Forget about Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote! Let me introduce to you the hidden gems of the Canary Islands: La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma. Here is some travel inspiration for those who are looking for something new, undiscovered destinations away from the tourist trail.
This blog is written by Ella and Geert, who asked Traveltomtom to share their passion for traveling to the lesser known Canary Islands through a series of guest blog post.
In the winter of 2020/2021 we spent a total of almost 6 months on the 'small Canary Islands' La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro.
In the summer of 2020, despite the corona pandemic, we started our world trip for an indefinite period. We initially did this with our own camper through Europe. But in the autumn of 2020 it became increasingly difficult to drive through Europe in a relaxed mode. But wait, what turned out to be during that period; the Canary Islands had the right 'colour code' to travel there unhindered, the decision to go there for that winter was quickly made.
Ultimately, we arrived at La Gomera (via Tenerife) at the end of November, where we stayed for 6 weeks. We then spent another 10 weeks on La Palma and another 6 weeks on El Hierro. Read in this series of 3 blogs about these lesser-known but stunningly beautiful Canary Islands.
The smaller Canary Islands
Most people have of course heard of the Canary Islands and especially Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura or Lanzarote. Or they have even been to one of these islands, usually for a sun holiday in the winter. But who has ever heard of La Palma, La Gomera or El Hierro?
These are the smaller Canary Islands that lie on the west and southwest side of this archipelago. The islands are lesser known or popular because there are few or no large resorts, holiday villages or beach accommodations. You won't find 'Playa del Ingles' (Gran Canaria) or 'Playa de las Americas' (Tenerife) here. These are those typical bustling tourist seaside towns where mass tourism has taken over.
The most common Canary Islands package holidays serve these destinations. There is nothing wrong with this, but it is for a certain audience. But those who are looking to find a more peaceful holiday destination away from mass tourism they should look into traveling to La Gomera, La Palma or El Hierro.
But what is there to do on La Palma, La Gomera or El Hierro? What makes these islands so special and is it worth a visit?
These lesser known islands form an enchanting trio of small Canary Islands distinguished by their intimate, unspoilt charm and natural beauty that their larger counterparts mentioned earlier cannot match.
La Palma
La Palma, also known as "La Isla Bonita," has enormous appeal with tropical greenery on the one hand and great landscapes in the form of mountains and volcanoes on the other. Furthermore, the island is best known for the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, a breathtaking enormous crater that forms the heart of the northern part of the island. This park is home to diverse ecosystems ranging from dense forests to high mountain peaks, making it a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
Click here for a complete blog about the best places to visit in La Palma.
La Gomera
With it's serene atmosphere and remote character, offers a unique experience steeped in traditional Canarian culture. The island has extensive laurel forests that have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The steep ravines and cliffs create an enchanting landscape perfect for adventurous explorations, while the traditional villages and preservation of the indigenous Silbo Gomero flute culture offer a cultural heritage unique in the Canarias.
Click here for our travel blog about a Road Trip in La Gomera.
El Hierro
The smallest and most remote island, exudes an unprecedented tranquility and is also known for it's incredible natural beauty and it's rawness. What the island lacks in size, is compensated with biodiversity and impressive scenery. El Hierro has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for it's sustainability and nature conservation efforts, making it a destination for nature lovers seeking unspoilt beauty.
Click here for our travel blog about a Road Trip in El Hierro.
These three small islands have a common denominator of tranquility, rich natural heritage and authenticity that is cherished by those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the more touristy Canary Islands.
In a series of 3 blogs we will take a closer look at these three little gems one by one. So click on the link to get a full travel guide for each island.
We hope these travel blogs will inspire you to look beyond Tenerife and Lanzarote and Gran Canaria when planing a trip to the Canary Islands.
Enjoy your trip to the Canary Islands!