Madeira, Tenerife and La Gomera are three remarkable Atlantic islands for walking holidays, but each offers a different experience. Madeira is known for its levadas and lush mountain landscapes, Tenerife for its volcanoes and extraordinary contrasts, and La Gomera for its ancient laurel forests, deep valleys and quiet rural trails.
At first glance, these islands might seem to have much in common. All three rise from the Atlantic Ocean, have volcanic origins and enjoy relatively mild climates. Their landscapes are dramatic, their vegetation can be surprisingly varied, and each offers the opportunity to escape the busy coastal resorts that many travellers associate with island holidays.
But spend a few days exploring them on foot, and their differences become impossible to ignore.
On Madeira, you might find yourself following a narrow irrigation channel through a green valley, surrounded by ferns and waterfalls. On Tenerife, a trail can lead through pine forests towards an immense volcanic landscape of coloured rocks and lava formations. On La Gomera, you may walk beneath ancient trees wrapped in moss before emerging above a deep ravine dotted with terraced fields.
Choosing between Madeira, Tenerife and La Gomera isn't simply a question of which island is most beautiful. It's about the landscapes you want to experience, the kind of walking you enjoy and the atmosphere you're looking for.
Here's how to find the Atlantic island walking holiday that suits you best.
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Madeira: For Lush Forests, Levadas and Dramatic Mountains
Madeira belongs to Portugal, but its position in the Atlantic gives it a character quite different from the mainland.
The island rises steeply from the ocean, with mountains, deep valleys and dramatic cliffs creating an extraordinary variety of landscapes within a relatively small area.
Its subtropical climate supports abundant vegetation, particularly in the wetter northern and higher-altitude areas. Here, forests, waterfalls and cultivated terraces give the island an unmistakably green appearance.
For walkers, however, Madeira's most distinctive feature is its network of levadas.
What Makes Walking in Madeira Special?
Levadas are irrigation channels originally built to carry water from the island's wetter regions towards agricultural land.
Many are accompanied by narrow maintenance paths that have become walking routes, allowing visitors to explore valleys, forests and mountain landscapes that might otherwise be difficult to reach.
Walking beside a levada is a particularly unusual experience. The water flows quietly alongside the path, sometimes passing through tunnels or beneath dense vegetation. Elsewhere, the trail opens onto dramatic views of steep mountainsides and deep valleys.
Madeira is also home to the Laurisilva, an ancient laurel forest recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This subtropical forest is a surviving example of a type of vegetation that was once much more widespread in southern Europe. Its humid environment supports mosses, ferns and evergreen trees, creating landscapes that can feel almost prehistoric.
But Madeira isn't only about forests. Mountain trails, rocky ridges, rural villages and Atlantic viewpoints offer plenty of variety, particularly for travellers who enjoy combining different natural environments.
Who Will Love Madeira?
Madeira is particularly well suited to walkers who:
- Love green landscapes, forests, waterfalls and botanical diversity.
- Enjoy following unusual paths through valleys and mountains.
- Want to discover the relationship between traditional agriculture and the landscape.
- Appreciate dramatic scenery and don't mind significant changes in elevation.
- Prefer a walking holiday focused primarily on nature rather than urban sightseeing.
One important consideration is that some levada paths are narrow or exposed, occasionally with steep drops nearby. Certain routes also include tunnels or uneven surfaces.
For this reason, Madeira isn't necessarily the best choice for travellers uncomfortable with heights or exposed paths.
Walking in Madeira with SloWays
SloWays' eight-day Madeira walking holiday explores the island's quieter northern landscapes, combining levadas, laurel forests, mountains and coastal scenery.
The itinerary covers approximately 62 kilometres and is classified as difficulty level 3.
It's designed for walkers who want to discover the island beyond its more developed tourist areas, with time to appreciate its remarkable natural environments.
Tenerife: For Volcanoes, Contrasting Landscapes and Wide Horizons
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and perhaps the most geographically varied.
Although it's often associated with beaches, resorts and year-round sunshine, much of its interior feels like an entirely different world.
At the centre of the island rises Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak, surrounded by an extraordinary volcanic landscape.
