Canary Islands Map

Canary Islands Map – A Detailed Island-by-Island Guide

The Canary Islands, a dazzling archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, are a treasure trove of volcanic landscapes, lush forests, dramatic coastlines, and sun-drenched beaches. Politically part of Spain but geographically much closer to Morocco, the Canaries are an intriguing blend of cultures, climates, and terrains. This Atlantic archipelago is made up of seven main islands and several smaller islets, each with a distinct personality and geographical identity.

Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, the Canary Islands lie atop the Canary hotspot, a region of intense geothermal activity. Their unique location gives them a subtropical climate and diverse topography—ranging from Spain’s highest peak to sweeping sand dunes and ancient laurel forests. In this article, we’ll guide you through each island, helping you understand the layout and natural features of this fascinating island chain.

Understanding the Canary Islands Map: The Basics

The Canary Islands are split into two primary provinces: Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Geographically, the islands are often grouped into two clusters:

• Eastern Islands: Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and the smaller islets of La Graciosa, Lobos, Montaña Clara, and Alegranza
• Western Islands: Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma, and the smaller La Graciosa (politically part of Las Palmas)

Let’s explore each island’s geographical features.

Eastern Canary Islands

Lanzarote

Lanzarote is a striking island shaped by dramatic volcanic eruptions, especially the Timanfaya eruptions of the 18th century. The Timanfaya National Park is a surreal landscape of black and red lava fields, dormant craters, and geothermal vents. With minimal rainfall, the island’s terrain is stark and arid, resembling a Martian landscape. The La Geria region is known for its unique method of vine cultivation in volcanic ash, while its coastline features rugged cliffs and hidden coves.

Fuerteventura

The second-largest island in the Canaries, Fuerteventura is famous for its endless sandy beaches and wind-sculpted dunes. It's the oldest island geologically, eroded over time into a more subdued, rolling landscape compared to its volcanic neighbors. The island's geography is defined by the Jandía Peninsula in the south, mountainous ridges, and flat, semi-desert inland plains. Fuerteventura is a haven for windsurfers and nature lovers alike.

La Graciosa

Just north of Lanzarote, La Graciosa is the newest officially recognized Canary Island. With no paved roads and a population of around 700, it’s a peaceful retreat with golden beaches, dusty trails, and volcanic cones like Montaña Amarilla. Its minimal development allows for a raw and untouched geographical charm.

Central & Western Canary Islands

Gran Canaria

Often referred to as a “miniature continent,” Gran Canaria is a geographic marvel. Its northern coast is lush and green, while the southern regions are arid and sun-baked. The central highlands are dominated by the Pico de las Nieves, the island's highest peak at 1,949 meters. The island’s unique geography includes deep ravines (barrancos), pine forests, and coastal dunes at Maspalomas. This diverse terrain supports an incredible range of microclimates and ecosystems.

Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest island in the archipelago and home to Mount Teide, a towering stratovolcano and the highest peak in Spain at 3,718 meters. Teide National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with lunar-like landscapes, volcanic craters, and endemic flora. The island’s geography varies wildly—from arid coastal plains to verdant northern forests and alpine highlands. The Anaga and Teno mountain ranges add further contrast with deep ravines and dramatic cliffs.

La Palma

Nicknamed “La Isla Bonita” (The Beautiful Island), La Palma is one of the greenest in the archipelago. Its geography is rugged and dramatic, with the Caldera de Taburiente—a massive erosion crater at its center—being the island’s most defining feature. Steep slopes, dense forests, and volcanic cones mark the landscape, including the Cumbre Vieja ridge, which erupted as recently as 2021. La Palma is also famous for its stargazing conditions and has some of the world’s clearest night skies.

La Gomera

This island is a circular mound of deep ravines and misty laurel forests. Garajonay National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves an ancient cloud forest ecosystem dating back to the Tertiary Period. The rugged terrain and step-like terraces across the hills are a testament to the island’s volcanic birth and agricultural adaptation.

El Hierro

El Hierro, the smallest of the main islands, is a haven of untamed nature and dramatic geology. Towering cliffs, volcanic plateaus, and lush pine forests dominate the landscape. The island’s coastline is jagged, with lava-formed rock pools and blowholes. El Hierro is also a pioneer in renewable energy, aiming to be the world’s first energy self-sufficient island using wind and hydro power.

Smaller Islands and Islets

Beyond the main seven, the Canaries also include lesser-known islets like Lobos Island (just off Fuerteventura), known for its volcanic terrain and peaceful beaches. These tiny outposts offer minimal infrastructure but maximum natural beauty and isolation.

The Canary Islands: A Geographical Kaleidoscope

The Canary Islands offer an extraordinary range of geography, from towering volcanic peaks and lunar-like landscapes to lush forests and golden beaches. Each island tells a different story of fire, wind, and time—inviting travelers to hike crater rims, swim in lava pools, and wander through ancient forests cloaked in mist.

Whether you're chasing adventure on Tenerife’s Mount Teide, relaxing on the dunes of Fuerteventura, or exploring the untouched shores of La Graciosa, the Canaries are a living geological museum ready to be discovered.