Canary Islands

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?

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...
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...
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 sunny days...
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 of...

What to see & do in Canary Islands

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 bars...

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 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. This...
10 Best Local Restaurants in Lanzarote
This guide to the best local restaurants in Lanzarote will help you discover some outstanding local cuisine on the island....

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 at...
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 island's...

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-on-the-beach bars where...
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 chilly,...

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 scams. It’s always...
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...
La Gomera in Canary Islands
La Gomera is the Canary Island of choice for those who love the great outdoors. Each of the archipelago's 8...