Travel Guide to the Canary Islands: Frequently Asked Questions
This guide compiles the most common questions before traveling to the Canary Islands. Here you will find what to see on each island, when to go, how to get around, and what to consider in daily life.
1. What can I see and do in the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands offer exceptional landscape and cultural diversity. Additionally, each island has its own attractions:
Tenerife: the Teide National Park (the highest volcano in Spain), beaches such as Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas, and historical towns like La Orotava
Gran Canaria: the Maspalomas Dunes, ravines and desert landscapes; also, a cultural capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Lanzarote: the volcanic landscape of Timanfaya National Park, the Cueva de los Verdes, and above all, the architecture of César Manrique
Fuerteventura: extensive and paradisiacal beaches, ideal for water sports
La Palma: laurisilva forests, volcanoes like Teneguía or Tajogaite, and also, astronomical observatories
La Gomera: Garajonay National Park (UNESCO World Heritage) and also, the silbo gomero
El Hierro: UNESCO Geopark and marine reserve; ultimately, a perfect destination for ecotourism
2. What is the best time to visit the Canary archipelago?
The subtropical climate of the Canary Islands allows for travel all year round. However, there are differences between the seasons:
Spring (March-May): ideal temperatures (20-25 °C), nature in bloom, and also, less tourism
Summer (June-September): peak influx and higher temperatures (25-29 °C); thus, it is the ideal time for the beach
Autumn (October-November): a quiet season, with still warm waters and pleasant temperatures
Winter (December-February): the 'European summer', with 18-22 °C; therefore, it is perfect to escape the cold
Peak occupancy periods: on the other hand, it is advisable to avoid Christmas, Easter, August, and the peninsula bridges
3. Which island should I visit first in the Canary Islands?
In general, the choice depends on the interests of each traveler:
For a first visit: Tenerife or Gran Canaria, as they have complete tourist infrastructure
Unique experiences in Lanzarote, for its volcanic landscape, or La Palma, for its nature and skies
For beach and relaxation: Fuerteventura or the south of Gran Canaria
For authenticity: on the other hand, La Gomera or El Hierro
Practical recommendation: in any case, dedicate at least 3-4 days to each island
Choice between Islands and Planning
4. Which Canary island is the most beautiful?
Actually, each island offers distinct beauty:
La Palma: 'the Beautiful Island', for its green forests, starry skies (Starlight Reserve) and its volcanic landscapes
Lanzarote: unique lunar landscapes and also, the integration between art and nature by César Manrique
Tenerife: contrasts between the green north and the arid south, with Teide as the center
Gran Canaria: a 'miniature continent', that is, a great diversity of landscapes in a small space
Fuerteventura: virgin beaches of white sand and turquoise waters
La Gomera: primary laurisilva forests and also, ancestral traditions
El Hierro: nature in its purest form, sustainability, and spectacular geology
5. Which Canary Islands are the most touristic?
Very touristy: Tenerife and Gran Canaria, which receive most visitors
Specialized tourism: Lanzarote, for its quality tourism and volcanic landscape, and Fuerteventura, for the beach and windsurfing
Less crowded: on the contrary, La Palma (nature tourism), La Gomera (hiking) and El Hierro (diving and ecotourism)
6. When is the cheapest time to travel to the Canary Islands?
Low season: November, January, February, and May, except for bridges and Carnival
Cheaper flights: during the week, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Accommodation: generally, prices drop outside holidays and European school vacations
Recommendations: therefore, book 2-3 months in advance and compare flight and hotel packages
7. Which island is best to visit in the Canary Islands?
It depends mainly on the type of traveler. For example:
Families: Tenerife, for its theme parks and safe beaches, and Gran Canaria, for its complete infrastructure
Couples: Lanzarote, for its romantic atmosphere and boutique hotels, and La Palma, for its tranquility
Adventurers: La Gomera, for hiking, and El Hierro, for diving and ecotourism
Athletes: Fuerteventura, for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and also Tenerife, for hiking and cycling
Cultural: Gran Canaria, for its museums and history, and La Gomera, for its traditions
8. How many days do I need to visit the Canary Islands?
One island: at least 5-7 days to see the main sights
Two islands: 10-12 days for a balanced trip
Three islands: 15 days or more to avoid rushing
Complete archipelago: at least 3 weeks to see all 8 inhabited islands
Advice: ultimately, it is better to prioritize quality over quantity and dedicate enough time to each destination
