General Information about the Canary Islands

1. What can I see and do in the Canary Islands?

The Canary Islands offer exceptional landscape and cultural diversity, with attractions spread throughout the archipelago:

• Tenerife: Teide National Park (Spain's highest volcano), beaches of Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas, historic towns like La Orotava
• Gran Canaria: Maspalomas Dunes, ravines and desert landscapes, cultural capital in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
• Lanzarote: Volcanic landscape of Timanfaya National Park, Cueva de los Verdes, architecture by César Manrique
• Fuerteventura: Extensive and paradise-like beaches ideal for water sports
• La Palma: Laurisilva forests, Teneguía volcano, astronomical observatories
• La Gomera: Garajonay National Park (UNESCO World Heritage), silbo gomero
• El Hierro: UNESCO Geopark, marine reserve, ecotourism

2. What is the best time to visit the Canary archipelago?

The subtropical climate of the Canary Islands allows for visits year-round, but there are significant seasonal differences:

• Spring (March-May): Ideal temperatures (20-25°C), blooming nature, less mass tourism
• Summer (June-September): Peak tourist season, higher temperatures (25-29°C), optimal beach conditions
• Autumn (October-November): Calm season, warm waters, pleasant temperatures
• Winter (December-February): "European summer" with mild temperatures (18-22°C), winter getaway tourism
• Peak occupancy periods: Christmas, Easter, August, and holiday bridges on the mainland

3. Which island should I visit first in the Canary Islands?

The choice depends on the visitor's interests:

• For first visit: Tenerife or Gran Canaria for complete tourist infrastructure
• For unique experiences: Lanzarote (volcanic landscape) or La Palma (nature and astrotourism)
• For beach and relaxation: Fuerteventura or southern Gran Canaria
• For authenticity: La Gomera or El Hierro
• Practical recommendation: Spend at least 3-4 days per island for a meaningful experience

Choice between Islands and Planning

4. Which Canary island is the most beautiful?

Each island offers distinctive beauty:

• La Palma: "The Beautiful Island" for its green forests, starry skies (Starlight Reserve), and volcanic landscapes
• Lanzarote: Unique lunar landscapes, art-nature integration by César Manrique
• Tenerife: Contrasts between the green north and the arid south, with Teide at the center
• Gran Canaria: "Miniature continent" with extraordinary geographical diversity
• Fuerteventura: Virgin beaches of white sand and turquoise waters
• La Gomera: Primary laurisilva forests, ancestral traditions
• El Hierro: Nature in its purest form, sustainability, and spectacular geology

5. Which Canary Islands are the most touristic?

• Very touristic: Tenerife and Gran Canaria (75% of Canary tourism)
• Specialized tourism: Lanzarote (quality tourism, volcanic landscape) and Fuerteventura (beach, windsurfing)
• Less crowded: La Palma (nature tourism), La Gomera (hiking) and El Hierro (diving, ecotourism)

6. When is the cheapest time to travel to the Canary Islands?

• Low season: November (except for holidays), January-February (except for Carnival), May (except for holidays)
• Cheapest flights: During the week, especially Tuesday and Wednesday
• Accommodation: Reduced prices outside holidays and European school vacations
• Recommendations: Book in advance (2-3 months) for better prices, consider flight+hotel packages

7. Which island is best to visit in the Canary Islands?

Guide by traveler profiles:

• Families: Tenerife (theme parks, safe beaches) and Gran Canaria (complete infrastructure)
• Couples: Lanzarote (romanticism, boutique hotels) and La Palma (nature, tranquility)
• Adventurers: La Gomera (hiking) and El Hierro (diving, ecotourism)
• Sports enthusiasts: Fuerteventura (windsurfing, kitesurfing) and Tenerife (hiking, cycling)
• Cultural travelers: Gran Canaria (museums, history) and La Gomera (traditions)

8. How many days do I need to visit the Canary Islands?

• One island: At least 5-7 days to see main aspects
• Two islands: 10-12 days for a balanced experience
• Three islands: 15 days or more to avoid rushing
• Complete archipelago: A minimum of 3 weeks to explore the 7 main islands
• Tip: Prioritize quality over quantity, dedicating enough time to each destination

