Why the Canary Islands Are the Perfect Winter Walking Escape

When winter arrives in the UK, many of us find ourselves pulling on waterproofs, checking weather forecasts and squeezing walks in between rain showers. But while much of Europe settles into its coldest months, the Canary Islands are still enjoying warm temperatures, sunshine and some of the best walking conditions of the year. 

Scattered off the northwest coast of Africa, this volcanic archipelago offers a remarkable variety of landscapes, from dramatic mountains and ancient forests to wild coastlines and lunar-like volcanic scenery. Better still, winter is arguably one of the best times to discover them on foot.

Winter Sunshine When We Need It Most

Let's start with the obvious reason. While average daytime temperatures in the UK hover around 5°C in January, the Canary Islands typically enjoy temperatures of around 20 to 21°C, making them one of Europe's most reliable winter sun destinations. That means swapping frozen fingers for walking in a t-shirt, enjoying lunch outside and making the most of long days spent exploring spectacular landscapes. Unlike many winter sun destinations, however, the Canaries aren't just about beaches. They're a genuine walker's paradise.

Cool Enough to Explore Properly

One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is how perfect the winter conditions are for walking. Summer temperatures in parts of the Canary Islands can make longer walks feel challenging, particularly on more exposed trails. During winter, however, conditions are often ideal for exploring the islands' varied terrain, whether you're climbing volcanic peaks in Tenerife, crossing Fuerteventura from coast to coast or tackling mountain trails in Gran Canaria.  The milder temperatures mean you can spend longer outdoors and enjoy everything from gentle coastal walks to more demanding mountain routes without the intensity of the summer heat.

Six Islands, Six Different Experiences

Although they're often grouped together as a single destination, each island offers something completely different.

Tenerife is home to Spain's highest peak, Mount Teide, alongside dramatic volcanic landscapes and ancient forests.

La Gomera is famous for its enchanting laurel forests, deep ravines and spectacular viewpoints.

La Palma combines rugged mountain scenery with dramatic coastlines and stargazing opportunities.

Lanzarote feels almost otherworldly, with lava fields, volcanic cones and landscapes that seem transported from another planet.

Gran Canaria offers remarkable diversity, with everything from dramatic mountain scenery to picturesque villages and subtropical valleys.

Fuerteventura delivers endless horizons, beautiful beaches and rewarding coast-to-coast walking.

The result is a destination that appeals to almost every type of walker.

Fewer Crowds, More Space

Winter is the Canary Islands' most popular season for escaping the cold, but it's a very different experience from the busy summer months seen elsewhere in southern Europe. Many walking routes feel wonderfully uncrowded, particularly away from the main resort areas. Mountain paths, forest trails and rural villages often retain a peaceful atmosphere, allowing you to appreciate the islands' natural beauty without the hustle and bustle often associated with peak summer travel. It's the ideal time to experience a more authentic side of island life.

New for 2027: Local Guides on Every Walk

This winter, there's another reason to explore the Canary Islands with Ramble Worldwide. New for 2027, every walk is accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. While the scenery speaks for itself, it's often the stories, traditions and insights shared by local people that bring a destination truly to life. From unique wildlife and volcanic geology to local customs and island history, our local guides offer a deeper understanding of the places you're exploring and help reveal the Canary Islands beyond the postcard views.

More Than 25 Ways to Explore

One of the things that makes our Canary Islands programme so special is the sheer flexibility it offers. With tours across Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, there are now more than 25 ways to explore the archipelago. Many holidays have been carefully scheduled so they can be combined, making island-hopping easier than ever. Why choose one island when you can experience several? You might follow forest trails in La Gomera before heading to Tenerife's volcanic landscapes, or combine the dramatic scenery of Lanzarote with the endless beaches of Fuerteventura.

A Month of Canary Islands Walking

Can't decide which island to choose? The good news is that you don't have to. Thanks to our carefully planned tour combinations, it's now possible to spend up to four weeks exploring the Canary Islands. That's an entire month of sunshine, spectacular scenery, rewarding walking and fascinating local culture during the heart of the British winter. Few destinations offer such variety within such a compact area, and even fewer make it so easy to keep discovering something new.

Escape Winter, Discover the Canaries

The Canary Islands tick all the boxes for a winter walking holiday. Warm temperatures, diverse landscapes, excellent walking conditions and year-round sunshine combine to create one of Europe's most rewarding destinations for walkers. Whether you're drawn to volcanic landscapes, mountain trails, ancient forests or dramatic coastlines, there's an island, and a walk, waiting for you. And with local guides on every departure, more than 25 ways to explore and the opportunity to island-hop for up to a month, there's never been a better time to discover the Canary Islands on foot.