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Canary Islands

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Places not to be missed

La Graciosa (Island)

The eighth Canary Island is a small, dreamy paradise island, the…

El Hierro (Island)

El Hierro is one of the Canary Islands.…

La Palma (Island)

Volcanic sands, bays surrounded by cliffs and exceptional natural…

Fuerteventura (Island)

Fuerteventura is in the Canary Islands and measures 210…

La Gomera(Island)

Peaceful and beautiful.…

Gran Canaria (Island)

There are many reasons to choose Gran Canaria as your holiday…

Tenerife (Island)

The ease of wearing summer clothes all year round.…

Lanzarote (Island)

Lanzarote is one of the most fascinating of the Canary Islands.…

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Some of the best hiking routes on the Canary Islands

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Lanzarote: the island designed by César Manrique

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Into the volcanic heart of Tenerife

Tenerife (Canary Islands) is a pretty exciting place. Magnificent beaches, a famous carnival, pleasant temperatures all year, and something less known but much…

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How to get there - transport information

Select the means of transport to see how to get there or how to get around at your destination.

How to get to aeroplane

The Canary Islands have excellent air transport connections, reaching practically anywhere in Europe in 5 hours or less.

The seven main Canary Islands have their own airports. The airports with the most international traffic are Gran Canaria , Tenerife Sur , Lanzarote and Fuerteventura .

There are many daily flights between these airports and to the rest of the islands via the airports of Tenerife Norte , El Hierro , La Palma and La Gomera .

You can see how to get to your destination on each airport’s information page.

You can check a table of approximate journey times to the Canary Islands from other parts of Spain.

How to get to boat

The Canary Islands are a major cruise line destination, and two ports stand out:

Las Palmas Port (Gran Canaria): just 5 kilometres from the centre of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with regular city bus services.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Port (Tenerife): the cruise terminal is very near the city centre and you can walk to Plaza de España, a transport hub with many city buses.

The Canary Islands have many ferry connections from the Spanish cities of Cadiz and Huelva, mainly to the ports of Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, as well as to the Arrecife Port (Lanzarote).

You can check a table of approximate journey times to the Canary Islands by boat from other parts of Spain.

Practical information

The best way to explore each island is probably by car.

The islands of Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, El Hierro, Lanzarote, Tenerife and La Palma have airports and ports with plenty of transport connections.

Gran Canaria and Tenerife are the two largest islands and have many transport options every day, both by plane and ship.

The island of Gran Canaria also has many daily connections to Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.

The island of Tenerife has many daily connections to El Hierro, La Gomera and La Palma.

How to get around in aeroplane

Most flights between the islands take between 30 minutes and one hour. You can see approximate journey times in “ Air connections for exploring Spain ”

There are flights between all the islands, especially between Gran Canaria Airport and Tenerife Norte Airport.

Gran Canaria Airport also has the most frequent flights to Lanzarote and Fuerteventura airports.

Tenerife Norte Airport has frequent flights to La Gomera , El Hierro and La Palma airports.

How to get around in boat

Ferries are a common way to travel between the Canary Islands. You will find a range of frequent connections, offering you the option of bringing your vehicle aboard.

The journey time between islands depends on the distance and type of ship. Journeys range from 35 minutes to ten hours. For example, you can travel between Gran Canaria and Tenerife in about an hour and a half. You can see other journey times in “ Spain's main sea connections .”

Several islands have more than one port for cruise ships and ferries. Check your port of origin and destination carefully when booking tickets.

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Canary Islands

Scented pine forests, haunting volcanoes, lunar-like landscapes, secret sandy coves, miles of Sahara-style dunes, beach-hugging resorts. This is the unique beauty of the Canary Islands.

Your next trip starts here

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Cueva Pintada Museum & Archaeological Park

Gran Canaria

Discovered by a local farmer in the late 19th century, this is one of Gran Canaria's most important pre-Hispanic archaeological sites: a cave adorned with…

Casa-Museo de Colón

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

This fascinating museum documents Columbus’ voyages and features exhibits on the Canary Islands’ historical role as a staging post for transatlantic…

Pico del Teide

The cable car provides the easiest way to get up to the peak of El Teide. The views are great – unless a big cloud is covering the peak, in which case you…

Fundación César Manrique

Upon returning definitively to Lanzarote, César Manrique built his spectacular house and creative centre, Taro de Tahíche, into the lava fields just…

Parque Nacional de Timanfaya

Lanzarote's most spectacular sight, the eerie 51-sq-km Parque Nacional de Timanfaya sprawls around the Montañas del Fuego (Mountains of Fire) formed by…

Santuario de la Virgen de las Nieves

Santa Cruz de la Palma

For splendid views down the valley to Santa Cruz, put aside time to tackle the 4km uphill hike north of town to La Palma’s main object of pilgrimage, the…

Playa de Cofete

This is the main beach in far-flung Cofete, near the southern tip of the island and the main draw on the island for many. It's huge, quite beautiful and…

Villa Winter

This impressive structure, with its castle-like turret, was built by German engineer Gustav Winter in the 1930s. Rumours linking Winter to the Nazi party…

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Mar 24, 2022 • 2 min read

Just ahead of welcoming visitors flocking to its islands for the Easter break, Spain's Canary Islands are suspending some COVID-19 safety measures.

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Canary Islands and beyond

I visit Spain's Canary Islands up to 10 times a year. Here's my ultimate travel guide to this magical place.

• Spain's Canary Islands are Europe's hidden gem, with year-round sunshine and warm weather.
• Each island has distinct attractions like volcanic beaches, otherworldly sand dunes, and scenic hiking.
• Visit Insider's hub for travel guides, tips, and recommendations .

When I moved to Madrid from the US nearly 15 years ago, most of my fellow expat friends took vacations to popular Spanish cities like Seville or Barcelona.

But not me. 

In lieu of castles in La Mancha or the weaving streets of Andalusia, I preferred to spend every free moment on the Canary Islands, a volcanic archipelago that's often considered to be Spain's Hawaii.

Related stories

The region has held such endless intrigue that I'm looking to purchase a home on the Canaries to forever enjoy these islands — my only holdup is that I can't decide which one to call home. 

The Canaries are made up of seven main islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, El Hierro, La Gomera, and La Palma. Each is distinct, with year-round sunshine and no rainy season. Here's an introduction to familiarize yourself with each island:

• Tenerife: The most developed island. Come for surfing, black- and white-sand beaches, hikes to the highest peak in Spain, and lively, international dining and nightlife.
• Gran Canaria: One of the larger islands, relax and enjoy its Sahara-style sand dunes and family-friendly beaches.
• Fuerteventura: A standout for remote golden-sand beaches that are perfect for lounging and windy waves for surfers.
• Lanzarote: Home to volcanic hikes, wine tasting, culture and art, and a more luxurious, higher-end vibe for travelers wanting all the extras.
• La Palma: Nicknamed La Isla Bonita, or, beautiful island, here you'll find astrotourism, hiking, and remote black-sand beaches.
• El Hierro: Expect eco-friendly tourism, a local feel, and diving and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
• La Gomera: Savor magical woodland hikes and a no-frills, traditional food scene.

