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In 1971 the Teneguía volcano appeared on the front pages of newspapers all around the world when it opened up and spewed out thousands of cubic metres of glowing magma. The most recent land-based volcanic eruption in the Canary Islands covered a large part of the south of La Palma with lava and volcanic ash, and created a new tourist attraction. To preserve the unspoilt lava flows of the Teneguía volcano and also those of the eruption of the San Antonio volcano back in the 18th Century, they were declared a National Monument.

Tindaya Mountain is situated in the north-east of Fuerteventura, close to La Oliva. The original aboriginal inhabitants of Fuerteventura considered Tindaya to be a sacred mountain with magical properties, which is evident from the more than 300 engravings in the shape of a foot at the base – these are of great archaeological value. This solitary mountain, 400 metres high and sculpted by the passing of time, really stands out in Fuerteventura’s typically dry, flat landscape.

The island of La Gomera boasts a multitude of rocky outcrops of volcanic origin sculpted by erosion. But few are as emblematic as the huge Agando rock and its four peculiar companions: Las Lajas, flat and leaning; La Zarcita, small and discreet; Carmona, defiant and sharp and Ojila, large and commanding. This combination of monoliths (or standing stones) circuled by the laurel forest of the central mountain tops of La Gomera, should definitely be included in any trip around the island – an island that has been declared Unesco Biosphere Reserve.

The Canary Islands were of vital importance in Christopher Columbus’s voyage to the New World

How can an island as dry as Lanzarote produce excellent white wines and sweet wines? The answer is the “geria”, a cone-shaped hollow excavated in natural layers of volcanic gravel several metres deep and in the centre of which a vine is planted, a wall in the shape of a half moon is then built around the vine in order to protect it from the wind. Row after row of these perfect hollows which are tinted green, ochre and black result in a most unique landscape and it helps to justify why Lanzarote has been included in The Unesco World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Walking through Teno is like finding an island within an island. This mountainous area, at over 1,300 metres above sea level, covers the extreme eastern part of Tenerife and is almost completely surrounded by the sea. In fact, in the distant past Teno was a small separate island, which then joined with other sections to become a single mass of land that is today called Tenerife. This relative geographic isolation has meant the ravines and narrow valleys have conserved a unique biodiversity, architecture and set of customs and habits, which you probably won't find in the Tenerife of mass tourism and populated resorts.

The Tamadaba Natural Park is one of Gran Canaria’s most pristine areas. Its 7,500 hectares stretch from the highlands down to the coast in the fast west of the island within the Unesco Biosphere Reserve. You can choose between forests of indigenous Canary pine trees, the steep, almost inaccessible, cliffs of the west coast and the rich biodiversity of its valleys.

Those who still doubt that there is no better artist than nature herself should visit this landscape of incredible random shapes hidden the highest slopes in the south of Tenerife. The Lunar Landscape is formed by numerous conical shapes with a stylised appearance that looks, for all the world, like a very modern cathedral. Over thousands of years erosion has chiselled the slopes and the thousands of beige layers of fine volcanic ash. The result is a spectacular sight which is out of this world – hence the name.

The Cumbre Vieja National Park extends from the centre to the south of La Palma. Here you can see some of the oldest, prehistoric lava flows to the most recent, including the eruption of the Teneguía volcano in 1971. Some of the volcanoes in the Cumbre Vieja National Park are home to a diverse range of protected plant and animal species. The pine trees that occupy a fair part of the park contrast well with the dark colour of the volcanic earth to create a magnificent landscape.

The Las Niñas reservoir is a great spot for anyone looking to spend the day surrounded by nature in the centre of Gran Canaria. This man made reservoir is surrounded by pine forest and has a large recreation area with tables, barbecue stations, bathrooms and parking. It also has a camping area. Several hiking trails run through the area and allow you to explore the reservoir and surrounding area.