The Canary Islands are all unique and beautiful. So why settle for one island during your vacation or internship on the Canary Islands? Under the term island hopping, changing islands, within a group of islands, has been popular and known for a long time. We also think it’s a great way to see as much of the Canary Islands as possible. The Canary Islands are each accessible by ship or by plane, especially between the islands exist many and good ferry connections. We think that it is a nice way to travel by ferry. Today we would like to give you the most important information about traveling by ferry around the Canary Islands. In addition, we will tell you about our experiences with island hopping.

If, like us, you like to explore and get to know as many places as possible…. you’ve come to the right place! We would like to give you a lot of information that you need for island hopping by ferry.

The two shipping companies that serve the islands are Fred. Olsen Express and Naviera Armas. The former is an offshoot of the Norwegian shipping company Fred. Olsen S.A. The ferries are yellow and share the typical blue and red logo. Naviera Armas, on the other hand, is a Spanish shipping company. It is based in Gran Canaria, with white and red ships. The two competitors often offer the same routes, so it is always worthwhile to make a price comparison. Such are offered by many websites.

In addition to routes between the Canary Islands, they also offer trips to the Spanish mainland. Fred. Olsen Express only offers the connection from Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Huelva. Naviera Armas, on the other hand, offers connections to both Huelva and Cádiz. It connects a total of five Canary Islands with the Spanish mainland. Those are: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and La Palma. These routes are of course operated in both directions. So, for your vacation or internship on the Canary Islands, you can also travel by ferry and bring your car with you, for example. There is also a desire to establish a ferry service to Western Sahara or Morocco, but negotiations are stalling. Currently, the African continent is not served by any shipping company from the Canary Islands.

The Canary Islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean next to the Western Sahara and politically belong to Spain. Geographically, the archipelago is assigned to Africa, which is especially noticeable in the climate and vegetation. Every single island has beautiful beaches and much more to offer. We will show you now how you can visit the other islands by ferry during your vacation or internship on the Canary Islands, and what you should keep in mind.

First of all, you need a ticket, which you can easily book on the website of the selected shipping company. Comparison portals will help you choose the best connection for you. On the day of the trip, you need to bring your ticket and your ID card with the ID card number you used when buying the ticket. You will not be able to board the ferry without your ID card. It is advisable to bring a jacket for the crossing, as well as anti-nausea medication in case you are prone to seasickness. In any case, you need a sense of adventure and energy, but also a plan of how to get from the port to your destination and from there to your planned activities. Especially on the smaller islands, bus connections are good and it is advisable to rent a car or make a detailed plan in advance.

Overnight accommodations are available on all Canary Islands, but of course the easiest option is not to plan an overnight stay at all, but just to make a day trip. This is a good option on many islands, as some neighboring islands are barely an hour apart. If you decide for an excursion without an overnight stay and return to your main island the same evening, you will save the costs for accommodation.

However, if you would like to visit a more distant or larger island, accommodation is recommended. You will find them on all known booking sites. Alternatively, there are also campsites on many islands where you can book a pitch. However, when booking, pay attention to the distance to the activities you want to do. Without good planning, you will quickly waste time unnecessarily.

The Canary Islands differ in size and location. Accordingly, ferry connections vary in quality and travel times. For example, it is easier to visit several other islands from the central islands of Tenerife or Gran Canaria than from the more remote islands of El Hierro or La Palma. Therefore, in the following we will explain only the ferry connections from the four largest Canary Islands. These islands not only have the most convenient ferry connections, but are also the most suitable for an internship on the Canary Islands.

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and from here you have the possibility during your vacation or internship on the Canary Islands to reach all other Canary Islands with a direct ferry. In the following we show you which islands you can visit especially well by ferry from Tenerife.

The small island of La Gomera, which is still free of mass tourism, is served by both ferry companies from Los Cristianos in the south of Tenerife. There are a couple of ferries a day. The trip takes less than an hour each way. Therefore, exploring La Gomera is very suitable as a day trip! Possible activities on La Gomera include guided tours, hiking, or sightseeing in the capital city of San Sebastián de La Gomera. This is the city where Christopher Columbus prepared himself for his great voyage to India (and landed in America).

Both providers offer ferries to Gran Canaria from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Destinations on Gran Canaria are either the capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria or the port city Agaete. The journey takes less than 2 hours and the ferries run several times a day.Gran Canaria is a very large and varied island. Here you have a lot of leisure activities: You can hike, look at picturesque towns, go shopping, enjoy the party life in the south of the island, or relax on sunny beaches. Famous are especially the dunes of Maspalomas, where you feel like in a desert.

La Palma is one of the smaller Canary Islands and is still very natural. You can reach the island from Los Cristianos with both ferry companies and with Naviera Armas also from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The trip takes about 3 hours from Los Cristianos and much longer from Santa Cruz. There are many beautiful waterfalls to hike to, a volcano that erupted only a few years ago, and impressive natural swimming pools.

