Canary Islands - what to do???

[Wayfairers]

I am trying to find things to do in Tenerife, La Palma and Arrecife in the Canary Islands. We are in Tenerife 8a-11p, La Palma 8a-11p and in Arrecife 8a-5p. We enjoy most things - scenic drives, views, hiking, snorkeling, etc including seeing or doing things that are outside of the usual excursions (example: climbed a glacier in AK instead of just flying over it). We enjoy seeing ruins and churches if they are a minor part of the day or if they are part of a hike. Any recommendations?

[skeggers]

I am trying to find things to do in Tenerife, La Palma and Arrecife in the Canary Islands. We are in Tenerife 8a-11p, La Palma 8a-11p and in Arrecife 8a-5p. We enjoy most things - scenic drives, views, hiking, snorkeling, etc including seeing or doing things that are outside of the usual excursions (example: climbed a glacier in AK instead of just flying over it). We enjoy seeing ruins and churches if they are a minor part of the day or if they are part of a hike. Any recommendations?

 

 

Hi

I have lived in Tenerife, the port/capital being Sta Cruz. I suggest a trip up to Mount Teide, the volcano stands 3000m above sea level. the views are spectacular. The north of Tenerife is very green, the south very dry and touristic especially Playa de las americas. In the north you have Loro Park, google it, its a great day out. La Palma, I have not visited yet. I live on Gran Canaria, the capital being Las Palmas. Fabulous city for sightseeing, shopping and Las Canteras beach is very good. The south of the island is sunnier,the main resorts being about 40 mins drive from Las Palmas via the motorway. Paradise Park is very popular, also the dunes at Maspalomas. Lanzarote is quieter, but very pretty. Fire mountain is a popular tourist excursion, if you are interested in art, check out Cesar Manrique. The artist was born on Lanzarote and you can do an excursion to his museum and his house. Also, try and visit Omar Shariffs house, its a cave but very luxurious! legend has it that he had it built then lost it in a game of bridge 20 odd years ago. It is now a bit of a museum with a lovely 5star restaurant beside the pool/garden.

[scottbee]

I am trying to find things to do in Tenerife, La Palma and Arrecife in the Canary Islands. We are in Tenerife 8a-11p, La Palma 8a-11p and in Arrecife 8a-5p. We enjoy most things - scenic drives, views, hiking, snorkeling, etc including seeing or doing things that are outside of the usual excursions (example: climbed a glacier in AK instead of just flying over it). We enjoy seeing ruins and churches if they are a minor part of the day or if they are part of a hike. Any recommendations?

 

I was too much of an aviation geek to not miss the opportunity to visit the monument for the Los Rodeos disaster; overlooking Tenerife Nord airport. Not east to find, and a pretty steep walk, but an amazing view.

[CruisinGerman]

Are you going to the island of La Palma or to the city of Las Palmas on the island of Gran Canaria?

 

There is a big difference.

 

I assume you are going to Gran Canaria.

 

 

Kind regards,

 

Gunther and Uta

[4774Papa]

On Gran Canaria take the tour that goes up the mountain so you can see the caldera. The scenery is super.

[Wayfairers]

We are going to Santa Cruz (La Palma), Spain... one of the excursions references the island of La Palma so I am guessing it is the island of La Palma

[CruisinGerman]

Now that we know you are NOT going to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, please ignore the advice that was so kindly given about Maspalomas and other things on the island of Gran Canaria.

 

It's been years since I've been to La Palma -- I'm going to rehash some of my pictures and notes and I'll get back to you about La Palma.

 

Kind regards,

 

Gunther and Uta

[Wayfairers]

Thank you Gunther and Uta.... sounds like I need to go to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria someday! Thanks for the advice... looking forward to hearing what you liked in La Palma :)

[Wayfairers]

Hi

I have lived in Tenerife, the port/capital being Sta Cruz. I suggest a trip up to Mount Teide, the volcano stands 3000m above sea level. the views are spectacular. The north of Tenerife is very green, the south very dry and touristic especially Playa de las americas. In the north you have Loro Park, google it, its a great day out. La Palma, I have not visited yet. I live on Gran Canaria, the capital being Las Palmas. Fabulous city for sightseeing, shopping and Las Canteras beach is very good. The south of the island is sunnier,the main resorts being about 40 mins drive from Las Palmas via the motorway. Paradise Park is very popular, also the dunes at Maspalomas. Lanzarote is quieter, but very pretty. Fire mountain is a popular tourist excursion, if you are interested in art, check out Cesar Manrique. The artist was born on Lanzarote and you can do an excursion to his museum and his house. Also, try and visit Omar Shariffs house, its a cave but very luxurious! legend has it that he had it built then lost it in a game of bridge 20 odd years ago. It is now a bit of a museum with a lovely 5star restaurant beside the pool/garden.