This guide will highlight some of the best attractions, cuisine, and accommodations on each island to help you decide which destination(s) is right for you and how to plan your visit. Here's everything you need to know about traveling to the Canary Islands through the eyes of a local. 

Explore Insider's guide to visiting the Canary Islands

→ my tips on how to get to and around the canary islands, based on 15 years of visiting, → i've spent hundreds of nights in canary island hotels. these 10 are some of the most captivating places you'll ever stay., → here's where to find the most authentic local food on the canary islands, → how to plan the ultimate canary island itinerary: the best beaches, hiking, and one-of-a-kind activities, → the canary islands are open to visitors, but here's what you should know about restrictions, weather, and the best time to go.

• Main content

Canary Islands

• 2.1 Demographics
• 2.2 History
• 2.3 Climate
• 3.1 By plane
• 3.2 By boat
• 4.1 By public transport
• 4.2 By rental car
• 4.3 By taxi
• 4.4 By boat
• 4.5 By plane
• 5 See and do
• 9.1 Pickpocketing
• 9.2 Natural hazards

The Canary Islands (Spanish: Islas Canarias ) are an Atlantic territory of Spain off the coast of Morocco and Western Sahara .

Islands [ edit ]

The Canary archipelago consists of 8 inhabited islands, and a few smaller uninhabited ones.

• 28.268611 -16.605556 1 Tenerife – The largest and most populous island with an area of 2,034 km² and also the most popular tourist destination of the archipelago, with about 6 million tourists per year. It has many museums and monuments that serve as portrayals of its rich history, but suffers under low cost mass tourism from the European mainland . Its oldest mountain ranges are young compared to its neighbouring islands, and volcanic activity did not begin to occur here until 8-12 million years ago, while other islands had it well over 20 million years ago. The highest mountain of Spain and 3rd largest volcano in the world (3,715 m), El Teide , dominates the landscape of the island. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is home to the Canary Island Parliament, while San Cristóbal de La Laguna is home to the oldest university on the Canary Islands. The main resorts are Puerto de la Cruz and Playa de las Américas .
• 28.4 -14 2 Fuerteventura – Second largest island, with an area of 1,660 km², but compared to Tenerife relatively thinly populated with only 117,000 (2019) inhabitants. There are fewer attractions, but in turn the island has not yet fallen prey to mass tourism. Its capital, Puerto del Rosario , is fairly laid back and has a few architectural gems to offer. Fuerteventura is a paradise for windsurfing and the only Canary Island with natural golden sandy beaches rather than naturally black volcanic sand. The main resorts of Fuerteventura are Corralejo, Caleta de Fuste and Morro Jable.
• 27.958611 -15.5925 3 Gran Canaria – The third largest island and second most popular (after Tenerife ) receiving over 4 million tourists every year–green and steep in the north, dry and flat in the south. It has the highest population density of the Canary Islands, with 540 inhabitants per km², and with tourists added to that number it gets a bit crowded at times. The main resorts on the Island are Las Palmas, Maspalomas, Puerto Rico and Playa del Ingles. Its capital city Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has the shared title of capital of the Canaries.
• 29.035 -13.635 4 Lanzarote – About half the size of Gran Canaria , but low lying and arid, with a spectacular volcanic landscape in the west of the island preserved as Timanfaya National Park . The greatest recorded eruptions occurred between 1730–1736. The capital is Arrecife and has its own airport, and draws most of the 2.9 million tourists visiting Lanzarote annually. There is a bustling nightlife in four main resorts—Arrecife, Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca.
• 29.231389 -13.501944 5 La Graciosa – The smallest inhabited island of the Canaries, being only 29 km² in size and having a population of approx. 735 (2018). Its capital is Caleta de Sebo, and it's a few kilometres to the north of Lanzarote .
• 28.666667 -17.866667 6 La Palma – The population is about 83,000 (2019), of which about half live in the capital, Santa Cruz de la Palma and in Los Llanos de Aridane . La Palma's geographic layout is a result of the volcanic formation of the island. The southern part of La Palma is dominated by the Cumbre Vieja, a volcanic ridge formed by numerous volcanic cones built of lava and scoria. The Cumbre Vieja is active but mostly dormant, with the last eruption occurring in 2021.
• 28.115 -17.225 7 La Gomera – The Magic Isle, with San Sebastián as capital, is a paradise for hikers. It is shaped like an orange that has been cut in half and split into segments. The terrain is rough, which has left deep ravines or barrancos between them. These barrancos, in turn, are covered by the laurisilva (laurel rain forest). The local wine has a distinct taste, and is often accompanied with a tapa (snack) of local cheese, roasted pork or goat meat. Other cultural dishes include almogrote , a cheese spread, and a syrup extracted from palm trees called miel de palma . The local people have a unique way of communicating across deep ravines by using a whistled speech called Silbo Gomero. This whistled language is indigenous to the island, and its existence has been documented since Roman times.
• 27.75 -18 8 El Hierro – "The edge of the world". It is also known as the Meridian Island, and Valverde is its capital.

All islands use the same time zone: Western European Time ( WET ). This means the time is the same as Portugal and United Kingdom .

Understand [ edit ]

Pico del Teide (on Tenerife) at 3,715 metres above sea level is the highest point in both the Canary Islands and Spanish territory.

Demographics [ edit ]

The islands have a population of 2.2 million (2019). Since the Canary Islands are a major European tourist destination, all the major islands have well-developed communication systems, airports, and ports.

Ethnically the population is mostly a mix of Spanish, European (German and British), South American, especially Cuban and Venezuelan as well as Northern and Sub-Sahara African. There are also historical minorities such as Indians, Koreans and lately Russians.

Each island speaks with a slightly different accent and there is a strong rivalry between the main islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Most of the accents in the Canary Islands are closer to Latin American Spanish than to Castilian Spanish spoken in continental Spain.

The Canary Islands are very modern, very European, and extremely liberal.

History [ edit ]

Ancient legend claims the Canary Islands are the ‘lost islands’ of Atlantis. They have also been referred to as the lands without sorrow, holding on to the edge of the world. The first settlers were known as Guanches, thought to have arrived in the 10th century BC. The main economic system was built around agriculture and animal farming. During the 14th century, the islands were continuously invaded by different European countries. Sugar cane became the dominant crop, and since the early 20th century, bananas have been widely farmed.

During the Age of Sail, the islands were an important waypoint on the Cape Route .

In contrast to Spanish North Africa and other Spanish overseas territories, the Canary Islands have been an integrated part of Spain for centuries.

Climate [ edit ]

Often referred to as the islands of eternal spring , the Canary Islands are known for their mild climate. On average, they feature mild winters, although there is a lot of wind virtually every day, which makes temperatures feel cooler. Summers are dry and temperatures are generally comfortable but can feel chilly with the wind. The average temperature is 13°C in January and 19°C in July. Sunshine is somewhat abundant in summer and relatively scarce in winter.

Get in [ edit ]

Just like mainland Spain , the Canary Islands are part of the European Union and the Schengen area . Arrivals from other Schengen territories usually don't need to clear immigration.

By plane [ edit ]

There are regular flights from mainland Spain and elsewhere in Europe to the larger islands of Gran Canaria ( LPA  IATA ), La Palma ( SPC  IATA ), Fuerteventura ( FUE  IATA ), Lanzarote ( ACE  IATA ), and Tenerife which has two airports: the north ( TFN  IATA ) near Santa Cruz and the south ( TFS  IATA ) near Golf del Sur.

