Where are the Canary Islands located?
The Canary Islands are a group of seven volcanic islands just off the coast of Morocco .
They are all beautiful, each in their own way.
We give you a practical overview of all the Canary Islands with hotel tips.
Still not sure which Canary Island suits you best? Then take a look at this article.
The Canary Islands at a glance
According to sciencedict, the Canary Islands are so different and each island has its charm. We’ll show you what there is to see on Fuerteventura, Tenerife and Co. and give you helpful tips for your trip to the Canary Islands .
Fuerteventura
Sandy beaches and water sports paradise
Fuerteventura is full of long sandy beaches and bays hidden between cliffs – just ideal for a beach holiday.
The island is extremely barren , but most learn to love it at second glance.
It’s also one of the best surfing spots in Europe, whether it’s surfing, kitesurfing or windsurfing .
- Fuerteventura attractions
Top 22 highlights
- Fuerteventura with children
Tips for families
- Fuerteventura hotel tips
The best accommodations
- Fuerteventura tips
Our best travel tips
- Fuerteventura beaches
The most beautiful beaches in Fuerteventura
- Fuerteventura south
All about the south of the island
- Surf Fuerteventura
Surfing in Fuerteventura
- Corralejo tips
The best tips and sights
- Canary Islands
Our travel tips for the Canary Islands
- Condor premium class
Our field report
Tenerife
The island of strong contrasts
Tenerife is full of contrasts. The south is very touristy with big hotels. There are plenty of opportunities for going out, shopping and swimming.
The north, on the other hand, is quiet, very green and natural . In the center of the island is Mount Teide , Spain’s highest mountain at more than 3,700 metres.
- Tenerife sights
Top 22 highlights
- Tenerife insider tips
7 really cool insider tips
- Tenerife hotels
11 special hotels in Tenerife
- Tenerife vacation
Our best travel tips
- Tenerife excursions
15 exciting activities
Grand Canary
The all-rounder: beach vacation meets city trip
There is something for everyone on Gran Canaria: lively nightlife in the capital Las Palmas, a large cultural program , tourist resorts , but also authentic, small villages.
There are classic sandy beaches like the famous dunes of Maspalomas , but also hidden lagoons and large forests and mountains for hiking .
- Gran Canaria sights
Top 22 highlights
- Gran Canaria vacation
Our best tips and information
- Gran Canaria hotel tips
13 beautiful hotels
- Gran Canaria activities
15 great trips
Lanzarote
The most fiery of the volcanic islands
Lanzarote looks like Mars . In the Timanfaya National Park you will find the famous Fire Mountains , huge lava fields and geysers . Even BBQ is made over the bubbling holes in the ground.
Lanzarote is also known for the beautiful architecture by Cesar Manrique . Instead of hotel castles, there are concert halls in lava bubbles.
- Lanzarote sights
22 highlights
- Lanzarote vacation
Our best tips and information
- Lanzarote hotels
11 beautiful hotels in Lanzarote
- Lanzarote Excursions
15 exciting activities
La Palma
The greenest island
La Palma is the greenest of all the Canary Islands . Here you will not only find exotic, colorful flowers, but also whole plantations with avocados, bananas or tomatoes.
It is therefore hardly surprising that La Palma is extremely popular with outdoor athletes . Mountain bike tourism in particular is booming here.
You will not spend the typical beach holiday on La Palma. Instead of long sandy beaches, there are mainly bays with black lava rock.
La Gomera
Hippie vibes and alternative tourism
Flower power ahead! La Gomera is known for the many dropouts who founded entire hippie villages there in the 1970s .
If sustainability is also important to you on vacation, Gomera is the right place for you. Great value is placed on alternative tourism here .
Nature lovers also like the island , because the enchanted laurel forests are ideal for hiking.
El Hierro
Peace away from tourism
El Hierro is the smallest of the Canary Islands and there isn’t much here. That’s why it’s our tip for all those looking for peace and quiet who don’t feel like lots of tourists and hotel complexes.
Instead of typical sandy beaches, there are mainly natural swimming pools on El Hierro .
The island is also very popular with divers and paragliders .
Arrival and island hopping in the Canary Islands
There are flights to the Canary Islands from almost all major cities in Germany . With a direct flight you are then on the road for around 4.5 hours . Only the two smallest islands, El Hierro and La Gomera, are not served directly from mainland Europe.
Since the distances are quite short, island hopping between the Canary Islands is also an option. On the one hand you can take one of the small planes. Check-in and security checks are also much easier and faster here than normal. Or you can take a ferry, the two main operators are Navierarmas and Fred Olsen .
Which option is cheaper and faster varies from route to route . You can find more detailed tips in our travel tips for the individual islands. We linked them for you above.
Car hire in the Canary Islands
A rental car makes a lot of sense on any Canary Island because you are much more flexible. Some of the most beautiful, secluded beaches and natural sights can only be reached by rental car .
However, prices have risen significantly since Corona, as providers have had to sell large parts of their fleet. You currently pay about 30 euros or more in summer and 20 euros in winter.
There is at least one pick-up station at the airport on each island. Since there are many providers, we compare our cars on Check24 beforehand.
Best travel time for the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands have a pleasantly mild climate all year round and you can count the rainy days on one hand. It is not without reason that the Canary Islands are also referred to as the ” Islands of Eternal Spring ” and are one of the top destinations for escaping the sleet winter weather.
Depending on what you are planning, some seasons are more suitable.
For beach holidaymakers : The hot summer months from May to August with temperatures around 30 degrees.
For surfers : You can enjoy the cleanest and biggest waves in winter from November to February.
For wind sports enthusiasts : The strong winds in summer are perfect for kite and windsurfing.
For the whole package : With great bathing weather and at the same time pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities, the Canary Islands are a great travel destination for September .
FAQ
How many days should I plan for the Canary Islands?
Since you definitely have to travel by plane, we recommend that you spend at least a week in the Canary Islands.
There is actually no end to the top and especially if you want to travel to several islands, you should stay longer, as the transfer can take a day of travel.
What language do they speak in the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands belong to Spain, even if they are geographically in Africa. That’s why they speak Spanish here.
In touristy places you can usually get by with English or even German.
Is it dangerous in the Canary Islands?
No, the Canaries are very safe. In larger cities you should of course, as in all tourist places, be on the lookout for pickpockets.
Of course you have to pay attention to the flags when bathing. For beaches without a lifeguard, you should inquire in advance about possible currents and other dangers.
Are the Canaries expensive?
The Canary Islands are comparable to mainland Spain and Germany. We would say that they are among the cheap travel destinations in Europe.
Which Canary Island is the warmest?
The easternmost islands, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, are the warmest. All Canary Islands have mild temperatures all year round.
Which travel guides for the Canary Islands are good?
If you are looking for more information about the Canary Islands, we can recommend the following travel guides.
In the Lonely Planet travel guide you will find all the important sights and practical tips about the country and its people on 300 pages.
The Marco Polo travel guide is actually intended for cruises. However, it is also suitable for “normal” holidays and fits perfectly in hand luggage.
