The Canary Guide

Plan Your Canary Islands Trip

The practical stuff, sorted: when to go, how to get there, how to travel between the islands, car hire, costs and where to stay.

Photo: Veronika Bashak · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · scaled

The practical stuff, sorted: when to go, how to get there, how to travel between the islands, car hire, costs and where to stay.

Before you go

The sunlit golden dunes and beach of Maspalomas on the south coast of Gran Canaria

Best Time to Visit the Canary Islands

Warm all year — but each season has its character. A month-by-month guide to weather, crowds and prices.

The passenger terminal of Gran Canaria Airport (Gando), the main gateway to the islands

Getting to the Canary Islands

Which airport, how long the flight, and how to find a good fare — getting to the islands made simple.

Produce stalls inside the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África market in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Costs & Money in the Canaries

What things really cost, the islands' unusually low sales tax, and how to budget for your trip.

Resort hotels lining the seafront at Costa Adeje below the mountains of southern Tenerife

Where to Stay in the Canary Islands

Pick the right island and resort for your kind of holiday, and the right kind of place to sleep.

Sunbathers on the wide beach at Playa del Inglés, a classic Canary winter-sun resort on Gran Canaria

Winter Sun in the Canaries

Europe's most reliable winter warmth — which islands stay sunniest from November to March, and what to expect.

A trade-wind sea of clouds spilling over the highlands around Roque Bentayga on Gran Canaria

Canary Islands Weather Explained

Why it's mild all year, why the north is greener than the south, and what the calima and trade winds actually do.

Affordable fresh produce on sale at the Santa Cruz de Tenerife market

The Canary Islands on a Budget

You don't need to spend big — when to go, where to eat, and the free and cheap ways to enjoy the islands.

A historic shopping street in the Vegueta old quarter of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Canary Islands Prices: What Things Cost

The complete, up-to-date price guide: what you'll really pay for food, drink, hotels and days out — and how the islands and resorts compare.

Green La Gomera in the foreground with Tenerife's Mount Teide floating above a sea of clouds

Which Canary Island Should You Choose?

Eight islands, one big decision — a clear, honest guide to which Canary Island fits your kind of holiday.

Mount Teide and the Teide National Park caldera on Tenerife

Gran Canaria or Tenerife?

The big two, head to head — beaches, weather, resorts, things to do and value, so you can pick with confidence.

The volcanic lava fields of the Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote

Lanzarote or Fuerteventura?

Volcanic art versus endless beaches — how the two eastern islands compare, and which one is your kind of holiday.

Mount Teide behind the Roques de Garcia rock formations, Tenerife

Tenerife or Lanzarote?

Big and busy or low-rise and lunar? How Tenerife and Lanzarote compare, and which suits your trip.

The rolling sand dunes of Maspalomas in southern Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria or Fuerteventura?

A continent in miniature versus beach heaven — how Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura compare for your holiday.

Mount Teide rising above the Las Canadas caldera, Tenerife, Canary Islands

Canary Islands or Madeira?

Two Atlantic escapes, very different holidays — how the Canaries and Madeira compare on beaches, weather, scenery and value.

Roque Nublo, the iconic volcanic monolith in the highlands of Gran Canaria

Canary Islands or the Balearics?

Year-round Atlantic sun or a Mediterranean summer? How the Canaries and the Balearics compare, season by season.

The volcanic badlands of Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote

Canary Islands or Mainland Spain?

Winter warmth versus the Costa del Sol — how the Canaries stack up against mainland Spain for a sun holiday.

The dunes and lagoon at Maspalomas, southern Gran Canaria

Canary Islands or Cape Verde?

Familiar and easy or wilder and further? How the Canaries compare with up-and-coming Cape Verde.

The towering sea cliffs of Los Gigantes on the west coast of Tenerife

Canary Islands or the Algarve?

Reliable winter sun or Portugal's golden coast? How the Canaries and the Algarve compare across the year.

A green TITSA guagua (public bus) at Costa Adeje in the south of Tenerife

Getting Around the Canary Islands

Buses, taxis, ferries and hire cars — how to move around each island and hop between them.

