Canary Islands
What you need to know before you go
Thanks to their location off the coast of north-western Africa, the beaches of the Canary Islands attract tourists in their masses year-round. But this archipelago of volcanic Spanish islands is abundant in natural wonders, from Mount Teide (a World Heritage site) in Tenerife to the Maspalomas Dunes on Gran Canaria.
Sun, sand and sea aside, the Canary Islands are famous for their rugged natural landscapes, historical significance and diverse cultures. Gran Canaria and Tenerife are the largest Canary Islands, but nature-lovers should visit La Palma and observe breathtaking views from the iconic Tilos Bridge. Whether you want to hike a volcano, relax on a beach or feast on local delights such as Canarian wrinkly potatoes, the Canary Islands have something for you.
Top destinations in Canary Islands
Where will you go next?Lanzarote
Lanzarote is famous for its volcanic landscapes and palm-tree-fringed beaches. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993, the island has around 360 volcano cones within the Timanfaya National Park. The 4th largest of the Canary Islands, it enjoys...Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is a fun island in the Canaries with some of the greatest and biggest beaches in the region, complemented by warm sunshine and golden dunes. The local beaches are virtually untouched by developments, and the turquoise waters are beautiful...Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria has over 80 golden beaches for those looking to enjoy a sun-filled holiday in Spain. While it's one of the busiest destinations of the Canary Islands, you can still find untouched landscapes housing rare wildlife. Nearly half...Tenerife
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, attracts a cosmopolitan mix of visitors to its quaint towns and pristine beaches. While you can visit this island any time of the year, it’s busiest during the winter months when most parts...
What to see & do in Canary Islands
Featured stories & fun stuffThings to do in the Canary Islands include outdoor adventuring in national parks, adventure water and theme parks, yellow sand beaches, zoos and other attractions for the whole family. At Jameos del Agua, you'll explore a volcanic cave system, great restaurants and music venues. Playa del Inglés offers a stretch of surf and sand lined by resorts and shops. Kids will love to splash and play at Siam Park waterpark... Read more
10 Best Things to Do in Tenerife
The best things to do in Tenerife include enjoying the sandy beaches, thrilling nightlife and idyllic villages of the largest of the Canary Islands. For those looking for a mixture of fun activities and cultural events, you could hardly pick...10 Best Things to Do in Fuerteventura
Wild, windswept, and fringed with shimmering beaches, Fuerteventura is the second largest among Spain’s famous Canary Islands. Famed for its...10 Best Beaches in Tenerife
The number of beaches in Tenerife far exceeds others within the Canary Islands – the Spanish island cluster located off the...10 Best Things to Do in Lanzarote
The best things to do in Lanzarote include the volcano-clad landscapes and palm tree-fringed beaches that the 4th...10 Best Things to Do in Corralejo
Corralejo is a small seaside town on the northeast coast of Fuerteventura, the second largest of the Canary Islands. It’s...10 Best Things to Do in Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz is most famous for being one of the first tourism destinations in the world. Located on...10 Best Beaches in the Canary Islands
The best beaches in the Canary Islands range from urban ones buzzing with activities to pristine nature reserves on wild...10 Best Towns and Resorts in the Canary Islands
When searching for the best towns and resorts in the Canary Islands, visitors are faced with an abundance of choices...10 Most Instagrammable Places in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands have much to offer travellers looking for picturesque vistas that they can show off to their friends...
Where & what to eat in Canary Islands
Food and Dining in the Canary Islands reveals a rich culinary and gastronomic tradition defined by its fusion of flavors all formed from quality locally sourced ingredients. Each town shows off the area's unique personality; Canary Islanders hold food as an integral part of identity and culture. Try volcanic wines, unique cheeses from Fuerteventura and dishes like papas antiguas de Canarias. On the Canary Islands, you'll find everything from beach... Read more
The 10 Best Restaurants for Local Cuisine in Tenerife
Diversity rules in Tenerife, something that is evident everywhere, not least in the outstanding variety of restaurants and bars. For the purposes of this article, we have left Italian, Indian and other specialities to one side in order to focus...10 Great Restaurants in Lanzarote
There are many great restaurants in Lanzarote where you can find traditional Spanish flavours and a mix of worldly cuisine...10 Best Local Dishes from the Canary Islands
The best local dishes from the Canary Islands range from hearty carb-infused stews to spicy salsas and delectable desserts...
Where to shop & what to buy in Canary Islands
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Tenerife
The best places to go shopping in Tenerife include local markets, car-free avenues, and upscale malls. And with the lowest taxes in Europe, this island is a shopper’s paradise. You’ll find all of your favourite European and international brands...10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Gran Canaria
The best places to go shopping in Gran Canaria include the island’s pedestrianised shopping streets, village markets, and modern shopping...10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Lanzarote
The best places to go shopping in Lanzarote include traditional local markets, shopping centres, and bustling car-free avenues. The...
Where to go & what to do at night in Canary Islands
10 Best Nightclubs in Tenerife
Nightclubs in Tenerife offer something for every mood and taste from live rock bands to hot disco-style dance clubs with famous DJs and EDM to wild all-night beach parties. Here you’ll find crowded happy hour watering holes, paradise...10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Tenerife
Some of the best things to do after dinner in Tenerife complement the island’s picturesque landscapes and beautiful beaches. Sure...10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Lanzarote
The best things to do after dinner in Lanzarote complement the island’s serene seascapes, natural land formations, and gorgeous architecture...
Useful information
Information about the Canary Islands reveals a unique culture and the things you need to prepare for as you plan your trip to this gorgeous island paradise. The Canaries share a subtropical dry climate all year long. They are served by international airports on Tenerife and Gran Canaria, and domestic airports on Lanzarote and La Palma. Spanish is the official language, but most locals speak English. The nights can get... Read more
9 Mistakes People Make When Visiting the Canary Islands
These mistakes people make when visiting the Canary Islands can put a damper on your tropical getaway. Like most tourist destinations around the world, this Spanish archipelago has its fair share of less-than-desirable aspects like petty crime and...Which Canary Island is Right For You?
The Atlantic archipelago of the Canary Islands shows just how much this part of Spain has to offer. Many choose...Canary Islands Travel Essentials
Our Canary Islands Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help you plan your trip to one...
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