Things to Do in the Canary Islands 🇮🇨: A Traveler’s Guide

If there is one place that changed our lives, it was the Canary Islands. When we arrived for the first time more than 6 years ago, we didn’t imagine we would end up choosing Fuerteventura as our home. Since then, we have explored every corner of this incredible archipelago, and today we want to share with you this complete guide on things to do in the Canary Islands, ideal for planning your unforgettable trip.

Stories, photos, videos, places, tips, and advice for traveling to the Canary Islands.

– The 7 Canary Islands:

TENERIFE – GRAN CANARIA – FUERTEVENTURA – LANZAROTE | LA GOMERA – LA PALMA – EL HIERRO.
– Four islets: Alegranza, La Graciosa, Montaña Clara, and Lobos;

Why travel to the Canary Islands

The Canaries are not just another destination on the map: they are a set of islands where summer seems to have no end. With mild temperatures all year round, golden beaches, volcanoes, trails, and a culture with its own identity, this corner of Spain (although it is located closer to Africa, in the middle of the Atlantic) combines everything a traveler looks for.

In addition, the Canaries offer a familiar cultural bridge: shared language, warmth of the people, and a relaxed pace of life that feels like home, but with landscapes that seem to be from another planet.

Climate and best time to travel

The most magical thing about the archipelago is its subtropical climate. The first time, we arrived in the middle of January, from Porto where we were very bundled up, and we reached Tenerife, where we were walking in shorts and a t-shirt with a light jacket. Incredible!! And not only that, but you can be at the beach enjoying the sun. Each island has its own microclimate: Tenerife is more humid in the north, Fuerteventura has wilder, more arid, and windy beaches, La Palma is greener.

If you are looking to swim and relax, from May to October is ideal. But for hiking or exploring without so much heat, the months between November and April are perfect.

Literally, any time of the year is good to come!

How to get to the Canaries from Europe

Traveling to the Canary Islands from Europe is very easy. The archipelago is extremely well connected with the continent, and that makes arriving part of the enjoyment. There are direct flights from practically all major European cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, London, Berlin, Rome, or Amsterdam, among many others.

The most common airlines are Iberia, Vueling, Ryanair, EasyJet, and Binter Canarias (the latter is ideal for connections between islands). In high season, especially between April and October, flights are usually more frequent and cheaper.

If you are traveling through continental Europe, it is best to look for low-cost flights: there are many offers that connect Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura for less than €50.

That said, we recommend booking in advance and flying on weekdays, when fares are usually lower.

Another option is to arrive by ferry from the south of Spain, although it is a long journey (more than 30 hours from Cádiz or Huelva). We recommend booking a cabin to sleep at night. It can be interesting if you are traveling with a car or camper, but for most, the plane is the most practical and economical option.

Once on any of the main islands, moving between them is very simple: there are short flights that last between 20 and 40 minutes, and daily ferries that connect the closest islands, such as Fuerteventura with Lanzarote or Tenerife with La Gomera.

Between islands, the flights are quick (20 to 40 minutes) and local airlines (smaller planes) such as Binter Canarias or Canaryfly work excellent. There are also ferries that connect Fuerteventura with Lanzarote or Tenerife with La Gomera.

Stories, photos, videos, places, tips, and advice for traveling to the Canaries.

General info about the Canary Islands: seven islands, seven worlds

Each island has its own personality. We are not exaggerating when we say it is like visiting seven different countries within one.

Things to do in Tenerife: the most complete island

Tenerife has it all: the Teide, black sand beaches, colorful villages, and an intense cultural life. Santa Cruz and La Laguna are cities that combine history and modern life. Don’t miss the Teide National Park, a World Heritage Site, nor the villages of Garachico and Masca. We lived for a while in Puerto de la Cruz, a place we really liked.

Things to do in Gran Canaria: diversity in miniature

In a few hours, you can go from the desert of Maspalomas to the green of the north. Gran Canaria summarizes the essence of the archipelago: nature, history, and flavor. We lived for a few days in the capital.

Things to do in Lanzarote: art, fire, and volcanic life

Lanzarote has an energy that you feel as soon as you step on the island. Its volcanic landscapes seem to have come out of another planet: the Timanfaya National Park is, without a doubt, one of the most impressive places we have seen in the entire archipelago. Seeing those mountains of fire, with their red and black tones, is like walking on Mars.

The legacy of the artist César Manrique is present in every corner: in the architecture integrated with nature, in the respect for the environment, and in that simple beauty that makes everything on the island feel in harmony.

For us, Lanzarote has some of the most picturesque villages in the Canaries. Teguise, Yaiza, or Haría are pure postcards, with their white houses, cobblestone streets, and that quiet air that invites you to stay a little longer.

We lived in different areas of the island: some time in Arrecife, the capital; some time in Puerto del Carmen, enjoying the coastal atmosphere; and, the most curious, a stage in Charco del Palo, a small, completely nudist and very peculiar town. It was a different, authentic, and very Canarian experience that showed us another side of this unique island.

Things to do in Fuerteventura: endless beaches and surfer soul

Our dear island ❤️. Fuerteventura stole our hearts from the first day, and today we can say that living here was one of the best decisions of our lives. For us, it is the island that has the best, widest, quietest, and wildest beaches. It is the wildest in the archipelago, with kilometers of virgin beaches, a constant wind, and a feeling of freedom that is not explained, it is felt.

From the Dunes of Corralejo, which look like a small Sahara facing the Atlantic, to Cofete, one of the most impressive beaches in Europe, every corner invites you to disconnect. If you like surfing, kitesurfing, or simply walking along the shore with the wind in your face, this is your place.

