10 Best Things to Do for Couples in the Canary Islands

Enjoying a sunset cruise is one of the most romantic things you and your partner can embark on while vacationing in the Canary Islands. Whether you're keen on luxury sailboats with onboard bathtubs or catamaran tours with all inclusive food and beverage, it doesn't get much more idyllic than watching the sun dip below the horizon as waves gently lap the starboard bow.

There's no shortage of seaworthy vessels throughout the Canary Islands, especially on the archipelago's major resort destinations. Some of the most popular cruise options include Big Smile Luxury Charters in Tenerife and Chill Out Cruise in Lanzarote. Gran Canaria's Afrikat scores points for its onboard bathing pool.

The Maspalomas Dunes in Gran Canaria offer a breathtaking desert experience without having to travel too far into the wilderness. Viewing the striking panorama for the first time should inspire awe in even the most hardened of travelers, and experiencing it with a significant other is simply unforgettable.

The 400-hectare area has been a national park since 1987, with its dramatic landscape being one of the Canary Islands' most popular attractions. Though the Maspalomas Dunes regularly receive large numbers of visitors, with 8 km of permitted trails along the dunes to explore, there's ample room to enjoy some romantic solitude. The best times to visit are in the early morning for sunrise or late afternoon in time for sunset.

Diving deep into the Atlantic Ocean on a submarine safari is a unique subaquatic experience that couples can try in Lanzarote. Climbing aboard the bright-yellow vessel before descending into the depths offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the undersea world. You don't have to be a seasoned explorer to embark on this underwater adventure.

The voyages depart from Puerto Calero and last approximately an hour. The submarine dives 30 meters below the surface, cruising past shipwrecks while curious marine life swims past the portholes. The trip includes personalized dive certificates, guides in multiple languages, and even colorful fish charts so that you can identify the creatures while underwater together.

San Agustín in Gran Canaria offers a peaceful opportunity for couples to enjoy the pleasures of the beach without the clamor of the crowds. Tucked in a quiet corner close to the much busier Playa del Ingles, the black sands of San Agustín are great for those looking for a dose of romance-inducing solitude by the sea.

Although gloriously laidback, the area still boasts all necessary amenities, with plenty of hotels, restaurants, shops and bars nearby. Behind the beach, the promenade makes a fitting backdrop to a lovers' stroll. If you tire of the beach, the nearby Central Comercial is great for a spot of shopping, while the aloe vera farm at Fincas Canarias makes for a pleasant excursion.

Setting off for a day trip to Isla de Lobos makes for a supremely romantic couple's excursion. Situated between Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, the uninhabited island is exquisitely beautiful, boasting crystal-clear water and abundant wildlife. The pristine beach of Playa de la Concha is picture-perfect and an idyllic spot for sun-worshipping. Energetic visitors should consider hiking across the salt marshes and hornitos to the volcanic mountain of La Caldera.

Day trips and half-day tours are available through various providers on Fuerteventura. You can access the island by ferry or water taxi cab – upscale options include catamaran or sailboat trips that include food, drink, and snorkeling in the package.

Charco Azul is an incredible natural bathing pool that was formed many years ago by molten lava. Its giant rock formations protect the turquoise pools from the powerful waves of the adjacent Atlantic Ocean. Bathing in its soothing water is a dreamy way to spend some quality time with your significant other.

The seawater-filled pools reputedly offer numerous health benefits. The jaw-dropping scenery alone makes Charco Azul well worth a visit. Situated in the small town of La Frontera, Charco Azul has wooden decks for lounging, while anyone brave enough can plunge into the water from lofty diving points. 

The majestic scenery of La Orotava Valley provides an awe-inspiring backdrop to a couple’s retreat. Located on Tenerife's northwest coast, the picturesque valley is a wonderful destination for lovers of the great outdoors. Its gorgeous landscape consists of vineyards, banana plantations, and unspoilt nature, with charming views making it a popular destination with hikers and cyclists.

La Orotava offers equally impressive sights, with historic buildings, quaint wooden balconies, and pretty courtyards bursting with colorful plants. The town has fascinating museums, as well as an exquisite botanical garden. There are also many beaches to explore, including Play Jardin, Playa del Bollullo, and Playa de Los Patos.

Stargazing from El Palmar in Tenerife must be one of the most romantic ways to spend time with your significant other. The generally clear skies of the Canary Islands make them excellent places to witness the spectacular night skies. In good conditions, it's possible to catch a glimpse of 83 of the 88 constellations from Tenerife, with El Palmar known as one of the island's premium vantage points.

Renowned for mesmerizing views of the Milky Way, the fertile valley of El Palmar proves a magnificent setting to indulge in some absorbing astronomy. For those looking for a serious light show, August is a sensible month to travel. Meteor showers and shooting stars make frequent nocturnal appearances during this time.

Watching the sunrise from Mount Teide in Tenerife is a heavenly way for lovebirds to welcome a new day. While sunsets often fill the Instagram feeds of travel junkies and vacationers, early risers will attest to the awesome vistas afforded as the morning sun first appears over the horizon.

To reach the peak in time for sunrise, you have the option of setting off via guided tours at around 2 am, or arriving the evening before and spending the night in the Refugio del Alta hotel. You must obtain permission to climb in advance, and wear suitable clothing and footwear. Climbers should be prepared for some physical exertion, but the amazing sunrise view is well worth the effort.

Los Cristianos Market is a vibrant place for sweethearts to enjoy a morning of retail therapy in Tenerife. This long-running market takes place on Tuesdays and Sundays beside the Los Cristianos seafront. Featuring a colorful mix of stalls selling clothing, food, souvenirs and trinkets, it's the largest market on the island. 

Los Cristianos Market's popularity with both locals and visitors means it can get rather crowded at peak times. You can find almost any imaginable product here, from locally made aloe products to sunglasses and plenty in between. The prices advertized are often heavily inflated, so bargaining with the vendors is often required.