The best waterfall hikes and walks in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands offer a wide selection of waterfall hiking trails, with over 99 routes listed on komoot. These trails range from easy strolls to more challenging treks, ensuring options for various fitness levels.

While all islands offer unique landscapes, La Gomera, La Palma, and Gran Canaria are particularly renowned for their waterfall hikes. La Gomera boasts ancient laurisilva forests in Garajonay National Park, creating misty, lush environments perfect for cascades. La Palma features dramatic volcanic calderas with impressive water features, and Gran Canaria offers deep ravines with hidden waterfalls.

Thanks to their 'eternal spring' climate, the Canary Islands are suitable for waterfall hiking year-round. Temperatures generally range from 20°C to 25°C. However, the wetter months (typically late autumn to early spring) might offer more impressive water flow in the waterfalls, while still maintaining pleasant hiking conditions.

Yes, there are several easy waterfall hikes perfect for families and beginners. For instance, the Barranco de los Cernícalos – route of the waterfalls on Gran Canaria is a moderate 3.7-mile (6.0 km) path known for its multiple cascades and lush vegetation, making it a popular and accessible choice. Overall, komoot lists 8 easy waterfall routes.

For those seeking a challenge, the Caldera de Taburiente route – La Palma is a difficult 12.9-mile (20.8 km) trail that takes hikers through a dramatic volcanic caldera, often completed in about 7 hours 49 minutes. This route offers significant elevation changes and stunning views, including various water features within the caldera. There are 37 difficult waterfall routes available.

Yes, many waterfall hikes in the Canary Islands are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. A popular example is El Mirador de Tajaqué from Pajarito — circular through the forests of Garajonay National Park on La Gomera, a 7.4-mile (11.9 km) trail through ancient laurisilva forests.

Waterfall hikes, especially in areas like La Gomera's Garajonay National Park and Tenerife's Anaga Rural Park, often lead through ancient laurisilva forests. These subtropical rainforests are relics from the Tertiary Period, featuring twisted trees covered in moss and lichen, ferns, and a rich biodiversity unique to these misty, humid environments.

The waterfall trails in the Canary Islands are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 123,000 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the unique volcanic landscapes, the lushness of the laurisilva forests, and the refreshing beauty of the cascades.

Absolutely. La Palma offers several routes that explore the stunning Caldera de Taburiente, a massive volcanic crater. The Caldera de Taburiente National Park - Colors Waterfall via the Barranco de las Angustias is a moderate 11.1 km hike that leads to the famous 'Colors Waterfall' within the caldera, known for its vibrant mineral deposits.

Beyond the waterfalls, the Canary Islands offer a wealth of attractions. Depending on your location, you might find historical sites like the Torre del Conde (Tower of the Count) in La Gomera or various castles such as San José Castle in Lanzarote. The islands also feature unique volcanic landscapes, stunning viewpoints, and diverse coastal areas.

Policies regarding dogs on trails can vary, especially within national parks and protected natural areas. It's always best to check specific regulations for each trail or park beforehand. Generally, dogs are often allowed on a leash on many public trails, but some sensitive ecological areas or specific sections might have restrictions.

Access to trailheads by public transport varies across the islands and specific routes. Larger islands like Tenerife and Gran Canaria have more extensive bus networks that can reach some popular hiking areas. For more remote waterfall trails, especially on smaller islands, a rental car or taxi might be necessary. Always check local bus schedules and routes in advance.