The island of El Hierro, which is located in the very southwest of the archipelago, offers above all beautiful nature experiences and is also particularly suitable for hikers.

It can only be reached by Naviera Armas from Los Cristianos. The trip takes about 2.5 hours, but it is worth it, because the island is beautiful and also great for diving.

Currently you can only get to Fuerteventura from Tenerife with Naviera Armas. But there are two different ports of call: Puerto del Rosario and Morro Jable. The trip is a bit longer and takes at least 4.5 hours to Morro Jable and even longer to Puerto del Rosario. There, however, are particularly beautiful sandy beaches and stone formations to marvel at. We recommend the ferry ride from Tenerife to the surfer’s paradise Fuerteventura only for stays of several day

Gran Canaria is one of the most popular islands of the Canary Islands and also there are ferry connections to almost all other islands. The exception is the western island of El Hierro, which is only served from Tenerife. Except for Tenerife, all islands are served exclusively from the capital Las Palmas.

Fuerteventura can be reached quite quickly from Gran Canaria during your internship on the Canary Islands. The rides start from a duration of 2 hours to Morro Jable. The volcanic island has many beautiful beaches and towns to offer and is especially popular among surfers! The ferries leave several times a day and ensure you an unforgettable trip! The island is equally suitable for longer trips, if you would like to experience more of this great island.

The largest Canary Island, Tenerife, is very diverse and has a special center with the Teide National Park. Around the highest mountain in Spain you can marvel at many unique natural wonders. Tenerife also offers you a lot of fun during your visit to the Canary Islands. Here you can find everything: nature, party centers, great beaches, action like paragliding and much more! Another advantage: with a fast connection you can reach the island in under 2 hours.

If you have a lot of time (a few days), you could also go all the way to Lanzarote by ferry. The island is the home of the green stone olivine, which you can buy everywhere throughout the Canary Islands. The trip to Lanzarote by ferry takes at least 5 hours, so for this route most people prefer to get on a plane and reach their destination faster.

From Fuerteventura there are four other islands that can be reached by ferry.

The absolute recommendation from Fuerteventura is to take the ferry to Lanzarote. The trip only takes half an hour and is therefore perfect for day trips. And you always have a day off during your internship on the Canary Islands, don’t you? On the neighboring island of Lanzarote, rock formations and enchanting sandy beaches are just waiting to be explored!

Within 2 hours the ferry from Morro Jable reaches Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. There is a lot to see and do on Gran Canaria, which is why we recommend spending more than just one day here. The capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is picturesquely beautiful and very historic. But there are also many other great cities, beaches, hiking destinations and much more. Around Playa del Inglés in the south there are additionally many places to party.

To Tenerife, the connections are not quite as good and a trip takes at least 4.5 hours. Nevertheless, the largest island of the Canaries is suitable for longer stays, as there is a lot to discover here in all areas.

From Lanzarote you can reach 5 other islands during your vacation or internship on the Canary Islands. Some trips unfortunately take a long time, but with the right planning a lot is possible!

For a day trip from Lanzarote, we clearly recommend exploring the small neighboring island of La Graciosa. The trip to La Graciosa takes only 25 minutes with the ferry company Líneas Romero and goes several times a day. On the smallest of the Canary Islands there are few inhabitants, neither paved roads nor cars. So enjoy the beautiful beaches there in peace or take a walk through the breathtaking landscape.

During your internships on Rhodes you can swim in the gorgeous turquoise ocean before relaxing in the sunshine. Rhodes is a very popular destination for beach lovers. Wherever you will go and however long you will drive to start your beach day you will always find a nice beach to enjoy on Rhodes. So come here for your internships on Rhodes and see the beauty of the beaches by yourself! Our favorite beach is called Agathi Beach in Haraki. This beach has golden sands, shallow waters and you can eat here in a small Greek taverna. Which beach is your favorite one?

Undoubtedly, the title of Rhodes’ most breathtaking beach belongs to the dual shores of Prasonisi, located at the island’s southernmost point. While Prasonisi’s beauty is unmatched, it is often hit by strong winds, turning this scenic locale into a haven for kite surfers rather than those looking to sunbathe. You can reach it by bus, but keep in mind that buses are infrequent, requiring you to spend a few hours there before the return trip. Therefore, it’s wise to come prepared with water, snacks, and sunscreen.

Instagram enthusiasts will be thrilled with the picturesque beaches at Kallithea Springs, conveniently located a brief bus journey away from Rhodes Town. Rather than heading into the thermal springs, if you take a right, you’ll find yourself in front of four rocky beaches, each boasting unique shapes sculpted by the sea and wind. However, it’s important to note that, despite their photogenic appeal, these beaches have sharp and rocky sand that can be uncomfortable to walk on. Securing a sunbed directly on the rocks is advised for a more enjoyable experience.