The Fred. Olsen fast ferry Benchijigua Express, a trimaran serving the western Canary Islands

Ferries Between the Islands

Which islands connect by sea, who runs the boats and how to plan an island-hopping trip.

Cars on the GC-1 motorway crossing the Barranco de Tauro viaduct in southern Gran Canaria

Car Hire in the Canary Islands

Everything about renting a car — booking, hidden fees, insurance, the walkaround video and local driving tips.

The tightly winding mountain road to Masca in the Teno massif of western Tenerife

Driving in the Canary Islands

Good roads but hairpin mountain bends — the rules, the parking, the fuel and how to drive the islands with confidence.

The terminal and apron of Tenerife South Airport

Canary Islands Airports Guide

All eight island airports explained — which serves your resort, what's there, and how to get from the terminal to your hotel.

The TF-21 road winding through the Teide caldera, the classic Canary Islands cycling climb

Cycling in the Canary Islands

Warm winters and brutal climbs make the islands a cyclist's paradise — where to ride, from Teide's ascent to gentle coast paths.

The winding coastal road down to Mesa del Mar on Tenerife

Campervan & Motorhome Travel

Touring the islands by camper — hiring one, the rules on overnight parking, and how to do it without falling foul of the law.

Yachts moored at Marina Rubicon in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote

Sailing & Yacht Charter

Steady trade winds and warm water make the islands a sailor's dream — chartering a yacht, the marinas and island-hopping under sail.

A cruise ship berthed in the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Cruising the Canary Islands

A warm-water winter cruise favourite — the itineraries, the ports and how to make the most of your day ashore on each island.

Playa de Las Canteras and the city skyline of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Las Palmas Cruise Port

In port at Las Palmas? How to reach the old town and the city beach, and the best way to spend your day ashore.

The Auditorio de Tenerife on the waterfront of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Cruise Port

Docking at Santa Cruz? The walkable capital, a hop to UNESCO La Laguna, and whether you can reach Teide in a day.

The Charco de San Gines tidal lagoon in the heart of Arrecife, Lanzarote

Arrecife Cruise Port

In port at Arrecife? The easy capital on foot, plus how to reach Timanfaya and the Manrique sights in a single day.

The waterfront town of Puerto del Rosario, capital of Fuerteventura

Puerto del Rosario Port

Fuerteventura's low-key capital from the port — an open-air sculpture walk, and how to reach the beaches and dunes for the day.

Tenerife South Airport (Reina Sofia), the main gateway to southern Tenerife

Tenerife South Airport Transfers

Landed at Tenerife South? Taxis, shuttles, buses or a hire car — how to reach Costa Adeje, Las Américas and Los Cristianos.

The terminal building of Gran Canaria Airport near Telde

Gran Canaria Airport Transfers

From Gran Canaria Airport to your resort — the fast buses, taxis, transfers and hire cars, with times to the south and the city.

A jet on the runway at Lanzarote Airport near Arrecife

Lanzarote Airport Transfers

From Lanzarote Airport to Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca or Costa Teguise — taxis, buses, transfers and hire cars.

Fuerteventura Airport at El Matorral, south of Puerto del Rosario

Fuerteventura Airport Transfers

From Fuerteventura Airport to Corralejo, Caleta de Fuste or the far-south Jandía beaches — your transfer options and times.

An aircraft landing at Tenerife North (Los Rodeos) Airport

Tenerife North Airport

Tenerife's second airport, close to the green north and the hub for inter-island flights — when to use it and how to get around.

The Anfi del Mar resort with its palm-lined marina and man-made white beach on southern Gran Canaria

Timeshare in the Canaries: A Careful Guide

How the hard-sell works, what the law says about cooling-off periods, and how to keep your holiday (and wallet) intact.

The calm, supervised town beach of Playa de las Vistas at Los Cristianos, Tenerife

Health & Safety in the Canaries

Sun, sea and sense — UV, beach flags, jellyfish, healthcare and the GHIC/EHIC card, and how to avoid the common mishaps.

