Escape the Crowds: 3 Hidden Gem Canary Islands for a Quiet Spanish Holiday

For decades, the Canary Islands have been the ultimate sanctuary for sun-starved British travelers. With their year-round warmth, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and affordable flights, islands like Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria have become household names. However, the secret is well and truly out. In recent months, local residents have taken to the streets to protest against “overtourism,” citing housing shortages and environmental strain.

But if you look past the neon lights of the major resorts and the crowded “Irish bars” of the bigger hubs, you’ll find a different side to this Spanish archipelago. There are three islands—La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma—where life moves at a slower pace, nature remains the main attraction, and the “authentic” Canary lifestyle is very much alive.

La Gomera: The Island That Time Forgot

Just a short ferry ride from the bustling southern coast of Tenerife lies La Gomera, the third-smallest of the main islands. Despite its proximity to the tourist heartland, it feels worlds away.

While Tenerife and Lanzarote often feel like they’ve been built around the needs of the package holidaymaker, La Gomera remains stubbornly traditional. As travel writer Katie (ofThe World on my Necklace) puts it, she was drawn to the island because it offered a “relaxed and authentic experience,” free from the generic hotels that dominate the larger islands.

The island’s capital, San Sebastián de La Gomera, is steeped in history—it was the final port of call for Christopher Columbus before he set sail for the Americas. But the real magic lies in its interior. The Garajonay National Park is a prehistoric laurel forest, often shrouded in a mystical mist that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fantasy novel.

For those who love to move, the island is a hiker’s paradise. Its 100-km shoreline is dotted with dramatic black sand beaches and rugged cliffs. It’s the kind of place where you don’t go to party; you go to reconnect with the earth, listen to the unique “Silbo Gomero” (the island’s ancient whistling language), and breathe in the Atlantic air.

El Hierro: The Sustainable Soul of the Atlantic

If La Gomera is quiet, El Hierro is silent—in the best way possible. Known asIsla del Meridiano(the Meridian Island), it is the most southwesterly point of the chain and home to a modest population of just over 11,000 people.

For a long time, El Hierro was considered “too small” to bother with by the average tourist. But as travel blogger Silvia notes, that’s exactly what makes it the best hidden gem in the Canaries. “I figured there wasn’t that much to see… boy, was I wrong!” she shares.

El Hierro is a pioneer in sustainable living, currently working toward becoming 100% energy independent through renewable sources. This respect for the environment extends underwater. The island is world-renowned among diving enthusiasts. The “Mar de las Calmas” (Sea of Calms) offers crystal-clear waters and a volcanic seabed teeming with marine life, protected from the harsh Atlantic currents.

On land, the scenery is almost alien. From the twisted juniper trees of El Sabinar to the natural stone arches of Charco Manso, the island is a masterclass in volcanic beauty. It’s a place for travelers who prefer a locally-sourced culinary journey and a quiet evening under the stars over a crowded beachfront promenade.

La Palma: The “Pretty Island” with a Big Heart

Finally, there is La Palma, affectionately known asLa Isla Bonita(The Beautiful Island). While it is the fifth largest of the islands, it has managed to avoid the mass-market commercialization that has gripped its neighbors.

La Palma is a place of extremes. It boasts some of the world’s most impressive volcanic craters, dense green forests, and “star-scattered skies” so clear they are protected by international “Starlight” laws. In fact, it is home to one of the world’s premier astronomical observatories.

The island’s tourism board describes it as a “safe destination” where environmental quality is the ultimate luxury. Whether you are trekking through the Caldera de Taburiente National Park or relaxing on its unique black sand beaches, there is an unmistakable sense of health and well-being in the air.

La Palma is perfect for those who want the infrastructure of a bigger island—great restaurants, well-marked trails, and charming colonial towns like Santa Cruz de la Palma—without the crushing weight of the crowds. It’s an island that actively encourages you to explore its hidden corners, from its imposing volcanoes to its lush fern forests.

Why Make the Switch?

Choosing La Gomera, El Hierro, or La Palma isn’t just about avoiding a crowd; it’s about participating in a more sustainable form of travel. By visiting these lesser-known gems, you help distribute tourism wealth more evenly across the archipelago and reduce the pressure on the islands currently struggling with overtourism.

More importantly, you get to experience the Canary Islands as they were meant to be: wild, rugged, and deeply Spanish. You won’t find many £2 pints or English breakfasts here, but you will find fresh fish, world-class volcanic wine, and a sense of peace that no crowded resort can ever provide.

So, the next time you think about booking a trip to the Canaries, look a little further on the map. The “undiscovered” islands are waiting, and they are more beautiful than you can imagine.

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