You want to use one of your free days of your internships on Rhodes and plan a little trip?

If so, we recommend the Acropolis of Lindos and the Acropolis of Rhodes to you! Lindos is a beautiful town that promises a lot of Greek flair. It is the former capital of Rhodes and you can visit the wonderful Acropolis of Lindos. You will see that’s awesome!

The scale of the huge structure will impress you because everything has been built so much bigger than you can imagine. Additionally, the human beings look so tiny on this huge building it is wonderful to see and unbelievable to imagine that also just people like us have built this.

A myth surrounds the Acropolis of Lindos. Kleoboulos, the tyrant of Lindos, constructed a temple, presumably on the location of a pre-existing one. Legend has it that Kleoboulos was punished by being turned into a rock for showing disrespect to Athena. This tale is still alive among the inhabitants of Lindos, who believe that the rock into which Kleoboulos was changed lies at the entrance of the Acropolis.

If you cannot get enough of this kind of impressive construction, you can also visit the Acropolis of Rhodes. Here you can enjoy an spectacular view from the hill, especially at sunset. Situated on the city’s western edge, atop the Ayios Stefanos hill, the Acropolis of Rhodes and the majestic Temple of Apollo dominate the surrounding view. Uniquely, this ancient acropolis was not fortified. It featured a grand zone comprising Sanctuaries, extensive temples, public structures, and subterranean worship sites. Both buildings are different in their kind but both are absolutely worth a visit! So, if you’re looking for an interesting excursion for a day these both ancient monuments would be very good choices.

Olive trees grow all over the island more than everywhere else. You will see them at the hotel complex, at the edge of many roads and simply everywhere grows one next to another.

You can also find the oldest Olive Tree in the Dodecanese group of islands in Rhodes. A discovery has been made of an olive tree that is more than 2,000 years old. The olive tree is found in the ‘Labra’ region within the village of Asklipeio, situated in the southeast of Rhodes.

The initiative by the Directorate of Agricultural Economy focuses on locating and safeguarding ancient trees along with the islands’ cultural legacy. To date, it has catalogued 71 trees across the Dodecanese that are more than 400 years old, including 9 trees that are at least 800 years old. These trees look totally dried out from outside but have the ability to store liquid inside, which allows them to bear fruit despite the enormous heat in the months of April to October. Never before, we have tasted such delicious olives and olive oil. It is no wonder that people all over the world love the delicious olive products from here.

Another point, and probably one of the most appealing ones, is the Spanish cuisine and food culture. Living in Spain, you will quickly become aware of the huge number of cafés, bars and restaurants, which are filled with people nearly any time of the day. A significant part of Spanish life is lived outside in those public places, causing an overall vibrant feeling in the streets. When it comes to time, it can be said that lunch and dinner are usually eaten relatively late, compared to other cultures. Thus, people have lunch at two or three in the afternoon, after which they tend to rest for some time (“siesta”) if the circumstances allow. Dinner time can often be after nine in the evening. Known as a country with a strong coffee culture, coffee is consumed pretty much throughout the entire day, also in the evenings, in many different variations. For some people it is nothing unusual to drink four to five cups of coffee per day while sitting and chatting with colleagues, family or friends.

Read more about Spanish cuisine here.

Another aspect contributing to a comparably high quality of life, especially on the Canary Islands, is the exceptional climate with constantly pleasant weather conditions, guaranteeing warm temperatures and sunny days with only very few rainy days basically all year round. The amount of sunlight hours on the Canaries is one of the highest to be found in Europe, which, hypothetically, has an overall positive impact on people’s psychological state, and can lead to a lower number of depressions thanks to the increased level of vitamin D. Therefore, the climate is likely to encourage people to live a more sociable and active life by spending more time outdoors and in nature.

Living and working in Spain together with Spaniards, you might soon realize that the concept of timing things, and completing tasks can indeed be a slightly different one than in other European cultures. It is a well-known cliché that things in Spain can take comparably long to be done or completed. It is a stereotype that is, of course, no ultimate truth; however, it can be said that there is a tendency not to stress about many things such as tight schedules as much as, for instance, in the German culture. “Mañana, mañana” – an expression often associated with life in Spain, demonstrates a specific approach to time orientation: Spanish culture is rather based on a polychronic time orientation, which means that people tend to work on several tasks simultaneously instead of focussing on the completion of mainly one task at a time, which would be described as a monochronic culture. Consequently, it could be argued that in Spain adhering to deadlines is sometimes not as fundamental as in other cultures, which leads to the assumption that one tries to avoid unhealthy stress and pressure as it is often encountered in some other countries.

