The Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are called the islands of eternal spring: even in winter daytime temperatures are around 20-24 °C, so people come for the sun all year round. The archipelago belongs to Spain and lies in the Atlantic off the coast of Africa. Here are the five most popular islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and La Palma.

1. Tenerife

The largest and most popular island in the archipelago, with volcanic landscapes, forests and beaches of black and golden sand. Tenerife suits family holidays well: it has Siam Park and Loro Parque, and in February, when Europe is still cold, the island is warm and sunny.

Best beaches

La Arena in Puerto de Santiago: a black-sand beach near the Los Gigantes cliffs.
Las Vistas in Los Cristianos (Arona): calm water and golden sand, convenient with children.
San Telmo in Puerto de la Cruz: a small beach with seawater pools.

Things to do

Take the cable car up Mount Teide, at 3,715 m the highest peak in Spain.
Walk in Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
See the Los Gigantes cliffs from a boat.
Visit Santa Cruz de Tenerife, especially during its February carnival, one of the largest in the world.

2. Gran Canaria

The island is called a miniature continent for its varied landscapes, from desert dunes in the south to green mountains in the centre. Gran Canaria is known for the nightlife of Playa del Inglés, calm family coves and mountain trails.

Best beaches

Maspalomas: a wide beach next to the famous sand dunes, with a naturist section.
Amadores: a calm cove that is safe for children.
Las Canteras in Las Palmas: a city beach with a natural reef, a favourite snorkelling spot.

Things to do

Walk across the Maspalomas dunes, a nature reserve.
Visit Puerto de Mogán with its canals and flower-covered houses.
Take a boat trip to see whales and dolphins.
Stroll through the historic Vegueta quarter of Las Palmas and hike up to Roque Nublo.

3. Fuerteventura

The island with the longest beaches in the Canaries, more than 150 km in total. Constant wind has made Fuerteventura a mecca for windsurfing and kitesurfing, while quiet beaches and villages attract couples looking for peace.

Best beaches

Sotavento: a lagoon that hosts world championship rounds in windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Gran Tarajal: a dark-sand town beach popular with locals.
La Concha in El Cotillo: white-sand coves sheltered from the waves by a reef.

Things to do

Taste majorero goat cheese with protected designation of origin.
Visit Betancuria, the island's first capital, founded in 1404 in a mountain valley.
Walk the dunes of Corralejo Natural Park.
Stop at the village of La Oliva with the historic Casa de los Coroneles.

4. Lanzarote

An island of more than three hundred volcanic cones that resembles a lunar landscape. It is full of works by the architect César Manrique, white villages and black vineyards, and its calm beaches suit family holidays.

Best beaches

Papagayo near Playa Blanca: several picturesque coves with clear water.
Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen: a favourite with divers.
Caletón Blanco near Órzola: natural lagoons that are perfect for snorkelling at low tide.

Things to do

Visit Timanfaya National Park and its Fire Mountains.
See the Jameos del Agua cave and the Mirador del Río viewpoint created by César Manrique.
Taste Malvasía from the vineyards of La Geria, where vines grow in pits of volcanic ash.
Stroll through the old town of Teguise with its Sunday market.

5. La Palma

One of the greenest islands in the archipelago; the whole island is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. La Palma is chosen by lovers of active holidays: mountain trails, a huge caldera, forests and diving in natural pools.

Best beaches

Puerto Naos: the island's largest black-sand beach. After the 2021 volcanic eruption, check before your trip whether the beach is open.
Bajamar in Breña Alta: a quiet beach that locals love for morning walks.
Los Cancajos: a beach of volcanic origin with natural pools for snorkelling.

Things to do

Stargaze near the Roque de los Muchachos observatory at about 2,400 m.
Hike the trails of Caldera de Taburiente National Park.
Walk the Ruta de los Volcanes.
Explore the island's capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma, with its wooden balconies.