Here, the scenery is defined by lava fields, rock formations and vast open spaces, with colours ranging from deep black and reddish brown to ochre and pale stone.
Yet Tenerife's landscapes change dramatically with altitude and exposure. In other parts of the island, pine forests, green valleys and humid woodland create a striking contrast with the arid volcanic terrain.
What Makes Walking in Tenerife Special?
The most distinctive feature of walking in Tenerife is the sheer variety of its environments.
A journey might begin among pine trees and end in a landscape that looks almost lunar. Trails cross volcanic slopes, rocky terrain and ancient formations that reveal the island's geological history.
Around Teide National Park, the scenery is particularly memorable.
The Roques de García, a collection of remarkable rock formations, offer an opportunity to explore the volcanic landscape on foot, with views towards the mountain and the surrounding caldera.
Elsewhere, the island's forests and rural areas reveal another side of Tenerife, one that feels far removed from its popular southern coast.
This variety is also reflected in the climate. Conditions can differ considerably between the coast and the mountains, and between the wetter north and the drier south.
For walkers, that means it's important to think beyond Tenerife's reputation as a sunny destination. Higher-altitude trails can be cold, windy or affected by changing weather, particularly during winter.
Who Will Love Tenerife?
Tenerife is an excellent choice for travellers who:
- Are fascinated by volcanoes, geology and unusual rock formations.
- Enjoy wide, open landscapes and panoramic views.
- Want to experience several contrasting environments on one island.
- Prefer varied walking routes rather than a single type of terrain.
- Are interested in combining nature with the island's villages and local traditions.
Tenerife is also appealing to travellers who enjoy photography, particularly because of the dramatic changes in light, colour and landscape.
And while some routes are demanding, others offer opportunities for less strenuous walking, depending on the itinerary.
Walking in Tenerife with SloWays
SloWays offers a dedicated eight-day Tenerife walking holiday, covering approximately 72 kilometres and classified as difficulty level 2.
This self-drive itinerary explores the island's contrasting natural environments. A rental car is necessary to reach the different walking routes, and can be arranged as an additional service.
Tenerife can also be experienced as part of SloWays' combined Tenerife and La Gomera holiday, which introduces two very different Canary Islands in one journey.
La Gomera: For Ancient Forests, Deep Ravines and Rural Traditions
La Gomera is much smaller than neighbouring Tenerife, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character.
The island is defined by deep ravines, steep hillsides, terraced agricultural landscapes and forests that seem to belong to another time.
Its interior is particularly remarkable.
Here, the Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects one of the most important surviving examples of laurel forest in the Canary Islands.
The vegetation thrives in the humid conditions created by clouds and mist, which frequently envelop the higher parts of the island.
Walking through these forests can feel surprisingly different from the open volcanic landscapes of Tenerife, even though the two islands are separated by a relatively short ferry journey.
What Makes Walking in La Gomera Special?
La Gomera's walking trails reveal a landscape shaped by both volcanic origins and centuries of human adaptation.
The island's deep ravines, known as barrancos, cut through the terrain, creating dramatic valleys and steep slopes.
Traditional agricultural terraces follow the contours of the hillsides, while small villages occupy places where communities have developed ways of living within this challenging geography.
In Garajonay National Park, walking paths pass through dense woodland, where moss-covered branches, ferns and evergreen trees create a quiet, atmospheric environment.
Elsewhere, trails open onto panoramic views of valleys, coastal cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean.
One of La Gomera's most fascinating cultural traditions is Silbo Gomero, a whistled language traditionally used to communicate across the island's deep ravines.
Recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, it offers a striking example of how the island's geography has influenced local culture.
This relationship between landscape and everyday life is one of the most rewarding aspects of exploring La Gomera on foot.
Who Will Love La Gomera?
La Gomera is particularly appealing to travellers who:
- Prefer quieter, less developed destinations.
- Love atmospheric forests and unusual ecosystems.
- Enjoy discovering traditional villages and rural landscapes.
- Are interested in the relationship between geography and local culture.
- Feel comfortable walking on hilly terrain with substantial climbs and descents.
Although La Gomera is known for its forests, it isn't necessarily an easy walking destination.
