Canary Islands Travel Guide
The Canary Islands, an Atlantic archipelago off the coast of Morocco, are a Spanish paradise renowned for their year-round sunshine, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and diverse attractions. Whether you seek beaches, adventure, culture, or relaxation, the Canaries offer something for every traveller.
Canary Island Destinations
Eight Islands in the Atlantic Ocean await you, offering the perfect escape from your daily routine and a chance to return home recharged. Experience their volcanic beauty, unwind on stunning beaches, wander through ancient forests, gaze out over breathtaking cliffs and ravines, and immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters. Enjoy an incredible diversity of landscapes and uncover endless new adventures. Don't forget to savor the local cuisine, whether it's traditional dishes or innovative creations by renowned chefs. Additionally, explore the islands' rich historical and cultural heritage, from the stories of the first settlers to modern influences. The best part? You can visit year-round in this paradise of eternal spring. Discover the world's finest climate for yourself!
The Canary Islands are home to breathtaking sights, including the volcanic scenery of Lanzarote, the sandy beaches and dunes of Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria, and the lushlands of La Palma and La Gomera. There are plenty of cultural experiences to enjoy, such as the UNESCO World Heritage site San Cristóbal de La Laguna and the artistic legacy of César Manrique in Lanzarote. If you're visiting February, be sure to experience the lively Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The Canary Islands are the place with the most hours of sunlight in Europe, 3000 per year.
Top Islands & Highlights
Tenerife
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Largest island;
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home to Mount Teide (Spain’s highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The Teide National Park is the most visited national park in all of Europe and one of the most visited in the world.
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Must-see: Teide National Park, historic San Cristóbal de La Laguna, lively beaches (Playa de las Américas, El Duque).
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Activities: Hiking, stargazing, water parks, vibrant nightlife.
Beaches, hiking trails, forests, and water parks. Watching the whales and dolphins swim in the wild or walking through historic quarters. What about just playing golf under a clear blue sky? That too. Of course, you must visit the awe-inspiring Teide, which is also a magical spot for stargazing at night. In Tenerife, everything is possible.
Gran Canaria
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Known for diverse landscapes: dunes, mountains, and lush forests.
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Must-see: Las Palmas old town, Maspalomas Dunes, Risco Caído archaeological site (UNESCO). Tejeda, located at the heart of the island of Gran Canaria, is one of the most beautiful towns in Spain.
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Activities: Surfing, hiking, exploring colonial architecture.
This ‘miniature continent’ is an island of contrasts. On a single day, we can enjoy a beach such as Maspalomas and its impressive dunes, as well as the inland scenery with forests of Canary Island pine trees, ravines, and volcanic calderas. We can also relax at a spa and get ready for the island’s exciting nightlife.
Lanzarote
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A different island
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Famous for volcanic scenery and elegant ambience.
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Must-see: Timanfaya National Park, César Manrique’s art and architecture.
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Activities: Wine tasting, cycling, beach relaxation.
So different that its landscapes look like something from another planet. Take the Mandaya National Park as an example. Volcanoes and lava fields that stretch as far as the eye can see, though your eyes will no doubt be distracted by the stunning variety of colours on this apparently sterile island. Lanzarote is also synonymous with beaches, whitewashed houses and vineyards.
Fuerteventura
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Best for beaches and wind sports (kite- and windsurfing).
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Must-see: Corralejo Natural Park, Jandía Peninsula.
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Activities: Watersports, sunbathing, dune hiking.
Fuerteventura – the beach of the Canary Islands
Endless beaches with white sand and turquoise water, many of which are solitary. A dream for anyone whose particular paradise is somewhere like this, where they can relax, feel the ocean breeze, sunbathe, swim in calm, crystal-clear waters… Yet also for those who want to feel the adrenaline of surfing the waves and taking on the wind.
La Palma
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Nicknamed “La Isla Bonita” for its scenic beauty.
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Must-see: Caldera de Taburiente National Park.
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Activities: Hiking, stargazing (world-class observatories).
La Palma, island of starry skies, ancient forests, beaches and volcanic pools, also known as La Isla Bonita. Its leisurely pace of life and climate, sun-blessed 365 days a year, guarantee the disconnection of every visitor.
La Gomera
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Naturally magical
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Hiker’s paradise with lush forests.
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Must-see: Garajonay National Park (UNESCO).
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Activities: Trekking, whale watching, exploring traditional villages.
La Gomera’s natural spaces are the magical essence of the island. Discover infinite hiking trails, dizzying viewpoints and charming little villages in a spectacular natural environment.
El Hierro
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El Hierro: Remote, eco-friendly, great for diving and an utter escape.