El Hierro and Gomera are reached by inter-island flights. La Graciosa has no airport.

By boat [ edit ]

The Spanish company Naviera Armas has weekly connections between Huelva and Cadiz in Spain and Arrecife (Lanzarote), Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) and Tenerife . Fred Olsen also has weekly connections from Huelva to Tenerife and Gran Canaria . A detailed map of these three routes can be found on Ferrygogo .

Cruise ships will often plan a stop at the Canary Islands when crossing the Atlantic Ocean or navigating along the eastern coast of Africa . Longer cruises around the Western Mediterranean will also often include a stop at the Canaries, and a few operators like Marella will even offer Canaries-only trips.

Get around [ edit ]

Travel between the islands is overly expensive for tourists, and it is generally not worth it since most islands have enough to offer to keep you busy. Transport for locals is subsidised, but the normal price for tourists is widely overdrawn compared to the rest of Europe for such services. Ferry and plane monopolies play into the situation.

By public transport [ edit ]

Public transport is available on most islands, varying widely in price and efficiency though—see the specific islands for more information. Do not expect bus drivers to know more than a couple of sentences in English or German, though they will try to be helpful.

By rental car [ edit ]

Renting a car is often the best option for discovering the remote and wildness regions— Tenerife might be an exception with its very efficient bus system. There are several well-established local rental companies that are well worth considering, already starting at €100/week or less, especially in off-season starting from April. On smaller islands like La Palma, the variety of companies is reduced though.

Local rental companies (always compare!):

• AutoReisen – Cheap, reliable and no deposit—from €9/day. Not very well known nor listed on the common price comparison websites. Pickup and drop-off is only possible at airports and on the same island. You must be at least 23 years old, and the rental price can only be paid by a credit or debit card in the driver's name. Ask around and you will see that people are very happy with them.
• PlusCar Rent a Car – Conditions are similar to AutoReisen—sometimes cheaper, sometimes more expensive. Likewise no deposit.
• CICAR a.k.a. Cabrera Medina – Reliable and well-known. A bit more expensive than AutoReisen and PlusCar, but with a wider range of models and a much denser network of rental branches all across the islands. No deposit for the car (but for the fuel).
• PaylessCar – Affordable and good.
• TopCar – From €12/day, but many people complain about consecutively being charged for fuel or cleaning. Deposit: €500.
• CarzRent (Tenerife only) – Always open, large deposits and avarage prices.

International rental companies:

• Goldcar, Dollar, Interrent – Not worth the stress—they are well known for ripping off their customers. If you still decide to use them, make sure you understand their terms & conditions, since there may be hidden fees or other tricks.
• Avis, Europcar, Thrifty, Hertz, Enterprice – Probably not worth the extra money, unless you have a membership thing or get a good discount.

The rental conditions of the local companies typically include unlimited mileage, a free second driver and free booster seats for your kids. As a general rule, the driver must be at least 21 years old. Fuel is not included, so make sure to fuel up before returning your vehicle to avoid additional costs.

As roads can often be narrow and unpaved, there is a real risk of damaging cars by ricocheting stones and pebbles. That's why most of the local companies include full insurance by default. When your rental car is fully insured, returning the vehicle is as simple as dropping off the key. Otherwise, inspect your rental car carefully before signing the contract, and consider adding insurance to the contract conditions for a surcharge.

Choose a car that is just large enough to fit all passengers and luggage, but try to keep it as small as possible. A small car is much easier to find a parking spot for in the historic centres of towns and cities, and passing another vehicle coming from the opposite direction becomes less of an adventure on narrow mountain roads. If you intend to do a lot of hiking, some extra ground clearance can occasionally come in handy, as paved parking lots can be a rare good in the mountains. Something like a Jeep Wrangler would be overkill for this, but if you've got money to burn, some of the local rental companies offer those too.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis can be expensive, and inside a city they are not worth the money unless you are in a real hurry or cannot balance yourself after a shopping day.

If you want to travel between the islands, a good option might be to take a ferry . Most ferries are modern, but they are pricey unless you have a residency status. Ferrygogo has a good overview of the different routes that are served by the two main companies:

• Naviera Armas / Transmediterránea – Has many connections all across the region with a large mixed fleet of regular and high-speed ferries.
• Fred Olsen – Focuses on high speed connections.

There are also a couple of scheduled water bus and on-demand water taxi connections available for shorter trips:

• Lineas Romero – Short distance passenger ferries connecting Lanzarote with Fuerteventura, and La Graciosa with Lanzarote.
• Fuertecharter – Offers daily trips from Fuerteventura to Isla de Lobos and Lanzarote.

Check their website for the best prices. There is of course also a number of companies offering whale watching tours and the like.

Renting a yacht (or bringing your own) is also a great way to get around if you know what you're doing. The islands offer numerous harbors and more than 30 marinas to moor in. Sailing the waters can be challenging, though, so plan your trip carefully. Some nautical information and useful links are available at the official website .

If you are afraid of the sea, or get sick just by staring at a ferry, then a plane is what you need to travel between the islands. With the exception of Graciosa (which only has a helipad for medical emergencies) all of the larger islands are served by regional airlines:

That usually means a turboprop ATR-72 or ATR-42, especially when going to the regional airport of La Gomera or El Hierro that are too small for regular airliners to land on. They are perfectly safe and adequately fast, as you are likely to spend more time at the airport than in the plane. Especially between Tenerife and Gran Canaria there are also sometimes airlines that fly from further afield and stop in both islands—whether they sell tickets for that last leg alone is rather hit and miss, however.

See and do [ edit ]

• Teide National Park on Tenerife , with at its centre Mount Teide, the tallest mountain of Spain and one of the world's tallest volcanoes.
• The historic centre of San Cristóbal de La Laguna on Tenerife , dotted with colonial architectural gems.
• The subtropical rainforest of La Garajonay National Park on La Gomera .
• The archaeological site of Risco Caído on Gran Canaria .
• Isla de El Hierro
• Gran Canaria
• Fuerteventura
• Macizo de Anaga

Otherwise the islands impress with:

• Numerous beaches
• Volcanoes and volcanic landscapes great for hiking
• Historical architecture in the old town of Las Palmas

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

The euro (€) is the currency of the Canaries. The islands are outside the EU VAT area and have a separate sales tax from the VAT levied in mainland Spain.

Withdrawing money from Spanish ATM s will often result in an extra charge by the machine of €1–8. Cash can therefore be an alternative, but bears certain risks. However, since COVID credit cards are widely accepted as payment option, even for the tiniest amounts—cash-only is likely a source of tax evasion concerns. So, you are probably best off bringing a few €50–100 in cash and paying the rest with credit card, in case you want to avoid ATM fees.

Bizum is very popular with locals, and even some bars and restaurants—as an alternative to PayPal or Venmo. However, you need a Spanish bank account to use it.

