Taking a Canary Islands holiday is something that I recommend you do at least once in your lifetime. It is a very popular tourist destination in Spain thanks to its good weather throughout the year, its beaches, its landscapes, and its small villages. And as soon as you learn a little more about this place, you will realize that there are many things to do in the Canary Islands.
When planning my Canary Islands vacation, I had many questions, but the most important was “which are the best Canary Islands destinations.” It was very difficult for me to choose just one, and nobody told me which is the best Canary Island. They all have their charms, their places to visit, and their beauty. So when I saw that it was totally feasible to travel between the Canary Islands, since a short ferry ride can take you to any of the islands, I decided to visit several.
To help you plan your holidays to the Canary Islands, I have created this guide, where you will find all the information you need to know before visiting this paradise. However, don’t expect me to tell you which is the prettiest Canary Island because they are all beautiful, and whichever you visit, you will love it.
In this guide to discovering which Canary Island to visit, you will find:
- Which is the best Canary Island to visit
- Best things to do in the Canary Islands
- Canary Islands Hopping – Traveling between the Canary Islands
Which is the best Canary Island to visit?
The Canary Islands archipelago is formed of 8 main islands and many other small islands and islets. It’s very difficult to choose the most beautiful Canary Island, because they all have something unique about them. However, depending on what you are looking for, I can recommend which Canary Island to visit. For example, an all-inclusive Canary Islands holiday isn’t the same as enjoying the solitude of some of the best beaches the Canary Islands have to offer.
Are you planning a family holiday to the Canary Islands? Do you want to flee from the mass tourism of the Canary Islands? Or hike some of the best trails in Spain? In all these cases, I know the best of the Canary Islands for you, and you’ll know too after reading the following section.
Tenerife, one of the most popular Canary Islands destinations
Tenerife is one of the most popular Canary Islands destinations because it has practically everything. In addition, it is the largest of the Canary Islands, so if you don’t know which Canary Island is best for you, Tenerife is a very good option. There are a ton of things to do in Tenerife.
On this island, you can enjoy fine white sand beaches in the south and volcanic, black sand beaches in the north. You can also visit charming towns and cities with everything you’d ever need. Additionally, you will find a lot of great restaurants in Tenerife where you can taste the most authentic Canarian gastronomy, one of the essential things to do in the Canary Islands.
However, if many mountaineers and hikers think that Tenerife is the best of the Canary Islands, it’s because you’ll find the highest peak in Spain there, the Teide volcano, a unique place to visit in the Canary Islands. Check our guide on how to walk up Mount Teide.
Tenerife, one of the most popular Canary Islands destinations – Efrén Yanes
If you want to enjoy a great variety of landscapes and architecture, Tenerife is possibly one of the best Canary Islands for you. It is also ideal if it’s your first time traveling to the Canary Islands and you don’t have time to visit the other islands or if you are looking for an all-inclusive Canary Islands holiday.
However, its popularity means it’s not the best Canary Island if you’re looking for a quiet atmosphere since everyone wants to travel to Tenerife, and the island is usually quite crowded with tourists all year round.
If Tenerife is the best Canary Island for you...
You’re in luck as it has two airports. We always find the cheapest flights to Tenerife on this website.
I recommend you spend 4 to 7 days on this beautiful Canary Island.
The best way to get around the Canary Islands is by car, and in Tenerife, it will take less than an hour and a half to get from north to south. Here are some tips for renting cheap cars. We usually book ours here with free cancellation.
Check the best tours to Mount Teide, the highest peak in the Canary Islands.
Book a hotel in one of the best places to stay in Tenerife. Some of the best all-inclusive hotels in the Canary Islands are there:
Download our tourist map of Tenerife.
Gran Canaria, best Canary Island for families
Gran Canaria is a destination you should consider for your Canary Islands holidays if you are looking for a place that isn’t as crowded as Tenerife but still has many tourist attractions.
