Canary Islands - Travel destination image

About Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a spectacular volcanic archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, offering year-round sunshine, diverse landscapes, and a unique blend of Spanish and African cultures. Known as the 'Islands of Eternal Spring' for their consistently pleasant climate, each island boasts its own distinct personality. Tenerife features Spain's highest peak, Mount Teide, a UNESCO World Heritage site with otherworldly landscapes and exceptional stargazing. Lanzarote captivates with surreal volcanic terrain and the visionary architecture of César Manrique. Gran Canaria offers dramatic sand dunes of Maspalomas alongside lush mountain villages. Fuerteventura provides Europe's best windsurfing beaches, while La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro offer pristine hiking trails through ancient laurel forests and volcanic craters. Beyond natural wonders, the islands celebrate vibrant festivals like Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, rivaling Rio's celebrations. Local cuisine blends fresh seafood with African influences, featuring specialties like papas arrugadas with mojo sauces and excellent local wines. Whether seeking adventure sports, relaxation on black or golden sand beaches, or exploring unique ecosystems, the Canary Islands deliver an unforgettable escape where European charm meets subtropical paradise.

Capital CityMajor Hub

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Travel Tips for Canary Islands

Getting Around

Inter-island travel is primarily via ferries (Fred. Olsen, Naviera Armas) or domestic flights (Binter Canarias, Canaryfly). On larger islands, public buses (guaguas) are affordable and connect major towns but may have limited service in remote areas. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring beyond resorts—major international and local rental companies operate at all airports. Taxis are metered and widely available. Ride-sharing apps like Uber operate in limited areas. In cities like Las Palmas and Santa Cruz, local buses are efficient. For hiking areas, specific bus services or guided tours may be necessary to reach trailheads.

Best Time To Visit

Year-round destination due to mild climate. Peak tourist seasons are December-April (European winter escape) and July-August (summer holidays). For ideal weather with fewer crowds, visit May-June or September-November. Spring (March-May) offers pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes. Autumn (September-November) provides warm sea temperatures. Carnival season (February/March) is spectacular but requires early booking. Whale watching is best November-February. Hiking is excellent October-April when temperatures are cooler.

Local Customs

Canarians are generally relaxed, friendly, and welcoming. Greetings typically involve handshakes or two kisses on the cheek among acquaintances. Meal times are Spanish-style: late lunches (2-4 PM) and dinners (9-11 PM). Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory—rounding up bills or leaving 5-10% in restaurants is customary for good service. Dress is casual but modest when visiting churches or smaller villages outside resort areas. Respect local siesta traditions where some smaller shops may close midday. Try to use basic Spanish phrases—locals appreciate the effort. During festivals and religious processions, observe respectfully from a distance unless invited to participate.

Safety Information

The Canary Islands are generally very safe for tourists with low violent crime rates. Exercise normal precautions against petty theft in crowded tourist areas, beaches, and rental cars. Avoid leaving valuables unattended on beaches. Be cautious when hiking in volcanic areas—stay on marked trails, carry sufficient water, and check weather conditions. Some coastal areas have strong currents; heed warning flags on beaches. Road safety is good, but mountain roads can be narrow and winding—drive cautiously. Scams are rare but be wary of timeshare presentations with overly aggressive sales tactics. Emergency services are efficient and responsive throughout the islands.

Health Information

Medical facilities are modern and widely available in urban areas and tourist centers. EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for access to public healthcare. Non-EU travelers should have comprehensive travel insurance. No specific vaccinations are required, but routine vaccines should be up-to-date. Sun protection is crucial due to strong UV radiation year-round. Tap water is generally safe but often desalinated with a distinct taste; bottled water is widely consumed. Be cautious of strong ocean currents and waves when swimming. Pharmacies (farmacias) are well-stocked and staffed by trained professionals who can provide advice for minor ailments.

