For decades, the Canary Islands have been a cherished escape for British holidaymakers, but growing concerns over over-tourism are prompting activists to highlight the negative impacts on local communities and the environment. Campaigners point to severe housing shortages and environmental degradation driven by the booming tourism sector on popular islands like Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote.
Unspoiled Gems in the Canary Archipelago
Amidst the eight islands of the archipelago, there exist lesser-known destinations where mass tourism has not taken hold. These hidden gems offer equally stunning landscapes and authentic Spanish culture, providing refreshing alternatives for travelers seeking a more relaxed experience. Here, we explore three such islands: La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma.
La Gomera: A Tranquil Paradise
La Gomera is the third-smallest of the Canary Islands, with a population of 22,361 residents and San Sebastián de La Gomera as its capital. Travel blogger Katie, from The World on my Necklace, shares her enthusiasm for this diminutive island. She said, "I read about La Gomera, one of the smallest islands in the archipelago. While Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote have areas filled with generic package hotels and Irish bars, La Gomera sounded like a more relaxed and authentic experience. The more I read, the more excited I was to visit."
She added, "I was sold on this idyllic island paradise still untouched by the commercial tourism that steered me away from the larger islands." The petite volcanic island boasts an abundance of hiking and cycling trails for energetic getaways, along with a 100-kilometre coastline dotted with spectacular beaches featuring dramatic black sands.
El Hierro: The Meridian Island
Known as Isla del Meridiano, El Hierro is the second-smallest and most southwesterly of the Canary Islands, spanning 103.67 square miles and home to just 11,659 residents. It is particularly renowned among diving aficionados and is making strides toward complete energy self-sufficiency using clean, renewable power sources.
Travel blogger Silvia shared her thoughts on her website, stating, "Let me start with a clear message: El Hierro is the best hidden gem you will find in the Canary Islands. Given that it is the smallest island of them all, I figured there wasn't that much to see... boy, was I wrong!" Visitors can anticipate activities such as hiking, diving, and a culinary journey featuring numerous celebrated eateries.
La Palma: The Beautiful Island
La Palma, nicknamed La Isla Bonita, is the fifth-largest of the eight principal Canary Islands, covering 273.48 square miles with 84,338 inhabitants. The compact island is eager for tourists to discover its attractions, as highlighted on its tourism website: "Home to incredible landscapes, imposing volcanoes, dense forests, unique beaches, and star-scattered skies, the island of La Palma is rightfully named 'La Isla Bonita' (the Pretty Island)."
The website continues, "A safe destination, whose main attribute is its environmental quality, an unmistakable sign of healthy surroundings." This makes it an ideal spot for those seeking natural beauty and tranquility away from the busier tourist hubs.
In summary, these three hidden Canary Islands—La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma—offer perfect alternatives to crowded destinations like Tenerife. With their stunning beaches, hiking trails, and authentic Spanish culture, they provide a peaceful retreat for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of over-tourism.
