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
Tenerife
Tenerife’s the most flexible option if you want a bit of everything. There are lively resorts, quieter coastal spots and easy access to Mount Teide excursions. Costa Adeje is known for its high-end hotels, while Playa de las Américas is busier, with nightlife close by. For a slightly calmer pace choose Los Cristianos.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote works well if you want a balance of relaxation and scenery. The island’s volcanic backdrop is a big part of its appeal, with easy access to Lanzarote volcanic tours and national parks. Puerto del Carmen is the main resort area, with plenty of restaurants and places to stay. Costa Teguise sits in the middle, offering a quieter pace with a mix of restaurants and bars, while Playa Blanca is more peaceful and laidback overall.
Gran Canaria
This island’s a reliable all-rounder, especially for beach stays with plenty going on nearby. The south of the island has the most consistent weather and the widest choice of resorts. Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés are popular for their long beaches and dune landscapes. And, if you’re looking for things to do in Gran Canaria, you’ll find water parks, shopping and local markets all within easy reach.
Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura suits slower, beach-focused holidays. It’s known for long stretches of sand and tends to offer better value compared to some of the other islands. Corralejo is the liveliest area, with access to the dunes, while Costa Calma and Morro Jable are quieter and more spread out. The island can be windy, which is great for water sports but worth keeping in mind when choosing where to stay.
Top Canary Islands holiday deals
Casa Del Sol
Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
219 reviews
Different flights might be available on the next step
Your holiday: £323pp
Valencia
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
40 reviews
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Your holiday: £325pp
Apartamentos Be Smart Florida Plaza
Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
1046 reviews
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Your holiday: £329pp
Hotel Catalina
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
4 reviews
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Caroni
Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
29 reviews
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Hotel Puerto de la Luz
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
122 reviews
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Your holiday: £342pp
Teneguia Apartments
Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
265 reviews
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Las Faluas
Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
294 reviews
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Sercotel Hotel Parque
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
273 reviews
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Hotel Madrid
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
138 reviews
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Curasol
Playa del Cura, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
163 reviews
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Ura Roslara
Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
231 reviews
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Crisol Faycan
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
251 reviews
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Apartamentos Ecuador
Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
61 reviews
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Apartamentos Solana
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1 review
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Why we love Canary Islands
Here are some top tips from our team
Expert recommendation
“I’d recommend visiting Puerto de Mogan in Gran Canaria. It’s nicknamed ‘Little Venice’ for its streets of white-washed buildings and colourful flowers. It’s a proper pretty seaside town, and it’s home to the biggest outdoor market in Gran Canaria – known as Mogan Market, open every Friday”. – Issy Brown
Non-touristy activities
If you’d rather avoid the busiest areas, there are plenty of quieter spots across the islands. Tenerife’s Anaga Rural Park is a good option for walking routes and coastal views without the crowds. In Gran Canaria, Arucas offers a quieter alternative to the main resorts, while Betancuria in Fuerteventura has a slower, more traditional feel.
Free things to do
There are plenty of ways to explore without adding to your budget. Head to the Los Gigantes viewpoints in Tenerife for coastal views – especially at sunset – or visit Charco de los Clicos in Lanzarote, known as the Green Lagoon, where there are free viewing points.
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.