Beaches, Resorts, Volcanoes & Travel Guides
If you’re looking for guaranteed sunshine, the Canary Islands are about as close to a sure thing as Europe gets.
Located off the northwest coast of Africa but part of Spain, this collection of volcanic islands has become one of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations—and for good reason.
You’ll find golden beaches, black-sand coves, dramatic landscapes, year-round warm weather and resorts to suit every type of traveller.
Families come for the beaches and water parks.
Couples come for the luxury hotels and sunsets.
Adventure seekers come for the volcanoes, hiking trails and whale watching.
And many visitors simply come for a dose of winter sunshine when much of Europe is wrapped up in coats.
Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, the Canary Islands have a habit of making people want to come back.
Compare package holidays with:
🌴 Explore the Canary Islands 🌴
Each island has its own character, so choosing the right one can make all the difference.
From lively resorts and family favourites to volcanic adventures and peaceful escapes, there’s a Canary Island for everyone.
Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest and most visited island in the archipelago.
It combines:
- Family-friendly resorts
- Luxury hotels
- Bustling nightlife
- Black-sand and golden beaches
- Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide
Whether you’re staying in Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas or Los Cristianos, Tenerife offers a little bit of everything.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is often called a “mini continent” thanks to its incredible variety.
Expect:
- Long sandy beaches
- Rolling sand dunes at Maspalomas
- Mountain villages
- Scenic drives
- Excellent family resorts
It’s ideal for travellers who want both beach time and opportunities to explore inland.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote feels unlike anywhere else in Europe.
Its lava fields, dramatic coastlines and whitewashed villages create an unforgettable landscape, while beaches and resorts provide plenty of opportunities to relax.
It’s particularly popular with couples, walkers and anyone looking for something a little different.
Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is all about sand, sea and space.
The island is famous for:
- Vast golden beaches
- Excellent windsurfing and kitesurfing
- Crystal-clear waters
- Relaxed resorts
- Quiet coastal escapes
It’s one of the best choices in Europe for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
👉 Explore Fuerteventura Guides
🚗 Getting Around the Canary Islands 🚗
While many visitors stay close to their resort, hiring a car is one of the best ways to experience the islands properly.
From volcanic national parks and scenic mountain roads to hidden beaches and traditional villages, some of the Canaries’ best sights are easiest to reach with your own transport.
Benefits of hiring a car:
- Discover quieter beaches and viewpoints
- Explore beyond the main tourist areas
- Visit national parks and inland villages
- Enjoy spectacular coastal and mountain drives
For a reliable and convenient experience, we recommend:
With locations at major airports and resorts across the Canary Islands, it’s an easy way to make the most of your holiday.
🎟️ Top Things to Do in the Canary Islands 🎟️
There’s much more to these islands than lounging by the pool.
Popular experiences include:
- Taking the cable car or hiking around Mount Teide
- Whale and dolphin watching cruises
- Exploring Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote
- Visiting the Maspalomas Dunes in Gran Canaria
- Snorkelling and scuba diving in crystal-clear waters
- Surfing and kitesurfing in Fuerteventura
- Boat trips along dramatic coastlines
- Stargazing under some of Europe’s clearest skies
Book excursions with:
👉Viator Excursions & Activities
🍴 Food & Drink in the Canary Islands 🍴
Canarian cuisine blends Spanish traditions with local island flavours.
Popular dishes include:
- Papas arrugadas with mojo sauce
- Fresh seafood
- Grilled meats
- Local goat’s cheese
- Tropical fruits
- Spanish tapas and paella
Don’t forget to try the islands’ famous mojo sauces—they’re simple, flavourful and served with almost everything.
💡 Best Time to Visit the Canary Islands 💡
Spring (March–May)
Warm temperatures, fewer crowds and ideal sightseeing conditions.
Summer (June–August)
Hot, sunny and lively, with perfect beach weather.
Autumn (September–November)
Still wonderfully warm, with quieter resorts and pleasant sea temperatures.
Winter (December–February)
One of Europe’s best winter-sun destinations, attracting visitors looking to swap grey skies for blue ones.
🛡️ Travel Insurance 🛡️
Before travelling, it’s worth arranging travel insurance to cover unexpected events such as:
- Medical emergencies
- Flight delays or cancellations
- Lost or delayed luggage
- Travel disruption
- Holiday cancellations
Compare providers before you travel, including:
Why Choose the Canary Islands?
Few destinations offer sunshine in every season quite like the Canary Islands.
You can spend your days relaxing on golden beaches, hiking across volcanic landscapes, spotting whales offshore or wandering through traditional villages—all without travelling far from Europe.
Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic escape, an active adventure or simply chasing the sun in the middle of winter, the Canary Islands have an island to match.
And once you’ve experienced their year-round warmth and remarkable scenery, it’s easy to see why so many travellers return again and again.