Canary Islands
Volcanic landscapes, eternal spring, and endless dunes — your guide to the Canary Islands.
Where are the Canary Islands located?
The Canary Islands are a group of seven volcanic islands just off the coast of Morocco.
Each one is beautiful in its own way — and genuinely different from the others.
Below you’ll find a handy overview of all the Canary Islands, including our hotel picks for each one.
Not sure which island suits you best? Check out our guide to help you decide.
Our Guide to the Canary Islands
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Flair
Diverse, mild, and perfect for hiking & surfing.
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Travel Season
Year-round — best winter sun escape in Europe.
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Travel Duration
One to two weeks per island.
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Currency
Euro (cards widely accepted).
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Tipping
Around 5–10% at restaurants is standard.
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Transport
Rent a car — seriously, it's a must on every island.
FAQ
What's the best way to travel to the Canary Islands?
Flights to the Canary Islands are available from almost all major European cities. A direct flight takes around four and a half hours. Only the two smallest islands, El Hierro and La Gomera, don’t have direct flights from the European mainland.
Since the routes between islands are short, island hopping is a really great option. You can either take one of the small inter-island planes — check-in and security are much quicker than usual — or hop on a ferry. The two main ferry operators are Naviera Armas and Fred Olsen.
Whether plane or ferry is cheaper and faster depends on the route. You’ll find more detailed tips in our travel guides for the individual islands, linked at the top of this page.
What is the best time to visit the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands have a pleasantly mild climate year-round, and rainy days are rare. It’s no coincidence they’re nicknamed the “Islands of Eternal Spring” — and why they’re one of the top destinations for escaping winter.
That said, the best time to go depends on what you’re after.
For beach vacationers: The hot summer months from May to August, with temperatures around 86°F.
For surfers: The biggest, cleanest waves come in winter, from November to February.
For wind sports: The strong summer winds are perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
For the full package: Fall gives you solid beach weather combined with comfortable temperatures for exploring — making it a fantastic fall travel destination.
How many days should I plan for the Canary Islands?
Since you’ll need to fly in regardless, we recommend budgeting at least one week. There’s really no upper limit — and if you want to visit more than one island, plan to stay longer. Transfers between islands can easily eat up a full travel day.
What language do they speak in the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands are part of Spain — even though they’re geographically closer to Africa — so Spanish is the main language.
In tourist areas, though, you’ll get by just fine with English.
Is it dangerous in the Canary Islands?
No, the Canary Islands are very safe. As with any popular tourist destination, just watch out for pickpockets in busier areas.
At the beach, always pay attention to the flag system. At beaches without a lifeguard, check for currents and other hazards before you swim.
Are the Canary Islands expensive?
The Canary Islands are broadly in line with mainland Spain — so solidly mid-range by European standards. Overall, we’d put them among the more affordable beach destinations in Europe.
Which Canary Island is the warmest?
The easternmost islands — Lanzarote and Fuerteventura — are the warmest. That said, all of the Canary Islands enjoy mild temperatures year-round.
Which travel guides for the Canary Islands are worth buying?
If you want something to read before or during your trip, here are two solid options.
The Lonely Planet travel guide covers all the major highlights and includes solid practical tips — across around 300 pages.
The Marco Polo travel guide is technically aimed at cruise travelers, but works just as well for a regular vacation and is slim enough to fit in your carry-on.