The concept of siesta, as mentioned earlier, is a well-established tradition in Spain that is meant to contribute to an overall less stressful life. It is probably one of the most known features of the Spanish culture and influences everyday life and the “Spanish rhythm” still today. The siesta, a time of rest in the afternoon, was brought into the culture as a means of avoiding work during the hot and exhausting times of the day, and get some rest instead. Hence, businesses, stores etc. tend to be closed between 14-17 o’clock, and people pick up their work in the early evening again. This typical Spanish concept has been an important and integral part of a regular working day, especially in the past, and despite not being as prominent anymore today, especially in larger cities or holiday destinations, it is still practiced in wide parts of the country and a crucial aspect of the country’s cultural identity. 🧡

We think that the best way to find out if you agree with the things mentioned in this article, is to come to Spain for an internship and to see for yourself. Living and working in Spain will give you the opportunity to experience Spanish culture at first hand and develop both personally and professionally. Doing a hotel internship abroad is a promising time and an amazing experience. Read up on the experiences of former S-W-E-P interns here.

Fuerteventura is widely known as a surfer’s utopia, a reputation it well deserves due to its impressive waves and welcoming surf culture. During your time here, particularly if you’re here on an internship on Fuerteventura, you’ll be delighted to discover that the island is dotted with numerous sport schools. These establishments not only offer comprehensive surfing courses that cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced surfers, but they also provide all the necessary equipment you might need. This makes it incredibly convenient for anyone looking to dive into the sport or polish their surfing skills.

Therefore, if you find yourself yearning to conquer the majestic waves on your days off, Fuerteventura presents itself as the ideal destination. Its friendly surf community, coupled with the easy access to high-quality surf education and gear, ensures that your surfing adventure here will be both thrilling and fulfilling.

The mill of Antigua – have a look at its inside! The mill is located at a huge area where you can see lots of different things. If you are interested in art, there is the possibility to visit exhibitions where you can have a look at canary craft. Since 1998, there has been a museum inside the restored large windmill, which, among other things, provides information about the life of a miller and the production of gofio.

There is also a shop, where you can buy some of the crafts – maybe you find a nice souvenir! A restaurant, a cafeteria and a gallery are also located there. Outside you find a cactus garden, where you can take a walk.

If you are interested in culture, you can have a look at an archaeological collection of the lava cave of Villaverde. The Cueva del Llano came into existence following the eruption of the Escanfraga Mountain volcano, an event that dates back over 800,000 years. To date, its mapped length reaches 648 meters, with the final 200 meters presenting challenges for exploration. In certain areas, the cave’s ceiling rises to heights of more than six meters. Within the cave, there is a fascinating assortment of fossils, including those of species that are now extinct. Notably, it houses the remains of the lava mouse, a species that was prevalent around two thousand years ago but disappeared following human arrival and the introduction of the common mouse.

You can also visit the Museo del Queso Majorero in this area. Come and discover the origin and production of Majorero cheese. Did you know that the Majorera goat is recognized as one of the most productive in the world? The excellent quality of its milk, dense, aromatic, and fatty, is one of the main secrets of Majorero Cheese.

Do you like hiking? Visit the 20 Squarekilometers big dune area El Jable – Las Dunas de Corralejo. The area is under conservation and close to the 7 km long white beach of Corralejo.

In 1969, a German company built two hotels on the dune area. This company previously bought up parts of the beautiful, ever-moving landscape. Fortunately, the area is no longer ‘approved’ building land today. Since 1982, the beach and shifting dunes have been designated as a special EU nature reserve because the shifting dunes are always in motion due to the constantly present winds. It can happen that the road from Puerto del Rosario to Corralejo (it divides the dune area) is blown away by sand and sometimes winds whip the fine grains of sand through the air. An impressive image that you should definitely take a picture of. You can reach the public, extensive beach area with bus number 6. Bus stops are at the train station and the port of Corralejo.

The small fishing village Las Playitas is only a few kilometres eastern of Tarajal. There you can enjoy delicious fish plates in one of the small restaurants or go for a walk. Before you come to the village, you can follow a small street to the east, which leads to the south. At the highest point of Punta de la Entallada you find a beautiful lighthouse. There you have a wonderful view over the Atlantic Ocean.

The Faro de la Entallada at Punta de la Entallada is the last lighthouse in Spain built according to the old standard design from the 1850s. That’s exactly what makes it so beautiful. The lighthouse was built to help ships navigate in a direct line from Spanish Western Sahara to the port of Gran Canaria or Tenerife. At that time, the western part of the Sahara was still Spanish and occupied by the Spanish Foreign Legion.

The Faro de la Entallada lighthouse is almost exactly the ideal image of a lighthouse that most people have in their minds. 187 m high above the sea, it towers spectacularly into the sky, freestanding on a cliff. The rocks fall dizzyingly and vertically into the sea beyond it.