In Gran Canaria, you can enjoy huge white sand beaches and a city, Las Palmas, which has the best nightlife in the Canary Islands. You can also get lost among some fascinating and hidden natural landscapes, like its world-famous Maspalomas dunes, one of the best things to do in Gran Canaria.
Gran Canaria, best Canary Island for families
This dune system is surrounded by large resorts and is one of the best destinations in the Canary Islands if you want to enjoy an all-inclusive holiday. Many hotels in Gran Canaria offer entertainment options for kids, making it also the best Canary Island for families.
I advise you to choose Gran Canaria if you want to enjoy the beach, the nightlife, and the hidden but beautiful natural landscapes you will find on this charming island. Also, if you are looking for the best resorts in the Canary Islands, where you can relax surrounded by all the comforts you’d ever need. And above all, if you are looking for a quiet but touristy place at the same time, Gran Canarias is your best bet.
If Gran Canaria is the most beautiful Canary Island for you...
It is quite easy to find cheap flights to this island, since it has the largest airport in the Canary Islands. You can find the best offers here.
I recommend you spend 3 to 6 days in Gran Canaria, one of the most beautiful Canary Islands.
Renting a car is the best way to get around the Canary Islands. It only takes an hour to go from the north to the south of Gran Canaria.
Taking a whale and dolphin watching tour in Gran Canaria is the best of the Canary Islands.
Gran Canaria is popular for having some of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Canary Islands:
La Palma, the most beautiful Canary Island
Many say that La Palma is the most beautiful Canary Island because it is full of green landscapes, flowers, and volcanoes, and I can confirm that it is. In addition, of the eight islands that make up the Canary archipelago, this is one of the smallest and least touristy destinations in the Canary Islands. Therefore, if you’re looking for a place to relax in nature, La Palma could be your best option.
La Palma, the most beautiful Canary Island
It is an island with breathtaking landscapes. Here, you won’t find big resorts or luxury hotels, but, if you like hiking, the best thing to do in La Palma, there is no better place. Also, you can experience a spectacular night sky because there is so little light pollution there. If you want to photograph the Milky Way, this is without a doubt the best Canary Island to do so.
Definitely, La Palma, the nicest Canary Island, is the best option if you are wondering which Canary Island is best to visit to disconnect from everything and walk among nature. If you are looking for the best beaches in the Canary Islands, this isn’t the island that I recommend you visit, and the same thing applies if you’re interested in Canary Islands nightlife. For those two aspects, there are other better islands in the Canary Islands.
If La Palma is your best Canary Island destination...
La Palma airport is connected to several large cities in Europe. You can find the best flight deals here.
I recommend you spend 3 to 5 days on La Palma, one of the best Canary Islands destinations.
Rent a car with free cancellation to visit La Palma, as it is the best way to get around the Canary Islands.
Bring your hiking boots to explore some of the best hiking trails in the Canary Islands. You will find out exactly why La Palma is known as the most beautiful Canary Island.
Taking a whale and dolphin watching tour in La Palma is the best of the Canary Islands.
Learn how to photograph the Milky Way before visiting La Palma, one of the best things to do in the Canary Islands.
La Palma is an ideal place to get cheap hotels like these ones:
Lanzarote, the nicest Canary Island for weather
To me, Lanzarote is one of the most beautiful Canary Islands because it is made up of beaches and volcanoes.
Most of its beaches are of volcanic origin, so their sand is black, but you’ll also find golden, sandy beaches in some areas. In any case, some of the best beaches in the Canary Islands are here. In addition, on this island, you will find volcanic landscapes that seem like they’re straight out of another world, such as that of the Timanfaya National Park, plus some charming towns. Lanzarote doesn’t have big hotels chains, nor great nightlife or shopping areas, but it does have a wide cultural and artistic offer thanks to the influence of Cesar Manrique, the most popular artist from Lanzarote.
Lanzarote, the nicest Canary Island for weather
For me, this is the best island in the Canary Islands, and I recommend it to those looking for fascinating landscapes and art, as well as good wine and gastronomy. Bear in mind that, although there are plenty of things to do in Lanzarote, the island is small, and in high season, it can be crowded with tourists. However, most of the time, it’s quite quiet, and it’s one of the Canary Islands that I recommend you visit.