Eat [ edit ]

• Goat – If any kind of meat is popular in the Canary Islands, it's goat. Locals and tourists equally will rave about good places they had goat in. If meat is your thing, you should definitely find such a place.
• Fish – You will find a wide variety of fish and seafood with restaurants that allow you to choose a fish from their selection (often hand caught), which they will cook for you. Two popular fish dishes from Tenerife are Caldereta, a meal with tomatoes, goat meat and potatoes and the Sancocho Canario, a salted fish, usually white, in a “mojo” sauce.
• Morcilla Dulce Canaria – A sweet blood sausage, almost a cake or a pudding, very popular on the islands. The taste feels delicious and disgusting at the same time.
• Plantain bananas – The Canary Islands are Europe's only exporter of these famously delicious, and usually fried bananas.
• Mousse de gofio or gofío amasado – A dessert made from gofio , miel de palma , and plantains.

Drink [ edit ]

• Barraquito – Also called barraco, is a coffee speciality from the Canary Islands and particularly popular on Tenerife but also on La Palma.
• Beer – There are three local breweries (Dorada, Tropical and Reina).
• Coffee – Cafe solo (espresso) and Cortado (espresso with milk) are the most ordered coffee variations on the islands.
• Rum – There are also well known rum distilleries, especially in Gran Canaria (Artemi and Arehucas). The ron miel is a sweet liquor made from rum and honey.
• Wines – There are several brands of wines in the islands. North of Tenerife, La Geria in Lanzarote or La Palma have excellent vineyards.

Stay safe [ edit ]

112 is the common emergency number.

Pickpocketing [ edit ]

While being a safe place, beware of pickpockets in major tourist and resort areas. Do not take electrical devices, credit cards or large amounts of cash to the beach, if you plan to leave your goods unattended while swimming, or when going out for clubbing. Already many mobile phones have been snatched around the islands from drunken lads, especially at night.

Natural hazards [ edit ]

The islands are of volcanic origin, and the latest outbreak on La Palma in 2021 is proof that they are indeed still active. Outbreaks are rare, though, and any seismic activities are closely monitored to provide early warnings to the population. Moderate earthquakes can occur, but they typically do not exceed magnitudes of 5.5. Tropical storms sometimes reach the archipelago and can cause flooding and destruction in the coastal areas. All of the above mean that the terrain can be steep and unstable, making falling rocks and landslides a very real danger. If a mountain road or hiking trail is closed, that is usually because of this.

Episodes of heavy Calima (see Climate ) may lead to respiratory problems, coughing, nasal obstruction and itchy eyes. Consider wearing a N95 type respirator outside, hydrate enough, and stay indoors if it gets too dusty.

Heat strokes and sunburn are an underestimated risk, as solar radiation so close to the equator is much stronger than many European tourists expect. The latter is maybe even more of a concern in the high mountains, where the air is thinner and feels more breezy.

There are no poisonous or otherwise dangerous wild animals around, and while mosquitoes may bite you on occasion, they do not carry infectious diseases .

Go next [ edit ]

• Spain – Regular ferry connections exist between the Canary Islands and mainland Spain.
• Morocco – There used to exist a ferry connection, but nowadays using the plane is the only option.
• Madeira and Azores – Regular flights are available.

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A COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE CANARY ISLANDS

Are you visiting the Canary Islands soon? You need some help to plan your trip? We spent 3 months traveling through the Canary Islands and we prepared this comprehensive travel guide for you!

With its stunning beaches , incredible landscapes, fantastic traditions and delicious food, the Canary Islands is a dream destination in Europe. In this post we will share useful tips for traveling to the Canary Islands.

The Canary Islands are composed of 7 unique islands . The best known and most visited are Lanzarote (our favorite one…) and Tenerife . However each island has something special to offer. To know more about each island you can read this post .

1. Why traveling to the the Canary Islands?

When we started our trip to the Canary Islands , we didn’t know what to expect. However, during our journey we were amazed by the beauty and diversity of landscapes in the Canary Islands.

Just to give you some examples, you can see a desert in Maspalomas in Gran Canaria , you can reach the highest mountain in Spain at Mount Teide , Tenerife . You can also visit amazing beaches which will make you feel at the end of the world such as Cofete in Fuerteventura . And of course Lanzarote will make feel that you landed on the moon . Make sure to visit Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote , one of the most incredible things to see in the Canary Islands!

The Canary Islands is a destination for everyone. So if you are more of a night owl, there is a vibrant nightlife in the Canary Islands! The best places to party are Playa del Inglés in Gran Canaria , or Corralejo in Fuerteventura .

• 10 BEST REASONS TO VISIT LANZAROTE
• 10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT FUERTEVENTURA
• TOP 8 REASONS TO VISIT GRAN CANARIA
• WHY VISITING TENERIFE?

2. Which island to visit in the Canary Islands?

Whether you want to enjoy the beach, or need some adventures, or want some great food there is something for everyone in the Canary Islands.

If you like to party , prioritise Gran Canaria . On top of having a great nightlife , Gran Canaria is also one of the most diverse islands in the Canary. Hence, you will be able to combine excursion during the day and partying at night! Here are the 20 best things to visit in Gran Canaria.

If you like hiking , then without a doubt Tenerife will be the best island to visit. Indeed, Tenerife is home to mount Teide the highest mountain in Spain! It is one of the most visited natural park in the whole of Europe! Full guide here to climb to the summit (it’s not as hard as you would imagine…)

If you want a complete change of landscape, then Lanzarote is the one! Lanzarote is a perfect place to feel the volcanic power of the Canary Islands, some places will make you feel on the moon.

For those you like water-sports such as surfing or kitesurfing , then the best island for that would be Fuerteventura! Here we listed the best outdoor activities in Fuerteventura and here the best spots for surfing in the Canary Islands .

If you want something more calm and off the beaten track, head to La Gomera, La Palma or El Hierro. Those 3 islands are the wildest amongst all of the Canary Islands .

READ: WHICH ONE IS THE BEST CANARY ISLAND TO VISIT?

3. When is the best time to visit the Canary Islands?

The Canary Islands benefit from a very unique climate which makes some say that is an eternal spring . Indeed the climate is good all year round and doesn’t change much throughout the year.

However some months are a bit more rainy than others… To visit the Canary Islands in the most optimal conditions, it is generally preferable to travel during the months of May to November . Most likely you will never have to deal with rain…

In the middle of winter, the Canary Islands will be a popular refuge for Europeans escaping cold temperature in the mainland. During this period, some rainfall can be observed, but the temperature rarely drops below 20°C. In terms of crowds, the most popular periods are therefore the months of July and August, but also the winter months and January in particular.

• WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CANARY ISLANDS?
• BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO VISIT LANZAROTE
• BEST MONTHS TO VISIT FUERTEVENTURA
• WHEN VISITING TENERIFE
• BEST TIME TO VISIT GRAN CANARIA

4. What budget should you plan to visit the Canary Islands?

To visit the Canary Islands without too much compromise, it is important to talk about the budget. This essential point of travel guides is always a sensitive aspect due to the volatility of prices and the countless parameters that influence them.

With regard to the Canary Islands, you must first know that the notions of high, low and medium season are essential. If you are traveling during the Christmas holidays or the months of July and August, expect to see prices skyrocket . So book well in advance!

You should also know that at the same time, the islands of El Hierro or La Gomera are much cheaper than Tenerife and Gran Canaria, for example.

