Traveling to the Canary Islands

1. Explore Teide National Park: There’s a reason I’m starting with Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, is an essential stop, as are the park’s volcanic, almost lunar landscapes. I visited twice, and I was just as impressed the second time.
2. Visit Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital: This lively, colorful city by the ocean has a character all its own. You can alternate between cultural attractions and local markets such as Nuestra Señora de África. I really enjoyed the atmosphere there.
3. Discover San Cristóbal de La Laguna: Once the capital of Tenerife, La Laguna is full of charm, with cobblestone streets and colorful facades. I loved wandering around at an easy pace. Despite the visitors, the city has managed to retain an authentic feel.
4. Swim in Garachico’s natural pools: Formed by lava and surrounded by rock, these pools are connected by a series of small paths. The first ones may be busy, but walk a little farther and you can often swim more peacefully in a beautiful setting.
5. Admire the cliffs of Los Gigantes: Their name gives you a clue—these cliffs are enormous, rising as high as 600 meters. Approaching them by boat and swimming nearby made me feel incredibly small. It’s a unique setting that shouldn’t be missed, and you can often spot colorful fish near the cliffs with nothing more than a mask and snorkel.

1. Explore Timanfaya National Park: This is one place you shouldn’t miss in Lanzarote. Surrounded by lava fields, geothermal activity, and red volcanic cones, you may feel as though you’ve landed on another planet—perhaps Mars. I completely fell for the park, and the visit seemed to fly by.
2. Take a day trip to La Graciosa from Lanzarote: If you’re staying in Lanzarote, I recommend setting aside a day for La Graciosa. The ferry crossing takes about twenty-five minutes, and the island feels wonderfully unspoiled. I loved discovering its different landscapes, each one more transporting than the last.
3. Explore Los Volcanes Natural Park: I recommend taking a guided hike in Los Volcanes Natural Park. Some areas can only be accessed with a guide, and they offer an especially immersive experience. Walking among the volcanoes is fascinating in itself, and the guide’s explanations add even more depth.
4. Relax at Playa de Papagayo: At the southern tip of the island, this beach feels like a small slice of paradise. With turquoise water, golden sand, and ocher cliffs, the scenery is surprisingly Mediterranean. It’s a lovely place to settle in and enjoy a protected natural setting, although it does attract plenty of visitors. Nearby, El Pozo and Las Mujeres are larger, more natural beaches that tend to feel less crowded. Personally, I found them even more enjoyable.
5. Explore La Geria, Lanzarote’s wine region: If you enjoy wine and unusual landscapes, this area is sure to appeal to you. The vines grow in shallow hollows dug into volcanic ash and are sheltered from the wind by curved stone walls. The result is both beautiful and surprising, and the scenery is distinctly Lanzarote. Of course, you can also taste Malvasía, the island’s characteristic white wine.

The official language of the Canary Islands is Spanish, with a local accent and a few expressions specific to the archipelago. Even if you don’t speak Spanish, you should still be able to communicate without too much difficulty. English and German are widely used in tourist areas, while French is less common, although some excursions are available in French. I even met several French expats who had opened their own dive club after falling in love with the islands and settling there years ago. When speaking with locals, even a simple “hola” or “gracias” is always appreciated.

Traveling to the Canary Islands is generally straightforward. As the archipelago is part of Spain and the European Union, EU citizens can normally enter with a valid national identity card or passport and do not need a visa for a short stay. Travelers from Canada or another non-EU country should check the current entry requirements on an official Spanish government or foreign affairs website before departure. That way, you can prepare your trip with accurate, up-to-date information.

Getting to the Canary Islands is also very easy from France and Europe. The flight time varies between 3 hours 30 minutes and 4 hours 30 minutes depending on your departure city and your island of arrival. In my case, leaving from Toulouse, it took me only 3 hours 30 minutes to reach Tenerife (south airport) on a direct flight. However, to get back to Toulouse from Lanzarote, I had to make a stopover in Seville, but it was very quick.

From France, many airlines offer regular connections, such as Transavia, Ryanair, Vueling, Iberia, and Air France. From Belgium and Switzerland, you’ll also find direct flights or with a short layover. For our Quebec friends, in general, you’ll need to make a stopover in Europe, very often in Madrid, Paris, or Frankfurt, for a journey between 11 and 16 hours depending on the connection waiting times.