Languages Spoken

SpanishCanarian Spanish dialects

Quick Facts

Currency

Euro (EUR)
€

Timezone

Atlantic/Canary +00:00 (GMT) / +01:00 (GMT+1 during DST)

Calling Code

+34

Electricity

Type C, F; 230V, 50Hz
Socket types →

Driving Side

Right

Population

2.2 million

Area

7493 km²

Government

Autonomous Community of Spain with its own Parliament and President

ISO Code

ES-53

Emergency Contacts

Police

112

Ambulance

112

Fire

112

Tourist Police

112

Also known as: Yr Ynysoedd Dedwydd, Ilhas Canárias, Inizi Kanaria;Inizi Eürus;Inizi Wenvidik, Kanaríeyjar, Illas Canarias, Canárias, Kanari, Îles Canaries, Канарские острова, Islas Canarias, De Kanariske Øer, Канарські острови, Canarias, Kanarische Inseln, Kanári-szigetek, Kanarieöarna, カナリア諸島州, Kanarski otoki, Canarie, Canàries, Kanaren, Ìzołe Canàrie, Inizi Kanariez, جزر الكناري, Tigzirin Tiknariyin, Canarische Eilanden, Kanariansaaret, Wyspy Kanaryjskie, Canary Islands, Канарскія астравы, Na hOileáin Chanáracha, Κανάρια Νησιά, Yr Ynysoedd Canarïa, ᎧᎾᏈ ᎤᎦᏚᏛ, Canaries, Kanariak, Kanárske ostrovy, 加那利群岛, Канары, ES-CN, Sancta Crux Nivariae, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Tenerifekoa, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Santa Cruz de Ténérife, Santa Krouth nte Tenerife, Santa Krus de Tenerife, Santa Kruz de Tenerife, Santa-Krus-de-Tenerife, Santa-Krus-deh-Tehnehryfeh, Santakrusa de Tenerife, TCI, Tenerife, Tenerifes Santa Krusas, Teneriffa, Tenerifės Santa Krusas, san ta kru sde te ne rife, santa kruja de teneriphe, santa krujha de teneripha, santa krusa de tenarifa, santa krws, santa krws dy tynyryfa, santa krwth dy tynyryfh, santa krwz dy tynyrf, santakeuluseudetenelipe, sheng ke lu si-de te nei li fei, snth qrws dh tnryph, Σάντα Κρουθ ντε Τενερίφε, Санта Круз де Тенерифе, Санта Крус де Тенерифе, Санта-Крус-де-Тенерифе, Санта-Крус-де-Тенеріфе, Санта-Крус-дэ-Тэнэрыфэ, סאנטא קרוז דע טענעריפע, סנטה קרוס דה טנריפה, سانتا كروث دي تينيريفه, سانتا كروس دى تينيريفا, سانتا کروز دی تینیرف, سانتا کروز ٹینرائف, سانتا کروس, सांता क्रुझ दे तेनेरीफ, सान्ता क्रूस दे तेनरीफ़, সান্টা ক্রুজ দে তেনেরিফে, ซานตากรุซเดเตเนรีเฟ, სანტა-კრუს-დე-ტენერიფე, サンタ・クルス・デ・テネリフェ, 圣克鲁斯-德特内里费, 산타크루스데테네리페

About Canary Islands

Things to do in Canary Islands

RECREATIONAL DIVE (certified divers only) : Explore Canarian Sealife

Scuba Diving in Lanzarote (for certified divers only)

Volcanic Discovery PREMIUM eBike Tour: 35 km

TRY SCUBA DIVING with a Dedicated Instructor

Luxury Charter Blue Dream

Photoshooting in the Maspalomas Dunes

Group and private surf classes with a Certified Instructor in Lanzarote

70s Buggy ride in Gran Canaria.

Snorkel in Lanzarote with Guide

Discover Scuba diving in Gran Canaria with Hotel Pick-up

Private Excursion The mountains of Gran Canaria for 2 to 4 people

Open Water Diver Course in Lanzarote

Small-Group Half-Day Canyoning in La Orotava

Custom Private & VIP Highlights Tour of Gran Canaria

Private Pro Photoshoot in Fuerteventura

Places to visit in Canary Islands

Mirador de Chipeque

Mirador de La Crucita

La Tarta

Centenario del nacimiento de Telesforo Bravo

Mirador de las Narices del Teide

Tenerife Climbing House

Mirador de Chirche

Mirador de San Pedro

Hotel Rural Caserio Los Partidos

Simón Bolívar

Mirador de Arenas Negras

Mirador El Emigrante

Árbol Amor

Cueva Boca las Breveritas

Rural house La Furnia