In terms of accommodation and in general, you can find everything. From the small youth hostel at 20 euros per night to the most luxury hotels at 200 euros per night. What we found very expensive is eating in restaurants . A paella for 2 with 2 glasses of Sangria, would easily cost us 50 EUR… As we were traveling for 3 months, we decided to eat most of the time in our apartment. This helped our budget considerably!

Also remember to include car rental, which will amount to around 30 or 40 euros per day with decreasing rates if you opt for longer rental periods and of course depending on the type of car you rent. As for us we always rented a Fiat 500, which is generally the cheapest model. We loved it, except in Fuerteventura where the roads can be very bumpy. More on that here .

5. How to get to the Canary Islands from the rest of Europe?

By plane is obviously the fastest and cheapest way to get to the Canary Islands. There are many connections from the major cities in Europe. The best company to get to the Canary Islands , is Easy Jet. Remember that the earlier you book, the better fares you will get, which is absolutely essential if you choose to travel during the busy periods mentioned above.

However, there is a more adventurous way to get to the Canary Islands if you have sufficient time. You can take your car and drive down to the south of Spain. The cities of Cadiz or Huelva allow you to reach the islands of Las Palmas or Gran Canaria by ferry ! The crossing lasts between 30 and 40 hours depending on the weather conditions.

We didn’t know about it, until we saw cars with Swiss plates or German plates driving in the Canary Islands. We fell that this was a fantastic way to travel to the Canary Islands. And all islands are connected by ferry which makes it super easy to travel with your own car. Awesome, isn’t it?

If that’s an option for you, check out Direct Ferries to book your ride.

6. How to get around the Canary Islands?

Once you reach the Canary Islands, it is highly recommended to rent a car . To get the cheaper rate we used Rentalcars.com . Check it out here for the best deals.

Taking a taxi is also possible, however you will have less freedom to travel or take your time to visit certain sights. Especially for those who want to go hiking… There are also bus lines, but they will be relatively limited once you get off the beaten track. Finally, cycling can also be a good way to discover the Canary Islands .

If you want to visit multiple islands while you are in the Canaries, which we recommend, then using the ferry would be the best way . You can book all your ferry rides here .

7. Best traditional dishes in the Canary Islands?

Visiting the Canary Islands without eating a potato dish is practically impossible! Since its introduction by the Spaniards, potato has been integrated into many typical dishes. Try the Ropa Vieja , a kind of stew made with chickpeas and strips of beef and chicken or Pucherio Canario a stew with chorizo, bacon, cabbage, courgettes or pumpkin. Also taste the Papas Arrugadas , a delicacy of potatoes boiled in salted water and always accompanied by their Mojo sauce, often very spicy and extremely tasty.

The Gofio is a flour of wheat, or corn previously roasted, and which is used with all the sauces in the islands. This traditional food can be used to thicken soups, but can also be eaten with milk or even in the form of ice cream.

Meat lovers will appreciate the Canary Islands for the diversity of their dishes, which include pork and rabbit as well as chicken and goat. Seafood lovers will be served with cod, bass, sardines and of course octopus.

As for desserts, we particularly recommend the Leche Asada , a cinnamon cream caramelized with palm honey.

Finally, to drink, you can try delicious local wines and don’t forget the Barraquito, a multi-layered coffee consisting of an  espresso, condensed milk and a touch of Licor 43  which is Spain’s number 1 liqueur. Really delicious!

8. What are the best things to do in the Canary Islands?

If we were to list all the great things to do in the Canary Island, the list would be way too long! We probably have over a 100 recommendations.

So we to make it simple, we prepared some of the highlights on each island such as below.

What to see in Lanzarote ?

• TIMANFAYA NATIONAL PARK , the unmissable thing to see in Lanzarote:  here
• PAPAGAYO BEACH , the most beautiful beach in Lanzarote:  here
• FAMARA , a charming village and surf paradise:  here
• JAMEOS DEL AGUA , our favorite sight in Lanzarote:  here
• CACTUS GARDEN  in Lanzarote:  here

What to see in Tenerife ?

• PUERTO DE LA CRUZ, one of the best town in Tenerife:  here
• MASCA,  the most remote village in Tenerife:  here
• MOUNT TEIDE , the highest peak in Spain:  here
• SAN CRISTÓBAL DE LA LAGUNA , the ancient capital of Tenerife:  here
• LOS GIGANTES , most impressive cliffs in Tenerife:  here
• GARACHICO , one of the prettiest towns in Tenerife:  here

What to see in Gran Canaria?

• VISITING LAS PALMAS,  the capital of Gran Canaria: here
• TEROR , one of the most charming towns in Gran Canaria:  here
• MASPALOMAS  a desert in Gran Canaria:  here
• PUERTO DE MOGÁN , our favorite place in Gran Canaria:  here
• AGÜIMES , a fantastic historical town in Gran Canaria:  here
• TEJEDA , visit one of the prettiest village in Gran Canaria:  here

What to see in Fuerteventura?

• CORRALEJO DUNES NATURAL PARK , full guide:  here
• EL COTILLO,  a charming village near Corralejo in Fuerteventura:  here
• COFETE , the best beach in Fuerteventura:  here
• HIKING CALDERON HONDO  in Fuerteventura:  here
• OASIS PARK  in Fuerteventura:  here

9. Useful information

Money : the Canary Islands belong to Spain, so the currency is the euro.

Passport : Spain belongs to the Schengen Convention area, you do not need a passport to go there.

Vaccines : no particular vaccine is necessary.

Language : the official language is Spanish, but all seasonal workers speak English and sometimes even French.

Tipping : It is appreciated if customers leave a tip in taxis, hotels or restaurants to approximately 5 to 10% of the price.

Safety : the Canary Islands are safe but, as with any tourist destination, be careful with your belongings and do not leave anything in sight.

READ: 10 BEST REASONS TO VISIT THE CANARY ISLANDS

10. CONCLUSION

The Canary Islands are a real gems with full of surprise. During our 3 months traveling through the Islands, we realized how beautiful but more importantly how diverse each island is. There are so many things to do and see in the Canary islands. Even during our 3 months we couldn’t see it all. Each island has its own treasures!

READ: 10 BEST BEACHES IN THE CANARY ISLANDS

So what are you waiting for? Did you book your flight yet? Book here for the best prices .

We hope that this post was useful to prepare for your visit to the Canary Islands. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.

We are Hammer and Guillaume, a fun couple traveling the world. We will take you to some of the most amazing places on earth. Hammer is a yoga instructor and Guillaume a true water baby, enjoying all kinds of water sports. Follow-us to get the latest update about our travels.

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8 Reasons to Visit the Canary Islands

Isolated beaches, balmy weather and misty forests are just a few allures for adventure-seekers.

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Soak in striking and surreal volcanic landscapes, discover natural wonders in diverse parks and enjoy hiking, sunbathing, scuba diving and windsurfing on a vacation to remember.

While you may have never heard of Spain's seven Canary Islands , if you like exploring nature reserves, lazing along the beach and taking in dramatic volcanic landscapes, this lovely cluster of isles should be on your radar. The Spanish-governed volcanic archipelago is located about 60 miles west of Morocco and offers plenty of pursuits of active types (think: watersports, stargazing and hiking) and a variety of often-overlooked sights. And with more flights than ever taking off to the Canaries from Europe and the U.S., now is an excellent time to book your vacation and island-hop around these picturesque isles.