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you have to visit El Hierro, the youngest Canary Island, as it emerged ‘just’ 1.1 million years ago. It’s difficult to explain the magic of this little, volcanic, Atlantic island, a place of peace and tranquillity where you can forget about stress and hurry.
La Graciosa
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La Graciosa: Smallest, tranquil island ideal for secluded getaways.
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Small, quiet, with no paved roads or pollution, virgin nature, paradisiacal beaches with turquoise waters and white sands, sparse landscapes, barely inhabited
Things to Do
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Beaches: Golden and black volcanic sands, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and watersports.
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Hiking: Explore volcanic trails, lush forests, and dramatic cliffs.
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Carnival: Experience the world’s second-largest Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (February/March).
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Nature & Wildlife: Visit four national parks and several UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.
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Cultural Sites: Discover colonial towns, archaeological parks, and local markets.
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Adventure: Surfing, windsurfing, paragliding, diving, and mountain biking.
Getting Around
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Air: Each major island has its airport; inter-island flights are frequent.
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Ferry: Regular ferries connect the islands—ideal for island hopping.
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Car Rental: Recommended for exploring remote areas and hidden gems.
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Public Transport: Reliable bus services on all main islands.
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Biking: Popular, especially in winter, though mountainous terrain can be challenging.
Practical Tips
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Currency: Euro (€); credit cards are widely accepted, but bring some cash for small purchases.
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Weather: Mild and sunny all year; pack light layers and sun protection.
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Language: Spanish is spoken everywhere; English is widely understood in tourist areas.
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Safety: The islands are generally safe, but always take standard precautions.
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Local Cuisine: Try papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes), mojo sauces, fresh seafood, and local wines.
Notable Events
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Carnival (Feb–Mar): Massive parades and celebrations, especially in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
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Fiestas and Local Markets: Each island has unique festivals and weekly markets.
Tenerife Travel Guide
Overview
Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, offers a blend of dramatic volcanic landscapes, golden and black sand beaches, vibrant towns, and world-class cuisine. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or culture, Tenerife has something for every traveler
When to go
The climate of the Canary Islands is unique and special, considered by many to be the best climate in the world.
In the Canary Islands, the summers are pleasant and the winters are mild – an eternal spring of sunny days, blue skies and constant temperatures, which vary little throughout the year.
The secret of this unique feeling of comfort awarded by the climate can be found in the cooling trade winds, the Gulf Stream, which bathes its coasts and the warm influence of the Azores anticyclone in winter. These factors benefit the islands due to their exceptional geographical position, in an area of transition and contact between high pressure and winds blowing from the west.
Tenerife’s temperatures are pleasant all year round.
The high season is between June and September, the vacation season in Europe. May, September and October are often excellent months to make the most of the island.
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Best Time: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) for mild weather and fewer crowds.
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High Season: December–February and July–August, with more tourists and higher prices
How long to stay
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Minimum for an overview of either the north or south of the island: 3 days
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Number of days to see all the most famous places: 7 days
However, if you want to discover the island’s most iconic sites, 7 days is enough (without a beach day). -
In our opinion, the ideal number of days is 10 to 14.
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In two weeks with beach periods, we don’t think you’ll have time to get bored!
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If you just want to spend some time at the beach… it depends on the number of days you have available and your budget.
The island is quite large, with a circular road that allows you to move quickly around a good part of the island.
From Santa Cruz in the north to Costa Adeje in the south, it’s a 50-minute to 1-hour drive by expressway.
I recommend a stay of between 7 and 10 days to discover the whole island, or 2 weeks to get the most out of it.
Getting There & Around
Airports
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Tenerife North Airport (TFN): Closer to Santa Cruz and the lush north.
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Tenerife South Airport (TFS): Near popular resorts like Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas.
Ferry to Tenerife
You can also reach Tenerife from the other Canary Islands or Cadiz in mainland Spain.
The main port is Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Transportation
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Public Transport: Extensive bus network (TITSA), plus trams in Santa Cruz and La Laguna. Payment by Ten+ card or contactless bank card.
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Buses (“Guaguas”): Connect all major towns and attractions. Key lines include 111 (Costa Adeje–Santa Cruz), 343 (Puerto de la Cruz–Costa Adeje), and 473 (Costa Adeje–Los Gigantes).
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Trams: Only in Santa Cruz and La Laguna.
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Car Rental: Best for flexibility, especially for rural and remote areas and highly recommended for exploring the island’s diverse regions and natural parks.
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Taxis: Convenient for short distances or airport transfers.
Top Attractions
Teide National Park
Home to Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide. Hike or take the cable car for breathtaking views.
Anaga Rural Park
Lush laurel forests, hiking trails, and spectacular viewpoints in the northeast.
