The Canary Islands, Spain: a Complete Travel Guide

When I moved to Madrid from the US nearly 15 yrs in the past, most of my fellow expat good friends took holidays to popular Spanish towns like Seville or Barcelona.

But not me. 

In lieu of castles in La Mancha or the weaving streets of Andalusia, I favored to invest each free of charge instant on the Canary Islands, a volcanic archipelago that is typically regarded as to be Spain’s Hawaii.

The area has held such endless intrigue that I am seeking to purchase a house on the Canaries to permanently enjoy these islands — my only holdup is that I are unable to come to a decision which one particular to connect with household. 

The Canaries are made up of seven most important islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, El Hierro, La Gomera, and La Palma. Each is unique, with calendar year-round sunshine and no rainy season. This is an introduction to familiarize by yourself with every island:

• Tenerife: The most created island. Occur for browsing, black- and white-sand shorelines, hikes to the optimum peak in Spain, and lively, global eating and nightlife.
• Gran Canaria: One of the greater islands, unwind and delight in its Sahara-design and style sand dunes and relatives-helpful seashores.
• Fuerteventura: A standout for remote golden-sand beach locations that are great for lounging and windy waves for surfers.
• Lanzarote: House to volcanic hikes, wine tasting, culture and artwork, and a far more deluxe, larger-stop vibe for travelers wanting all the extras.
• La Palma: Nicknamed La Isla Bonita, or, wonderful island, right here you’ll locate astrotourism, mountaineering, and distant black-sand beaches.
• El Hierro: Anticipate eco-pleasant tourism, a neighborhood truly feel, and diving and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
• La Gomera: Savor magical woodland hikes and a no-frills, regular food stuff scene.

This guide will spotlight some of the finest sights, cuisine, and lodging on each island to assistance you make your mind up which destination(s) is ideal for you and how to program your take a look at. Here is everything you want to know about traveling to the Canary Islands by the eyes of a community. 

Check out Insider’s manual to visiting the Canary Islands

→ My ideas on how to get to and about the Canary Islands, centered on 15 years of visiting

→ I have used hundreds of evenings in Canary Island resorts. These 10 are some of the most fascinating places you can at any time remain.

→ Here’s exactly where to find the most authentic local food on the Canary Islands

→ How to system the final Canary Island itinerary: the finest seashores, mountaineering, and one particular-of-a-type pursuits

→ The Canary Islands are open to website visitors, but here’s what you really should know about limits, weather conditions, and the greatest time to go