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Canary Islands Holidays

Year-round sunshine and varied landscapes make holidays to the Canary Islands a reliable choice for beach breaks, outdoor exploring and easy, good-value getaways.

Islands with plenty of choice

Although they belong to Spain, the Canary Islands sit closer to Africa, which means reliable sunshine for most of the year. Each island has a slightly different feel – Lanzarote, Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer a wide mix of resorts, beaches and activities. If you prefer something quieter, Fuerteventura and La Palma are more low-key, with peaceful beaches and easier access to nature.

Stand-out landscapes

The scenery is one of the main reasons people return to the Canaries. Tenerife’s Mount Teide National Park and Lanzarote’s Timanfaya National Park both offer dramatic volcanic landscapes that feel very different from a typical beach destination. La Palma, meanwhile, may be smaller but its landscape is more rugged, with high peaks and deep valleys – a good option if you enjoy walking or exploring.

Beaches and dunes

You’ll find a wide range of beaches across the islands. Sand colours vary by location, from black volcanic shores in Lanzarote and La Palma to golden beaches in Tenerife. Some of Tenerife’s sand has even been brought in from the Sahara. Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura are also known for their sand dunes, which have a desert-like feel. These areas are a good choice if long, open beaches are high on your list, though they can be windy at times, especially outside peak summer.

Culture, food and evenings out

The Canary Islands offer more than just beach days. Architect César Manrique has had a lasting influence on parts of Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, with art and design built into the landscape. In the evenings, Tenerife has the widest choice of things to do. Costa Adeje’s known for its restaurants and upmarket feel, while nearby Playa de las Américas has a busier nightlife scene with plenty of bars and clubs.

Best places to stay in Canary Islands

Top Canary Islands holiday deals

Why we love Canary Islands

Here are some top tips from our team

Canary Islands FAQs

The Canary Islands are a reliable year-round option, especially if you’re looking for winter sun holidays. Between November and March, you can expect daytime temperatures in the low twenties, which suit relaxed days without the peak-season crowds. July and August are warmer, but the climate stays more comfortable than mainland Europe thanks to steady trade winds.

Hiring a car gives you more flexibility, especially if you want to reach quieter villages, vineyards and national parks. The roads are well maintained, making it easy to explore beyond the main resorts.

Lanzarote is a strong option if you’re looking for a quieter trip, as it feels less built up than some of the other islands. Parts of Tenerife’s west coast, particularly around Guía de Isora and Costa Adeje, also offer a more peaceful stay, with a selection of higher-end hotels set away from the busiest resorts.

Direct flights to the Canary Islands from the UK usually take around four to four and a half hours. That makes it a straightforward short-haul option if you want reliable sunshine without a long journey.

When you click through to book your holiday, we’ll supply the exact travel requirements for your chosen destination through our partner, Passolution. In the meantime, check the FCDO for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements and health and safety information.