Fresh produce stalls inside the historic Mercado de Vegueta food market in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

How to Avoid Food Poisoning in the Canary Islands

Stay well on holiday — how to avoid traveller's tummy and food poisoning, what's safe to eat and drink, and what to do if you're ill.

Green ridges of the Anaga mountains with the snow-flecked Teide volcano beyond, showing Tenerife's varied climates

What to Pack for the Canary Islands

Sun cream and a fleece in the same bag — how to pack for islands where the beach and the mountains have very different weather.

Colourful costumed revellers filling the street during the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Festivals & Carnival

From the giant February Carnivals to village romerías — the fiestas worth timing a trip around.

The Yumbo Centrum shopping centre at Playa del Ingles, the heart of the Maspalomas LGBTQ scene on Gran Canaria

LGBTQ+ Canary Islands

Gran Canaria is one of Europe's top gay-friendly destinations — the Maspalomas scene, Pride and where's most welcoming.

The seafront promenade and city beach of Las Canteras in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a popular remote-work base

The Canaries for Digital Nomads

Year-round spring, fast internet and a growing coworking scene make the islands a top remote-work base — here's how it works.

The Plaza de Europa town square by the harbour in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife

Useful Spanish Phrases

A little Spanish goes a long way — the essential phrases plus the Canarian words (guagua, papas, chacho) you'll actually hear.

Walkers on the dune ridge at Maspalomas, a well-known naturist area of Gran Canaria

Naturism & Nudist Beaches

The islands are one of Europe's naturist hotspots — where clothing is optional, the etiquette, and the most relaxed spots.

A dog on a coastal trail above banana plantations near San Andres, La Palma

Travelling with a Dog

Bringing the dog? The rules and paperwork, the dog beaches, and how to find pet-friendly places to stay and eat.

A viewpoint over the south coast from a hiking trail in the Anaga mountains, Tenerife

Solo Travel in the Canaries

Safe, easy and sociable — why the islands suit solo travellers, and where to base yourself whether you want buzz or quiet.

A street in the old town of Vegueta, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Staying Connected: SIMs & Wi-Fi

Roaming, Spanish SIMs, eSIMs and Wi-Fi — how to stay online on the islands without a nasty bill.

A sunset over the Atlantic Ocean seen from Tenerife

Weddings & Honeymoons

Year-round sun and dramatic scenery make the islands a romantic favourite — the best spots for a wedding or honeymoon.

Canary Island pine forest in the Corona Forestal Natural Park, Tenerife

Camping in the Canary Islands

From forest campsites to permit-only wild spots — how (and where) to camp on the islands, and the rules to know.

The gentle seafront at the resort of Costa Teguise, Lanzarote

The Canaries for Older Travellers

Gentle warmth, flat promenades and easy healthcare make the islands a favourite for older travellers and long winter stays.

Infinity pool at a large resort hotel at Meloneras, Gran Canaria

All-Inclusive Holidays

Is all-inclusive worth it in the Canaries? How it works, who it suits, the best resorts — and when you're better off going self-catering.

Whitewashed holiday apartments around the marina at Puerto de Mogan, Gran Canaria

Renting a Villa or Apartment

Self-catering freedom — how to choose and book a villa or apartment, what to check, and the best areas for a private base.

Slides and pools at the Siam Park water park in the south of Tenerife

The Canaries for Teenagers

Keeping teenagers happy — water parks, surfing, adventure sports and the resorts that work best for older kids.

The calm, sheltered beach at Los Cristianos, southern Tenerife

The Canary Islands with a Baby

Calm beaches, short flights and year-round warmth — how to have an easy Canary Islands holiday with a baby or toddler.

Mount Teide rising above a sea of clouds, Tenerife

How Many Days Do You Need?

A long weekend, a week, or two? How long you really need for a beach break, a full island or an island-hopping trip.

The dramatic Masca gorge in the Teno mountains, Tenerife

Are the Canary Islands Worth Visiting?