If Lanzarote is the best of the Canary Island for you...
There are a lot of flights to the Canary Islands that arrive at Lanzarote. We have a guide on how to find cheap flights to Lanzarote, but this is the best site.
I recommend you spend 5 to 7 days touring this beautiful Canary Island.
Renting a car is the best way to move around the Canary Islands. It only takes an hour to get from the north to the south of Lanzarote.
Taking a whale and dolphin watching tour in Lanzarote is the best of the Canary Islands.
Visiting La Graciosa Island is one of the best things to do in Lanzarote and it only takes 30 minutes to get there by ferry from Orzola (north of the island).
Book a hotel in one of the best places to stay in Lanzarote. Some of the best all-inclusive hotels of the Canary Islands are here:
Download our tourist map of Lanzarote.
La Gomera, the best Canary Island for relaxing
La Gomera is a small and quiet island west of Tenerife. But don’t be fooled by its size, as its laurel forest, the Garajonay Natural Park, makes it one of the most beautiful Canary Islands. However, it isn’t the most touristy, since, although the last airport built in the Canary Islands is here, flights to La Gomera are not as frequent. In fact, most tourists come to La Gomera by ferry from Tenerife, one of the easiest ways to travel between the Canary Islands.
La Gomera, the best Canary Island for relaxing
Except for its capital city, San Sebastián de La Gomera, most of the locals live in small, charming villages. However, many consider this gem one of the best Canary Islands destinations due to its nature and the trails that run through it, as well as its many viewpoints, one of the best things to do in La Gomera.
If you are wondering which is the nicest Canary Island to visit for hiking through the forest, tranquility, incredible views, and old villages that still preserve the essence of the Canary archipelago, La Gomera is for you. But it isn’t the best Canary Island for people looking for big resorts, lots of leisure activities, and nightlife. There aren’t many hotels in La Gomera, so if you plan to visit this island, book well in advance.
If La Gomera is the best Canary Island for you...
It has a small airport that only flies to Tenerife, and, although you can find some good flight deals here, if you are planning to take a 1-day trip from Tenerife, I recommend this option.
You can visit the most important places in La Gomera in 1 day, although, if you spend 2 or 3 days in La Gomera, you will also find many things to do.
Unless you take this day trip from Tenerife, you will need to rent a car as public transportation is not as good on this island.
La Gomera is one of the most beautiful Canary Islands, and hiking in the Garajonay Natural Park is a must-do. No doubt, this is one of the best things to do in La Gomera.
If you are looking for a relaxing holiday, there is no better Canary Island than La Gomera. These beautiful hotels will be your best ally for disconnecting:
Fuerteventura, the best Canary Island for beaches
Fuerteventura is the second largest island in the Canaries, so for that reason alone, it deserves to be considered if you are planning your holidays to the Canary Islands.
However, the reasons why many tourists consider it an essential Canary Islands destination are its wild beaches (some of the most beautiful beaches of Spain) surrounded by nature and its breathtaking Corralejo Sand Dunes, the best places to visit in Fuerteventura. There is no doubt that here you will find not only some of the best beaches in the Canary Islands but also in Spain.
Fuerteventura, the best Canary Island for beaches
In addition, it is the best Canary Island for kitesurfing or surfing. On this island, you’ll find the best conditions for these water sports all year round. In addition, there are many schools where you can learn these popular activities in the Canary Islands.
Surprisingly, Fuerteventura is not crowded, with neither a large population nor many tourists, which makes it a fairly quiet island in general, especially during the low season. This means that it doesn’t have great nightlife, except for some very specific areas.
It doesn’t stand out for its cultural offer either. However, if you are looking for stunning landscapes, beaches, and water sports, this is the best of the Canary Islands. Look for another option if you want to enjoy an active nightlife and more cultural tourism.
If Fuerteventura is the most beautiful Canary Island for you...