Culture, Gastronomy and Logistics
9. What is the typical food of the Canary Islands?
Main dishes: wrinkled potatoes with mojo (green and red), Canarian sancocho (salty fish with potatoes), watercress stew, and rabbit in salmorejo
Traditional products: gofio, a toasted cereal of aboriginal origin, cheeses (especially goat), and also, palm honey
Fish and seafood: boiled vieja, cherne, octopus, and limpets
Desserts: bienmesabe, frangollo, and quesillo
Drinks: wines with Denomination of Origin (Lanzarote, Tacoronte-Acentejo, among others), honey rum, and of course, barraquito
Recommendation: also, visit local markets and guachinches, traditional taverns
10. What festivals and cultural events are held in the Canary Islands?
Carnival: especially in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (February or March, International Tourist Interest Fiesta) and in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Patronal festivals: the Bajada de la Virgen de las Nieves (La Palma, every 5 years) and also, the Fiesta de la Rama (Agaete, Gran Canaria, in August)
Music festivals: the International Music Festival of the Canary Islands (January-February) and WOMAD
Traditions: Canary Islands Day (May 30) and also, romerías in all the islands
Sports events: for example, Ironman Lanzarote and Transgrancanaria
11. How can I get around between the islands?
Airplane: Binter Canarias offers frequent connections between islands, with flights from 20 to 50 minutes; Canaryfly also flies
Ferry: Naviera Armas and Fred. Olsen Express connect, mainly, the closest islands
Recommendations:
In high season, book transport between islands in advance
Additionally, combine plane and boat according to the distance between islands
Lastly, if you rent a car, check beforehand if you can take it on the ferry
12. Is it necessary to rent a car to visit the Canary Islands?
Yes, it is recommended: especially for exploring the interior, rural areas, and moving with flexible schedules
Alternatives: however, guaguas work well in tourist areas; also, there are taxis and organized excursions
By island:
Tenerife and Gran Canaria: good public transport, though the car is useful for the interior
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura: on the other hand, the car is almost essential to reach remote beaches
Lesser islands: the car is advisable, as there are fewer public transport frequencies
Tips: book in advance, compare prices, and if possible, choose a full insurance
13. Where can I find tourist information in the Canary Islands?
Official tourist offices: in airports, ports, and major urban centers
Specific points:
Tenerife: main office in Santa Cruz and also points in Puerto de la Cruz and Los Cristianos
Gran Canaria: Tourism Board in Las Palmas and offices in Maspalomas and Puerto de Mogán
Lanzarote: offices in Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise
Digital resources: also, the official tourism websites of each island and their mobile applications
Local information: finally, town halls, hotels, and establishments with official distinction
Practical considerations and climate
14. What health conditions should I consider when traveling to the Canary Islands?
Healthcare system: excellent, with public and private hospitals on all islands
Health recommendations:
Purchase a travel insurance that covers medical assistance and repatriation
Use high sunscreen, as the UV index is intense all year round
Also, drink water often, especially if you are doing outdoor activities
Just having the usual vaccinations up to date is enough, as no special ones are required.
Finally, bring a basic first aid kit with your personal medications.
Pharmacies: there is a wide network, and in fact, many open 24 hours in tourist areas.
15. What is the climate like in the Canary Islands?
General characteristics: oceanic subtropical climate, with stable temperatures throughout the year.
Average temperatures:
Winter: 18-22 °C; on the coast, the minimums rarely drop below 15 °C.
Summer: 24-29 °C, although sometimes it exceeds 30 °C.
Water temperature: between 18 and 23 °C throughout the year.
Precipitation: scarce, especially in the eastern islands; on the other hand, they are more frequent in the western ones and in the mountains.
Winds: the trade winds blow from the northeast and, in general, they are stronger in summer and on the eastern islands.
Microclimates: the weather changes significantly between north and south, and also between coast and mountain:
North: greener and wetter, with some drizzle.
South: drier and sunnier; therefore, it's ideal for the beach.
Mountain: cooler, as the temperature drops about 0.6 °C every 100 meters.
16. Important additional information
Documents and customs: the Canaries are part of the Schengen area, so there is no passport control for travelers from that area. However, it is outside the EU customs union; therefore, there are limits on bringing tobacco and alcohol when returning to the mainland or to other European countries.
Currency: euro (€)
Time: Western European time, meaning one hour less than on the mainland.
Language: Spanish, with the characteristic Canarian accent.
Sockets: 230 V, with European plugs with two round pins.
Driving: on the right and, in addition, with the same speed limits as in the rest of Spain.
Tips: not mandatory, but appreciated (5-10% in restaurants).
Do you want to see what the weather is like right now? Check our questions about the webcams in the Canaries..