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The Canary Islands offer a tropical holiday minus the long-haul flight, with an average flight time of 4-5 hours, and also minus the hefty price tag, as hotels are very affordable - even the luxury ones! On a holiday to the Canary Islands you can look forward to admiring natural settings, relaxing on blissful beaches, and taking part in fun water and land based excursions, and with the islands’ proximity to Africa, there is warm sunshine all year round, so you could treat yourself to a winter sun break.
Visit Lanzarote, a popular tourist destination of the Canary Islands with dramatic natural landscapes, black sand beaches with a welcoming breeze, and exciting water sports. Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands is also popular with holidaymakers, boasting gorgeous beaches, golden dunes, a lively nightlife, and stunning all-inclusive resorts.
C. la Lava, 10, 38678 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Av. Los Marrero, 35, 35140 Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
The Canary Islands, located off the northwest coast of Africa, are a popular travel destination known for their diverse landscapes, mild climate, and rich cultural heritage.
Here’s a guide to local information and travel tips for exploring these beautiful islands:
The Canary Islands consist of seven main islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. Each island has its own unique attractions and landscapes.
Spanish is the official language across the Canary Islands. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
Currency: Euro (€)
The Canary Islands are in the Western European Time Zone (WET), which is GMT/UTC +0. During daylight saving time, they follow Western European Summer Time (WEST), which is GMT/UTC +1.
Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the islands, as it allows you to visit remote areas and attractions at your own pace. Buses and ferries are available for inter-island travel and local transport. Each island has its own bus system, and ferries connect the islands. Taxis are widely available in cities and tourist areas.
The Canary Islands are a stunning archipelago with each island offering unique landscapes, attractions, and experiences. Here’s a brief overview of each of the seven main Canary Islands:
Tenerife is the largest and most populous of the Canary Islands, known for its diverse landscapes. Key attractions include the fun-filled Siam Park waterpark and Mount Teide - Spain’s highest peak, which is set in the Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island is also home to vibrant cities like Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with its Carnival, and cultural spots in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, another UNESCO site, and Los Cristianos, a former fishing village that has developed into a popular beach resort. Playa de las Américas is a bustling resort area located on the southern coast of Tenerife, known for its lively atmosphere, extensive beaches, and dynamic nightlife.
Gran Canaria is known for its varied geography, including sandy beaches, mountains, and lush valleys. The island features the impressive Maspalomas Dunes, the bustling city of Las Palmas with its historical Vegueta district, and picturesque villages like Teror, plus gorgeous beaches, like Las Canteras Beach, with its fine golden sands, and Famara Beach, backed by the impressive Risco de Famara cliffs, which rise dramatically from the coastline.
Lanzarote is famous for its unique volcanic landscape, shaped by eruptions in the 18th and 19th centuries. Key attractions include Timanfaya National Park, with its geothermal demonstrations, and the works of artist César Manrique, such as the Jameos del Agua and Mirador del Río. Visit the beach resort of Playa Blanca, situated at the island’s southern tip, home to beautiful golden sand beach stretches, a lively promenade, and harbour.
Fuerteventura is home to long, sandy beaches and ideal conditions for water sports. The Corralejo Natural Park features striking sand dunes and a beautiful coastline. The island has a laid-back vibe and offers excellent conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Another must visit of Fuerteventura is El Cotillo, a charming coastal village located on the northwest coast of Fuerteventura, known for its blissful beaches, laid-back vibe, and picturesque surroundings.
Often called La Isla Bonita (The Beautiful Island), La Palma is known for its lush green landscapes, volcanic terrain, and excellent stargazing opportunities. The Caldera de Taburiente National Park offers hiking trails through dense forests, and the Charo Azul, a picturesque national lagoon with a series of natural pools and lagoons boasting clear blue waters, formed by volcanic rocks and ocean waves.
La Gomera is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including the Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient laurel forests. The island is also known for the traditional whistling language, Silbo Gomero. Must-do activities in La Gomera include hiking in the national park, exploring traditional villages, and learning about the island’s unique cultural heritage.
El Hierro is the smallest and least developed of the main Canary Islands, known for its rugged terrain, volcanic formations, and ecological conservation efforts. The island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and offers excellent diving spots in La Restinga. Visit El Hierro for diving, hiking, exploring volcanic landscapes, and enjoying the island’s serene and natural environment.
The Canary Islands, located off the northwest coast of Africa, enjoy a mild subtropical climate that makes them a popular year-round destination. The islands are generally dry, with most rain falling during the winter months. The northern and higher regions can receive more precipitation compared to the southern parts.
Here's a breakdown of the typical weather conditions you can expect throughout the year across the islands:
Spring is a pleasant time to visit the Canary Islands, with increasing temperatures and minimal rainfall. It’s a good period for outdoor activities and exploring the islands. Daytime temperatures range from 18°C to 25°C. Nights are cooler, with temperatures between 12°C and 18°C.
Summer in the Canary Islands is hot and dry, with plenty of sunshine and very little rain. Coastal areas can experience cooling breezes, but temperatures can be high inland. Daytime highs typically range from 25°C to 35°C. Nighttime temperatures are warm, between 18°C and 22°C.
Autumn remains warm, with decreasing temperatures and a gradual increase in rainfall, particularly in October and November. It’s a good time for visiting before the cooler weather sets in. Daytime temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C in September, cooling to around 15°C to 25°C by November. Night temperatures drop to around 12°C to 20°C.
Winter in the Canary Islands is mild with cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall. It’s generally sunny, though some areas, particularly in the north and higher elevations, may experience more rain and cooler conditions. Daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 22°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 10°C to 18°C.
Tenerife
The southern part of Tenerife enjoys more consistent sunny weather and warmer temperatures, while the northern region and higher altitudes can be cooler and wetter.
Gran Canaria
The island has a similar weather pattern to Tenerife, with the south being warmer and drier compared to the north, which can be cooler and more humid.
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura
These eastern islands typically experience less variation in weather, with consistently warm temperatures and low rainfall throughout the year.
La Palma
Known for its lush, green landscapes and higher rainfall, particularly in the northern and central parts. It experiences cooler temperatures at higher elevations.
La Gomera and El Hierro
Both islands have varied weather patterns with cooler temperatures and more rainfall in the higher regions compared to the coastal areas.
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