The Most Romantic Getaways: Valentine's Day in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands has great experiences for couples on Valentine’s Day: there are walks along white sandy beaches; there are hiking trails around the rims of volcanoes; there are meals in Michelin-starred restaurants with fabulous ocean views; and there are evenings with tapas, wine, and star gazing.  

Corralejo Dunes in Fuerteventura 

The Corralejo Natural Park is a good place to discover Fuerteventura’s wild beauty. This coastal area, located in the northeast of Fuerteventura, consists of two parts. On the one hand, the natural park contains the largest expanse of dunes in the Canary Islands, a series of white banks of sand that drop off dramatically into the turquoise ocean. On the other hand, the natural park also encompasses a rugged volcanic landscape shaped in red, ochre, and black. It is the contrast between the pristine sand and the rough volcanic texture which makes the Corralejo Natural Park unique. 

La Gomera and the magic fountain 

The romanticism of La Gomera emerges in valleys full of palm trees, deep ravines, black sandy beaches, crystal clear ocean water, and ancient forests. There are winding mountain roads, blankets of green laurel, spectacular hiking trails, charming guest houses, friendly locals, and delicious restaurants. The island is a natural paradise which has been recognised as a Biosphere Reserve with plant species that have disappeared almost everywhere else on the planet. In the Garajonay National Park there is a fountain called the Chorros de Epina which has a for a long time held romantic associations. Couples visit the water source for good luck and to make wishes.  

Sunrise from the top of Teide in Tenerife 

One of the most astonishing things that a couple can do during a romantic getaway on the Canary Islands is to enjoy the sunrise or sunset from the Teide peak. This volcano, a designated World Heritage Site, is the highest peak in Spain and the third tallest volcano in the world. To watch the day end or begin and the sky change colour is a great way for couples to make a tender hearted moment. Besides the Teide Volcano, Tenerife has plenty to attract couples. Per head of population the island has one of the highest proportions of Michelin starred restaurants in the world with six Michelin stars distributed across five restaurants. It is worthwhile mentioning M.B at the Ritz Carlton Abama. This eating place has, not one but, two Michelin stars and is run by the world renowned Martin Berasategui. Erlantz Gorostiza completes the roster as chief cook.  

Roque Nublo, the symbol of Gran Canaria 

El Roque Nublo and El Roque Bentayga, both located in the Nublo Rural Park, are two enormous boulders positioned in the volcanic crater of Tejeda which is part of the Biosphere Reserve of Gran Canaria. Scenic walks to the base of the monoliths offer panoramic views in which rugged rocks, mystical caves, and a navy blue ocean jostle for position. Couples will be awed by the majesty of the scenery.  

It is worth mentioning that, at 80 metres in height and 1,813 metres above sea level, El Roque Nublo is considered one of the largest natural monoliths in the world. This huge rock formation is held in great esteem by the people of Gran Canaria because it was a place of worship for the original inhabitants of the island. Since those pre-settler days, it has continued to play an important role in the development of the local culture

Jameos del Agua, the perfect setting for a romantic dinner in Lanzarote 

As a location for a romantic dinner, Jameos del Agua is hard to beat. This series of exposed lava caverns are a joy to witness whether during the evening when they are illuminated by a network of artificial lights or during the day when they are lit by the sun.  

The complex was designed by the Lanzarote-born artist Cesar Manrique in the 1960s as part of a programme to preserve the natural and cultural wealth of the local area. Manrique turned an astonishing geological phenomenon into a sustainable tourist attraction which is designed to intrude on nature as little as possible. Today Jameos del Agua houses a restaurant, an auditorium, and a bar.  

Central to the sight is a natural lagoon which is coloured with shades of orange, green, and black thanks to the mineral deposits on the ceiling of the exposed cave. In the saltwater pool, there are twelve native species including “blind crabs”. The stark white colour of the crabs, which visitors enjoying spotting, is a consequence of the dark cave origins of these crustaceans which prevented the establishment of pigmentation. 

Trips to Jameos del Agua can be paired with a stay at Lani’s Suites which has been named by travellers that use TripAdvisor as the most romantic hotel in the world.   

La Palma, the best stargazing  

Stargazing is an activity full of romantic associations. Lovers then will be delighted to hear that La Palma is a major stargazing destination, which brings in astrotourists from all over the world. 

The skies in the Canary Islands are among the clearest in Europe thanks to the “Law of the Heavens” which restricts flight patterns in the archipelago as well as light, air, and radio wave pollution. 

Even in the Canarian archipelago, La Palma is famed for its clear skies.

There are excellent opportunities for star gazing tours on the island, with some operators even including wine and tapas tasting options to their programme of night-time entertainment. For the best views of the constellations visitors should head to the Roque de los Muchachos observatories which are stationed 2,420 metres above sea level. 

Swim in the Charco Azul volcanic pool in El Hierro 

Charco Azul, located in the north west of El Hierro in the rugged scenery of the El Golfo valley, is one of the most spectacular swimming spots in the Canary Islands. It is perfect for couples who are looking for a tranquil location to take a breather from the world and enjoy views across a volcanic landscape. The turquoise pools of water are sheltered from the ocean thanks to a long process of marine erosion which has created areas of sheltered water with volcanic barriers. Charco Azul is crowned by a basalt arch and includes a series of wooden terraces and launch pads for divers. The pools are easy to reach on foot. 

Get married in La Graciosa 

If you dream of a wedding on an island with miles and miles of ocean stretching off into the distance, you will love La Graciosa. This out-of-the-way destination is one of the most beautiful secrets of the Canarian archipelago. With less than 700 inhabitants and a land mass of just under 30 square kilometres, La Graciosa is a paradisiacal location with pristine beaches, incredible views of the Lanzarote coastline, and a climate which is warm and sunny throughout the year. Beaches of note include La Francesa and Las Conchas, Montaña Amarilla, Agujas Grandes and Los Arcos.  

Such is its level of seclusion, La Graciosa can only be reached by boat. It has been chosen as a wedding location by a number of stellar celebrities and wedding photographers such as James Frost, Ed Peers, and Nicole Mason.