A little tip: as soon as you’ve decided on your travel dates, book your tickets right away. As always, prices vary quite a bit depending on the season. To make your search easier, don’t hesitate to take a look at Skyscanner!

Another advantage of the Canaries: the islands are very well connected to each other. You can therefore visit several islands in a single trip. For my part, even though they’re not side by side, I did Tenerife and Lanzarote in one trip. I also met quite a few people in Lanzarote who had just visited Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.
In practice, you have two options for getting from one island to another:

• The ferry : this is generally the most common and most economical means of transport (if you’re traveling to a nearby island — from Fuerteventura to Lanzarote, for example, or vice versa). The main companies, such as Fred. Olsen Express or Naviera Armas, offer regular crossings between: Tenerife and Gran Canaria, Tenerife and La Gomera, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, etc. Of course, the duration varies depending on the route; on average, expect between 25 minutes and 2 hours of crossing. If you’ve rented a car, you can take it on the ferry by paying a supplement.

• The plane : if you want to save time, it’s a good solution. And also if, like me, you’re doing two islands that aren’t next to each other, the plane will be much cheaper. To give you an example, my flight from Tenerife to Lanzarote cost me three times less than if I had taken the ferry. I know it’s not very eco-friendly, but three times cheaper is no small thing… The airline that operates the most daily flights is Binter Canarias. But there’s also Canaryfly, with more limited schedules but more attractive fares. If you’re flexible on times, I recommend Canaryfly. Plus, flight times between the different islands are very short: between 30 and 50 minutes. However, these are small planes, so if it’s windy, you feel it quite a bit. But I expected worse — it’s totally manageable (so no worries!). And you’ll get to enjoy superb views of the ocean and volcanoes on takeoff and landing.

One more tip for the road: I suggest combining several islands, like Lanzarote and La Graciosa, or Tenerife and La Gomera. Each time, these islands are very close. So you might as well make the most of it!

For your information, there’s a slight time difference between the Canary Islands and France, as well as with Belgium and Switzerland. It’s nothing insurmountable, since it’s only a one-hour difference. Plus, it’s one hour less over there — I find it easier to adapt in that direction.

For Quebecers, it will take a little more adjustment, with a five- to six-hour time difference depending on the time of year. But again, you’re on vacation — you’ll get used to it quickly!

The Canary Islands are known for mild weather throughout the year. Conditions vary by island, altitude, and coast, but the subtropical climate often feels springlike even in winter. The best time to visit therefore depends largely on the kind of trip you have in mind:

• In spring (March to June) : it’s a good time to go hiking, explore volcanoes, or even enjoy the beaches without too many people. In terms of temperatures, we’re between 22 and 26 °C — super pleasant. The little plus: after winter, there’s still greenery and even flowers in the middle of Lanzarote’s arid landscapes, for example.
• In summer (July to September) : the sun is strong, but it still feels pleasant thanks to the trade winds and sea air. Temperatures range between 27 and 33 °C, which remains quite bearable. Of course, it’s still peak tourist season: there are therefore more people on Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura in particular. And you should expect accommodation, transport, and excursion prices to be much higher. Personally, I went in September, and the rates had already dropped compared to July–August.
• In autumn (October to November) : this is hikers’ favorite season, because we still have mild temperatures (25 °C on average), and even the sea is still warm. If you prefer peace and quiet while enjoying better prices and milder weather, this period is perfect for your trip!
• In winter (December to February) : okay, temperatures drop, but very rarely below 18 °C. So still no need to take out the coats; you can even swim on some of the southern islands (if you’re not too sensitive to the cold, of course). If you want to take a break during winter and enjoy a spring-like climate, the Canary Islands remain an appealing destination.

In short, the islands are generally sunny and mild throughout the year, making them a destination you can consider in any season.

No special vaccinations are generally required solely for a trip to the Canary Islands. As elsewhere in Spain, it’s sensible to make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date before traveling. Health recommendations can vary depending on your personal circumstances, so check official guidance if you have any doubts.

Good news: the Canary Islands are among the more affordable destinations in Europe! Even the cost of living is lower than on mainland Spain. So you can go and make the most of it without blowing your budget.

