It’s no surprise that the Canary Islands have long been a top holiday destination for British holidaymakers. Thanks to their year-round sunshine, volcanic landscapes and rich cultural history, nearly five million Brits visited the islands in 2022 alone.
This Spanish archipelago is situated off the northwestern coast of Africa and offers the perfect balance of sun, sea and sand to all manner of holidaymakers. Not only that, but it’s easy to get to! There are a growing number of direct flights from major UK cities like London, Manchester and Birmingham.
Whether you’re looking to explore the charming historical towns with the family or kick back on the pristine beaches on your lonesome, there is something on offer for everyone in the Canary Islands. Here are five islands that you shouldn’t miss on your next visit.
1. Tenerife: The Island of Eternal Spring
Tenerife is the largest and arguably the most well-known of the Canary Islands. It offers a mix of relaxation, culture and adventure, making it a year-round retreat for families and couples alike. Dominated by Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island’s landscapes are spectacular.
You’ll find a range of stunning beaches available on Tenerife holidays, from the golden sands in the south to the black volcanic stretches in the north. Playa de las Américas buzzes with life and is known for its vibrant nightlife, while the historic town of La Laguna enchants with its colourful colonial architecture.
2. Lanzarote: A Volcanic Wonderland
Lanzarote’s landscapes have been compared to the surface of the moon, with its craters and lava fields. Renowned for its volcanic origins, the island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a trip to Timanfaya National Park should not be missed.
Art lovers will also appreciate the César Manrique Foundation, dedicated to the local artist and architect who left a profound mark on the island’s aesthetic and environmental conservation. Lanzarote’s wine region, La Geria, offers a truly unique wine-tasting experience where vines are grown in volcanic ash.
3. Gran Canaria: A Miniature Continent
Gran Canara is often referred to as a ‘miniature continent’ due to the diversity of its outdoors. The southern part of the island is home to the famous Maspalomas dunes while the centre features lush valleys and pine-covered mountains, perfect for hikers and nature lovers.
Las Palmas offers a cosmopolitan mixture of vibrant street life, eclectic shopping and historical quarters like Vegueta. In recent years, Gran Canaria has made strides to become one of the top sustainable tourism destinations, with initiatives supporting conservation efforts.
4. Fuerteventura: A Beach Lover’s Paradise
Fuerteventura is a paradise made up of endless stretches of white sand and crystal-clear waters. Iconic beaches such as Corralejo and Costa Calma are perfect for sunbathing, swimming and water sports. Kite surfing and windsurfing enthusiasts flock to the island, thanks to its steady winds and perfect conditions.
Beyond its famous shores, the island boasts natural beauty spots like The Jandía Natural Park which is a haven for hikers. Fuerteventura has increasingly embraced eco-tourism, with sustainable accommodation options and an emphasis on preserving its natural reserves.
5. La Palma: A Stargazer’s Dream
Known as ‘La Isla Bonita’ for its unspoiled beauty, La Palma offers tranquillity that is harder to find on the more popular islands. The Caldera de Taburiente National Park, a vast crater-shaped depression surrounded by high peaks, offers some of the best hiking in the Canaries.
It’s also recognised as one of the world’s top stargazing locations, with its skies protected as a Starlight Reserve.