Frequently asked questions

Yes. In a small area you will find volcanic landscapes, four national parks (Teide, Timanfaya, Caldera de Taburiente and Garajonay), laurel forest, pine woods, ravines and cliffs. Every island has land designated as a Biosphere Reserve.

The islands also have World Heritage sites (La Laguna, Teide, Garajonay, Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria) and intangible heritage such as the Silbo Gomero whistled language; Indigenous heritage, historic quarters such as Vegueta and Teguise, Columbus's legacy and César Manrique's work. Add exceptional stargazing skies, distinctive food and wine, year-round outdoor sports and local festivals.

Several. On the higher islands, within an hour you can go from a beach to a damp forest and then high mountain terrain, sometimes above the clouds. Keep a warm layer in the car.

Any time of year: the climate is mild year-round. Average coastal highs are around 20 °C in January and 28 °C in August.

Winter (December-February): 20-22 °C by day, sea temperatures of 18-19 °C and more rain in the north of the higher islands. Good for escaping cold weather, Carnival and hiking. Spring (March-June): 21-26 °C, little rain and greener countryside; good for nature and fewer crowds. Summer (July-August): 26-30 °C on the coast, hotter in the south and inland; ideal for beaches and domestic holidaymakers. Autumn (September-November): the sea is warmest (22-24 °C), winds are often lighter, and weather, sea and prices are well balanced.

Demand peaks in winter (visitors from northern Europe, Christmas and Easter) and July-August (Spanish domestic tourism). May-June and September-November usually offer a better balance of prices. Swimming is possible in winter: the sea generally stays around 18-19 °C. Protected natural pools and swimming pools are alternatives when the ocean is rough.

No. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are drier and windier. On the higher islands, the north is usually greener, damper and cloudier because of the trade winds, while the south is sunnier; the summits are cold and can see snow in winter.

Calima is warm, dry Saharan air carrying dust. It raises temperatures, reduces visibility and can affect people with asthma or allergies. It is more common on the eastern islands and usually lasts a few days. Check AEMET alerts and avoid strenuous outdoor activity if it affects you.

Yes. UV levels are high all year, even under cloud and especially at altitude. Consider planning around Carnival (February-March, especially in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), the island religious processions known as Bajadas (La Palma every five years and El Hierro every four), summer pilgrimages and patron-saint festivals, and races such as Transgrancanaria (February), which can fill local accommodation.

There are eight inhabited islands. The eastern islands (Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Graciosa) are flatter and drier, with long beaches; Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the largest and most varied; the western islands (La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro) are greener, mountainous and quieter.

Tenerife combines Teide, southern beaches and a green north: a good first visit for families, hiking and whale watching. Gran Canaria brings together dunes, mountains and city life: good for families, couples, nightlife and LGBTQ+ visitors. Lanzarote offers volcanic scenery, César Manrique's art, wineries and cycling. Fuerteventura is known for long beaches and wind sports. La Palma suits hiking, astronomy and switching off. La Gomera is ideal for laurel forest and tranquillity. El Hierro is excellent for diving (La Restinga), nature and getting away from it all. La Graciosa works for a day trip or a quiet escape from Lanzarote; transport and services are limited.

For a first visit, choose Tenerife or Gran Canaria: they have more direct flights, accommodation and variety. For families, Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer theme parks and calm urban beaches; Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are known for sandy beaches and calmer water (Corralejo and Playa Blanca). For couples, consider Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera or northern Tenerife. For hiking, try La Palma, La Gomera and Tenerife (Teide, Anaga and Teno), as well as Gran Canaria's mountain routes (Roque Nublo and Tejeda). For surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, head to Fuerteventura, Lanzarote (Famara), or northern Gran Canaria and Tenerife in winter.

As a guide: Tenerife or Gran Canaria, 7-10 days; Lanzarote or Fuerteventura, 5-7; La Palma, 4-6; La Gomera or El Hierro, 3-4; La Graciosa, one day. Combining two islands is worthwhile if you have more than a week. Easy pairings include Tenerife-La Gomera, Lanzarote-Fuerteventura, Lanzarote-La Graciosa and Gran Canaria-Fuerteventura.

On the higher islands, the south usually has more sunshine, sandy beaches and hotels; the north is greener, more traditional and cooler, and close to many sights. If you spend five days or more in Tenerife or Gran Canaria, splitting your stay between the two areas can reduce driving.

