Things to do in Canary Islands

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All about Canary Islands

When to visit

The best time to visit the Canary Islands is in summer, when the weather is balmy and ideal for ocean swims. However, this time of year is usually pretty crowded. August, in particular, draws in masses of sun-seeking vacationers from the UK and the European mainland. If swimming isn’t your priority, you can strike a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds by visiting in spring or fall.

Getting around

The easiest way to get around in the Canary Islands is by renting a car or relying on taxis. Bus service is also reliable, particularly in major hubs. If you plan to visit multiple islands, you can either fly between them or take ferries. All of the islands have airports and ferry terminals, and both Tenerife and Gran Canaria are ferry hubs, with service to all of the other islands.

Traveler tips

For a quintessentially Canarian dining experience, head to Restaurante La Casona del Vino, housed in an unassuming whitewashed building, just north of Candelaria’s Playa de Punta Larga on Tenerife. Inside, you’ll find a rustic-chic dining room with wooden tables and chairs and vaguely maritime decor. While the interiors set the mood, it’s the food that draws back regular—La Casona del Vino serves up everything from papas arrugadas (a Canarian preparation of boiled potatoes) to rabbit paella.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Canary Islands famous for?

The Canary Islands are famous for their sandy beaches, warm weather, and extensive tourism infrastructure, particularly on major islands such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura. The island of Tenerife is also known for Teide National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the world.

How many days should you spend in the Canary Islands?

You should spend at least five days in the Canary Islands to experience the lifestyle and properly unwind. You may want to spend much longer, though, particularly if you plan to visit more than one island.

Which is the hottest of the Canary Islands?

Tenerife tends to be the hottest of the Canary Islands, making it an ideal option for winter getaways. Lanzarote is a pretty close second, and sometimes is hotter than Tenerife, but its windier location makes it feel a tad cooler.

Which Canary Island is best for exploring?

Tenerife is the best island for travelers who want to do a bit of inland exploration. In addition to its great beaches, Tenerife is home to the massive Teide National Park, which offers fantastic hiking trails.

Which Canary Island is the most fun?

If you’ve come to the Canary Islands for dining and nightlife, you’ll likely find Tenerife to be the most fun; it has a great dining scene and a mix of beaches and hiking opportunities. Windsurfers may prefer Fuerteventura, while history buffs will likely enjoy Gran Canaria the most.

Is it safe to go to the Canary Islands?

Yes. The Canary Islands are very safe and the crime rate is generally low. Driving on the islands is straightforward (just note that you’ll need to drive on the right) and most of the major beaches have professional lifeguards.

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