Canary Islands holidays - which island should you choose?

Holidays in the Canary Islands - what should you know before you go?

The Canary Islands lie in the Atlantic Ocean. Administratively, they belong to Spain, but geographically, they are much closer to the north-western coast of Africa than to the Iberian Peninsula. This is why holidays in the Canary Islands are also popular in winter - the archipelago has a mild climate and plenty of sunshine all year round.

The archipelago consists of 8 inhabited islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are the most popular choices for a classic holiday, but the smaller islands have their character too.

Spanish is the official language, and the currency is the euro. In the resorts, you can easily get by in English, but a few simple Spanish phrases are always helpful - whether you are ordering coffee, asking for directions or buying local products at a market.

The Canary Islands have varied weather - the climate is different on each island. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are drier and windier, while Tenerife, Gran Canaria and La Palma can have greater differences between the north, south and mountainous areas. In practice, this means you can have sunshine on the beach while, a few dozen kilometres away, there are clouds, fog, or a cooler wind.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a good choice if you are visiting the Canary Islands for the first time because it offers beaches, mountains, a volcano, forests, resorts, towns, viewpoints, and trekking routes. It is the largest of the Canary Islands, and it is difficult to get bored here.

Tenerife has two airports: Tenerife Sur (Tenerife South) and Tenerife Norte (Tenerife North). The southern airport handles many tourist flights, while the northern airport is important for domestic and interisland connections, among others.

Tenerife has a very contrasting landscape. The south of the island is associated with resorts, a drier climate and beaches. The north is greener, more humid in places and quieter.

In the centre of the island rises Teide - the highest peak in Spain and a symbol of Tenerife. Teide National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its lunar landscapes are one of the main reasons to venture beyond the hotel.

Average temperatures in Tenerife vary depending on the area - in winter they are around 18-22°C, while in summer, they can exceed 30°C. The southern coast is usually warmer and sunnier, while temperatures in the mountains can be much lower. That is why, even in holiday weather, it is worth bringing a sweatshirt or light jacket if you are planning a trip to the Teide area.

Top attractions in Tenerife:

• Teide National Park,
• Los Gigantes cliffs,
• Masca village,
• San Cristóbal de La Laguna,
• Anaga Mountains,
• Loro Parque,
• whale and dolphin watching cruises.

Choose Tenerife if you want to combine beach time with sightseeing and an active holiday. It is also a good option for families, couples and travellers who do not want to limit their holiday to just one type of attraction.

Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is an island for those who hear “holidays in the Canary Islands” and immediately picture wide beaches, light-coloured sand and turquoise water. It is less green than Tenerife or La Palma, but it offers vast open spaces, a slower pace and some of the archipelago’s best-known beaches.

The main airport is located near Puerto del Rosario. The island is well known among European tourists, so during both the summer and winter holiday seasons you can find connections geared towards leisure travel.

Fuerteventura has a dry, sometimes desert-like landscape. You will not find the same variety as in Tenerife, but if you are looking for beaches and views without too much development, Fuerteventura may be the best choice. The areas around Corralejo, the Jandía Peninsula and Cofete Beach are particularly well known.

Average temperatures in Fuerteventura are pleasant all year round, but the island can be windy. In winter, temperatures are around 18-22°C, while in summer, they are around 24-28°C. For some, the wind is a downside when relaxing on the beach; for others, it is a major advantage because it creates good conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Top attractions in Fuerteventura:

• Corralejo Natural Park,
• Cofete Beach,
• Morro Jable,
• the former capital, Betancuria,
• Isla de Lobos,
• the caves and coastline of Ajuy,
• Sotavento beaches.

Choose Fuerteventura if your priorities are beaches, relaxation, water sports and open space. It is a less obvious choice for travellers focused mainly on sightseeing and monuments, but a very good option for those who want to slow down.

Lanzarote

Lanzarote looks completely different: rugged, low-lying and almost otherworldly in places. Instead of lush greenery, you will see lava fields, black rocks, white villages and vineyards growing in volcanic ash.

You can fly to Lanzarote via César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport near Arrecife. It is the island’s main gateway for travellers arriving from other European countries and mainland Spain.

The landscape of Timanfaya National Park makes the biggest impression. This is where you can really see how strongly volcanoes have shaped the island. Lanzarote also has very distinctive architecture. Much of this is thanks to César Manrique - an artist and architect who influenced the way the landscape was protected and the aesthetics of many places on the island.

Top attractions in Lanzarote:

• Timanfaya National Park,
• Jameos del Agua,
• Cueva de los Verdes,
• Mirador del Río,
• La Geria wine region,
• Playa Papagayo,
• César Manrique Foundation.

The weather in Lanzarote is usually dry and sunny. Temperatures are mild in winter (up to 20°C) and warm in summer (up to 30°C), but the wind is worth keeping in mind. It is a good island for travellers who like sunshine and a desert-like climate.

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is often described as a “continent in miniature”. The description suits the island well because, within a relatively small area, you will find beaches, mountains, ravines, dunes, towns, resorts and green valleys.

