Holidays in the Canary Islands

Holidays in the Canary Islands offer the perfect mix of sunshine, stunning landscapes, and laid-back island life.

Located off the northwest coast of Africa but belonging to Spain. This group of volcanic islands is a year-round destination for:

1. Beach lovers;
2. Hikers;
3. And anyone in need of a relaxing escape.

Whether you’re drawn to the black-sand beaches of Tenerife. The golden dunes of Gran Canaria, or the quiet charm of La Palma.

The Canaries have something for every kind of traveler — all wrapped in a warm, subtropical climate.

Direct Flight Connections to Canary

Airport	Direct Flights From (Europe & USA)
Tenerife South – TFS	119 global destinations — major European hubs such as London, Madrid, Paris; also non-stop from New York/Newark (United Airlines, seasonal).
Tenerife North – TFN	Mostly domestic Spanish routes (Madrid, Barcelona, Seville); limited international flights to Lisbon and Frankfurt.
Gran Canaria – LPA	129 destinations — direct flights from London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Oslo, Reykjavík; plus seasonal routes from Boston and New York.
Lanzarote – ACE	82 destinations — key European cities like London, Brussels, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Milan, Paris, Budapest, Warsaw; occasional US charters.
Fuerteventura – FUE	~70 destinations — direct flights from London (Gatwick, Stansted, Luton), Manchester, Madrid; several French and Irish airports; seasonal US charters.

Transport on the Islands

Getting around the Canary Islands is easy and affordable thanks to a well-developed transport network. Each island offers a mix of public buses, taxis, car rentals, and ferries — making it simple to explore beaches, towns, and nature spots.

Common Transport Options – Quick guide

Type of Transport	Details & Tips
Public Buses	Each island has its own system. TITSA (Tenerife) & Global (Gran Canaria) are main providers. Fares €1.45–5+. Buses are modern, safe, and take card or cash.
Taxis	Official, metered, and white. Minimum fare ~€3.15. Apps like Pidetaxi available. Can be flagged or booked.
Car Rental	Available at airports and resorts. ~€25–50/day. Great for exploring; book early in high season. Roads are good, but mountain driving needs caution.
Ferries	Fast inter-island service by Fred. Olsen & Naviera Armas. Popular routes: Tenerife ⇄ Gran Canaria (~1h20), Lanzarote ⇄ Fuerteventura (~40 min). Fares €30–60.
Flights (Inter-island)	Binter & Canaryfly operate short flights (20–50 min). Prices from €20–60. Fast & efficient alternative to ferries.
Bike Rentals	€10–15/day. Good in flat areas like Lanzarote/Fuerteventura. Mountain biking common in La Palma, Tenerife.
E-scooters / Scooters	Available in cities/resorts via apps (Bolt, Lime). Great for short rides. Cost ~€0.25/min or €5–10/hour.
Walking / Hiking	Excellent trails on all islands. Bring sturdy shoes. Watch trail closures during heat or wind.
Shuttles & Transfers	Airport–hotel transfers via Hoppa, Suntransfers, or hotels. Shared: €5–15. Private: €30+. Book ahead.
Apps & Tickets	TITSA/Global offer apps. Google Maps works well. Buy tickets onboard or at machines. Discounts for residents (DNI needed).

Ride-Hailing Apps in the Canary Islands

Island / Area	Uber	Bolt
Tenerife South (Adeje, TFS)	✅ Fully available. You can hail local taxis via the Uber app. Works well for airport transfers and resort areas.	✅ Available in some areas, but coverage is limited and inconsistent.
Tenerife North (Santa Cruz)	✅ Available, but fewer drivers than in the south. May require longer wait times.	❌ Not reliably available.
Gran Canaria	✅ Available, including Las Palmas. Operates with licensed taxis.	❌ Not available.
Lanzarote	✅ Available 24/7, including pre-booked rides for airport transfers.	✅ Available, but coverage may vary.
Fuerteventura	❌ Not available.	❌ Not available.
La Palma, El Hierro, others	❌ Not available.	❌ Not available.

Best Canary Islands to Visit

Island	Best For
Tenerife	The most diverse island — great for first-timers. Offers beaches, volcanoes (Mount Teide), lively nightlife, family resorts, and local villages. Well-developed infrastructure and plenty of tours.
Gran Canaria	Ideal mix of beaches and culture. Las Palmas offers city life; the south is perfect for sunbathing. Known for its dunes (Maspalomas), hiking, and diverse climate zones.
Lanzarote	Best for unique volcanic landscapes, art, and design. Calm, stylish, and eco-conscious. Home of César Manrique’s famous architecture. Great for couples and relaxed exploration.
Fuerteventura	A paradise for windsurfers and beach lovers. Long, wild beaches and crystal-clear water. Flatter than other islands — perfect for cycling and driving.
La Palma	Best for hiking and stargazing. Lush, green, and quiet — a top spot for nature lovers. Less touristy. Home to the world-renowned Roque de los Muchachos Observatory.
La Gomera	Small, peaceful, and great for hikers. Known for deep ravines, ancient forests (Garajonay National Park), and traditional life.
El Hierro	Remote and eco-friendly. Great for diving, hiking, and a true “off-the-beaten-path” experience. Limited mass tourism.
La Graciosa	The newest official Canary Island. Tiny and car-free — ideal for a peaceful beach day or a short overnight stay. Accessible by ferry from Lanzarote.