Tenerife: Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas for sun, beaches and nightlife; Los Gigantes and Puerto de Santiago for quiet, cliffs and whale watching; Puerto de la Cruz, La Laguna, Garachico and La Orotava for nature and culture; El Médano for wind sports. Gran Canaria: Las Palmas for city life, beaches and food; Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés for dunes and nightlife; Puerto de Mogán, Puerto Rico and Amadores for families and calm water; Tejeda, Teror and Agaete for inland scenery and hiking.

Lanzarote: Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca for beaches and families; Famara for surfing; Teguise, Haría and La Geria for rural stays, wine and quiet. Fuerteventura: Corralejo and El Cotillo (north) for dunes and wind sports; Costa Calma and Morro Jable (south) for beaches and relaxation; Caleta de Fuste for a central family base. La Palma: Los Llanos and Tazacorte for sunshine and western routes; Santa Cruz for its historic centre, port and airport. La Gomera: Valle Gran Rey for sunsets; San Sebastián, Playa de Santiago and Hermigua for ferry access and rural stays. El Hierro: Valverde, El Golfo/La Frontera and La Restinga (diving). La Graciosa: Caleta de Sebo, the only settlement with accommodation, where options are limited.

Hotels and resorts are concentrated in southern tourist areas. Holiday rentals are widespread, although regulation has become stricter since 2025. Rural houses are a good choice inland and on the western islands. Book early for Christmas, Carnival, Easter and August; limited supply means La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa can sell out sooner. The source draft recommends checking the island accommodation selection at heygara.com/alojamientos.

Almost every island has an airport. International flights arrive at Tenerife South (TFS), Tenerife North (TFN), Gran Canaria (LPA), Lanzarote (ACE), Fuerteventura (FUE) and La Palma (SPC). El Hierro (VDE) and La Gomera (GMZ) mainly handle inter-island flights. La Graciosa has no airport; take a boat from Órzola in Lanzarote. Ferries also run from Huelva with Fred. Olsen Express and from Cádiz with Baleària Canarias. They take over a day and can be useful if you want to bring your own car.

The Canary Islands are part of Spain and the Schengen Area. EU citizens need a valid national ID card or passport; other nationalities need a passport and, where applicable, a visa.

EES is the biometric entry-exit registration system replacing passport stamps. The source draft says it began rolling out on 12 October 2025 and has been fully operational since 10 April 2026, with no advance application required. ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, including travellers from the US, UK and Canada. The draft, dated October 2026, says it is not yet operating and the EU expects it in the last quarter of 2026. Check the EU's official website and beware of intermediaries.

When travelling back to mainland Spain or another EU country, traveller allowances apply to tobacco, alcohol and shopping because the Canary Islands are outside the EU customs and VAT territory. Pets can travel under the usual rules for travel within Spain (EU pet passport, microchip and rabies vaccination); check each airline or ferry operator conditions.

It depends on your plans. Buses may be enough for southern Tenerife or Gran Canaria beaches and city breaks. A car is usually the most practical way to reach inland areas, the greener north, villages and trails. Bus services are less frequent on La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. You do not need a car on La Graciosa: get around on foot, by bicycle or by 4x4 taxi.

Guagua means bus. There are no trains in the Canary Islands. Operators include TITSA in Tenerife (plus the Santa Cruz-La Laguna tram; ten+ card and tourist pass); Global and Guaguas Municipales in Gran Canaria (tickets are not interchangeable; route 60 connects the airport and Las Palmas); Arrecife Bus in Lanzarote; Tiadhe in Fuerteventura; and Transportes Insular La Palma, Guagua Gomera and TransHierro on the western islands, where services are infrequent. Check timetables.

In low season, deals can start at around €20-30 per day; high-season prices are higher, so book ahead. Check the deposit, fuel policy and excess-free insurance; some local companies do not require a credit card or deposit. Most rental agreements do not allow taking the car to another island by ferry, although some local firms allow it under certain conditions. Usually, you return the car and hire another one.

Roads are generally in good condition, but inland routes can have sharp bends, steep gradients and narrow stretches (Masca, Anaga, Tejeda and La Gomera). Choose a car with enough power, do not run low on fuel in rural areas, watch for cyclists and livestock, and keep valuables out of sight. Ride-hailing services are limited and vary by area; taxis are more widely available. From the airport, take a bus, regulated-fare taxi, private transfer or rental car.