You can fly to Gran Canaria via one of the archipelago’s main airports. The island has good connections with Europe and is popular in both summer and winter.

Gran Canaria has a very diverse landscape. The south is mainly about sunshine, beaches, hotels and the Maspalomas dunes. The north and centre are greener and more mountainous. It is worth heading inland, because only then can you see that Gran Canaria is about much more than resorts.

The weather in Gran Canaria depends on the region and time of year - in winter temperatures reach up to 23°C, while in summer they are around 24-29°C. The south is usually warmer and drier, while the mountainous centre can be cooler.

Top attractions in Gran Canaria:

• Maspalomas dunes,
• Las Palmas de Gran Canaria,
• Roque Nublo,
• Puerto de Mogán,
• Teror,
• Agaete,
• Barranco de Guayadeque.

It is a good destination if you want a strong chance of beach weather while also planning road trips and short trips into the mountains.

La Palma

La Palma is less touristy than Tenerife, Gran Canaria or Fuerteventura. It is an island for travellers who enjoy nature, trails, viewpoints and a slower pace of travel. It is often called the green island because the landscape here is more mountainous and more humid.

La Palma Airport is located a few kilometres from Santa Cruz de la Palma. Air traffic here is more domestic and inter-island in character than on the largest islands. So, when planning a trip, you are more likely to need to check connections with a transfer, for example via Tenerife, Gran Canaria, or Madrid.

La Palma’s landscape is made up of forests, ravines, volcanic trails and high viewpoints. One of the most important places is Caldera de Taburiente National Park. The island is also famous for excellent stargazing conditions - the area around Roque de los Muchachos is known for its astronomical observatories.

Average temperatures in La Palma are mild, but the weather can be more changeable than on the drier islands. In winter, temperatures are around 17-21°C, while in summer they are around 23-27°C. It is worth bringing something warmer, especially if you are planning to trek or travel high into the mountains.

Top attractions in La Palma:

• Caldera de Taburiente National Park,
• Roque de los Muchachos,
• Los Tilos forest,
• Ruta de los Volcanes,
• Santa Cruz de La Palma,
• Fuencaliente,
• astronomical observatories.

Choose La Palma if the beach is not your only goal. It is an island for travellers who prefer an active holiday, peace and quiet, nature and views to large resorts and nightlife.

The lesser-known side of the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are about more than the five most popular islands. If you prefer quieter destinations, have a look at La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa. Each has a different character and lets you see the archipelago from a less commercial side.

1. La Gomera is associated with greenery, trekking and Garajonay National Park.
2. El Hierro is the smallest of the main islands and a good choice for travellers seeking peace, a local atmosphere, and diving spots.
3. La Graciosa lies near Lanzarote and attracts visitors with its tranquillity, sandy roads and simple holiday atmosphere.

The lesser-known Canary Islands are worth considering if you have already been to Tenerife or Gran Canaria and want to see something new. They are also a good idea if large hotels, extensive infrastructure and a packed schedule of attractions are not vital to you. Instead, you get a slower pace, nature, and a greater sense of discovery.

Excursions in the Canary Islands

In the Canary Islands, it is easy to spend your entire holiday between the hotel, beach, and promenade - and there is nothing wrong with that. If you want to experience the differences between the islands, it is worth planning at least one tour beyond the resort.

On SeePlaces, you can find excursions that help you see more during your holiday: local attractions, cruises, guided sightseeing and tickets to popular places. We work with verified providers and focus on a simple booking process.

In the Canary Islands, these options work particularly well:

• The mysterious Cofete Beach in Fuerteventura
• Submarine cruise from Gran Canaria
• Trekking to Pico de la Cruz in La Palma
• Gran Tour Lanzarote
• Siam Park and Loro Parque in Tenerife

Choose this option if you do not want to analyse routes, parking, opening hours and transport yourself. A local guide will explain how the volcanic landscapes were formed, why the towns look the way they do and where it is worth stopping along the way.

Summary - which island should you choose for a holiday in the Canary Islands?

If you are visiting for the first time - choose Tenerife because it is the most versatile island. It has beaches, the Teide volcano, mountain trails, towns, amusement parks and good tourist infrastructure.

If you like volcanic landscapes - decide on Lanzarote. It is an island for travellers who want to see something different from classic resorts. Timanfaya, lava fields and César Manrique’s architecture create a very cohesive atmosphere.

If you dream of beaches - select Fuerteventura. Wide beaches, light-coloured sand and wind are its main trademarks. It is a good choice for fans of beach holidays, surfing and a slower pace.

If you want to combine the beach, mountains, and a city - pick Gran Canaria. It is a convenient compromise for those who do not want to choose between relaxation and sightseeing.

If you love nature and trekking - stick to La Palma. It is quieter, greener, and ideal for travellers who prefer trails, viewpoints and smaller towns.

There is no single best island for everyone. Instead, there is a Canary Island to suit different travel styles. That is precisely why the Canary Islands are such a rewarding holiday destination - you can return several times and discover a wholly different side of the archipelago each time.