It has an international airport, which is very well connected to large cities in Europe (especially to Germany, the UK, and Spain). You can find the best flight deals here and also in our guide to finding cheap flights to Fuerteventura.
I recommend you spend 3 to 5 days in Fuerteventura, although if you don’t have that much time, I recommend this day trip from Lanzarote.
Rent a car if you want to discover some of the best beaches in the Canary Islands. At most, it will take you two hours to get from the north to the south of the island.
We have written an article with the best things to do in Fuerteventura. Without a doubt, if you want to enjoy wild beaches and huge golden dunes, this is the best Canary Island for you.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Lobos Island, the best island in the Canary Islands. You can get there with a short ferry ride from Corralejo (Northern Fuerteventura).
Taking a whale and dolphin watching tour in Fuerteventura is the best of the Canary Islands.
Although it is the second-largest island in the Canary Islands, it isn’t the most touristy. However, you can find some incredible hotels if you look for where to stay in Fuerteventura:
Download the tourist map of Fuerteventura.
El Hierro, the cheapest island in the Canary Islands
El Hierro is the smallest island in the Canary Islands, or at least it was until a few years ago, when La Graciosa, at only 29 km², was named the eighth Canary Island. Didn’t you know how many islands are part of the Canary Islands? There is a bit of discrepancy in this regard, since many say that the Canary Islands are made up of 8 islands, and many others say that they consist of 9 islands (including Lobos Island, Fuerteventura, another island that I also recommend visiting).
Anyway, El Hierro is a tiny island that has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Its pure, untouched nature is fascinating, and it is the best Canary Island for relaxing. The island’s rudimentary roads cover less distance than its numerous trails that invite you to explore the island on foot, one of the best things to do in El Hierro.
El Hierro, the cheapest island in the Canary Islands
If you are looking for shopping malls, large resorts, or hotels, there are undoubtedly other Canary Islands that I recommend you visit, but if you fancy a Canary Islands holidays full of relaxation, El Hierro is one of the most beautiful Canary Islands.
As you can see, it isn’t the best Canary Island for everyone, since, unlike the rest, the only thing you can do here is walk among natural landscapes, go scuba diving, and rest. You will probably end up talking with the locals, who will speak to you as if they’ve known you for a long time, so if you want to experience true Canarian culture, this is your best option.
Are you looking for a place to visit in the Canary Islands that’s unlike anything else? Then you will feel at home in El Hierro. But don’t go there if you are looking for many tourist activities. It is also the cheapest Canary Island to travel to, so taking a long-term trip to El Hierro won’t hurt your wallet.
If El Hierro is your best Canary Islands destination...
The easiest way to get there is by taking a day trip from Tenerife. The airport, like the island, is quite small, so although there are flights to El Hierro, they are not very frequent.
I recommend you spend 1 to 3 days in El Hierro. It’s an island that at first seems like it has few tourist places to visit, but it is one of the Canary Islands that it’s most worthwhile to visit simply for its culture, landscapes, and cuisine.
If you don’t visit El Hierro with a guided day tour from Tenerife, you will need to rent a car to visit this beautiful Canary Island.
The best things to do in El Hierro are underwater:
In addition, El Hierro is the cheapest Canary Island to travel to, and you will find great hotel deals there:
La Graciosa, the best Canary Island for couples
La Graciosa is the best Canary Island for those seeking paradise and fleeing from crowded tourist attractions. It is the only Canary Island without an airport, so you can only get there by ferry from Lanzarote.
La Graciosa is in the Chinijo archipelago, one of the best places to dive in the world. At a total of 70,700 hectares, the waters surrounding these small islands make up the largest marine protected area in Europe, which is because there are some sea creatures that can only be found here.
La Graciosa, the best Canary Island for couples
However, if I consider La Graciosa the best Canary island for couples it is because of its dreamy sunsets. The island is of volcanic origin, so you will find unique landscapes, remote beaches, breathtaking views and bike trails.
I recommend you include it on your holidays to the Canary Islands if you are looking for relaxation and to quickly capture the essence of the Canary Islands, since you only need a day or two to visit it. It isn’t surprising that, for many, it is the most beautiful Canary Island.
