Spain is a great location to get a true European experience — from architecture to world-class museums and cafes, Spain has got it all. Another highlight of Spain is the Canary Islands. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, these islands have become popular amongst tourists. 

However, if you want to experience the Canary Islands without the crowded resorts and beaches, there are lots of adventurous activities that await. 

Spread out amongst eight main islands are endless possibilities of unforgettable experiences. Here are three ways the adventurous traveler can experience and enjoy the Canary Islands.

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But first, how do you get to the Canary Islands?

Technically the Canary Islands are closer geographically to Africa than Europe. When traveling from the U.S. to the Canary Islands, you’ll most likely have a layover in Europe. Fortunately, all of the Canary Islands have an airport. 

Most travelers choose to arrive at airports on the islands of Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Tenerife. 

The easy access to ferries and inter-island flights makes island hopping a breeze. 

Now that we know how to get to the Canary Islands, let’s get to the good part. 

Here’s how to enjoy the Canary Islands for the adventurous traveler: 

Stargazing On A Reserve

Head to the islands of La Palma, Fuerteventura and Tenerife and visit one of their Starlight Reserves. 

Milky Way over in Roques de Garcia Canadas del Teide.

The stargazing tours on Tenerife takes you on the Teide volcano for the best views of the galaxy. While on La Palma, you can visit Roque de Los Muchachos to see epic constellations. 

Hike An Active Volcano

Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote has waves of geothermal heat that powers open-air barbecues. If you drive into the park’s Mountains of Fire, you’ll see a landscape of lava which is the result of eruptions in the 18th century. 

Volcanic landscape panorama, Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain

There are free, guided hikes which take you through the history of the park. 

You can also experience the Teide volcano in Tenerife which is also the highest mountain in Spain, coming in at 12,198 feet. 

Wander Through A Prehistoric Forest

The forest is comprised of the Canaries, the Azores, Cape Verde, and Madeira and according to CNN, is “the last remaining example of an ecosystem that was widespread in Europe between 15 and 40 million years ago before disappearing because of glaciation.”

Laurisilva is the name of the forest and stretches to the Canary Island’s UNESCO site Garajonay National Park located on La Gomera. 

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You can hike the forest to the summit of Alto de Garajonay and reach the highest peak of La Gomera at 4,879 feet.