You should definitely visit the Oasis Park in the west of Tarajalejo during your internship on Fuerteventura!

Join amazing parrot shows, see lots of different animals or take part in an exciting safari with camels. You will be lead past tropical plants and palm trees up to a hill from where you will have the chance to enjoy an amazing view over the botanical garden and the beautiful beaches of the cost.

The most sought-after attraction is the camel experience. Camels have become synonymous with Fuerteventura’s character. Having been introduced to the Canary Islands over five centuries ago, they have been companions to both residents and tourists alike. Today, you have the opportunity to engage with their storied presence. Allow these ancient creatures to lead you across the stunning desert landscapes that encircle this oasis, guiding you until the sea comes into view.

Here is the link to the homepage for further information: http://www.fuerteventuraoasispark.com/en

Punta de Jandia is located at the southwest of the island. From Morro Jable you can follow a route through a semi-desert with minimal vegetation. The view you get there is impressive. Everybody will enjoy it!

The remote cape of Punta de Jandía can only be reached via a 19 kilometre long gravel road that begins behind the cemetery of Morro Jable. Along a mountain range on the right, the gravel road winds through endless expanses, while the blue Atlantic stretches out to the left. Winds, drought, dust, stones, and orange-yellow sand characterize the landscape, which is a true beauty when you look closely.

Close to Punta de Jandia the village Puerto de la Cruz offers lovely places for a break. There you can eat one of the typical canary dishes. Arrived at Punta de Jandia you can see a beautiful lighthouse. At the southernmost point of this cape is the very photogenic Faro de Punta de Jandía. At the foot of the lighthouse, you can have a picnic on several seating areas and enjoy the raw and minimalist nature.

Tip: The most beautiful time in this place is at sunset. As the sunlight turns orange and the shadows become longer, the view over the Atlantic also changes. When the air conditions are clear, Gran Canaria appears out of nowhere in the last hours of the day and, with a bit of luck, even Tenerife with the 3,718-meter-high Pico del Teide volcano.

The beautiful beach is located northern of the small village El Cotillo. The bays are good protected and if you are lucky there are almost no other people. Turquoise water and white sand are the highlight of your free day during your internship on Fuerteventura at your dream beach.

Los Lagos beach impresses above all with nature. Most people come here to relax. A bit of entertainment is provided on the sand, as there are two small soccer goals and poles for a volleyball net. Apart from snorkelling, you cannot do any other water sports directly in the lagoons.

The serene atmosphere and picturesque lagoons create ideal conditions for a peaceful beach day. While there are no dining or restroom facilities directly on the beach, a short distance away with a view of the beach, you’ll find the “Ocean Deli”. Here, you can indulge in tasty food and drinks, and you’re likely welcome to use their restrooms in exchange.

For years people say the mountain has magical powers.

The Montaña Tindaya may have had a wide variety of cultic significance. One was the determination of the winter solstice. The whim of nature would have it that the shadow of the Montaña de Enmedio (523 m) is cast symmetrically on Mount Tindaya before and after the days of the winter solstice. The small bulges and caves at the summit of Tindaya may have been places of sacrifice. Potsherds were found there. But the “podomorphos”, the rock carvings, pose a mystery. 312 of them have so far been found on Montaña Tindaya. They are rock carvings that resemble feet. Whether they should be is questionable.

On the southwestern ridge of Mount Tindaya there is a path that allows the visitor to get to know the sacred mountain and the beauty of its colors up close. It lies in the middle of a landscape that radiates peace and mystery. At its southern foothills lies a small village where a few shops and restaurants make a visit to this magical landscape more pleasant.

Get inspired by the mysterious atmosphere! Traces of the native inhabitants remind of the history of the Montaña de Tindaya.  Art and nature get connected there – be enchanted!

Discover nature from the viewpoint of las Peñitas. After you left behind the oldest village of the Canary Islands, you will get a beautiful view over mountains and the amazing Atlantic Ocean.

Las Peñitas serves as a canvas for the imagination, inviting you to journey back to a time millions of years ago when the island featured towering mountains instead of its current gentle slopes. Those motivated by the scenic landscape can venture to the adjacent town of Vega de Rio Palmas by car and embark on the SL-FV-27 trail. This path meanders past the dam, offering hikers a chance to immerse themselves in the fresh air and distinctive ambiance of this remarkable location. At the Las Peñitas viewpoint in Betancuria, you are greeted with a breath-taking sight: a lush oasis amidst the desert expanse. Beneath the ravine of Las Peñitas, an underground river surfaces via an artificial dam, giving life to a quaint lake adorned with indigenous flora. This expansive lookout point provides an ideal pause on a drive through Fuerteventura’s heartland, offering a chance to savour this stunning and unexpected scenery.

A unique experience of nature! You have the possibility to help baby turtles to begin their life at the impressive beach of Cofete.