 

Thanks! I was considering a trip to Mount Teide! I don't think we are visiting Gran Canaria this trip but sounds like I need to plan a trip to visit that island.

[Wayfairers]

The ship's itinerary has changed and we are now going to Las Palmas instead of La Palma. So, thanks for all the information on Las Palmas :).

 

Does anyone have anything to add?

[jocap]

I'm presuming that Arricife is in Lanzarote- the usual thing to do there, is to visit Fire Mountains, still hot after the last eruption. There are guided tours by coach, and you can cook a sausauge in the heat....

There's also some lovely architectural sites, and underground caverns made from old lava flows.

A strange moonscape island, but also fascinating.

Jo.

[screwcork]

Hi,

 

I would buy a guide, find out what you would like to see and rent a car in each port. Car rentals are cheap in the Canary Islands, and driving is easy (not too much traffic and easy to find your way with a normal map).

 

Screwcork

[Wayfairers]

Rental cars are a good idea, but I'm giving us a break from driving on this trip. We travel most of the year and it seems like we are almost always finding our way around a new area. Thought this would be a good chance for a driving break.

 

I'm one that keeps several options on hand though and I'm glad to hear the islands are fairly easy to drive on. You never know, we may step foot on land and be ready to drive.

[English Jane]

I've been to Lanzarote 4 times on holiday and will be back there at Christmas - I alternate Lanzarote with cruising.

 

There are some fantastic places to visit - you could see some of the following in a day if you hire a car.

http://www.lanzarotetourist.com/lanzarote-map.cfm

 

My favourites ...

 

1) Mirador del Rio - UNMISSABLE! What a view. Just need half an hour here to take it in. There is a wonderful little snack bar though designed by the amazing Cesar Manrique - his art is everywhere on the island and manages to set it apart from the other Islands which are more touristic (I have been to Tenerife (twice), Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura also but Lanzarote id by far my favourite).

 

2) Jameos del Agua - see little tiny lobster-like creatures that don't exist any where else. Also a CM site. Needs about an hour.

 

3) Jardin de Cactus - worth half an hour if you're on the road - you can also buy a combined entrance for the 3 above.

 

4) CM foundation - his house and art - No 1 attraction on the island for me. Maybe go here first actually because then everything else you see makes sense! At least an hour needed.

 

5) Timanfaya national park - drive over the eerie landscape. If you want to go close to the volcano, you have to go on a hot bus tour and leave the car - in only one day, I wouldn't bother - you will use a lots of valuable time and not see so much more.

 

6) Are you interested in beaches? There are some lovely ones but I would recommend seeing the art of CM first.

 

7) Puerto Calero - upmarket marina and a very good place to stop for lunch - a row of nice restaurants looking out over the water. Designer shops too.

 

From the port take a taxi to nearby Costa Teguise - about 15 minutes and about 15 Euros. There are loads of car hire places - we like Plus Car (they may even bring a car to the port if you ask?).

http://www.pluscar-lanzarote.com/en/offices.html

 

I hope that gives you some ideas.

[kruzseeka]

I've been to Lanzarote 4 times on holiday and will be back there at Christmas - I alternate Lanzarote with cruising.

 

There are some fantastic places to visit - you could see some of the following in a day if you hire a car.

http://www.lanzarotetourist.com/lanzarote-map.cfm

 

My favourites ...

 

1) Mirador del Rio - UNMISSABLE! What a view. Just need half an hour here to take it in. There is a wonderful little snack bar though designed by the amazing Cesar Manrique - his art is everywhere on the island and manages to set it apart from the other Islands which are more touristic (I have been to Tenerife (twice), Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura also but Lanzarote id by far my favourite).

