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With year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes, the Canary Islands make a great holiday destination. But with 7 islands to choose from, and the best time to visit the Canary Islands depending on what kind of getaway you’re after, which one is the best for you to visit?
When it comes to choosing the best Canary Island to visit, it all depends on what you’re looking for. For families, Tenerife is perfect with its family-friendly resorts, world-class water parks like Siam Park, and attractions such as Loro Parque. Couples will fall in love with La Palma, known for its romantic, unspoiled landscapes and incredible stargazing opportunities. If you’re seeking the ultimate beach escape, Fuerteventura stands out with its vast golden sands and crystal-clear waters. For a winter getaway in December, Gran Canaria offers warm temperatures, festive markets, and a delightful mix of beaches, culture, and nature. Lanzarote, with its unique volcanic landscapes, offers a one-of-a-kind experience, featuring attractions like Timanfaya National Park and stunning black-sand beaches. Meanwhile, for those craving tranquillity and raw natural beauty, El Hierro and La Gomera provide secluded escapes with lush greenery and dramatic landscapes perfect for hiking and exploring.
1. Tenerife: best for families
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands and a top choice for families, offers something for everyone. From the grand scenery of Mount Teide, Spain's highest mountain, to the charming old town of La Orotava with its cobbled streets, ancient churches, and stately mansions, Tenerife is packed with attractions.
Families will love the irresistible beaches on the Costa Adeje, ideal for sunbathing and water sports, while Puerto de la Cruz is perfect for exploring nature trails and hiking. The island offers a wide range of activities, including golf, whale watching, stargazing, and even family-friendly adventures like visiting Loro Parque or Siam Park, one of the best water parks in Europe.
Best for: Family-friendly attractions and activities.
2. Gran Canaria: best to visit in December
Gran Canaria is the perfect island to visit in December for a winter escape. Like Tenerife, it boasts a mix of vibrant cities, charming old towns, and stunning natural beauty, but its unique variety of climates and landscapes earns it the nickname ‘miniature continent.’
In December, you can enjoy warm weather while exploring rugged rock formations, lush green coastlines, and the iconic golden dunes of Maspalomas. Whether strolling through traditional villages, hiking mountain ranges, or relaxing in tranquil beach resorts, Gran Canaria offers the ideal combination of adventure, culture, and relaxation to brighten the winter season.
Best for: Cultural explorers.
3. Lanzarote: best for nature
Lanzarote is the best Canary Island to visit for those seeking breathtaking natural beauty and unique volcanic landscapes. The island’s striking badlands, shaped by ancient eruptions, are a haven for nature lovers and were a constant inspiration for local artist César Manrique, whose influence can be seen throughout Lanzarote.
Explore the dramatic Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, where you can ride up a dormant volcano and witness the power of its geothermal activity. Along the coast, you’ll find black sand beaches, pebble-strewn shores, and towering cliffs, while the pristine Playas de Papagayo in the south offer golden sands and turquoise waters, perfect for relaxation. Lanzarote is a truly unforgettable destination for lovers of nature and art alike.
Best for: Nature lovers.
4. Fuerteventura: best for a beach escape
Fuerteventura is truly a desert island. The beaches here are certainly the best in the Canaries, and resorts to suit most tastes are springing up. The range of watersports is also amazing, with a lot of visitors heading to the island just for those alone. Beautiful, colourful coral reefs also make for exciting diving excursions.
Whether you long for relaxation or an itinerary full of activities, Fuerteventura will definitely tick the boxes. As the second largest island, there’s plenty to see and do.
Best for: Watersport enthusiasts.
5. La Palma: best for couples
La Palma, lovingly known as ‘La Isla Bonita’ (The Beautiful Island), is the perfect Canary Island for couples seeking a romantic escape. As the greenest of the islands, it boasts lush vegetation and unique flora and fauna, earning its designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Couples can unwind in hidden lava sand bays, relax under shady palm trees, and soak up the tranquil atmosphere. For those who love the outdoors, La Palma’s diverse landscapes offer incredible hiking opportunities, from verdant forests to volcanic trails. It’s a dreamy destination for couples looking to combine adventure with peace and romance.
Best for: Romantic escape.
6. La Gomera and El Hierro
La Gomera and El Hierro are the best Canary Islands for secluded escapes, offering tranquillity and natural beauty far from the crowds. These smaller, lesser-known islands have avoided mass tourism, focusing instead on low-key rural tourism, which adds to their charm.
With few hotels, restaurants, and virtually no nightlife, they’re perfect for those looking to disconnect and unwind. Both islands boast stunning mountainous scenery, and with a bit of effort, you can discover hidden beaches ideal for quiet relaxation. For many, a short stay on one of these unspoiled islands, paired with the amenities of a larger resort island, offers the best of both worlds—a true dream holiday in the Canary Islands.
Best for: Tranquility seekers.
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