The Morro Jable Sea Turtle Recovery and Conservation Centre is situated in the Port of Morro Jable, approximately a 1km distance or a 15-minute walk from Playa Morro Jable. Admission to the center is entirely free, though its limited size necessitates a maximum visit duration of 20 minutes. However, this should not deter you, as the center can comfortably be explored within this time limit.

Among the eight species of sea turtles, four are found in the waters surrounding the Canary Islands, with the Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles being the most prevalent. The Morro Jable turtle nursery is driven by two primary objectives: 1. The recovery of sick and injured sea turtles and 2. The conservation effort of reintroducing an endangered species back to the island.

You can visit the `kindergarden´ for turtles from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 1 pm.

There are various ways to explore Teide and enjoy the national park and its astronomical phenomena. However, my friend and I decided for the easiest way and rented a car to reach Montaña Blanca, at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level. To get there, we drove through a village called “Vilaflor” and parked at a visitor’s parking lot, near a hiking trail. The trail led us straight up. The path was winding and had some inclines and declines. Our hike began late at night as we wanted to witness the sunrise at the summit. It took us approximately 4-5 hours to reach the summit from the starting point (depending on fitness and experience, some may reach the summit in 3 hours). Since we were there in April, it was extremely cold at night! On the way to the summit, temperatures dropped to 0 degrees Celsius! If you are planning to hike through the night, it is essential to prepare for the cold. Make sure to bring warm clothing and enough water with you. It is super important to stay hydrated during the hike, sice this can help prevent headaches due to the altitude changes.

Photo by @krastevdeyan

A little side note: A permit is required for the final 300 m to the summit. You can apply for your permit through the following link: reservasparquesnacionales.es

I can definitely recommend going all the way to the very top! The final meters may be challenging, but they are absolutely worth it. Despite the cold, the wind, and the slight smell of sulfur in the air, it is an experience like no other. Once you stand on the summit of Teide and look down upon the clouds, with nothing above you except the sky, you will surely agree with me.

We started our hike at 2 am. Our goal was to reach the summit early enough, to watch the sunrise above the clouds. During our trip, the sunrise was at 7:30 am, but this can vary depending on the season and should be checked beforehand. We planned enough time to hike slowely and take plenty of breaks to rest and eat. Thankfully, we were equipped with headlamps, so there was no danger of tripping or falling.

For those who don’t want to hike throughout the entire night (which is completely understandable), but still want to experience the stars and the sunrise (or even the sunset, which I heard is also breathtaking), there is the option of spending the night at around 3200 meters above sea level. Above the clouds, there is a charming little cabin where you can book a night in a warm, comfortable bed. An important note: It is advisable to book in advance! The route to the summit of Teide is extremely popular, and the accommodations near the summit are equally desired. Here is the link to check for available dates and make a reservation: volcanoteide.com

If you choose to stay overnight in the cabin, the previously mentioned permit is not required as it is included in the accommodation arrangement. For those who are either too comfortable or not physically fit enough to walk to the top, there is another option to enjoy the stars. This is particularly recommended for older individuals and children: the famous cable car of Tenerife. To enjoy the stars, it is of course necessary to book an additional night in the refuge as well.

There are various tour operators that offer special stargazing tours. You can find many options on the internet or by walking through the streets of Tenerife. So, if you’re not keen on hiking, there is also the option to book a tour that includes transportation by bus, cable car, and even additional telescopes.

If you don’t want to book a tour, rent a car, or take a taxi, you can also use public buses to get to Teide National Park, such as to the base of the cable car station. To see the stars, an overnight stay at the refuge is necessary, but for a day trip, you can take the bus in the morning and return in the afternoon. You can find information about bus connections on the following website: titsa.com

It seriously felt this way when we were standing on the summit of Teide, high above the clouds, with nothing blocking the view. After an exhausting but magical hike through the night, under a breathtaking sky, we finally reached the top and enjoyed a well-deserved breakfast (consisting of bread, cheese, oranges, and chocolate) as the sun rose.

As the first rays of sunlight reached us, the stars began to slowly fade. Although it was cold and windy on the summit, as soon as the sun rose, it warmed our faces. This breathtaking sunrise made every single step of hiking up 3200m worth it. On the way up we even passed through passages of ice. Imagine how cold it was.

The sulfur smell, which becomes more intense as you get closer to the summit, is truly distinctive. There are green sulfuric areas from which smoke rises up. Combined with the altitude of over 3000m above sea level, this makes deep breathing challenging. This is especially the case if you’re not used to hiking at such heights. The final meters to the summit are particularly difficult, but that’s completely normal. You will also encounter other people struggling with the path on the way to the top.

Just take your time and once you have reached the top, all the troubles are forgotten because of the view!

