The Canary Islands is a protected natural space. Spread over stunning mountains and beautiful coastlines, the archipelago is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, eleven nature parks, four national parks, and seven biosphere reserves, five of which are coast-to-coast reserves which encompass an entire island. Each island boasts their own special features; from the mountains of Gran Canaria and the coastal paths of Tenerife to the jet-black sand of La Palma and the mars-like landscape of Lanzarote.

Due to its secluded location in the Atlantic, beneficial trade winds and the Azores anticyclone, the Canary Islands offer more hours of sunlight than anywhere else in Europe. Boasting a stress-free atmosphere and with long sunny afternoons and evenings, there is no better place to soak up some beautiful sunsets and reconnect with nature.

Read on to find out where you can catch the best sunsets in the Canary Islands this Autumn…

Gran Canaria: Sunset on the Roque Nublo with Views of Mount Teide

The viewpoint at the Roque Nublo Natural Monument, Gran Canaria’s famous 80-metre-high stone and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered one of the best spots in Gran Canaria to watch the sunset, boasting unsurpassed views of Mount Teide on the neighbouring island of Tenerife. Roque Nublo is located in Tejeda in the Parque Rural del Nublo and is accessible by car. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant 1.5km walk to the base of the monument.

There is also a network of viewpoints around Risco Caído and the Montañas Sagradas de Gran Canaria to enjoy beautiful sunsets.

Tenerife: Sunset at Benijo Beach

Overlooking los Roques de Anaga, each evening, nature’s magic is unveiled on the mysterious stage of Benijo beach. The night sky is filled with purple, red and gold colours while the rugged rock formation of Roque de Benijo rises up in the salty breeze.

To get to Benijo from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, head north to San Andrés where you pass through the small town of Taganana, until the road meets the beach.

Gran Canaria: Sunset in Puerto de Mogán

Puerto de Mogán, the most westerly holiday resort on Gran Canaria’s southern coast, is a charming fishing village, a marina, a perfect holiday destination, and offers one of the best sunsets in the Canary Islands.

Watch Mother Nature’s nightly show as the sun sets against the golden sandy beach and clear blue water of Puerto de Mogán. At dusk, when the sun hits the sea and the sand turns bronze, the balconies that overlook the narrow alleyways of this quaint town suddenly come alive as residents tend to the hanging-baskets of brightly coloured flowers that this village is famous for.

La Palma: Sunset in Puerto de Tazacorte

Located within the biosphere reserve island of La Palma, in the idyllic fishing village of Puerto de Tazacorte, the sun goes down later than anywhere else in Spain.

During golden hour, the dark volcanic sandy beach, green banana trees and blue sea all turn a deep lustrous yellow. Travellers from La Palma airport can enjoy their car journey along a route bordered by exotic trees from the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, cute beaches, and eateries with fresh fish dishes for every palate.

Lanzarote: Sunset at Famara Beach

Located between dramatic cliffs and the gorgeous little island of La Graciosa, the sandy beach of Famara offers one of the most epic sunsets in the Canary Islands. In the late afternoon, enjoy the incredible scenes as the sun drops down to the shoreline and the sand takes the light dances with colours.

This sunset display of refracted light is so spectacular that Famara Beach was named one of the best beaches in Spain according to Conde Nast International Magazine. Located in the north of Lanzarote, the beach can be reached from Arrecife along the Haría/Teguise road.

Fuerteventura: Sunset in El Cotillo

The beach of El Aljibe de la Cueva, in El Cotillo, Fuerteventura, has been declared as one of Spain’s best spots to watch the sunset by Spanish national newspaper, El País.

The surfing hotspot is famous for its reefs, white sand and prominent black lava rocks which, when the sun sets, transform into glowing discs of colour. For those travelling from Fuerteventura airport, look out for the cluster of coves and undiscovered beaches along the coastal road between Corralejo and El Cotillo, for a unique pit-stop on your journey.

La Gomera: Sunset in Valle Gran Rey

Home to one of the finest laurel forests in the world, La Gomera, known as the Green Island, also boasts one of best sunsets in the Canary Islands. During golden hour, the leaves of thousands of trees catch wisps of light, making for unforgettable scenes.

One of the best locations to watch Mother Nature’s nightly show include Valle Gran Rey. The Mirador del Palmarejo, designed by César Manrique, which has a great panoramic view of the valley is another standout locale.

El Hierro: Sunset at the El Faro de Orchilla – the Orchilla Lighthouse

Perched on the far westerly side of the continent, for hundreds of years, Europeans thought that the world ended at the Orchilla Lighthouse, El Hierro. This silent spot is the most perfect and peaceful place to watch the sky during sunset. As the sun sinks into the ocean, the volcanic landscape that surrounds the tower flickers with pink, violet and indigo.

La Graciosa: sunset in Caleta de Sebo

Sunset on La Graciosa has a prehistoric yet peaceful feel. With a population of only 700, this island is relatively untouched by civilisation. Visitors will find more birds sailing across the sky than people on the beaches.

Caleta de Sebo, one of only two small residential areas on La Graciosa, is a super spot to enjoy the sunset this Autumn. This quaint village is known for its streets made of sand rather than tarmac.  But, despite the rustic appearance of the village, day-trippers will be impressed at the pride that residents and local businesses put into maintaining their simple houses and shops. Access to La Graciosa is available with several daily crossing from Órzola which is located on the north coast of Lanzarote. 

For more information on the Canary Islands please visit www.hellocanaryislands.com

ENDS

For more information, please contact Ali Finnegan ali@travelmedia.ie