To give you an idea, here are the average ranges for the main expenses of a stay in the Canary Islands:

Accommodation (per night)

• Hostel / small hotel: €20–45
• 3-star hotel or B&B: €60–100
• 4- or 5-star hotel: from €130 to €200
• Apartment / Airbnb: €50–120, depending on the island and season

A little info: Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are a bit more expensive than La Palma or La Gomera, especially in high season.

Meals

• Snack / quick meal (bocadillo, tapas): €6–10
• Dish in a local restaurant (guachinche, tavern): €12–18
• Full menu (starter, main, dessert): €18–30
• Cocktail or drink by the sea: €5–7

Transport

• Local bus ticket: €1.50–3, depending on distance
• Day bus pass: €5–10, depending on the island
• Car rental: €25–40/day in low season, up to €60–80 in summer
• Inter-island ferry (Fred. Olsen, Naviera Armas): €20–50 per trip (if the islands are close; otherwise, it can go much higher)
• Inter-island flight (Binter Canarias, Canaryfly): €35–90, depending on distance and season

Activities

• Museums and cultural sites: €3–20
• Boat/dolphin excursion: €25–60
• Guided hike (Teide, Timanfaya): €30–70
• Diving or snorkeling: €40–80
• Day cruise or excursion: €50–100

And on the practical side:

Tap water is considered drinkable on all the islands and meets European Union standards. But since it’s desalinated water, it has a particular, slightly salty taste. I preferred buying bottled water and, even at the hotel, there were water dispensers with large bottles. I therefore think locals prefer to buy water too, or filter it. For cooking or brushing your teeth, tap water remains perfectly suitable.

Because the question of budget always comes up, here are some overall ranges depending on the length of your stay in the Canary Islands. Of course, these are only average ranges and there are differences between the islands.

• 5 days in the Canary Islands: €450–1 000
• 1 week in the Canary Islands: €650–1 800
• 10 days in the Canary Islands: €1 000–2 400
• 2 weeks in the Canary Islands: €1 300–3 200

Because the Canary Islands are part of Spain and the European Union, travelers with an eligible EU mobile plan can generally use calls, messages, and data under the EU’s roaming rules, subject to their provider’s fair-use policy and plan conditions. Coverage is usually good, although it may be weaker in remote or mountainous areas.

If your plan includes little data, or you’re arriving from a non-EU country such as Canada, you can buy a local SIM or eSIM. Prices vary by provider and data allowance, but affordable prepaid options are widely available.

If you plan to rent a car in the Canary Islands, this section should interest you! The roads are in very good condition, especially on islands like Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote. Honestly, it was a pleasure to drive there! Just a small note: in Lanzarote, the parking lots, even near must-see spots, aren’t paved and are made of stone. You just need to go slowly and watch out for sharp rocks to avoid a flat tire.

To reach the beaches in the Ajaches Natural Park in Lanzarote (Papagayo, Las Mujeres, El Pozo, Caleta del Congrio), the tracks are stone. They’re passable by car, but I recommend going slowly (it’s quite bumpy, haha).

If you’re going to La Palma, El Hierro, or La Gomera, the roads are much narrower and more mountainous. It’s not insurmountable, but it’s better to take your time and enjoy the panoramic views. As for driving, Canarians are very relaxed behind the wheel (it’s a change and a nice one!). In Tenerife, there are often traffic jams when switching from the northern to the southern highway. If you have activities at a specific time, leave well in advance.

Regarding parking, you’ll find both free and paid options. We always managed to park near must-see places, even if it was more complicated in Tenerife because there were more tourists.

Finally, if you plan to visit several islands, I recommend checking whether your rental company allows it before booking. As for me, I rented my car (or rather, my cars) via Discover Cars: it was convenient, with excellent value for money! However, I preferred renting two different cars and flying, because it was much more expensive to pick up a car in Tenerife and return it in Lanzarote. Maybe because they’re quite far apart. This remains to be checked for closer islands!

The Canary Islands generally feel safe and welcoming, including for solo travelers. As anywhere, however, keep an eye on your belongings in busy tourist areas and larger cities such as Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where crowded places can attract pickpockets.