As a rule of thumb, if you can see one island from another, the ferry is often convenient; for longer distances (Gran Canaria-Lanzarote, El Hierro or La Palma), flying is usually better. Ports are in town centres and there is no airport-style check-in, so short ferries can be quicker door to door. Operators include Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària Canarias; to La Graciosa, Líneas Marítimas Romero and Naviera Nortour sail from Órzola. Binter and Canaryfly operate inter-island flights of about 25-45 minutes.

Indicative one-way prices per person without the resident discount: Lanzarote-Fuerteventura, about 30 minutes by ferry from €25; Lanzarote-La Graciosa, about 25 minutes; Tenerife-La Gomera, about 50 minutes on a fast ferry from €35-45; Tenerife-Gran Canaria, about 1 hour 20 minutes by ferry from €49; Gran Canaria-Fuerteventura, about two hours from €50. Tenerife-La Palma takes about 30 minutes by air; Tenerife-El Hierro and Gran Canaria-Lanzarote take about 40 minutes. Airfares depend on how far ahead you book.

The resident discount is only for people registered as residents in the Canary Islands. Ferries can be cancelled in bad weather, especially December-March: avoid connecting a ferry and your return flight on the same day, and choose a flexible fare if your dates can change.

Two islands at a relaxed pace. Each transfer can take half a day once you include travel to the port or airport, the crossing and reaching your accommodation; staying near the departure port helps. Ferries usually include a luggage allowance and make it easier to carry bulky items (boards, bicycles or pushchairs) than flying. Check each operator's conditions.

Try papas arrugadas with red mojo (often spicy and served with meat) or green mojo (often made with coriander or parsley and served with fish); gofio, toasted grain flour, in escaldón, pella, with milk or in desserts; grilled cheese with mojo or palm honey; fresh fish such as vieja, cherne or sama, as well as octopus and limpets; sancocho (salted fish, potatoes, sweet potato, gofio and mojo); rabbit in salmorejo, goat meat, ropa vieja and watercress stew. On La Gomera, try almogrote, a spread made from aged cheese, garlic, pepper and oil.

Look for Majorero PDO cheese (Fuerteventura), Palmero PDO (La Palma, often smoked) and Flor de Guía PDO (Gran Canaria, set with thistle flower), as well as artisan goat cheeses. Canary wines have volcanic character: La Geria malvasía (Lanzarote), five Tenerife designations of origin with Listán Negro, La Palma's tea wood-aged wine, and designations on Gran Canaria, El Hierro, La Gomera and for the Canary Islands as a whole. Try bienmesabe, El Hierro quesadillas, La Palma rapaduras, frangollo, polvito uruguayo and Canary bananas.

A guachinche is a simple, informal eatery, especially in northern Tenerife, where producers serve their own wine with home-style food at low prices; many open only seasonally. Also try barraquito coffee (condensed milk, liqueur and cinnamon), honey rum, local beers and tropical fruit juices. Vegetarian and vegan options include potatoes with mojo, avocado salads and gofio; ask whether vegetable stews contain meat. Choice is broader in cities and tourist areas.

More popular sites now have visitor limits, advance booking and sometimes a fee for non-residents. According to the source draft (October 2026): the Teide Telesforo Bravo trail requires a timed national-park permit; the cable-car ticket is separate. Other Teide trails may have regulated time slots and fees. Masca requires a booking, shuttle bus and separately booked return boat; the hike is difficult and starts at €40.66. El Pijaral (Anaga) has a free permit and a small daily quota. Roque Nublo requires a free booking at busy times and a shuttle from designated car parks. Visiting Masca village or Teide viewpoints does not require a permit. Entering regulated areas without permission can lead to fines. Always check official websites because rules and prices change.

The four national parks are Teide (Tenerife), Timanfaya (Lanzarote), Caldera de Taburiente (La Palma) and Garajonay (La Gomera). Take hiking shoes, water, sun protection, a warm layer and a charged phone. Check alerts: heat, wind or rain can close trails. At 3,715 m, Teide also requires care with altitude.

The Atlantic can be rough. Swim at lifeguarded beaches and follow the flags; keep away from rocks and natural pools during heavy swell, watch for currents (especially on western Fuerteventura and northern coasts), and do not approach cliffs or breaking waves for photos.

La Palma, Teide and Gran Canaria's summits have excellent night skies; choose moonless nights and avoid calima. Pilot whales and dolphins can be seen between Tenerife and La Gomera: choose operators accredited for responsible whale watching.

Yes. Resident pilot whales and dolphin populations live between Tenerife and La Gomera. Choose an operator accredited for responsible whale watching.

