The Canary Islands – Which Island Should You Visit?

As the largest and most developed of the islands, Tenerife is best for hikers and mountain lovers. Dominating the island is the volcanic Pico del Teide, Spain’s highest mountain at a height over 3,700 meters. Travellers can conquer Teide by hiking to the top of the mountain, or take a tour which will drop you off at the Cable Railway then hike about 20 minutes to reach the top. At that point, you will be above the clouds! In total, Tenerife has over 40 natural reserves with 1,500 km of hiking trails. Accommodation in Tenerife ranges from budget to the luxury of the Ritz-Carlton. Dining options range from patios on cobblestone streets to Michelin-recognized restaurants.

Travellers who enjoy sightseeing and a variety of landscapes will enjoy Gran Canaria. With its different microclimates, it is similar to Hawaii. The northern part is colder, the east is usually cloudy, the south is warmer and the west is dryer. If you prefer to stay in a warm area on the beach while going sightseeing, ensure to stay in the southwest part of the island for the best weather. In total, the southern part receives around 350 days of sunshine per year! The top tourist areas are all in the south, such as Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles, San Augustin and Meloneras. From there, you can catch a Gran Canaria Island Highlights Tour, which will take you to the quieter side in the mountainous inland regions, as well as the wild, green north. In the north, travellers will find deep gorges, pine forests, fertile valleys, and picturesque snow-white mountain villages. Roque Nublo, the island’s highest mountain, dominates the island and can be visited on a day trip. And a fun fact: there are four Michelin one-star restaurants on Gran Canaria!

If you’re looking to simply unravel the stress of everyday life on a beautiful beach, Fuerteventura is your destination! The island has a total of 150 beaches along a 340-km long coastline with crystal-clear water. For the best beaches, head to Costa Calma or Playa Barca. Other than the endless beaches, this island is no more than a rough, gray-brown desert, as it’s located around 100 kilometers off the coast of Africa.

On another note, the name of the island translates to “strong wind” and some of the beaches have wild waves, which makes the island a top destination for surfers and waveriders. The best water sports can be found at Playa de Sotavento, where the breeze can hit wind speed 9. For the best weather, ensure to visit in autumn or spring, as the winds are the strongest in the winter months. 

To describe Lanzarote in 3 words: volcanic, authentic and artistic. If you enjoy experiencing the local culture and also want to experience volcanic activity as is common in Hawaii, Lanzarote is your destination! The wild and barren volcanic island is only 20 km wide and 60 km long, and is renowned for its excellent wine which is cultivated on the black lava floor. Visiting the city centre and its neighbouring city Arrecife, travellers will find historic museums, monuments and cobblestone streets with unlimited dining options to truly experience the local history and culture. Ensure to take one day to experience the volcanic activity at Timanfaya National Park. That can be done on a one-day excursion, or simply by renting a car if you enjoy driving manual shift.