If you’re looking for a surprisingly affordable holiday location that boasts year-round sunshine and some of the most exotic beaches in the world, The Canary Islands are pretty tough to beat for British tourists. Part of what makes them so compelling is that they’re so close together. Close enough, that island hopping is a very common pursuit among Canary Island visitors.
For those considering visiting Canary Island in the near future, here’s a comprehensive guide on planning your Canary Islands adventure, from selecting the best islands for your interests to tips on transportation, accommodation, and creating the ideal itinerary.
Choosing Your Ideal Canary Islands
There are eight main islands to choose from, each offering its own allure, deciding which islands to visit can set the tone for your trip. Here, however, we’ll be focusing on the four most popular islands.
Tenerife: Known for adventure and diversity, Tenerife boasts stunning beaches, Teide National Park’s volcanic landscapes, and lively cities like Santa Cruz. It’s ideal for travellers seeking both outdoor activities and vibrant nightlife.
Lanzarote: Famous for its surreal volcanic landscapes and artistic touches by César Manrique, Lanzarote is perfect for those intrigued by unique scenery and cultural highlights.
La Palma: Known as “La Isla Bonita” (the beautiful island), La Palma is a nature lover’s paradise with dense forests, volcanic craters, and star-studded skies that make it a haven for stargazers and hikers.
Gran Canaria: An incredibly versatile destination, Gran Canaria offers sandy beaches, mountain landscapes, and cultural attractions in its historic capital, Las Palmas, making it a great all-rounder.
Travel Options: Ferries, Cruises, and Flights
Inter-Island Ferries: Ferries are a popular choice for shorter island hops, especially between neighbouring islands. Companies like Fred Olsen Express and Naviera Armas offer regular routes, with journeys ranging from one to three hours, depending on the distance between islands.
Flights: For faster connections, consider inter-island flights. Binter Canarias and Canaryfly operate frequent, short flights between most islands. These flights are especially useful for covering longer distances or if you’re looking to maximize your time exploring each island.
Cruises: Canary Islands cruises offer a seamless island-hopping experience with the bonus of comfortable amenities and organized shore excursions. With cruises from companies like P&O and Royal Carribean, you can effortlessly explore multiple islands and enjoy natural including Canary Islands cruises, which cover top islands and provide day-long stops at each port.
Cruise Stop Highlights
Tenerife: Head to Mount Teide National Park to witness Spain’s highest peak and dramatic volcanic scenery. Alternatively, the seaside town of Puerto de la Cruz is ideal for a leisurely day with beaches, historic sites, and the beautiful Botanical Gardens.
Lanzarote: The Timanfaya National Park offers a surreal experience of volcanic landscapes that are truly one-of-a-kind. You can also explore the Jameos del Agua, a series of caves and lagoons transformed into an art and culture centre by César Manrique.
Gran Canaria: Las Palmas is rich in history and culture. Visit the Vegueta district with its colonial architecture or relax on the sands of Las Canteras Beach.
La Palma: La Palma’s Roque de los Muchachos Observatory offers breathtaking views and a chance to see some of the clearest skies in the world. For nature lovers, the lush landscapes of Los Tilos Forest are a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve worth exploring.
Where to Stay
Near Cruise Ports: Many towns near cruise ports, like Santa Cruz in Tenerife or Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, offer convenient hotels and guesthouses within walking distance. These accommodations provide easy access to the port and local attractions.
Luxury Resorts: The Canary Islands are home to several luxury resorts, particularly on islands like Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Resorts often feature ocean views, on-site dining, and spa facilities, providing a relaxing retreat after a day of exploration.
Eco-Friendly and Rural Stays: If you’re looking for something different, eco-friendly accommodations on islands like Lanzarote and La Palma offer a chance to connect with nature. Rural hotels and eco-lodges provide a serene escape from tourist areas, perfect for those seeking quiet surroundings.
Planning an Ideal Itinerary
Set Priorities: Choose highlights on each island, such as Mount Teide in Tenerife or Timanfaya in Lanzarote and build your schedule around these must-see spots. For example, if you’re interested in hiking, plan extra days in La Palma, known for its scenic trails.
Plan Day Trips: For shorter stays, look into day trips that let you experience key attractions efficiently. Guided tours, especially in natural parks, are often designed for day visits, allowing you to cover more ground without extensive planning.
Factor in Ferry or Flight Times: Consider the time required for ferry or flight travel between islands and aim to travel in the early morning or late afternoon to maximize your daytime hours for exploration.
Sample Itinerary: A one-week trip to the Canaries could involve three islands, as you don’t want to push yourself too far. A popular itinerary would be Tenerife (3 days), Lanzarote (2 days), and Gran Canaria (2 days). For two weeks, meanwhile, consider adding La Palma and Fuerteventura, allowing time to dive deeper into each location.