If La Graciosa is the best of the Canary Island for you...
The only way to get there is by ferry from Lanzarote. The ride only takes 30 minutes.
One day is enough to visit the most important places in La Graciosa, although if you are planning a romantic getaway, I recommend spending 2 days on the island.
There is nothing like renting a bicycle to discover all the magical places to visit in La Graciosa.
La Graciosa is in the Chinijo Archipelago, one of the best places to dive in the Canary Islands and in the world. If you want to dive, you can request information here.
There are not many accommodation options on the island, so if you plan to spend one night there, book in advance:
Download the tourist map of La Graciosa.
Best Things to do in the Canary Islands, Spain
If you still don’t know which is the most beautiful Canary Island, below you will find the main things to do and attractions to visit in the Canary Islands to help you decide where to spend your next vacation.
I will tell you where you can find the best beaches, the best volcanic landscapes, the best hiking trails, etc. to make it a little easier for you to choose which Canary is best for you.
Best beach in the Canary Islands
Spending at least one day sunbathing on a paradisiacal beach is an essential thing to do in the Canary Islands for me. However, you may still be wondering which Canary Island to visit to enjoy the sun and sand, so now I’ll reveal the best beaches in the Canary Islands.
Corralejo, with its turquoise water and gigantic golden sand dunes, is one of my favorite beaches and a great thing to do in Fuerteventura. However, it is just another of the innumerable paradisiacal beaches that you will find on this island. Cofete Beach, wilder and more remote; Sotavento, with its sandbank and its blue lagoons; or El Matorral are some of the other many beaches that make Fuerteventura the best Canary Island for beaches.
Best beach in the Canary Islands
La Graciosa is another Canary island to visit if you’re looking for dream beaches. Las Conchas Beach is incredibly beautiful, although if you travel with kids, I recommend La Francesa Beach because its waters are calmer.
Lanzarote also has incredible beaches, especially in the Los Ajaches Natural Reserve, where Papagayo beach stands out. On the north of the island, you will find Famara beach, at the foot of the spectacular Risco de Famara, which is, for me, one of the most beautiful ones. If you want to enjoy beautiful and varied beaches, Lanzarote is definitely one of the best Canary Islands.
Hike up Mt. Teide, the best thing to do in the Canary Islands
Visiting the Teide summit is one of the best things to do in the Canary Islands. This incredible volcano is in Tenerife and is the highest peak in Spain, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007 and one of the places included in the Natura 2000 Network. Although Tenerife has other places of interest, I already consider it one of the best Canary Islands destinations for Teide alone.
Hike up Mt. Teide, the best thing to do in the Canary Islands
The volcano and the park extend to a total of about 19,000 hectares, with very unique volcanic rock landscapes and species that can only be found here. To get to the summit, you can go up by cable car or choose between several trails. We hiked up the Montaña Blanca trail (also called Sendero 7), which is 8 km long and takes around 4 hours. In any case, you must hike the last 200 meters to the peak and will need a special permit to do so.
Enjoying the impressive views from the top of Mount Teide is not only the best thing to do in Tenerife but also one of the most beautiful things to see in the Canary Islands.
Surfing in the Canary Islands, Spain
Fuerteventura is the best Canary Island for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. The El Hierro wave, in the north, next to Majanicho beach, is one of the best waves in the Canary Islands, as it forms excellent tubes and is very well connected. However, to find the best place to surf in the Canary Islands, you must take the ferry to Isla de Lobos. At El Marrajo, there is a world-class wave, the longest wave in the Canary Islands.
Surfing in the Canary Islands, Spain
Lanzarote is also a frequent answer to the question “which Canary Island is best for surfing.” Famara beach is one of the most popular for surfers. However, if you want next-level waves and you already have experience, El Quemao, next to the town of La Santa, offers a greater challenge. From Lanzarote, you can also take a ferry to La Graciosa to surf at some of its beaches.