Top 10 Beaches

Beach	Island	Why It’s Special
Playa de las Teresitas	Tenerife	Golden sand beach near Santa Cruz. Calm waters, family-friendly, postcard-perfect.
Playa del Duque	Tenerife	Upscale resort beach in Costa Adeje. Great for relaxing, sunbathing, and amenities.
Playa de Maspalomas	Gran Canaria	Famous for its huge sand dunes and long stretch of golden beach. Iconic sunset spot.
Playa de Amadores	Gran Canaria	Calm, crescent-shaped beach with turquoise water. Ideal for couples and families.
Playa de Papagayo	Lanzarote	Stunning, protected coves with crystal-clear water. Great for swimming and snorkeling.
Famara Beach	Lanzarote	Wild and dramatic surf beach. Surrounded by cliffs — perfect for surfing and sunsets.
Cofete Beach	Fuerteventura	Remote, wild, and breathtaking. Huge waves, golden sand — untouched and majestic.
Sotavento Beach	Fuerteventura	World-famous windsurfing spot with lagoon-like shallows. 5 km of spectacular coastline.
Playa Nogales	La Palma	Black sand beach framed by green cliffs. Quiet and natural — great for photos & walks.
Playa del Inglés (La Gomera)	La Gomera	Peaceful beach near Valle Gran Rey. Relaxed vibe, great local bars nearby.

Climate and Travel Seasons

The Canary Islands are known as the “Islands of Eternal Spring” — and for good reason. Thanks to their subtropical Atlantic climate, they offer warm, sunny weather all year round, making them a true year-round destination.

Climate Overview

• Average daytime temperature: Winter (Dec–Feb): 19–24°C (66–75°F). Summer (Jun–Sep): 24–30°C (75–86°F).
• Water temperature: 18°C in winter to 23°C in late summer
• Rainfall: Minimal, with most rain falling between November and February

Best Times to Visit by Season

Season	Weather & Travel Tips
Winter (Dec–Feb)	Mild and sunny — a perfect escape from cold Europe. Popular with retirees and winter sun seekers. Ideal for hiking and exploring.
Spring (Mar–May)	Warm, pleasant, and less crowded. Great for nature lovers — wildflowers bloom in the mountains.
Summer (Jun–Aug)	Hot but rarely extreme, thanks to ocean breezes. Peak beach season. South coasts are especially sunny.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)	Still warm, fewer crowds. Sea is at its warmest. Great for swimming, surfing, and relaxed travel.

Leisure & Excursions

1. Nature & Landscapes

Excursion	Location	Highlights
Teide National Park	Tenerife	Volcano, cable car, hiking, stargazing
Timanfaya Volcano Park	Lanzarote	Geothermal demos, lava fields, camel rides
Maspalomas Dunes	Gran Canaria	Sand dunes, desert scenery, sunset walks
Caldera de Taburiente	La Palma	Crater hiking, waterfalls, lush scenery

2. Ocean & Adventure

Excursion	Location	Highlights
Dolphin & Whale Watching	Tenerife, Gran Canaria	Year-round sightings, family-friendly boat trips
Surfing / Windsurfing	Fuerteventura, Lanzarote	Waves, surf schools, ideal wind conditions
La Graciosa Day Trip	Lanzarote → La Graciosa	Ferry ride, no cars, pristine beaches, bike rentals
Diving & Snorkeling	El Hierro, Lanzarote	Marine life, underwater volcanoes

3. Culture & Local Life

Excursion	Location	Highlights
César Manrique Foundation	Lanzarote	Art, architecture, lava design
Traditional Markets	All islands	Local food, crafts, cheeses (Teror, Tegueste, Teguise)
Wine & Cheese Tastings	Tenerife, La Palma	Malvasía wines, goat cheese, local vineyards
Historic Town Tours	La Orotava, Betancuria	Colonial architecture, museums, slow travel

Cuisine of the Canary Islands

The cuisine of the Canary Islands blends Spanish, African, and Latin American influences, shaped by the islands’ climate, volcanic soil, and ocean surroundings.