 

2) Jameos del Agua - see little tiny lobster-like creatures that don't exist any where else. Also a CM site. Needs about an hour.

 

3) Jardin de Cactus - worth half an hour if you're on the road - you can also buy a combined entrance for the 3 above.

 

4) CM foundation - his house and art - No 1 attraction on the island for me. Maybe go here first actually because then everything else you see makes sense! At least an hour needed.

 

5) Timanfaya national park - drive over the eerie landscape. If you want to go close to the volcano, you have to go on a hot bus tour and leave the car - in only one day, I wouldn't bother - you will use a lots of valuable time and not see so much more.

 

6) Are you interested in beaches? There are some lovely ones but I would recommend seeing the art of CM first.

 

7) Puerto Calero - upmarket marina and a very good place to stop for lunch - a row of nice restaurants looking out over the water. Designer shops too.

 

From the port take a taxi to nearby Costa Teguise - about 15 minutes and about 15 Euros. There are loads of car hire places - we like Plus Car (they may even bring a car to the port if you ask?).

http://www.pluscar-lanzarote.com/en/offices.html

 

I hope that gives you some ideas.

 

 

I completely agree with Jane. Lanzarote for me is my favourite and the most fascinating of the Canary Islands - it has a stark, austere beauty. Before I went there I couldn't imagine that a black volcanic ash landscape could be so striking or captivate me in the way it did.

 

As you are going to Tenerife I'd do the volcano trip there - very interesting and give the Lanzarote volcano (Timanfaya) a miss (although I think it's better than Mt Teide on Tenerife) but that way you can maximise your time on Lanzarote and see more of the unique and inspirational work of Cesar Manrique.

 

His influence on the island (from the height of the houses, restrictions on commercialisation and tourist-driven development) means that this island has retained its distinctive character and charm. From the wind sculptures (mobiles) in the centre of roundabouts and Cactus Garden to the Jameos del Agua and Mirador del Rio, his genius pervades the island.

 

Jane is right - Mirador del Rio is amazing, the Jameos del Agua is well worth a vist too but my favourite is the Manrique Fundacion. What fantastic vision to have created your home from five excavated lava bubbles - it's wonderful. Here are some pictures to give you an idea.

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotos-g187477-d649184-w2-Fundacion_Cesar_Manrique-Lanzarote_Canary_Islands.html

 

Hope you enjoy your visit to Lanzarote - but whatever you do, don't stay in Arrecife, go and see at least some of Manrique's work. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

[Hlitner]

We really love being on Tenerife (its our favorite TA port) because the island is quite beautiful and has a wonderful national park that contains the volcano. This is an island where we always rent a car for the day. The last time we drove on the island we had a cloudy morning and we headed right for Mt. Teide (the old volcano). Once we got above 8000 feet we were on top of the clouds and it was gorgeous. We will usually leave the volcano and head down a different road that takes us to the other coast towards Puerto de La Cruz. We can then head a bit east and cut back across the island to the port city. It is a wonderful day, absolutely gorgeous, and we always seem to find new places to see.

 

 

Hank

P.S. If you decide to rent a car there is an excellent local rental car office (CICAR) about a block from the port. You would want to reserve in advance.

[BettyBoop3850]

Hi Going to Gran Canaria as one of our stops on QM2. Is there anything close to the pier to do. Will be there a full day.

 

Thanks

[Wayfairers]

Hi Going to Gran Canaria as one of our stops on QM2. Is there anything close to the pier to do. Will be there a full day.

 

Thanks

 

Haven't finished my research yet, but we are thinking of doing the HOHO.

[Tomppe]

From the port take a taxi to nearby Costa Teguise - about 15 minutes and about 15 Euros. There are loads of car hire places - we like Plus Car (they may even bring a car to the port if you ask?).

http://www.pluscar-lanzarote.com/en/offices.html

 

I hope that gives you some ideas.

 

I am planning to reserve and hire a car at Cicar office in Puerto de los Mármoles. Does anyone if this is the same port where the cruise ships arrive? I will be on Norwegian Jade.

[samavarcruiser]

Haven't finished my research yet, but we are thinking of doing the HOHO.

 

This sound like a great idea, have fun :)