Other islands with a surfing tradition and good waves are Tenerife and Gran Canaria, although as the most touristy islands in the Canary Islands, they are usually more crowded.
Diving, one of the most popular activities in the Canary Islands
Diving is the best thing to do in the Canary Islands, since the archipelago has incredible seabeds.
If you want to explore them, El Hierro is the best Canary Island to visit. You can find the Mar de Las Calmas Marine Reserve there, which has waters with a lot of visibility, perfect for enjoying underwater beauty. With a little luck, you can see sea turtles, dolphins, groupers, barracudas, and more. In addition, in El Hierro, there are many other great places for this activity, so there is no doubt that it’s the best Canary Islands for diving.
Diving, one of the most popular activities in the Canary Islands
La Graciosa is in the Chinijo Archipelago Marine Reserve, which is the largest protected marine area in Europe. The most spectacular thing is its rocky bottom, with caves, crevices, and tunnels. Also, since the water here has a lower temperature, there are species that cannot be seen on other islands. For this reason, diving is undoubtedly the most popular thing to do in La Graciosa.
Gran Canaria is also one of the best islands for scuba diving, since, on its extensive coast, there is everything from dive sites for beginners to some for more experienced divers. Plus, you can explore sunken ships and snorkel among volcanic landscapes. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Canary Islands below the waves.
Best volcanic landscapes in the Canary Islands
If I must choose the best Canary Island to visit to enjoy a spectacular volcanic landscape, there is no doubt that it would have to be Tenerife. As I have said before, Teide, in addition to being the highest peak in Spain and a place where you get spectacular views, has landscapes of volcanic cones with shapes and colors that will leave you speechless. Walking through the Roques de García, at the bottom of the volcano, is like discovering a new planet.
However, for me, Lanzarote is the nicest Canary Islands to visit if you want to learn more about volcanoes. On this Canary island is Timanfaya National Park, the most important attraction of Lanzarote, which covers around 5,000 hectares. The volcanic eruptions that took place until 1824 created a spectacular natural and virgin volcanic landscape. Here, you won’t find vegetation, but you will find an incredible array of colors. Also, you can take guided tours with park rangers to learn more about the formation of the island.
Best volcanic landscapes in the Canary Islands
La Palma, in addition to being the most beautiful Canary Island, has a fascinating volcanic landscape. It may not be as popular as Teide or Timanfaya National Park because its creation is much more recent. However, the volcanoes of Fuencaliente are a great place to visit in the Canary Islands. In 1971, the last eruption of Teneguía volcano took place, and, since then, the Fuencaliente volcano route has become one of the best hikes in La Palma. On this island, you’ll also find Caldera Taburiente National Park, which was declared a World Biosphere Reserve in 2002. Although its landscape is very different from the rest, since it is full of vegetation, several volcanic eruptions took place here, creating a hilly landscape with up to 2,000 meters of unevenness.
Whale watching tours in the Canary Island
Whale watching is one of the most popular activities in the Canary Islands. Although you can take a tour to watch whales and dolphins from practically any island, one of the best is in Tenerife.
In fact, one of the most popular things to do in Tenerife South is to take a boat that sails Costa Adeje, Guía de Isora, and Santiago del Teide in search of whales and dolphins. The waters of this area are perfect for cetacean watching. In addition, they usually get quite close to the coast, and up to 21 different species have been counted. If you want to enjoy the best of the Canary Islands on your trip, I recommend the tour we did or you can check other options in our guide on whale watching tours in Tenerife.
This activity can also be done on La Palma through a tour like this one. Most of the excursions depart from the Tazacorte port, on the west coast, and, according to the islanders, the percentage of success for sightings is around 90%. Remember that they are wild animals that live freely and that their movements and behaviors can be unpredictable. But if the success rate is true, this makes it the best Canary Island for whale watching, especially if you are looking for a place that is not as crowded with tourists as Tenerife. Here is an article with everything you need to know about dolphin and whale-watching in La Palma.