Its steep valleys and uneven paths can make some routes physically demanding, particularly where there are significant elevation changes.
Walking in La Gomera with SloWays
La Gomera is included in SloWays' eight-day Tenerife and La Gomera walking holiday.
The combined itinerary covers approximately 67 kilometres, with a difficulty level of 3, and explores the contrasting landscapes of both islands.
After discovering Tenerife's volcanic scenery, travellers continue to La Gomera, walking through Garajonay National Park and the island's dramatic rural landscapes.
It's an appealing choice for those who want to experience two complementary sides of the Canary Islands without having to choose between them.
Madeira vs Tenerife vs La Gomera: The Main Differences
Although all three islands offer memorable walking experiences, their landscapes and atmosphere are quite distinct.
- Madeira – Best for lush forests and mountain landscapes. Known for its levadas, waterfalls, green valleys and dramatic mountains, Madeira offers walking experiences through subtropical forests and spectacular natural scenery. Its atmosphere is lush, dramatic and particularly appealing to travellers who love greenery, botanical diversity and nature-focused adventures.
- Tenerife – Best for volcanoes and contrasting environments. From the volcanic plateaus around Mount Teide to pine forests, rocky terrain and green valleys, Tenerife offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes. Its expansive scenery and geological diversity make it ideal for travellers who enjoy panoramic views, unusual rock formations and varied walking routes.
- La Gomera – Best for ancient forests and rural traditions. Characterised by dense laurel woodland, deep ravines and terraced hillsides, La Gomera offers atmospheric forest trails and hilly rural paths. Its quieter, more traditional character makes it especially appealing to travellers seeking tranquillity, local culture and a strong connection with the landscape.
There is, however, one important distinction between comparing the islands and comparing actual walking holidays.
The difficulty of an itinerary depends on the specific routes, distances and elevation changes involved, not simply on the destination.
For example, SloWays' Madeira itinerary is classified as level 3, while its dedicated Tenerife holiday is level 2. The combined Tenerife and La Gomera journey is level 3.
These differences are worth considering before making your choice.
Which Atlantic Island Is Best for Your Walking Style?
The best island for you depends on what you enjoy most about travelling on foot.
Choose Madeira if You Love Green Landscapes
If your ideal walking day involves forests, flowing water, waterfalls and dramatic mountain views, Madeira is likely to appeal.
Its levadas offer a particularly distinctive way to explore the island, while the combination of subtropical vegetation and rugged terrain creates an environment unlike most European walking destinations.
It's a strong choice for travellers who want to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy varied mountain scenery.
Choose Tenerife if You Love Volcanoes and Variety
If you're fascinated by geological landscapes, Tenerife offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore volcanic terrain on foot.
The island's dramatic contrasts are part of its appeal: barren rock formations, pine forests, green valleys and Atlantic views can all feature within the same holiday.
It's particularly suitable for travellers who enjoy variety and want to discover more than one type of environment.
Choose La Gomera if You Love Quiet Trails and Local Culture
If you're drawn to places with a strong sense of identity, La Gomera is especially rewarding.
Its ancient forests, traditional villages and terraced valleys create a distinctive atmosphere, while cultural traditions such as Silbo Gomero reveal how closely the island's history is connected to its geography.
It's an excellent destination for travellers who enjoy exploring places that feel removed from mainstream tourism.
Choose Tenerife and La Gomera Together if You Want Both Worlds
For those who find it difficult to choose between dramatic volcanic scenery and lush forests, the combined Tenerife and La Gomera itinerary offers a compelling alternative.
In just over a week, you can experience two very different islands: one dominated by the monumental presence of Teide, the other characterised by deep ravines and ancient woodland.
The contrast is what makes this combination particularly memorable.
When Is the Best Time to Walk in Madeira and the Canary Islands?
One of the advantages of these Atlantic islands is that they offer walking opportunities throughout much of the year.
However, a mild island climate doesn't mean that every trail has the same conditions in every season.
Madeira's mountainous geography creates considerable local variation. Its northern slopes and higher elevations tend to be wetter and cooler than the more sheltered southern coast.
The Canary Islands also experience important differences between coastal and mountain environments, as well as between their northern and southern slopes.
