s Canary Islands, is a destination of remarkable diversity. From the verdant north with its rugged mountains and lush forests, to the arid south with its expansive dunes and pristine beaches, the island’s unique topography has earned it the moniker ‘Miniature Continent’.

Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, is a destination of remarkable contrasts. The island’s diverse landscapes range from the lunar-like terrain of Teide National Park, home to Spain’s highest peak, to the lush greenery of the Anaga Rural Park. In recent years Tenerife has been making strides in the field of astrotourism, and visitors can take guided tours of the Teide Observatory, one of the world’s leading astronomical observatories.

Welcome to La Gomera, a small island with a big personality. It’s a place where rugged cliffs, lush forests, and charming villages create a vibe that’s both laid-back and full of life. Hike through ancient woods, learn about quirky traditions like whistling to communicate, or just relax and enjoy the stunning views. The island has also emerged as a significant location for the study of bees and their behavior, the diverse flora providing a rich source of nectar. La Gomera isn’t flashy, but that’s part of its charm—everything here feels authentic, warm, and welcoming, perfect for those who love exploring places out of the beaten paths.

La Palma, the most north-westerly of the Canary Islands, is a place of extraordinary natural beauty and diversity. Its dramatic landscapes, ranging from lush forests to volcanic terrains, have earned it the nickname ‘La Isla Bonita’ or ‘The Beautiful Island’. The island’s unique topography is a result of its volcanic origins, with the Caldera de Taburiente – a massive crater formed by erosion – being one of its most striking features. In recent years, La Palma has gained recognition as a leading destination for astrotourism. The island’s clear skies and low light pollution make it an ideal location for stargazing. The Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, located at the island’s highest point, is one of the world’s leading astronomical observatories. This focus on astrotourism has not only boosted the island’s tourism sector but also highlighted the importance of preserving dark skies and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

The smallest and most western of Spain’s Canary Islands is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and a paradise for nature lovers with its volcanic landscapes and lush forests. Traces of the Guanches, the aboriginal inhabitants of the Canary Islands, can still be found in El Hierro’s archaeological sites, such as the petroglyphs in El Julan and the sacred Garoé tree.