Whale watching tours in the Canary Island
In Gran Canaria, there are also good conditions for whale watching tours, although whales are not as frequent there; what is normally seen are wild dolphins. These small and cute cetaceans usually swim in the southern waters of the island of Gran Canaria, especially in the Puerto Rico area. If, during your holidays in the Canary Islands, you want to enjoy this activity, I recommend this tour or check our guide on the best whale watching tours in Gran Canaria.
Lobos Island is another ideal Canary Islands destination for dolphin watching. You can take a tour to explores its waters in search of these mammals from Lanzarote or from Fuerteventura. For more information, check our guides on dolphin-watching in Lanzarote and dolphin-watching in Fuerteventura.
Laurel forests, which is the best Canary Island
The laurel forest is a type of humid subtropical forest that I highly recommend visiting in the Canary Islands.
To enjoy these beautiful forests, La Gomera is undoubtedly the best island in the Canary Islands. In fact, many of us think that it’s the most beautiful Canary Island, thanks to the laurel forest it has in Garajonay National Park. If you can travel to La Gomera, visiting this park is like entering a magical world where nature has created a space everyone wants to get lost in. Winding trails, incredible views, fairytale landscapes and a beautiful volcanic landscape. This is the Laurisilva forest of La Gomera.
Laurel forests, which is the best Canary Island
But there is another laurel forest that fascinated me: Anaga Rural Park, in Tenerife. In this park, you will find numerous trails that will take you through a laurel forest that many call the “Enchanted Forest.” Personally, I recommend you hike the Sendero de los Sentidos trail. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Tenerife North. Here, in addition to this beautiful forest, you will enjoy paradisiacal beaches, cliffs, and incredible landscapes. And if you have time, I advise you to spend a night in this hostel to be able to enjoy this place even more.
In short, if you want to get to know laurel forests on your trip to the Canary Islands, I recommend those of La Gomera and Tenerife.
Beautiful villages to visit in the Canary Islands
If you are looking for the best island in the Canary Islands to discover the most traditional culture, the most authentic gastronomy, and stroll through the streets of charming little villages and their surroundings, I know which Canary Island is best for you.
In Gran Canaria, you will find some of the most beautiful villages in the Canary Islands. Like Tejeda, also considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. If you are a nature enthusiast, it’s one of the towns to visit in the Canary Islands that you cannot miss. Also, different hiking trails start from here. Teror is also in Gran Canaria, where you can get to know the most traditional side of the island, as well as Mogán, where, in addition to enjoying the friendliness of the locals, you can also spend a good day at the beach.
Lanzarote is another place to visit in the Canary Islands if you want to find beautiful villages. For example, one of the most beautiful towns in Spain is there, Yaiza, and you can also visit the charming village of Teguise. Yaiza is great if you’re looking for tradition, architecture, and tranquility. On the other hand, Teguise is considered one of the oldest and most historic villages in the Canary Islands, which is why it has become, over the years, one of the main cultural and tourist centers of Lanzarote.
Beautiful villages to visit in the Canary Islands
And finally, I highlight Betancuria, Fuerteventura. It is the oldest town in the Canary Islands and the most picturesque of all. In addition, it is also one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. It is more than 600 years old, and, despite its small size, it has many places of interest to discover. So, if you are looking for the best Canary Island to learn about tradition and culture, keep Fuerteventura in mind.
Best Canary Island for Nightlife
If you are looking for the best Canary Islands for nightlife, I recommend Gran Canaria. Nightlife is concentrated, above all, in the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where there are bars and clubs that are open until 6 am; and in the tourist areas of Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, and Puerto Rico. The offer of nightclub venues is so vast that you can find absolutely everything you are looking for. You can even find boats where you can spend a whole day doing activities and, at night, you can party.
Best Canary Island for Nightlife
Although Gran Canaria is the best island for nightlife, you can also find many things to do at night in Tenerife. Of course, if you are looking for a place to stay in Tenerife to enjoy its nightlife, I recommend the south, specifically Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, and Los Cristianos, which is where the best clubs, most exclusive venues, and pubs are concentrated.
