Canary Islands Essentials
The Canary Islands offer year-round sunshine, diverse beaches from golden sands to black volcanic shores, epic hikes around Mount Teide, and island-hopping adventures across seven unique destinations.
Plan for 7-14 days, budget €100-150 daily, fly direct from major European hubs, and prioritize Tenerife or Gran Canaria for first-timers. Jump to island ratings | See costs | Safety guide
“I remember hiking down from Mount Teide at dawn, the sun rising over crimson craters, feeling like I’d stepped into another planet,” I shared with friends back home. This guide pulls from my boots-on-the-ground experiences to give you everything from safety hacks to money-saving secrets.
Canary Islands Ratings: Which Island Wins?
I’ve rated the seven islands based on my visits and thousands of traveler reviews. Tenerife tops for variety (beaches, nightlife, Teide volcano), scoring 9/10 overall.
Gran Canaria follows at 8.5/10 for diverse landscapes and family vibes. Lanzarote’s lunar-like terrain earns 8/10 for unique art-integrated nature.
Tenerife: 9/10 (Endless Variety
Teide National Park (4.7/5 on TripAdvisor) dominates with Spain’s highest peak. Playa de las Teresitas offers golden sands rare here. My pick for first-timers.
Gran Canaria: 8.5/10 (Family Favorite)
Maspalomas Dunes (4.5/5) feel like the Sahara. Roque Nublo’s hikes reward with panoramic views. Great for all ages with Las Palmas’ vibrant old town.
Lanzarote: 8/10 (Volcan
César Manrique’s Jameos del Agua (4.1/5) blends lava tubes with lagoons. Timanfaya’s fire-spitting demos are unreal. Perfect for culture lovers.
My Personal Insights and Pro Tips
“Waking up to Atlantic waves crashing below my Lanzarote Airbnb, coffee in hand, and papas con mojo on the stove, that’s when I knew the Canaries had my heart,” I once posted on Instagram.
I’ve dodged tourist traps by eating where locals do, like La Parada Casa De Comidas (4.6/5), and haggled rentals down 20% off-season.
- Pro Tip: Book ferries via Direct Ferries early; Lanzarote-Tenerife runs €50-80 one-way.
- Hidden Gem: La Gomera’s Garajonay National Park for misty laurel forests untouched for millennia.
- Local Hack: Use Binter Canarias for inter-island flights (bintercanarias.com, from €40).
Best Time to Visit Canary Islands
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) hit the sweet spot with 22-26°C days, fewer crowds, and whale migration peaks. Summer peaks at 28°C but books solid; winter’s mild 20°C draws escapees, though northern islands get rainy. “I timed my trip for February Carnaval in Tenerife, streets alive with samba, costumes rivaling Rio,” I recall vividly.
How to Reach the Canary Islands
Direct flights from Europe take 3-4 hours (London to Tenerife is ~€100 roundtrip on Ryanair). Major airports: TFS (Tenerife South), LPA (Gran Canaria), and ACE (Lanzarote). From Africa, ferries from Morocco exist but flights dominate. Book via Kayak or Expedia for deals.
Getting Around the Canary Islands
Rent a car everywhere (from €25/day via Agoda Cars); buses work in Tenerife/Gran Canaria but miss rural gems. Inter-island: Fred Olsen ferries (€40-100) or Binter flights. “Driving Lanzarote’s volcanic roads at sunset, windows down, felt cinematic,” I journaled.
Top Things to See and Do in Canary Islands
- Hike Mount Teide (cable car €37, permit-free trails): Summit views span three provinces.
- Explore Timanfaya National Park: Geothermal demos cook food in ground heat.
- Beach hop: Fuerteventura’s Corralejo Dunes (windsurfing hub, 4.5/5).
- Tours: Book whale-watching via GetYourGuide (€50, 90% sighting rate).
Best Places to Stay with Ratings
Costa Adeje, Tenerife (4.5/5)
€120/night mid-range. Family resorts with pools. Book on Booking.com.
Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria (4.4/5)
€90/night. Dunes access. Check Hotels.com.
Typical Costs and Suggested Budgets
Daily budget: €100-150/person (budget), €200+ (comfort). Meals are €10-20, beer is €3, and activities are €30-50. Flights €100-300 roundtrip. “I stretched €120/day by cooking breakfasts and picnicking,” I calculated post-trip.
Pros
- Year-round 20-28°C weather (300+ sunny days).
- UNESCO sites like Garajonay.
- Direct cheap flights.
Cons
- Windy beaches (strong currents).
- Tourist crowds in peaks.
- Cars are essential outside resorts.
Money-Saving Tips for Canary Islands
- Eat mercado stalls (papas €5). Use TripAdvisor for deals.
- Off-peak stays via Vrbo save 30%.
- Free hikes: Anaga Rural Park trails.
How to Stay Safe in the Canary Islands
Watch for rip currents (red flags up); hydrate on hikes (Teide altitude sickness risk). Petty theft in resorts low but use hotel safes. Emergency: EU 112, local police 092. “I carried a whistle on solo trails; I never needed it but felt secure,” I advise.
Recommended Length of Stay
7 days for one island, 10-14 for two (Tenerife + Lanzarote). “My 12-day split let me savor without rushing,” I recommend.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canary Islands Travel
What is the best Canary Island for first-time visitors?
Tenerife offers the most variety with Teide, beaches, and nightlife. Gran Canaria suits families.
Are the Canary Islands expensive?
Mid-range: €100- Cheaper than the Balearics, with local eats under €15.
Is it safe to swim in Canary Islands beaches?
Yes, but heed flags for currents. Avoid unsupervised spots.
Do I need a car in the Canary Islands?
Essential for exploring beyond resorts. €25-40/day.