[See: 9 Secluded Beaches to Visit This Summer .]

The Islands Are Accessible and Affordable

The Canary Islands are closer to the U.S. than mainland Europe. In fact, they were Christopher Columbus' last stop before he reached the Americas. While there are no direct flights (yet) from the U.S., discount airline Wow Air flies to Tenerife for as little as $200 each way from several major cities in the U.S. From Newark, the flight travel time is six hours to Reykjavik, Iceland. And after a free stopover in Iceland, it's just another five-hour flight to Tenerife. If you're already in Europe, the Canary Islands are only a four-hour direct flight from London. What's more, between the islands, ferry service is easy to navigate and cost-effective.

You Can't Beat the Climate

With 365 days of sun a year, it's hard to top Tenerife's weather. But it's not just the aptly nicknamed “Island of Eternal Spring” that averages temperatures in the pleasant 70s year-round. All of the islands are blessed with cooling trade winds that constantly blow from the northeast. Plus, the wind mixes with the high temperatures of the Western Sahara to create a comfortable climate for hitting the beach and enjoying active outdoor adventures throughout the year.

Staying in the Canary Islands Is Less Expensive Than You Might Think

Most goods and services on the Canary Islands are at least 40 percent cheaper than what you'd find in mainland Western Europe. Compared to Los Angeles, the Canary Islands' restaurant prices are more than 40 percent lower and compared to Des Moines, its rental prices are nearly 50 percent lower. A car hire for weeklong vacations can cost as low as $100 and a pint of beer will only set you back about $1.25. Buy why savor a beer when you can enjoy local Spanish wines? Grocery stores in the Canary Islands have red wine for less than a dollar per bottle.

You Can Enjoy Plenty of Outdoor Pursuits

The Canary Islands are most associated with sunbathing thanks to their natural volcanic black-sand and white-sand beaches featuring sand imported from the Sahara. But they also cater to adrenaline junkies longing to explore aquatic canyons with outfitter Canyon Tenerife, kayak beneath Los Gigantes' 1,000-foot cliffs with tour operator Teno Activo and climb the same mountain roads Tour de France winners train on. And on more windswept islands such as Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, kitesurfers nearly outnumber locals.

[See: 10 Lesser-Known Destinations to Visit This Summer .]

There's Jaw-Dropping Scenery

It's hard to describe the Canary Islands' backdrops without using the word ethereal. From the lava fields of Tenerife to the ancient laurel forests of La Gomera to the submerged mountain of El Heirro, a world-class diving destination, the Canary Islands offer Instagram-worthy settings at every turn. In fact, when the Spanish first landed on the islands, they thought they were the remnants of Atlantis. Four of the islands are UNESCO Biosphere reserves in their entirety, and 43 percent of the island of Gran Canaria is a Biosphere Reserve. The most dangerous part of driving the islands' narrow, winding roads is the risk of getting distracted by the sublime landscapes.

You Can Experience a Cultural Crossroads

Though the Canary Islands are governed by Spain, they have their own distinct culture created after hundreds of years of serving as a stopping point for trans-Atlantic traders. Residents often associate the isles more with Latin America than Spain. Still, centuries-old traditions have survived, including quirky festivities like the annual goat bathing festival on Tenerife and fire-jumping competitions on La Gomera. What's more, La Gomera's ancient language of whistling – used to communicate across canyons – is honored by UNESCO as part of our Intangible World Heritage. It's the world's only whistling language still used.

You'll Find Fascinating Fauna From Sea to Sky

Because of the Canary Islands' long list of endemic species, including dozens of rare birds, the isles are revered by wildlife biologists. Though birds and reptiles are abundant on all of the islands, there is a notable absence of large mammals. Still, the sea more than makes up for this deficit. Tenerife is home to one of the most highly trafficked channels for more than 20 species of whales and dolphins. On a four-hour sea-life safari cruise with outfitter Picarus Sailing Club, you can catch sight of curious dolphins swimming and diving alongside the catamaran.

[See: 8 Great International Getaways You Can Afford This Summer .]

You Can Attend Colorful Parades, Pageants and Parties

Outside of Rio de Janeiro, no place in the world celebrates Carnival as passionately as the Canary Islands. And unlike Rio, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife caters to families. The over-the-top festival includes a public pageant to crown the Carnival Queen, a parade rivaling anything experienced at Disney World and finally, the symbolical burial of the sardine which closes out the 15 days of dancing, parades, street parties – some featuring crowds of more than 200,000 – and performances that artists practice for year-round. Their full-time job is to prepare for this spectacular annual event.

9 Tours for Solo Travelers

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About En Route

Practical advice on the art of traveling smarter with tips, tricks and intel from En Route's panel of experts.

Contributors have experience in areas ranging from family travel, adventure travel, experiential travel and budget travel to hotels, cruises and travel rewards and include Amy Whitley , Claire Volkman , Holly Johnson , Marsha Dubrow , Lyn Mettler , Sery Kim , Kyle McCarthy , Erica Lamberg , Jess Moss , Sheryl Nance-Nash , Sherry Laskin , Katie Jackson , Erin Gifford , Roger Sands , Steve Larese , Gwen Pratesi , Erin Block , Dave Parfitt , Kacey Mya , Kimberly Wilson , Susan Portnoy , Donna Tabbert Long and Kitty Bean Yancey .

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Canary Islands Tourism.

What can you see in canary islands..

In this tour guide you will discover information about tourism in the Canaries and on each island, which lie from the north cost of Africa, bathed by the Atlantic Ocean.

Canaries are constituted by seven larger islands: Tenerife , Fuerteventura , Gran Canaria , Lanzarote , La Palma ,  La Gomera  and  El Hierro ; and several other smaller islands, among which stand out: La Graciosa, Alegranza and Lobos.

The coast of the islands is in it’s majority lined with long sandy beaches and are punctuated by reefs, coves, and deep bays. In some areas, however, cliffs and more precipitous terrain predominate as you might perceive on the coast of Gran Canaria, or in north of Tenerife. The most common peculiarity of all Canary Islands is their volcanic topography.

Three regions can be distinguished from the topography of the islands: the central islands, the eastern islands, and the western islands. The volcanism has promoted highly unique landscape, with varied topographical forms (craters, cones, malpaises [badlands], tubes, etc.). The most representative geographical feature of the Canaries is El Teide, Spain´s highest peak, with an altitude of 3.718 meters. Due to the morphology of the islands and the lack of precipitation there are no water channels.

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Travel and tourism in the Canary Islands - statistics & facts

Tourism in the canaries amid covid-19, what is the main destination in the archipelago, the importance of the hotel industry, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Visitors to the Canary Islands 2010-2022

Tourism GDP in the Canary Islands 2015-2021

Tourism employment in the Canary Islands 2010-2021

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic, destinations.

Visitors to the Canary Islands 2022, by island of destination

Hotel room occupancy in the Canary Islands 2010-2021

Related topics

Tourism in spain.