If you are looking for a Canary Islands holiday that is full of partying, I totally recommend Gran Canaria or Tenerife, with the former being the best option.
Carnival in the Canary Islands
If you are lucky enough to travel to the Canary Islands during Carnival, you will experience one of the most spectacular, colorful, festive, and musical events in the world. But what is the best Canary Island’s Carnival?
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the most important carnivals in the world, behind those of Rio de Janeiro and Venice. It is a party that is already part of the culture and tradition of Tenerife. In fact, it was declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest in 1980, and it’s the only festival in the Canary Islands that has such a distinction. During the days that the Carnival takes place, parades, costumes, comparsas, and musical groups are held. And, most importantly, the election of the Carnival Queen.
Carnival in the Canary Islands
In the capital of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Carnival is also a big thing. There, they have a very special figure, the Drag Queen, which is what sets this Carnival apart from the rest. This figure, which has been part of the celebration for decades, celebrates the LGBTQ community. Although I haven’t visited Gran Canarias during Carnival yet, I know that everything that is done to choose the “Reinona” is spectacular, full of color and music.
And if you still don’t know which Canary island to visit during Carnival, I assure you that whatever island you choose, you will have a great time.
Canary Islands Hopping – Traveling between the Canary Islands
I know that it’s difficult to decide what Canary island is best for tourists, since each one has something that makes it special. It was impossible for me to choose just one, so when I saw that it was easy to travel between the Canary Islands, I decided to visit several of them, and it was the best decision I made.
If you don’t know which island to visit during your trip to the Canary Islands either, no worries. Canary Islands hopping is easy and doesn’t take much time. There are very good connections by ferry or boat, even by plane, and you can visit several island on the same trip. In fact, it takes less than one hour to get from one Canary Island to another. Below, you’ll find ways to get around the Canary Islands so that you can make the most of your trip.
Ferries Canary Islands
There are many ferries between the Canary Islands every day. Fred. Olsen Express and Naviera Armas are the main companies operating these routes, but there are many other smaller companies too.
Ferries Canary Islands
These are the connections you will find to travel between the Canary Islands by ferry:
- Ferry from Tenerife to: El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Graciosa, La Gomera, Lanzarote and La Palma.
- Boat from La Palma to: Gran Canaria, La Gomera and Tenerife.
- Ferry from Lanzarote to: Fuerteventura, La Graciosa, Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
- Boat from La Graciosa to: Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Tenerife.
- Ferry from La Gomera to: El Hierro, Gran Canaria, La Palma and Tenerife.
- Boat from Gran Canaria to: Fuerteventura, La Gomera, La Graciosa, Lanzarote, La Palma and Tenerife.
- Ferry from Fuerteventura to: Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
- Boat from El Hierro to: La Gomera and Tenerife.
- Ferry to Isla de Lobos from Fuerteventura.
As you can see, the Canary Islands are very well connected, so you don’t have to worry if you can’t decide which Canary Island to visit. Just go Canary Island Hopping! Also, many boats accept cars, so you can get a cheap rental car and move it between the islands.
Flights between the Canary Islands
There are 8 airports in the Canary Islands that connect the different islands to each other. These airports are in Tenerife South, Tenerife North, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, Gran Canaria, El Hierro, Lanzarote, and La Palma.
In addition, traveling between the Canary Islands by plane is very convenient, since it always take less than an hour and there are flights between the islands every day. So, if you can find cheap flights, don’t hesitate to enjoy visiting several Canary Islands. The main airlines operating in the Canary Islands are Binter and Canaryfly.
Personally, I advise you to always try to take a ferry or boat as your first option because you save on waiting time and airport security. But if you have no other choice, Canary Islands hopping by plane is also a great option.
As you can see, it’s difficult to choose which is the most beautiful Canary Island, but luckily, there are many options for you to move between them during your holiday. If you don’t know which Canary Island to visit, choose the two or three that you like the most and plan your itinerary. And if you have any questions and want us to help you decide which Canary Island is best for you, leave a comment and I’ll be happy to help.
Have a good trip to the Canary Islands!