I want to take this opportunity to thank my friend for the amazing hike, his equipment, and especially the beautiful photos he took! This hike was a highlight of my internship abroad on Tenerife. If you are interested in travelling, I reccomend checking out his Instagram-profile to discover more beautiful spots of our planet.

Photo by @krastevdeyan

If you decide to do an internship abroad that’s great and if you want to realize your internship in Greece even better! But there are so many amazing places, how can you decide? If you already had a look on our website, you might find it hard to make up your mind and to pick a country or even just an island for your internship in Greece. Well, we want to make your choice a little bit easier by presenting an internship in Greece that you could do as an intern on Crete. Crete is one of Greece’ beautiful islands. We have a lot of partner hotels on many of the Greek Islands that offer internship positions. Every island has its own charm and is very different to the others.

We want to tell you more about the island Crete so you know what an amazing internship possibility you have here if you want to undertake an internship in Greece!

Welcome to Greece! καλως ηρθες στην ελλαδα

Tenerife is the largest of the 7 Canary Islands. It has the largest animal park and the largest mountain in Spain, as well as the largest water park in Europe. Tenerife’s Latin-American influence with a touch of Africa will pleasantly surprise you. In many ways, Tenerife resembles a continent in itself, thanks to its very diverse vegetation. From the green landscapes in the north to the numerous sandy beaches in the south, there is something for everyone.

This island is the perfect place to be if you like to enjoy the sun while you do your internship. Its beautiful beaches and clear sea water invites you to do lots of water sports. Whether surfing, diving, paddle boarding or jet skiing. Here you can not only do a lot on shore. Passionate dancers seeking to learn Bachata or Salsa can take advantage of the vibrant nightlife and various dance classes on offer.

If you need to cool off, you can visit one of the many beautiful beaches or you and your friends could take a trip to Los Gigantes and take a refreshing swim in one of the few piscinas naturales. This is the name for pools that have been formed by nature and are also filled with seawater.

From Los Gigantes, but also from the tourist hotspot of Los Cristianos or from Playa de las Américas, you can purchase tickets for a whale or dolphin watching tour to go out to sea in a catamaran, a speedboat or a glass-bottom boat to observe the beautiful marine animals. Attention: Not for seasick people!

For fans of the outdoors, especially for hikers, a trip to the small village Masca in the Teno Mountains is a must, as one of the most famous hiking trails in Tenerife starts here. There are only 80 houses, nonetheless it is very lively because the beautiful landscape attracts a lot of tourists every year. Although the drive to Masca involves navigating a challenging serpentine road, the rewards are undeniably worth the effort.

The capital of the island is Santa Cruz. The city offers numerous shopping opportunities with the main shopping street Calle de Castillo. If you want to shop in Santa Cruz, you can also save money during the time of the rebajas, when there are many good deals to be found.

So, what do you say? Would you and your friends consider Tenerife as the ideal location for your internships on the Canary Islands?

Gran Canaria has everything any intern could want. To begin with, it boasts golden beaches and beautiful nature, alongside oases and deserts. There is something for everyone, young and old. The island earns the title “island of eternal spring” due to its pleasant year-round temperatures. In the winter, it remains warm, while in summer, it avoids becoming excessively hot due to the cooling Atlantic breeze.

Culturally, Gran Canaria has a lot to offer. In the traditional fishing village Puerto de Mogán many tourists and locals can be found. The small, picturesque alleys and canals are reminiscent of Italy, which is why the village is often called the “Venice of the South”.

If you are interested in marine biology in addition to your internship, a unique opportunity awaits to venture out to sea in a submarine and explore the underwater world. The microclimate of the Municipio of Mogán has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the healthiest in the world.

Furthermore, Christopher Columbus briefly resided on Gran Canaria in 1492 during his journey to discover America. He landed on the island to repair one of his ships. You can visit his house Casa de Colón which is now also a museum in the capital Las Palmas. If you are interested in history, you can visit exhibitions on Columbus, the Canary Islands, historical maps, and navigational instruments on the first floor of the house.

An important item on the to-do list when doing your internship in Gran Canaria is visiting the dunes of Maspalomas, 6 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide, stretching from Playa del Inglés to the Maspalomas Lighthouse. You’ll feel like you are right in the Sahara, although the sand is not Sahara sand, but made of coral and shells that were crushed by the water movement and then washed ashore.

The nightlife on Gran Canaria provides various possibilities for having unforgettable party nights. The Plaza de España in the capital Las Palmas is the place to go. It is always full of people until dawn. There is even much more going on at the south coast; a place where nobody seems to sleep, except at siesta time, for sure.

Do you and your friends consider Gran Canaria when thinking about the location of your internships on the Canary Islands?

Referred to as the “jewel of the Canary Island’s crown”, Fuerteventura presents unparalleled possibilities and opportunities for surfers worldwide all year round. The water always has pleasant temperatures, there are many international surfers and the surf spots are easy to access. Remarkably, it stands as the second-largest island, following Tenerife, and holds the distinction of being the oldest among them all.