An honest answer — what the islands do brilliantly, who they're not for, and how to skip the naff bits and find the magic.

A winding mountain road descending towards Masca, Tenerife

Canary Islands Travel Tips

The things we wish we'd known — practical tips and the classic mistakes to avoid on a Canary Islands holiday.

Aerial view of the lively resort of Playa de las Americas, Tenerife

The Canaries for Groups

Villas, big nights out and activities for all — how to plan a group, stag or hen trip to the islands.

Almond trees in blossom in the highlands of Gran Canaria in winter

The Canary Islands in January

Mild winter sun, Three Kings festivities and quiet beaches — what January is really like across the islands.

Snow-covered Mount Teide rising above Tenerife in winter

The Canary Islands in February

Carnival kicks off and the almonds blossom — February weather, events and what to expect.

A volcanic crater in Teide National Park, Tenerife

The Canary Islands in March

Warming days, Carnival finales and the odd Saharan calima — March across the islands.

Green laurel forest of Garajonay National Park, La Gomera in spring

The Canary Islands in April

Warm, green and blooming, with Easter processions — why April is a lovely, less-crowded time to go.

The golden sand dunes of Maspalomas in the south of Gran Canaria

The Canary Islands in May

Warm, dry and quiet before the summer rush — May is one of the best months of the year to visit.

Playa de las Canteras city beach in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The Canary Islands in June

Long, sunny days, warm seas and the San Juan bonfires — June eases the islands into summer.

White dunes and turquoise sea at Corralejo, Fuerteventura in summer

The Canary Islands in July

Peak summer sun and warm seas — how hot it really gets, and where to find a cooler corner.

Sheltered lagoon beaches at El Cotillo, Fuerteventura

The Canary Islands in August

The hottest, busiest month — warm seas, village fiestas and packed resorts, plus how to beat the crowds.

Vines grown in volcanic ash pits at La Geria, Lanzarote

The Canary Islands in September

Summer warmth, the year's warmest seas and shrinking crowds — September is a sweet spot.

The Roque Nublo monolith in the highlands of Gran Canaria

The Canary Islands in October

Still warm, still swimmable and beautifully balanced — October is a brilliant, easygoing month.

The forested Caldera de Taburiente National Park on La Palma

The Canary Islands in November

Winter sun arrives — mild, quiet and good value, with seas still warm enough to swim.

Mount Teide and the Roques de Garcia under clear winter skies, Tenerife

The Canary Islands in December

Winter warmth and full-on Christmas cheer — nativity scenes, lights and New Year fireworks under the palms.

Costumed parade during the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Carnival in Tenerife

One of the world's greatest street parties — Santa Cruz de Tenerife's spectacular February Carnival, and how to do it.

Carnival celebrations in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Carnival in Las Palmas

Gran Canaria's giant carnival — famous for its drag gala, night parades and days of dancing in Las Palmas.

Nativity scene sculpted in sand on Playa de las Canteras, Las Palmas

Christmas & New Year

Warm-weather Christmas — nativity scenes, festive lights, a New Year's Eve swim and midnight grapes under the stars.

Holy Week procession through San Cristobal de La Laguna, Tenerife

Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Easter's solemn, atmospheric processions — where to see Holy Week at its most moving, from La Laguna to Las Palmas.

Intricate sand and flower carpet for Corpus Christi in La Orotava, Tenerife

Corpus Christi Flower Carpets

Whole streets carpeted in flowers and volcanic sand — La Orotava's astonishing Corpus Christi tapestries.

Three Kings (Cabalgata de Reyes) scene at Los Silos, Tenerife

Three Kings Day (Reyes)

The real climax of the Canarian Christmas — the Three Kings parades of 6 January, when the presents finally arrive.

The islands of La Palma and La Gomera seen across the sea from Tenerife's high plateau, a classic island-hopping vista

Island-Hopping Itineraries

Which islands pair well and how to string them together by ferry and plane — sample routes for one to three weeks.

The Teide volcano rising above the caldera plain of Teide National Park, Tenerife

One Week in the Canary Islands

Seven days, one island, done well — day-by-day plans for Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.