• Travel and tourism in Spain
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Recommended statistics

• Premium Statistic Inbound tourism volume in Spain 2023, by region of destination
• Premium Statistic Tourism GDP in the Canary Islands 2015-2021
• Premium Statistic Tourism share of GDP in the Canary Islands 2010-2021
• Premium Statistic Hospitality business in the Canary Islands 2010-2022, by main activity
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Inbound tourism volume in Spain 2023, by region of destination

Number of international tourists in Spain in 2023, by autonomous community (in 1,000s)

Contribution of travel and tourism to the gross domestic product in the Canary Islands, Spain from 2015 to 2021 (in billion euros)

Tourism share of GDP in the Canary Islands 2010-2021

Travel and tourism as share of gross domestic product in the Canary Islands, Spain from 2010 to 2021

Hospitality business in the Canary Islands 2010-2022, by main activity

Number of companies in the accommodation and food service industries in the Canary Islands, Spain from 2010 to 2022

Number of employees in the tourism sector in the Canary Islands, Spain from 2010 to 2021 (in 1,000s)

Tourism volume and expenditures

• Premium Statistic Visitors to the Canary Islands 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic Monthly international tourism volume in the Canary Islands 2019-2023
• Premium Statistic Quarterly tourism spending in the Canary Islands 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic International tourism receipts in the Canary Islands 2016-2022
• Premium Statistic Per capita spending of tourists in the Canary islands 2022, by type of expense

Number of inbound tourists in the Canary Islands, Spain from 2010 to 2022 (in millions)

Monthly international tourism volume in the Canary Islands 2019-2023

Number of international tourists in the Canary Islands, Spain from January 2019 to December 2023 (in 1,000s)

Quarterly tourism spending in the Canary Islands 2019-2022

Expenditure of tourists in the Canary Islands, Spain from 1st quarter 2019 to 4th quarter 2022 (in million euros)

International tourism receipts in the Canary Islands 2016-2022

Expenditure of international tourists in the Canary Islands, Spain from 2016 to 2022 (in million euros)

Per capita spending of tourists in the Canary islands 2022, by type of expense

Average expenditure of visitors in the Canary Islands, Spain in 2022, by expense category (in euros per person)

Visitor profile

• Premium Statistic Main countries of residence among visitors in the Canary Islands 2022
• Premium Statistic Share of inbound tourists in the Canary Islands 2022, by family income
• Premium Statistic Share of inbound tourists in the Canary Islands 2020-2021, by age
• Premium Statistic Share of inbound tourists in the Canary Islands 2021, by companionship
• Premium Statistic Most influential aspects to travel for leisure to the Canary Islands 2021

Main countries of residence among visitors in the Canary Islands 2022

Leading countries of origin among tourists in the Canary Islands, Spain in 2022 (in 1,000s)

Share of inbound tourists in the Canary Islands 2022, by family income

Distribution of tourists in the Canary Islands, Spain in 2022, by household income (in euros)

Share of inbound tourists in the Canary Islands 2020-2021, by age

Distribution of visitors the Canary Islands, Spain in 2020 and 2021, by age group

Share of inbound tourists in the Canary Islands 2021, by companionship

Distribution of visitors in the Canary Islands, Spain in 2021, by travel companion

Most influential aspects to travel for leisure to the Canary Islands 2021

Main factors considered when choosing the Canary Islands, Spain as a holiday destination in 2021

• Premium Statistic Visitors to the Canary Islands 2022, by island of destination
• Premium Statistic Local tourism volume in the Canary Islands 2022, by island of destination
• Premium Statistic Main overnight destinations in the Canary Islands 2022
• Basic Statistic Most popular recreational parks in the Canary Islands 2023
• Premium Statistic Spanish national parks 2021, by total area

Number of inbound tourists in the Canary Islands, Spain in 2022, by main destination (in 1,000s)

Local tourism volume in the Canary Islands 2022, by island of destination

Number of local tourists in the Canary Islands, Spain in 2022, by destination

Main overnight destinations in the Canary Islands 2022

Number of overnight stays in leading tourist destinations in the Canary Islands, Spain in 2022 (in 1,000s)

Most popular recreational parks in the Canary Islands 2023

Leading theme and water parks in the Canary Islands, Spain as of July 2023, based on number of TripAdvisor reviews (in 1,000s)

Spanish national parks 2021, by total area

Surface area of national parks in Spain as of 2021 (in hectares)

Hotel industry

• Premium Statistic Hotel industry revenue in the Canary Islands 2010-2021
• Premium Statistic Hotels in the Canary Islands 2021, by star rating
• Premium Statistic Hotel room occupancy in the Canary Islands 2010-2021
• Premium Statistic Largest hotel chains in the Canary Islands 2021

Hotel industry revenue in the Canary Islands 2010-2021

Revenue of hotel establishments in the Canary Islands, Spain from 2010 to 2021 (in billion euros)

Hotels in the Canary Islands 2021, by star rating

Number of hotel establishments in the Canary Islands, Spain in 2021, by star rating

Room occupancy rate of hotels in the Canary Islands, Spain from 2010 to 2021

Largest hotel chains in the Canary Islands 2021

Leading hotel chains in the Canary Islands, Spain in 2021, by number of rooms

Cruise tourism

• Premium Statistic Cruise tourism volume in the Canary Islands 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic Cruise tourism volume in the Canary Islands 2022, by port
• Premium Statistic Number of cruise ship calls at Santa Cruz de Tenerife's ports 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of cruise ship calls at Las Palmas' ports 2010-2022

Cruise tourism volume in the Canary Islands 2010-2022

Number of cruise passengers in the Canary Islands, Spain from 2010 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Cruise tourism volume in the Canary Islands 2022, by port

Number of cruise passengers in the Canary Islands, Spain in 2022, by port (in 1,000s)

Number of cruise ship calls at Santa Cruz de Tenerife's ports 2010-2022

Number of cruises calling at ports under Santa Cruz de Tenerife Port Authority, Spain from 2010 to 2022

Number of cruise ship calls at Las Palmas' ports 2010-2022

Number of cruises calling at ports under Las Palmas Port Authority, Spain from 2010 to 2022

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Tens of thousands protest against Canary Islands’ ‘unsustainable’ tourism model

Organisers say 50,000 turn out to call for limit on tourist numbers, saying model makes life unaffordable and puts strain on resources

Tens of thousands of people are protesting across the Canary Islands to call for an urgent rethink of the Spanish archipelago’s tourism strategy and a freeze on visitor numbers, arguing that the decades-old model has made life unaffordable and environmentally unsustainable for residents.

The protests, which are taking place under the banner “Canarias tiene un límite” – The Canaries have a limit – are backed by environmental groups including Greenpeace, WWF, Ecologists in Action, Friends of the Earth and SEO/Birdlife.

“We’ve reached the point where the balance between the use of resources and the welfare of the population here has broken down, especially over the past year,” said Víctor Martín, a spokesperson for the collective Canarias se Agota – The Canaries Have Had Enough – which helped to coordinate protests on Saturday across the eight islands.

Eleven members of Canarias se Agota have already been on hunger strike for a week to protest against the construction of two large luxury developments in southern Tenerife, which they describe as illegal and totally unnecessary.

Police said 20,000 people had turned out for the demonstrations, but organisers put the figure closer to 50,000, Spain’s TVE public television said.