It also has villages with a lot of local life like Corralejo, Betancuria, El Cotillo, or Lajares, where the Canarian community mixes with travelers from all over the world. The best thing is to move by car, improvise, and let yourself go: a hidden cove or a viewpoint that leaves you speechless always appears.

Qué ver en Corralejo | Norte de Fuerteventura: Guía 2026

Qué Ver en El Cotillo: Guía 2026, Playas, Surf y Atardeceres (Guía Local)

Things to do in the Canary Islands: essential experiences

Beyond each island, there are experiences that make this trip truly unforgettable. If you are wondering things to do in the Canary Islands, these are the experiences that, for us, define the essence of the archipelago.

Go up the Teide and see the sunrise over the clouds

If there is one magical experience in the Canaries, it is seeing the sunrise from the Pico del Teide, the highest point in Spain. The views are mind-blowing, and when the sun peeks between the clouds, you understand why so many people describe it as a spiritual experience. It is important to get the permit in advance, as access to the crater is regulated.

Explore dunes and golden sand beaches

Canaries is synonymous with beaches. The Dunes of Maspalomas in Gran Canaria, Sotavento in Fuerteventura, or Famara in Lanzarote are places where time stands still. If you like tranquility, look for the most hidden coves; if you prefer movement, there are areas with beach bars, surf, and life all day.

Hiking routes and volcanic landscapes

The contrast of landscapes is impressive. You can walk between volcanoes in Lanzarote, climb mountains in Tenerife, or travel through ravines in Gran Canaria. Many trails are well marked and are free. We recommend wearing comfortable footwear, water, and, above all, time to enjoy it calmly.

Canarian flavors: gastronomy with identity

Food is another of the great pleasures of the trip. Try the papas arrugadas with mojo picón, the majorero cheeses, the gofio (typical toasted flour), and the volcanic wines, especially those from Lanzarote.

Festivities and local traditions

Each island has its calendar of festivities, but the Carnivals of Santa Cruz de Tenerife are the most famous, full of color and joy. There are also pilgrimages, agricultural fairs, and patron saint celebrations that make you feel part of the community. In the Canaries, everything is celebrated with music, food, and dancing, and that is contagious immediately.

Practical tips to organize your trip

After several years of traveling (and living) between islands, these are some tips we always repeat to those who plan to come:

Where to stay according to each island

In Tenerife or Gran Canaria there is a huge offer: from luxury hotels to budget apartments. In Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, tourist apartments and villas predominate, ideal for those seeking more independence.

If you come in high season (July-August or Christmas), it is advisable to book in advance. For longer stays, many travelers opt for monthly rentals, especially in areas like Corralejo, Lajares, or Playa Blanca.

Estimated travel budget

Compared to other parts of Europe, the Canaries have an excellent value for money. A meal at a local restaurant costs around €12-15, and comfortable accommodation costs between €45 and €80 per night (although these prices are rising year after year).

Car rental starts from €25 per day, and fuel is cheaper than on the peninsula. In general, with an average budget of €60-70 per person per day, you can travel very well.

Car rental and public transport

For us, renting a car is essential. Distances are short, the roads are in good condition, and there are many viewpoints that do not have access by public transport. Local companies (we always use and recommend CICAR) usually have more competitive prices, simpler processes, and no hidden costs compared to international ones.

If you prefer to move around without a car, the guaguas (buses) connect the main cities, although in rural areas schedules can be limited.

Suggested itineraries by duration

We know that time is key, so we put together some ideas for routes depending on how many days you have:

7 days in the Canaries: getaway between Tenerife and Fuerteventura

You can combine nature and beach. Fly to Tenerife to explore the Teide and some northern towns, and then take a short flight to Fuerteventura to enjoy the sea and rest.

10 days: between volcanoes, beaches, and charming towns

Start in Lanzarote, exploring Timanfaya and the Jameos del Agua, then cross to Fuerteventura by ferry and end the trip between dunes, waves, and endless sunsets.

15 days or more: the complete tour between favorite islands

If you have more time, add Gran Canaria to get a more complete overview of the archipelago. This itinerary combines culture, mountain, gastronomy, and relaxation by the sea.

Frequently asked questions about things to do in the Canary Islands: Travel guide

What is the best time to visit the Canary Islands?

All year round is a good time. The climate is mild even in winter, although if you are looking for beach and sun, the months between May and October are ideal.

Can you travel around without a car?

Yes, although we recommend renting one to have more freedom. The larger islands have public transport, but schedules can be limited and they don’t reach all the beaches (or because of the schedules you can only visit one/two places per day).

How many islands is it worth visiting in a single trip?

It depends on the time available. With one week, choose one or two; with 10 days, three maximum. Each island has a lot to see, so it’s better to enjoy it calmly.

Is it expensive to travel to the Canary Islands?

In general, no. It is a European destination with affordable prices. It can be easily adapted to different budgets.

Conclusion: why the Canaries steal your heart (and perhaps make you stay)

Traveling to the Canary Islands is not just knowing a new destination: it is letting yourself be enveloped by a different energy. We came for a few months… and we have already been living in Fuerteventura for more than four years.

The islands have that perfect balance between nature, culture, and quality of life. They catch you with their climate, their people, and their slow pace. And, if the same happens to you as it did to us, you might end up recalculating your trip and staying a little longer than planned.

🌴 Ready to discover them? Keep exploring our articles/guides about the Canaries and other destinations on Recalculando Viajes. Each shared experience is an invitation to live the world your way.

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— Nanu & Facu 🌎 | Recalculando Viajes 💜