It’s simple, flavorful, and made with fresh local ingredients: 

1. Goat cheese
2. Potatoes
3. Fish
4. And tropical fruits play key roles.

Typical Dishes & Specialties

Dish / Product	Description
Papas arrugadas	“Wrinkled” potatoes boiled in salt water, served with mojo sauces. A must-try!
Mojo rojo / mojo verde	Spicy red and herbal green sauces. Served with potatoes, meat, or fish.
Gofio	Toasted cornmeal flour — used in soups, desserts, and even mixed with milk.
Ropa vieja	A hearty stew made from shredded beef or chicken, chickpeas, and vegetables.
Conejo en salmorejo	Rabbit marinated in wine, garlic, and spices — a traditional island delicacy.
Queso de cabra	Goat cheese, often smoked. Look for Queso Majorero (Fuerteventura) or Queso Palmero (La Palma).
Fresh grilled fish	Local catches like vieja (parrotfish), cherne (grouper), or sardines.
Bienmesabe	Traditional dessert made with almonds, egg yolk, lemon, and sugar.
Tropical fruits	Try Canarian bananas, papayas, mangos, and cactus fruit.
Local wine	Volcanic wines, especially white Malvasía from Lanzarote and La Palma.

Where to Stay in the Canary

Each island has its own vibe — from luxury resorts to rural houses and surf hostels. Here’s a breakdown of the best areas by island and type of traveler:

Tenerife

Area	Best For
Costa Adeje	Upscale resorts, families, all-inclusive hotels, beaches
Los Cristianos	Budget-friendly, walkable, great for ferries and day trips
Playa de las Américas	Nightlife, shopping, international restaurants
Puerto de la Cruz	Quieter, cultural, closer to Teide and botanical gardens
La Laguna	Historic town vibe, cooler climate, good base for hiking

Gran Canaria

Area	Best For
Las Palmas	City life, beach + culture, great for digital nomads
Maspalomas / Meloneras	Luxury hotels, golf, calm beaches
Playa del Inglés	Lively, LGBTQ+-friendly, clubs and bars
Agaete / Teror	Rural tourism, hiking, peaceful surroundings

Lanzarote

Area	Best For
Playa Blanca	Families, ferry to Fuerteventura, beaches
Puerto del Carmen	Good mix of nightlife, beaches, excursions
Costa Teguise	Windsurfing, quiet hotels, family-friendly
Haría / Yaiza	Rural charm, traditional villages, romantic getaways

Fuerteventura

Area	Best For
Corralejo	Surfing, nightlife, ferry to Lanzarote
Caleta de Fuste	Family resorts, golf, close to airport
Morro Jable	Long beaches, peaceful south coast, ideal for couples
El Cotillo	Laid-back, quiet, stunning sunsets

Other Islands

• La Palma: Stay in Santa Cruz or Los Llanos for a mix of nature and towns
• La Gomera: Base in Valle Gran Rey or San Sebastián
• El Hierro: Rural stays and eco-lodges around Frontera or Valverde
• La Graciosa: One small town (Caleta del Sebo) — rent a bike and relax!

Average Travel Budget

Category	Budget (€)	Mid-Range (€)	Comfort/Luxury (€)
Accommodation	20–40 (hostel, guesthouse)	60–100 (3★ hotel, apartment)	120–250+ (4–5★ hotel, resort)
Meals	10–15 (supermarket, budget cafés)	25–40 (local restaurants)	50–80+ (fine dining, wine)
Transport	5–10 (bus, walk)	20–40 (car rental split)	50–70 (private transfers, taxis)
Activities/Excursions	5–15 (free hikes, beach)	30–60 (guided tours, entry fees)	70–150+ (private tours, diving, boat trips)
Total/day	40–80 €	120–200 €	250–400+ €

Tips & Tricks for Tourists before travel

Category	Tips & Tricks
Before You Go	No visa needed for EU/UK/US under 90 days. Euros used. No vaccines required. Pack layers for mountains.
Getting Around	Rent a car for flexibility. Buses (TITSA, Global) are reliable. Ferries connect islands. Google Maps works.
Beach Tips	Volcanic sand gets hot – bring flip-flops. All beaches are public. Use high SPF. Watch for red flag warnings.
Food & Drink	Try papas arrugadas, mojo, fresh fish. “Menú del día” = full lunch for €10–15. Tap water safe but bottled preferred.
Local Etiquette	Basic Spanish helps: “hola”, “gracias”. Tipping: 5–10% is enough. Canarians are relaxed — go with the flow.
Shopping & Money	Markets are great for local wine, crafts, Ron Miel. Bring some cash for small towns. Cards accepted widely.
Safety & Comfort	The islands are very safe. Roads are good. Take water and sun protection on hikes. Use reef-safe sunscreen.