Also, in the parking lots of Teide National Park, there are signs advising you not to leave valuables visible in your car. There have already been a few incidents, but nothing very alarming if you take precautions.

In nature, since the islands are volcanic, some hikes are steep, with rocky paths. If you’re well-equipped and stay on marked trails, you can enjoy them easily and without worry. I also recommend checking the weather, especially in Tenerife, it’s very changeable.

Overall, the Canary Islands are an easygoing destination where a few ordinary precautions should be enough. Then all that’s left is to enjoy the trip and switch off for a while.

As I mentioned above, each island in the Canaries has very different, equally spectacular landscapes. To give you an idea, you can go from lava fields to golden or black sand beaches, or even to banana plantations. Note that Tenerife encompasses all these landscapes on a single island.

Starting with the flora, the Canary Islands have more than 2 000 plant species. Among them, there are many endemic species, such as the dragon tree of the Canaries. Along the way, you’ll often see cacti of various sizes, prickly pear cacti, palm trees, and succulents, ideal for drought and wind. In Tenerife, there are also large forests of Canary Island pines. Honestly, I didn’t expect that, and they were impressive.

As for fauna, there’s rich marine biodiversity: dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, and manta rays live in Canary waters. I was lucky enough to see pilot whales and pantropical spotted dolphins during a whale-watching outing. It was an incredible experience. While diving, I saw starfish, trumpetfish, parrotfish, and many others. I had never seen so many species in such a short time.

On land, you won’t miss the Canary lizards, while spotting migratory birds. Even in desert landscapes, there are no native snakes, and the lizards are harmless. Honestly, that’s reassuring!

In my opinion, this section should interest more than a few of you! Although the Canary Islands are part of Spain, I’m not going to list all the Spanish specialties you probably already know. Of course, nothing stops you from eating paella, tapas, or croquetas. Personally, in Tenerife, I ate the best tuna croquetas of my life (and I’m not exaggerating), while the best paella I tasted was in Lanzarote.

To mention a few typical Canarian dishes, here are some to try:

• Papas arrugadas con mojo: this is the dish of the Canaries! These are small local potatoes cooked with their skin in salted water, served with the famous mojo rojo (spicy) or mojo verde (cilantro) sauces. It’s super simple, but so good. You’ll often get them as a side.
• Fresh fish and seafood: in small ports like El Golfo (Lanzarote) or Los Abrigos (Tenerife), you eat freshly caught fish. To me, these are the two best villages to eat fresh fish. Believe me, I tried both!
• Ropa vieja canaria: a chickpea stew with shredded beef and vegetables. Even though there are several variations, it’s a hearty dish that’s easy to find on each island.
• Canarian cheeses: each island has its own cheese made from goat’s milk. It’s always good to try with a bit of honey or jam!
• Gofio: a toasted wheat or barley flour typical of the Canaries. It’s used in several dishes and meals, from breakfast to desserts. Personally, I think it adds more flavor!

And for those with a sweet tooth:

• Bienmesabe: a dessert made with almonds, honey, and eggs: simple but very good!
• Frangollo: a flan made with corn, milk, lemon, and cinnamon. A simple treat that hits the spot.

And finally, you can’t miss Canary Island bananas! They’re small, sweet, and have a distinctive flavor. No excuses not to eat them — they’re literally everywhere.

A quick word about drinks:

Some islands, like Tenerife and Lanzarote, produce wine. Very often, you’ll be offered vineyard visits in the middle of volcanic landscapes, followed by a tasting. If that appeals, they’re very aromatic!

As you can see, typical Canary dishes are simple, but I can tell you they’re tasty. Between Spanish influences and fresh fish, there’s plenty to enjoy.

The main religion in the Canary Islands is Catholicism, as in all of Spain. Religion is very important to locals, it’s part of the local culture. You find it in traditions and festivals throughout the year. Each village has its religious festival, with processions, music, and shared meals. They’re open to everyone and are moments of sharing and conviviality.

The best known is the fiesta de la Virgen de Candelaria, in Tenerife, with residents parading on colorful floats decorated with flowers. Moreover, even if the majority of island residents are Catholic, there’s also a certain multiculturalism. The archipelago welcomes communities from Europe, Latin America, and Africa. That’s also what characterizes the Canaries: an open, welcoming, and warm atmosphere.