Los Gigantes Cliffs
Dramatic sea cliffs; take a boat tour for dolphin and whale watching.
La Laguna
UNESCO-listed historic town with colonial architecture and lively markets.
Puerto de la Cruz
Charming coastal town, botanical gardens, and black sand beaches.
Masca Village
Picturesque mountain village, gateway to scenic hiking routes.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Capital city with museums, shopping, and the iconic Auditorio de Tenerife.
Beaches
Playa de las Teresitas (golden sand),
Playa Jardín (black sand),
Playa de las Américas (resort vibe).
Unique Experiences
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Stargazing: Teide National Park is a Starlight Reserve, ideal for astronomy tours.
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Whale & Dolphin Watching: Boat tours depart from Los Gigantes and Costa Adeje.
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Water Sports: Surfing, windsurfing, and diving are popular, especially in El Médano.
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Local Festivals: Carnival in Santa Cruz is one of the world’s largest
Suggested Itinerary (5 Days)
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Day 1: Santa Cruz, Playa de las Teresitas, La Laguna
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Day 2: Teide National Park (hiking or cable car), stargazing tour
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Day 3: Anaga Rural Park, Taganana village, Playa de Benijo
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Day 4: Los Gigantes cliffs, whale-watching boat trip, Masca village
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Day 5: Puerto de la Cruz, botanical garden, relax at Playa Jardín
Tenerife’s food
Tenerife offers a vibrant and diverse dining scene, from traditional Canarian taverns to Michelin-starred fine dining. Here are some of the best places to eat across the island, covering a range of styles, budgets, and locations:
Tenerife’s traditional food relies, above all else, on the sea. And not only because the dishes that feature on its restaurant menus and on the tables of its households are dominated by the fish and seafood found in the waters surrounding the Canary archipelago.
The island’s cooking also looks towards the ocean in the sense that a great number of the ingredients it uses come from overseas. From the Iberian Peninsula, of course, but also from America. In fact, the links between Tenerife’s traditional food and Canarian cuisine in general with that of many South American countries are strikingly obvious. For example, there are many parallels with the cuisine of Venezuela and other Caribbean countries.
Tenerife’s traditional food is not a demonstration of flamboyance nor of complex technique. It is, rather, a matter of simple processes where the focus is on locally-sourced products: fish, potatoes, pork, cheeses, etc.
Dishes made more interesting by the addition of flavourful sauces, or mojos. Some typical mojos are particularly potent, such as the popular mojo picón [spicy] or mojo verde [green].
typical Tenerife dishes
The panorama of Tenerife’s traditional food is completed with an extensive collection of recipes from which the following are never absent:
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Wreckfish: This, along with parrotfish, is probably the most commonly found in Canary Island waters (and kitchens). Wreckfish is a type of grouper, and is generally grilled or barbecued and served accompanied by papas arrugadas and mojo.
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Frangollo: One of the most typical desserts in traditional Tenerife and Canary Island cuisine. This is a type of gofio, a mash made up of corn flour, lemon, sugar, almonds and cinnamon. There are numerous variations, depending on the cook and the particular area of the Islands where it is made.
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Canary Island cheese: The range of Canary Island cheeses is vast. Each of the seven larger islands has its particular flagship variety, often covered by a designation of origin. The most outstanding examples are the Majorero Cheeses from the island of Fuerteventura and those from La Palma.
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Rapadura: Another classic dish of the Canary Islands (specifically, in this case, of La Palma), which has been assimilated into the typical cuisine of Tenerife. This is a cone-shaped desert combining gofio with honey and eggs, and other ingredients which give the dish its various different flavours (chocolate, coconut, almonds, etc.).
Where To stay
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Bahía del Duque (Costa Adeje): Beachfront, pools, spa.
Serene oasis near Tenerife's allure
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Beautifully landscaped grounds and impressive architecture create a serene oasis near Tenerife's vibrant attractions. Enjoy fresh saltwater pools, beach access, and a variety of fine dining options for an unforgettable stay.
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Abama Resort (Guía de Isora): Golf, spa, fine dining.
Tranquil escape with stunning views
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This luxurious property offers a tranquil escape with stunning views and lush surroundings in a picturesque setting. Enjoy the private beach, fabulous facilities, and an adult-only pool while savoring superb cuisine at the Michelin-starred restaurant and exceptional service throughout your stay.
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Hotel Botanico & The Oriental Spa Garden (Puerto de la Cruz): Wellness focus.
Serene escape with mountain views
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Surrounded by tranquil tropical gardens, this luxurious hotel offers a serene escape with stunning mountain views. Indulge in the spa's aromatherapy room, hot tubs, and steam room, or savor exquisite cuisine at the a la carte restaurants.
