Which Canary Island is right for you?
- Tenerife: the largest island, with lively resorts in the south and Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, at its heart.
- Gran Canaria: varied landscapes, from dunes to mountains, and a busy capital, Las Palmas.
- Lanzarote: dramatic volcanic scenery, including Timanfaya National Park, and a relaxed pace.
- Fuerteventura: long sandy beaches and some of Europe’s best conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
- La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro: quieter islands for hiking and nature.
When to go
The Canaries are a year-round destination. Winters are mild and sunny, which makes them hugely popular for winter sun, and summers are warm without the extreme heat of mainland southern Europe. School holidays and the winter months are busy, so book those early.
Getting there
There are direct flights to the main islands from the UK and many European cities, typically around four hours from the UK. From the US, most travellers connect via mainland Spain or another European hub. The islands are part of Spain, so they use the euro.
Things to do
- Take the cable car up Mount Teide in Teide National Park (Tenerife).
- See the volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya National Park (Lanzarote).
- Explore the Maspalomas dunes (Gran Canaria).
- Try watersports on Fuerteventura’s beaches.
Many visitors choose an all-inclusive resort and add day trips to see more of the island.
Last updated: 13 October 2026