Aerial view of the Siam Park water park with its slides and pools at Costa Adeje, Tenerife

The Canary Islands with Kids

Calm beaches, water parks and short flights — why the Canaries are a family favourite, and where to base yourself with children.

The flat seafront promenade beside the Martianez area in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife

Accessible Canary Islands

The islands are among Europe's more accessible beach destinations — adapted beaches, step-free resorts and how to plan.

The towering sea cliffs of Los Gigantes plunging into the Atlantic on the west coast of Tenerife

Two Weeks in the Canary Islands

Fourteen days, done properly — go deep on one island or combine two or three, with day-by-day routes by ferry and plane.

Mount Teide rising behind the Roques de Garcia in Teide National Park, Tenerife

Day Trips from Tenerife

Ferry to La Gomera, climb Teide, ride to Masca — the best days out from a Tenerife base, and how to do them.

The Roque Nublo monolith towering over the central highlands of Gran Canaria

Day Trips from Gran Canaria

The mountains, the capital, the pretty harbour towns — the best days out from a Gran Canaria resort, and how to reach them.

The island of La Graciosa seen from the Mirador del Rio viewpoint on Lanzarote

Day Trip to La Graciosa

The perfect escape from Lanzarote — how to ferry over to car-free La Graciosa for a day of empty golden beaches.

The warm, sunlit dunes of Maspalomas on the south coast of Gran Canaria

The Warmest Canary Island in Winter

Chasing the mildest winter warmth? Which island — and which corner of it — stays hottest from December to March.

Sunlit golden dunes at Maspalomas on the sunny south coast of Gran Canaria

The Sunniest Canary Island

Where's the most reliable sunshine? How the islands compare — and why the south always beats the north.

The marina and whitewashed harbour of Puerto de Mogan, Gran Canaria

The Cheapest Canary Island

Travelling on a budget? How the islands compare on flights, hotels and everyday costs — and where your money goes furthest.

The terraced valley of Valle Gran Rey descending to the sea, La Gomera

The Quietest Canary Island

Want to get away from it all? The islands (and hidden corners) with the fewest crowds and the most peace.

Lush green laurisilva laurel forest in Garajonay National Park, La Gomera

The Greenest Canary Island

Forget the desert cliché — which islands are lush, green and forested, and where to find the best scenery.

The calm golden family beach of Playa de las Vistas, Los Cristianos, Tenerife

The Best Canary Island for Families

Calm beaches, water parks and easy resorts — which island is the best all-rounder for a family holiday.

Aerial view of the lively nightlife resort of Playa de las Americas, Tenerife

The Best Canary Island for Nightlife

Where's the best night out? The party resorts and scenes compared, from Playa de las Américas to the Yumbo Centre.

Mount Teide rising above the Las Canadas caldera, Tenerife

Where to Stay in Tenerife

Which part of Tenerife suits you? The resorts and areas compared, from the sunny south to the green north.

Playa de Las Canteras and the skyline of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Where to Stay in Gran Canaria

Which part of Gran Canaria is for you? The south's resorts and the city of Las Palmas compared, by holiday type.

The resort of Puerto del Carmen along the south coast of Lanzarote

Where to Stay in Lanzarote

Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca or Costa Teguise? The island's resorts compared, so you pick the right base.

The resort bay and castle of Caleta de Fuste, eastern Fuerteventura

Where to Stay in Fuerteventura

Corralejo, Caleta de Fuste or the Jandía beaches? The island's resorts compared, by holiday type.

The waterfront town of Santa Cruz de La Palma seen from above

Where to Stay in La Palma

The best bases on the walkers' island — Santa Cruz, Los Llanos and the sunny west coast compared.

A busy resort beach at Las Canteras, Gran Canaria

Package Holidays to the Canaries

How package holidays work, ATOL protection and the big UK operators — and when a package beats booking it yourself.

The upscale sheltered cove of Playa de Amadores, southern Gran Canaria

Adults-Only Hotels & Resorts

A grown-up, child-free break — how adults-only hotels work and where to find the best across the islands.

