Canary islands: Travel Guide

Canary islands is best for...

Couples: La Palma is the ideal couple destination in the Canary Islands. It has been nicknamed “La Isla Bonita” which translates to beautiful Island. La Palma is home to a few National Parks, all with views making it the perfect place for intimate walks. There is also a tour to do private star gazing, which offers two telescopes for you and your special person.

Families: Tenerife is the ideal family destination in the Canary Islands. Tenerife is home to some of the best waterparks. Siam Park is the biggest water park in Europe and is the perfect family day out.

Night Owl: Lanzarote and Tenerife are the ideal places for night owls. Playa de les Americas in Tenerife has the Veronica strip which caters to everyone's music taste. Or you can head to Lanzarote to find plenty of cocktail bars, casinos and clubs.

Getting around Canary islands

By Ferry: If you want to travel around the Canary Island, the ferries are frequent and operate all throughout the year.

By Bus: Bus systems are available, however they don't run frequently. Most of the attractions aren't close enough to get there by foot.

By Air: The Canary Island has eight main Island's as well as a total of eight airports. The flying time on average is less than 1 hour.

By Car: Hiring a car in the Canary Islands allows you to immerse yourself into its bliss. You can see more of its beauty.

travel advice

The Canary Islands has some of the most engrossing cultural sightseeing. Your trip here will be filled with sunshine, pretty beaches with their black and white sand and volcanic scenery. There are 8 main Island's in the Canary Island, and they are

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FCDO website.

Fast facts for Canary islands

Language: Spanish is the official languages of the Canary Islands, although English is the second most spoken language, particularly in big resorts and hotspots. If you are considering heading off the usual visitor trails, make sure you pack a phrasebook or download a translation app.

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Local time: The Canary Islands are the same time as the UK.

Fly to:

  • Arrecife Airport for Costa Teguise, Matagorda, Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen
  • Fuerteventura Airport for Caleta de Fuste and Corralejo
  • Las Palmas Airport for Maspalomas, Puerto Mogan, Playa del Ingles and Puerto Rico
  • Tenerife South Airport for Golf del Sur, Playa de las Americas, Los Cristianos and Los Gigantes
  • Transfer times vary from 15 100 minutes

Flight time from the UK: The flight time from the UK to the Canary Islands is around 4 and a half hours.

Tourist information: Find further information on various Turkey destinations at the official Canary Island tourism website. 

Visa/health: British citizens do not require a visa for Spain holidays for visits up to 90 days in any 180- day period, but you do need a valid passport. Visit the UK government's Spain travel advice for up-to- date visa and health recommendations. 

More travel guides: We also have other travel guides available for destinations including  Egypt | Greece | Portugal | Spain | Balearic Island | United Arab Emirates | Turkey

Your Guide to Canary islands holidays

  • Beaches
  • We Love
  • At a Glance

Beaches

The Canary Island is home to 500 beaches. There is beautiful sunshine all year-round allowing you to dip into warm water.

Playa Blanca is a town in Lanzarote with plenty of stunning beaches. Playa Dorada beach has wheelchair access and sunbeds for those who want to spend the day catching a tan and relaxing.

Playa de la Tejita in Tenerife is a popular beach for windsurfers due to its windy nature. If you haven't tried windsurfing, this beach will offer the perfect opportunity to do so. It is also the largest sand beach in Tenerife, it tends to be quiet.

We Love

We love Papas Arrugadas. Papas Arrugadas translates to “wrinkled potatoes”. It is also usually paired with a delicious chili pepper garlic sauce, called mojo rojo or meat. It is a must try when visiting the Canary Islands.

At a Glance

  • The average flying time from the UK to Canary Islands is between 4-7 hours.
  • You can fly from all UK Airports, depending on the final destination.
  • Time Zone Western European Standard Time (GMT)
  • Canary offers pleasant climate all year round.

Beaches

The Canary Island is home to 500 beaches. There is beautiful sunshine all year-round allowing you to dip into warm water.

Playa Blanca is a town in Lanzarote with plenty of stunning beaches. Playa Dorada beach has wheelchair access and sunbeds for those who want to spend the day catching a tan and relaxing.

Playa de la Tejita in Tenerife is a popular beach for windsurfers due to its windy nature. If you haven't tried windsurfing, this beach will offer the perfect opportunity to do so. It is also the largest sand beach in Tenerife, it tends to be quiet.

Frequently Asked Questions