Even though its popularity is increasing day by day, Fuerteventura maintains a very relaxed atmosphere. The island also has one of the most impressive stretches of sand due to the fact that it is only 100 km off the coast of Africa, so after your day at work you can relax with a walk along the endless, beautiful white beaches while gazing at the azure ocean.

There is no sure translation of the island name. However, it is believed to be composed of the two Spanish words “fuerte” (strong) and “viento” (wind) as a reference to the strong winds that exist on the island.

Fuerteventura’s history reflects its strategic location, which made it a stopover for explorers and conquerors throughout the centuries. It was also inhabited by the indigenous Guanche people, who lived a semi-nomadic life and left behind archaeological sites like Tindaya Mountain, which is considered sacred.

In the 15th century, the island was conquered by the Spanish, bringing a new era of colonial influence, and you can still see Spanish colonial architecture in towns like Betancuria. The island’s culture is further enriched by its stunning natural landscapes, including pristine beaches like Playa de Sotavento and volcanic formations like the Malpaís de la Aren.

Fuerteventura the dream of any sporty intern, thanks to its stunning natural landscapes and favourable climate. This Canary Island offers a diverse range of sports activities, making it an ideal spot for both adrenaline junkies and those seeking a more active vacation.

Windsurfing and kiteboarding are iconic sports here, with Fuerteventura known for its consistent trade winds. The beaches of Sotavento and Flag Beach in Corralejo are renowned worldwide for these exhilarating water sports.

For those who prefer exploring the island on land, mountain biking is a popular option. Fuerteventura presents a variety of trails suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.

A visit to the white sand dunes of the Parque Natural de Corralejo is a must. There you can see real sand from the Sahara Desert. If you need new inspiration or just want to take in the aesthetic impressions, stop by the historical town of Betancuria in a lush valley, which features well-preserved architecture and cultural sites.

Puerto del Rosario, the capital of Fuerteventura, is a vibrant urban centre known for its cultural attractions such as the Casa Museo Unamuno and its lively local gastronomic scene that offers a taste of authentic Canarian cuisine. The city serves as the administrative and commercial centre of the island and offers a blend of historic charm and modern comforts.

Clearly, Fuerteventura stands as an exceptional destination for your internships on the Canary Islands!

The beautiful volcanic island Lanzarote, with its red shimmer, lies off the coast of Morocco. Of all the 7 Canary Islands, Lanzarote’s landscape bears the closest similarity to a typical African one. Since the island has a lot of deserts, it’s hard to imagine the beauty of Lanzarote’s beaches.

Distinguished by its volcanic landscapes, the island’s unique appearance is a product of its tumultuous geological history, marked by a series of volcanic eruptions in the 18th century.

Lanzarote boasts a warm climate, maintaining average temperatures of 20°C year-round. This makes it an ideal destination for interns seeking valuable work experiences, abundant sunshine, and outdoor activities throughout the year.

Lanzarote’s unique landscape is shaped by its volcanic origins, with dramatic lava fields and craters like Timanfaya National Park, showcasing its turbulent geological past.

The island’s history includes Spanish colonial influence dating back to the 15th century, as well as the presence of pirates who once used it as a base, leaving their mark on its architecture and fortifications, such as the Castillo de San Gabriel in Arrecife.

Lanzarote’s cuisine features fresh seafood and traditional Canarian dishes, offering a delightful taste of the local culture. Additionally, Lanzarote is known for its unique “malvasía” wine production, further enriching its cultural heritage.

This Canary Island offers a diverse range of leisure activities for interns to enjoy. The island’s stunning beaches are a major attraction, with their golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Playa Blanca, Papagayo Beach, and Famara Beach are popular spots for sunbathing and swimming.

Nature enthusiasts can embark on explorations of the surreal landscapes within Timanfaya National Park—a volcanic wonderland. Guided tours offer an opportunity to witness geothermal activity, including geysers and the famous Fire Mountains.

In the north, you’ll come across Puerto del Carmen, a bustling resort town known for its vibrant nightlife, numerous dining options, and Playa Grande, a long sandy beach. The Old Town area offers a more traditional atmosphere with narrow streets and local markets.

Continuing your journey, the island’s capital, Arrecife, seamlessly combines culture and modernity, with attractions like San Ginés Castle, Charco de San Ginés (a picturesque lagoon), and the bustling shopping district of Calle León y Castillo.

For a unique escape, take a short ferry ride to La Graciosa, officially part of the Chinijo Archipelago. It’s a serene island with beautiful beaches and a relaxed ambiance, making it an ideal day trip or overnight getaway.

Without a doubt, you definitely need to take Lanzarote into account when planning your internships on the Canary Islands!