Spring: Green Landscapes and Comfortable Walking
Spring is often a particularly appealing season for walking in Madeira and the Canary Islands.
In Madeira, flowering plants and lush vegetation add to the island's natural beauty, while conditions can be pleasant for exploring valleys and mountain paths.
Tenerife and La Gomera also offer attractive walking opportunities, particularly for travellers interested in forests and rural landscapes.
Summer: Long Days, but Consider the Altitude
Summer can be suitable for walking on all three islands, although temperatures and sun exposure vary considerably.
On Tenerife, lower and more exposed areas may become hot, while mountain conditions can remain cooler.
Madeira's northern landscapes and forest routes may offer different conditions from the warmer coastal areas, although humidity and exposure should still be considered.
Autumn: A Good Balance for Island Walking
Autumn is another appealing period for Atlantic island walking holidays.
Temperatures can remain mild, and the islands may feel quieter outside the busiest summer travel periods.
However, rainfall and changing mountain weather become increasingly important considerations as the season progresses.
Winter: Mild Coasts, Changeable Mountains
Winter is one of the reasons these islands attract walkers from across Europe.
While much of the continent experiences colder conditions, Madeira and the Canary Islands often retain relatively mild coastal temperatures.
But higher-altitude routes can be cold, wet or windy, and Tenerife's Teide area may experience snow or ice.
It's therefore important to choose suitable trails and check local conditions rather than assuming that year-round walking means uniformly warm weather.
Frequently Asked Questions About Walking in Madeira, Tenerife and La Gomera
Is Madeira or Tenerife better for hiking?
Both are excellent hiking destinations, but they offer different landscapes. Madeira is particularly known for its levadas, forests and steep green mountains, while Tenerife is famous for its volcanic terrain and dramatic environmental contrasts. The best choice depends on the type of scenery and walking experience you prefer.
Which island is greener, Madeira or Tenerife?
Madeira is particularly famous for its lush vegetation, especially in its northern and mountainous areas. Tenerife also has green forests and valleys, but much of its distinctive scenery includes volcanic rock formations and more arid landscapes. Both islands have considerable differences between regions.
Is La Gomera worth visiting for hiking?
Yes. La Gomera offers excellent walking opportunities through Garajonay National Park, traditional villages and dramatic ravines. It's especially appealing to travellers who enjoy quieter destinations, forest environments and cultural discoveries.
Are Madeira's levada walks difficult?
Difficulty varies considerably between routes. Some levada walks are relatively gentle, while others involve narrow paths, tunnels, exposed sections or substantial changes in elevation. SloWays' eight-day Madeira holiday is classified as difficulty level 3 and is not recommended for travellers who suffer from vertigo or have balance difficulties.
Can you visit Tenerife and La Gomera on the same walking holiday?
Yes. SloWays offers an eight-day self-guided itinerary combining Tenerife and La Gomera, allowing travellers to experience volcanic landscapes, pine forests, laurel woodland and traditional rural environments in one journey.
Can you walk in Madeira and the Canary Islands in winter?
Walking is possible throughout much of the year, but winter conditions vary by location and altitude. Coastal areas are often mild, while higher trails can experience rain, wind, cold temperatures and, around Mount Teide, occasional snow or ice. Always check conditions for your chosen itinerary.
Three Islands, Three Ways to Experience the Atlantic
Madeira, Tenerife and La Gomera may share the same ocean, but each tells a different story.
Madeira reveals the relationship between water, forests and mountain agriculture. Tenerife offers a journey through volcanic history and landscapes of extraordinary contrasts. La Gomera invites you to discover ancient woodland, rural traditions and a geography that has shaped the lives of its communities for centuries.
There is no single best island for a walking holiday.
There is only the one that speaks most strongly to your curiosity: the green paths of Madeira, the volcanic horizons of Tenerife or the quiet forests of La Gomera.
And if you can't decide between Tenerife and La Gomera, perhaps the answer is to discover them together.
Explore SloWays' Madeira walking holiday, Tenerife walking holiday and Tenerife and La Gomera itinerary to find the Atlantic island adventure that's right for you.
Written by the SloWays Team