Culture, Gastronomy and Logistics

9. What is the typical food of the Canary Islands?

• Main dishes: Papas arrugadas with mojo (green and red), canarian sancocho (salted fish with potatoes), watercress stew, rabbit in salmorejo
• Traditional products: Gofio (ancient toasted cereal), cheeses (especially goat cheese), palm honey
• Fish and seafood: Boiled vieja, cherne, octopus, limpets
• Desserts: Bienmesabe, frangollo, quesillo
• Drinks: Wines with Denomination of Origin (Lanzarote, Tacoronte-Acentejo, etc.), honey rum, barraquito (special coffee)
• Recommendation: Visit local markets and guachinches (traditional taverns)

10. What festivals and cultural events are held in the Canary Islands?

• Carnival: Santa Cruz de Tenerife (February/March, International Tourist Interest Festival) and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
• Patron Saint Festivals: Bajada de la Virgen de las Nieves (La Palma, every 5 years), Fiesta de la Rama (Agaete, Gran Canaria, August)
• Music festivals: International Music Festival of the Canary Islands (January-February), WOMAD Canarias
• Traditions: Day of the Canary Islands (May 30), romerías throughout all islands
• Sports events: Ironman Lanzarote, Isla de El Hierro Rally

11. How can I get around between the islands?

• Airplane: Binter Canarias (frequent connections between islands, 20-50 minutes flight), Canaryfly
• Ferry: Naviera Armas and Fred. Olsen Express (connections between nearby islands)
• Recommendations:
  • Book inter-island transport in advance during peak season
  • Consider air-sea combinations based on the distance between islands
  • For rental vehicles, check policies for crossing between islands

12. Is it necessary to rent a car to visit the Canary Islands?

• Yes, it is recommended: For deep exploration, rural areas, flexible schedules
• Alternatives: Efficient public transportation (guaguas) in tourist areas, taxis, organized tours
• By island:
  • Tenerife/Gran Canaria: Good public transport, car useful for the interior
  • Lanzarote/Fuerteventura: Car almost essential for remote beaches
  • Lesser islands: Car recommended due to frequency of public transport
• Tips: Book in advance, compare prices, consider comprehensive insurance

13. Where can I find tourist information in the Canary Islands?

• Official tourist offices: At airports, ports, and major urban centers
• Specific points:
  • Tenerife: Main Tourism Office in Santa Cruz, points in Puerto de la Cruz and Los Cristianos
  • Gran Canaria: Tourism Board in Las Palmas, offices in Maspalomas and Puerto de Mogán
  • Lanzarote: Tourist centers in Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise
• Digital resources: Official tourism websites for each island, mobile apps
• Local information: Town halls, hotels, establishments with official designation

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:
  • Travel insurance that covers medical assistance and repatriation
  • High SPF sunscreen (intense UV index all year round)
  • Constant hydration, especially during outdoor activities
  • Routine vaccinations up to date, no special vaccinations required
  • Basic first-aid kit with personal medications
• COVID-19/current regulations: Check updated requirements before traveling
• Pharmacies: Extensive network, many with 24-hour service in tourist areas

15. What is the climate like in the Canary Islands?

• General characteristics: Subtropical oceanic climate, stable temperatures all year
• Average temperatures:
  • Winter: 18-22°C (lows rarely below 15°C)
  • Summer: 24-29°C (highs occasionally over 30°C)
  • Water temperature: 18-23°C annually
• Precipitation: Scarce, especially in eastern islands; more frequent in western islands and mountainous areas
• Winds: Constant northeast trade winds, stronger in summer and in eastern islands
• Microclimates: Significant variations between north/south and coast/mountain:
  • North: Greener, higher humidity, some drizzle
  • South: Drier, sunnier, ideal for beach
  • Mountain: Lower temperatures (approximately 0.6°C drop every 100m)

16. Important additional information

Customs: Part of Spain and the EU, no controls for European citizens

Currency: Euro (€)

Time zone: GMT (one hour less than mainland Spain)

Language: Spanish (distinctive Canarian accent)

Outlets: 220V, European plugs with two round pins

Driving: On the right, speed limits similar to the rest of Spain

Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated (5-10% in restaurants)