When it comes to getting your winter sun fix, the Canary Islands are a no-brainer. Throw in some lung-opening hikes and views of El Teide in Tenerife and you've got the perfect winter adventure.

A shot by Sarah, overlooking the clouds during the Tenerife walking festival

In a Nutshell

Grade: Moderate to Strenuous (best suited to keen walkers looking for an invigorating week)

Distance: That’s up to you! The 7 day itinerary includes 6 days of walking up to 6.5 hours per day, with options on many days to make it a little more relaxing should you wish.

This way and that way. Well waymarked walking routes lead the way to some of the island's finest spots.

Why walk it?

The Canary Islands are perhaps better known for their beach resorts, but savvy travellers know that when you scratch beneath the surface this archipelago there's a wealth of beauty in the culture and landscapes, and the island of Tenerife is a walking paradise. The terrain is perfect for a challenge, with plenty of ascent and descent, but not too extreme for most regular walkers and hikers. We suggest a drive and hike style itinerary to join up the best walking spots.

Blue skies and volcanic terrain.

The landscapes are characterised by everything from lush vegetation, to remarkable rock formations, to deep ravines. Bring a head for heights and a thirst for a challenge, but don't worry there's plenty of time for relaxation aside from the walking, for example exploring the historic town centre of La Laguna or the historic quarter of La Orotava.

Planning Your Trip

The great thing about the Canary islands is that they are a perfect year round destination. You may find the summer months of July and August a little hot, but even in winter you can expect temperatures of 14-21 degrees centigrade during the day which makes for comfortable walking. Mornings can be chilly so we'd always suggest packing layers, and of course waterproofs just in case.

Views of El Teide. Its 12,198 ft summit is the highest point in Spain.

Most people fly to Tenerife South airport which is served by many major carriers. Macs Adventure's drive and hike itinerary starts in La Orotava and is a 7 night trip with 6 days of walking, including optional walks most days to suit your ability or energy levels! See more about this drive & hike tour of Tenerife on our website. If you need more information on this or any other walking or cycling adventure, contact our team at info@macsadventure.com. For more inspiration, read more on walking in the Canary Islands and Sarah's experience of the Tenerife Walking Festival in 2015 or check out some walking and cycling adventures on Europe's 10 top islands.