“We are not against tourism,” Rosario Correo, one of the protesters, told TVE. “We’re asking that they change this model that allows for unlimited growth of tourism.”

Protesters also gathered in Madrid and Barcelona to show their support for the rallies in the Canary Islands, public television said.

Last year, 13.9 million people visited the islands, which have a population of 2.2 million. Tourism accounts for about 35% of the archipelago’s GDP – bringing in €16.9bn in 2022 alone – but local people say the industry is stressing natural resources and pricing them out of the rental market.

Figures from Spain’s National Statistics Institute show that 33.8% of people in the Canaries are at risk of poverty or social exclusion , the highest proportion for any region except Andalucía.

Martín said the regional government’s continuing focus on tourism at a time when the climate emergency was leading to cuts to water supplies made no sense. “Demand is rising in urban areas where there are more tourists,” he said. “We’ve had a very dry winter and a water emergency’s already been declared on Tenerife.

“There are going to be restrictions if there’s not more rain this month but it’s 36C here right now. This is all unsustainable and it means that we won’t even be able to keep normal levels of tourism going. And yet the authorities and the businesses here are trying to stick with this model.”

The housing situation in many parts of the archipelago was also dire because of high prices, low wages, a lack of public housing and the continuing cost of living crisis, Martín said. “I realised we’d reached the limit when I saw people who were working as hotel maids or waiters were living in shacks.

“Wages are so low that they don’t cover the basic costs of living, especially in the current crisis, which is global, but has been felt keenly in the Canaries because we have to import practically everything.”

He insisted the protest movement was not anti-tourist, pointing out that many people in the Canaries had known and liked generations of families from countries such as the UK and Germany.

“The problem isn’t the tourists,” he said. “It’s a model that was built around, and with the connivance of, a business class that doesn’t want to listen to what needs to be done, and with a political class that serves that business class instead of serving all the citizens.”

He said a complete rethink of the Canaries’ tourism model could not wait. “What we’re asking is very simple. Given that tourism is the main economic activity and the cause of all these problems, we want an immediate halt to these two mega-projects,” he said of the Tenerife developments.

“We also want a tourist moratorium that will lead to a study of the load each island can take and which will determine whether we’ve already passed the critical point. In areas where there’s an overload, we want to see a stage of degrowth of economic activity to benefit natural resources. Otherwise, you have an existing model that only benefits a very few people.”

Martín said a proper study of the problems the Canaries suffer from could have global repercussions. “This rethinking of the tourism model could put the Canaries on the map as an example of sustainable tourism development,” he said. “We could be known for something positive instead of something negative.”

Fernando Clavijo, the regional president of the Canary Islands, has said his administration is already taking action. “All the actions this government has taken have been based on a revision of this model,” he told reporters this week . “The Canaries tourist model has been a successful one, but obviously, as with anything, there are things that could be perfected.”

Over-tourism has become a major issue in many Spanish cities and regions , triggering protests and backlashes in Barcelona , and leading the authorities in Seville to consider charging visitors to explore the Andalucían city’s famous Plaza de España .

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Thousands protest against over-tourism in Spain’s Canary Islands

Demonstrators say mass tourism is overwhelming the Atlantic archipelago.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators have hit the streets of Spain’s Canary Islands to demand changes to the model of mass tourism they say is overwhelming the Atlantic archipelago.

An estimated 57,000 people joined the protests, which began at midday (11:00 GMT) on Saturday, Spanish media reports said, citing the central government’s representative in the islands.

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Flag-waving crowds packed the streets of the main towns across all of the archipelago’s seven islands, chanting and whistling, and holding placards with slogans like: “The Canary Islands are not up for sale!”; “A moratorium on tourism”; and “Respect my home”.

“It’s not a message against the tourist, but against a tourism model that doesn’t benefit this land and needs to be changed,” one of the protesters told the Reuters news agency during the march in Tenerife’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Smaller marches were held elsewhere in the island group and other Spanish cities, all of them organised by about two dozen environmental organisations ahead of the peak summer holiday season.

The protests were called by some 20 social and environmental groups who say tourist overcrowding perpetuates an economic model that harms local residents and damages the environment.

They want the authorities to limit the number of visitors and have proposed introducing an eco-tax to protect the environment, a moratorium on tourism and a clampdown on the sale of properties to non-residents.

“The authorities must immediately stop this corrupt and destructive model that depletes the resources and makes the economy more precarious. The Canary Islands have limits and people’s patience [does], too,” Antonio Bullon, one of the protest leaders, told Reuters.

‘We can’t keep looking away’

The archipelago of 2.2 million people was visited by nearly 14 million foreign tourists in 2023, up 13 percent from the previous year, according to official data.

Authorities in the islands are concerned about the impact on locals. A draft law expected to pass this year – one that toughens the rules on short lets – follows complaints from residents priced out of the housing market.

Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo said on Friday that he felt “proud” that the region was a leading Spanish tourist destination, but acknowledged that more controls were needed as the sector continues to grow.

“We can’t keep looking away. Otherwise, hotels will continue to open without any control,” he told a press conference.

Anti-tourism protests have multiplied in recent months across Spain, the world’s second-most visited country, prompting authorities to try to reconcile the interests of locals and a lucrative sector that accounts for 12.8 percent of Spain’s economy.

The Canary Islands, which lie off the northwestern coast of Africa, are known for their volcanic landscapes and year-round sunshine attracting millions of visitors every year, with four in 10 residents working in tourism – a sector that accounts for 36 percent of the islands’ gross domestic product (GDP).

Before the coronavirus pandemic brought the global travel industry to its knees in 2020, over-tourism protest movements were already active in Spain, notably in Barcelona.

After travel restrictions were lifted, tourism surged, with Spain welcoming a record 85.1 million visitors last year.

Thousands protest over mass tourism in Spain's Canary Islands

• Canary Islands
• Saturday 20 April 2024 at 8:46pm

Thousands of protesters have taken part in demonstrations against mass tourism in Spain's Canary Islands .

The archipelago, which includes Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria, is a popular destination for British tourists, but the islands are struggling to cope with the influx of visitors.

in 2023 around 14 million foreigners visited the islands in the Atlantic which have a population of just 2.2 million.

Despite decades of mass tourism, the Canary Islands remain poor compared to other regions of Spain and the average salary of workers is one of the lowest in the country.

Residents living in the holiday destination say too much tourism is damaging the environment, driving down wages and squeezing locals out of the housing market.

Some local people say they have been forced to sleep in their cars or even in caves.

A number of provinces have taken matters into their own hands and are providing guidance - and in some case strict rules - for tourists visiting over the summer, as they try and tackle overcrowding and the problems that come with it.

Tourism represents nearly 12% of Spain’s economy but there has been growing pressure from locals for governments to put measures in place to reduce the number of visitors.

Protestors in Tenerife started a hunger strike on April 12 as part of a wider campaign demanding the Canary Islands government tackle the effects of excess tourism in the region.

Hundreds of people linked arms to form a human chain to demonstrate against the building of an additional hotel and beach resort, as well as future projects aimed at attracting more tourists.

The wider movement is called Canarias Se Agota, which means 'The Canaries Have Had Enough'.

In an Instagram post the organisation said the Canary Islands are "exhausted" because of the "excessive tourism" and the "lack of attention to the basic needs of the population".

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