We might be the experts when it comes to accommodation, but we want to make sure that people have plenty of exciting activities to choose from when they book one of our fabulous properties. If you’re thinking of heading to one of our luxury villas in the Canary Islands, you might want to check out Dixkover before you head off. They manage loads of fantastic adventures and experiences on and around the Canary Islands, arranging everything from adrenaline-fuelled diving and paragliding trips to cookery classes and gastronomic experiences, as well as pottery classes, hiking excursions, spelunking and wine tasting – whatever your tastes, there’s bound to be something for you to enjoy! We asked if they’d put together a list of their favourite experiences on the islands and they happily obliged – you’ll find all the inspiration you need in their blog below!
Tenerife
1. Sunrise on Teide
Towering at 3,718 meters, Teide is the highest volcano in Europe, Spain’s highest peak and the world’s third largest volcano, if you’re measuring from its base on the ocean floor.
The actual climb to the top is easy, following a well-marked, excellent path – just keep in mind the effects of high altitude and give yourself plenty of time!
It’s best to start in the evening from Montaña Blanca parking spot at 2,300m, climbing up to the mountain hut at 3,270 where you can enjoy watching the sunset. Altavista Refuge is faces the East over Cañadas del Teide, an impressive circle formed by rugged peaks of an old crater. It’s the best spot to see the stunning effects of the sun throwing a perfect pyramidal shadow of Teide over the island and the ocean stretching beneath. A truly unforgettable sight.
To make the most of this experience, it’s best to get up early next morning and walk up to the summit to watch the sun rise. On a clear morning you see five of the Canary Islands and on some occasions, all seven of them, making this one of the most extraordinary experiences in the Canary Islands. The sight of the shadow of Teide on the island of La Gomera is breathtaking, and even more so, if it happens to be the full moon as well, you’ll see spectacular displays of colors and shadow falling over the sea and horizon.
On the way down you have the option of taking the cable car, which runs every hour and takes around eight minutes. This option will leave you with enough time and strength to explore nearby Orotava Valley and the town of Puerto de la Cruz, both rich in history, traditional Canarian architecture and numerous vineyards and restaurants where you can treat yourselves to well-deserved local delicacies and wine.
Eyes of Mount Teide – Guiri
2. Diving with turtles
There are a number of great places to dive on Tenerife, exploring it’s underwater landscapes and rich marine life. One experience that truly stands out is diving with green turtles in the south of the island and learning at first hand about the ongoing recovery projects of this micro marine reserve that has allowed the turtles to come back to Tenerife as they used to, over many years ago, to rear their young ones.
3. Paragliding from the top of Tenerife
Land, sea and sky. Another unique experience that Tenerife has to offer is a tandem paragliding flight , taking off at 2,200 meters, just below the world famous Observatory in the Teide National Park and landing on volcanic black sand beach in historic town of Puerto de la Cruz. This 35-45 minute flight, will take you over volcano craters, pine forests, la Orotava valley with its picturesque villages and also over the sea to appreciate the all imaginable shades of turquoise and blue, not to mention extraordinary sensation of a free flight itself. You can celebrate your flight in style on your landing, as Puerto de la Cruz boasts many top level traditional, European and contemporary restaurants with a twist to suit any taste, such as Lucas Maes, Kafka or Mil Sabores.
4. Lobos Island, diving and a picnic
Isla de Lobos (or ‘Island of Wolves’) is named after the colonies of monk seals that used to populate it. The island is situated between Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. There are numerous options to make the most of the day out to the island. You can go snorkeling, diving, fishing or Stand-up Paddleboarding off the sailing boat and, once you are on the island, explore its beautiful, unspoilt beaches that are great for surfing, go bird watching or just relax. Most of the day trip organizers will offer you a lunch or picnic option on the boat, as facilities on the island are very limited.
Turtle – Nathan Slemers
Fuerteventura
5. Explore a windsurfing and kitesurfing paradise
Whether you are a well experienced sportsman or just curious about trying it for the first time, Fuerteventura won’t disappoint! It offers more than 152 beaches to choose from. Every July and August, one of it’s longest and most stunning beaches, Playa Sotavento, takes the center stage in the water sports world, as it hosts Windsurfing and Kiteboarding World Cup.
Being one of the lesser known (and hence unspoilt!) islands in the Canaries it offers you peace, tranquility, a chilled out atmosphere and many other activities to enjoy, such as surfing, diving, fishing, kayaking… and that’s just the sea.
Lanzarote
6. Concert and a visit to Jameos del Agua
Jameos del Agua is one of the most impressive and unique volcanic cave in the world. It is a combination of art and nature conceived by Cesar Manrique, a Lanzarote artist, who was inspired by the stunning natural beauty of the island to create different spaces and achieve the perfect harmony between nature and human creativity.
The cave has naturally great acoustics, which makes it a perfect place to hold musical concerts. Our favorite is the quartet of Toñin Corujo. Toñin is a timplista, and a timple is a small guitar that has a unique and original sound. Toñin is accompanied by Carlos Perez on saxophone, Yael Hernandez on guitar and bass, and Israel Curbelo on the piano. These concerts are held every Saturday at 10:30 pm, before which you can enjoy a dinner in Jameos restaurant. Early booking and arrival two hours prior to the performance is recommended.
7. Hiking and lunch at one of the Top Canary Restaurants.
Lanzarote is a volcanic island, with its predominantly otherworldly lunar landscapes, but if you like exploring off the beaten track and want to escape tour buses, there are some amazing routes that will take you through all the types of ecosystems and different landscapes of Lanzarote. You’ll see the best views of the Famara beach, the island of La Graciosa and the Chinijo archipelago to the north of the island.
One of our favorite routes takes you 500 meters down the Risco de Famara, the main mountain range on the island with impressive vertical walls falling down into the sea, and into the village of Famara where the famous Risco restaurant is hidden. It is one of the best restaurants on Lanzarote and the Canary Islands. Creative cuisine inspired by traditions and local produce will treat you to typical traditional dishes with a modern twist. Not only is it the most pleasant and satisfying way to end a good walk, it’s an experience in itself!
Famara Beach – Ben K
Gran Canaria
8. Multi Adventure Days Out
You can learn more about the formation of the island and its geology in the most exhilarating and fun way, exploring the volcanic pipe, abseiling, rock climbing, flying down a zip line of 60 meters and, of course, caving.
You don’t need to have any skills or prior experience – only desire for adventure, professional and well-experienced guides and instructors to look after the rest.
9. Horse Riding among the volcanoes
One of the best way to see more of Gran Canaria and its hidden treasures is on a horseback! The rides will take you past stunning coastline scenery, panoramic views of the Caldera and the Pico de Bandama, tropical plantations and cactus fields. The reddish, black and yellow colors are typical of the phenomenon of volcanic formations of this land and create unforgettable scenery.
You don’t need to be an experienced rider, just wear some comfortable clothes, sit back and enjoy!
Horse Riding – Oliver’s Travels
10. Private charter fishing
If the feeling of freedom, the immensity of the ocean, and good company is what you are after, than there’s no better way of finding it than spending a day or two on your own boat or a yacht in the company of friends and family.
With experienced crew on board to do all the hard work, all you have to do is enjoy the fishing, snorkeling, exploring the coastline for those hidden secluded beaches or just taking the time to relax and feel the wind and the sun.
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