The bar-lined seafront promenade of Playa de las Americas, Tenerife

Watching Football in the Canaries

Don't miss the match — where to watch the Premier League and big games in the resorts, and what time kick-off is.

Waterfront restaurants around the marina of Puerto de Mogan, Gran Canaria

How Much Spending Money for a Week?

How much cash to take for a week — realistic daily budgets for meals, drinks and days out, for couples and families.

Best Time to Book a Holiday

Book early or leave it late? How far ahead to book flights and packages for the best price — and when deals appear.

The bar and restaurant strip along the seafront of Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote

British & Irish Bars & Food

Missing home comforts? Where to find a full English, a Sunday roast and a proper pint in the resorts.

Tenerife South Airport, the main arrival gateway to the Canary Islands

Entry Requirements & Passport Rules

The post-Brexit rules for UK visitors — passport validity, the 90/180-day limit, and what EES and ETIAS mean for you.

Gran Canaria Airport, a Schengen entry point for the Canary Islands

Do You Need a Visa?

A quick, clear answer for UK, Irish and other visitors — when you need a visa, and when you don't.

An open road across the volcanic landscape of Lanzarote near Teguise

Do You Need an International Driving Permit?

Can you drive on your UK or Irish licence? The post-Brexit answer, and what documents to carry in the car.

Playa de las Vistas beside the Atlantic in Los Cristianos, Tenerife

Can You Drink the Tap Water?

Is the tap water safe to drink? The honest answer, why it tastes different, and when to buy bottled.

Aerial view of the international resort of Playa de las Americas, Tenerife

Do They Speak English?

Will you get by in English? How widely it's spoken in the resorts and beyond — and a few handy Spanish words.

The seafront and city skyline of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where the euro is used

What Currency Do They Use?

Euros, not pounds — how to pay, cards vs cash, ATMs, and getting a good exchange rate.

Mount Teide rising above a sea of clouds, Tenerife, Canary Islands

What Plug Adapter Do You Need?

European two-pin sockets — the adapter to pack, the voltage, and whether your UK gadgets will just work.

The Maspalomas dunes of Gran Canaria, on the same clock as the UK and Ireland

What Time Zone Are They In?

Good news for Brits — the islands are on UK time (one hour behind mainland Spain), and the clocks change together.

The rugged Masca gorge in the Teno mountains of Tenerife

Do You Need Travel Insurance?

Why you still need insurance even with a GHIC card, what cover to look for, and the activities that need extra.

Roque Nublo, the iconic volcanic monolith of Gran Canaria

Do You Need Vaccinations?

The short answer is reassuring — no special jabs needed, plus the sensible health basics for a European trip.

The terminal at Gran Canaria Airport, home to duty-free shopping

Duty-Free & What You Can Bring Home

The islands' special tax status makes them a duty-free bargain — what you can buy, and how much you can bring home.

A jet waiting on the runway at Lanzarote Airport near Arrecife

Flight Delays & Compensation

Delayed or cancelled? Your rights to food, a hotel and up to hundreds in compensation under UK/EU rules, and how to claim.

Atlantic surf rolling onto the beach at Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria

Sea Temperature & Swimming

How warm is the sea, really? Month-by-month water temperatures, and whether you'll want a swim in January.

The peak of Teide above a hazy layer of cloud, Tenerife

What Is the Calima?

That hazy, dusty heat — what the calima is, when it strikes, and how to cope when the Sahara blows over.

The wind-swept sand dunes of Corralejo in northern Fuerteventura

Is It Windy in the Canaries?

The trade winds are real — which islands and resorts are breeziest, and where to find a sheltered sun-trap.

Are There Jellyfish?

How common are jellyfish and the Portuguese man o' war, how to read the flags, and what to do if you're stung.

Fuerteventura Airport at El Matorral, a hub for taxis and transfers

Taxis & Uber

Is there Uber? How the taxis work, what they cost, airport fares and whether ride apps operate on the islands.