Surf and bodyboarding: Famara (Lanzarote), northern and western Fuerteventura, northern Gran Canaria and Tenerife; beginner schools are available. Windsurfing and kitesurfing: Sotavento and Corralejo (Fuerteventura), El Médano (Tenerife) and Pozo Izquierdo (Gran Canaria), especially during the trade-wind season. Diving and snorkelling: La Restinga (El Hierro), El Cabrón (Gran Canaria) and the Atlantic Museum (Lanzarote). Hiking and trail running are available on every island, especially the western ones; cycling is popular on Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote; paragliding around Adeje, Taucho, Gran Canaria and La Palma. You can also sail, kayak and paddleboard on sheltered coasts, play golf on Tenerife and Gran Canaria, and climb or canyon with a local guide. Equipment can be hired on every island; ferries make it easier to bring boards and bicycles.

Yes: Canarian wrestling (lucha canaria), traditional lateen-sail boat races in Las Palmas Bay, shepherd pole jumping, stick-fighting and Canarian boules. Major events include Ironman Lanzarote, Transgrancanaria, marathons in Gran Canaria and Tenerife, and international windsurfing and kitesurfing competitions. Boards, bicycles and diving gear are available to rent.

Yes: flights are short from much of Europe, the climate is mild and there are plenty of activities. Parks include Loro Parque and Siam Park (Tenerife); Palmitos Park, Aqualand Maspalomas and Poema del Mar (Gran Canaria); Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park and Aqualava (Lanzarote); and Oasis Wildlife (Fuerteventura). Families can also enjoy calm beaches and natural pools, short trails, dunes, volcanic caves, whale watching, glass-bottom boats, snorkelling and stargazing activities.

Use high-factor sun protection, hats and plenty of water; swim only at lifeguarded beaches; child car seats are compulsory (reserve one or bring your own); keep mountain drives short to reduce motion sickness. The Teide cable car has restrictions for babies and certain health conditions. The Masca Gorge hike is not suitable for young children: check the official minimum age. Children often receive discounts or free entry depending on age; for example, the source draft says under-14s do not pay the Teide eco-fee.

Hospitals and health centres are available on every island, with more specialist services on Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The emergency number is 112.

Yes. Spain has recognised same-sex marriage since 2005, and the Canary Islands are an established LGBTQ+ destination, especially Gran Canaria. Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas are the main hubs: the Yumbo Centre has bars, clubs and shows, with nearby hotels and beaches popular with LGBTQ+ visitors. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife have a more local scene; there are also venues in Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje. Smaller towns are quieter and are generally welcoming.

Maspalomas Pride takes place in May and Winter Pride Maspalomas in November. Nightlife is concentrated in Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje, and Santa Cruz and La Laguna (Tenerife); Playa del Inglés and Las Palmas (Gran Canaria); and Puerto del Carmen (Lanzarote) and Corralejo (Fuerteventura). The western islands have quieter evenings and few large clubs. Dinner is usually around 9-10 pm and venues fill after midnight; during Carnival, the party moves outdoors.

Browse our events calendar for festivals, celebrations and sporting events across the islands.

Browse events

February-March: Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas (plus Los Indianos on La Palma). March-April: Easter, especially in La Laguna and Las Palmas. May: Maspalomas Pride. 30 May: Canary Islands Day. May-June: Corpus Christi and the flower and coloured-sand carpets in La Orotava. Summer: local pilgrimages and patron-saint festivals, including Fiesta de la Rama in Agaete (August). September: Cristo de La Laguna and Fiesta del Pino in Teror. November: Winter Pride Maspalomas. December: Christmas and outdoor New Year celebrations. Every four or five years: the Bajadas of the Virgin of the Kings (El Hierro) and Our Lady of the Snows (La Palma).

Yes. Carnival, Pride and major sporting events increase demand and prices, especially on the host island and in the event area; book ahead. A romería is a festive pilgrimage to a local shrine or patron saint, with decorated carts, traditional dress, folk music and shared food. Visitors are welcome, and dressing as a mago in traditional clothing is part of the celebration.

Yes: the climate is stable, the time zone works well with Europe and the east coast of the Americas, air links are good, and costs can be moderate compared with other European capitals. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is popular with digital nomads. Consider Las Canteras and Vegueta (Gran Canaria); La Laguna, Santa Cruz, Puerto de la Cruz, El Médano and Costa Adeje (Tenerife); and Corralejo, Famara and Arrecife (Lanzarote and Fuerteventura). On the western islands, confirm your accommodation has reliable internet.

Fibre broadband is widely available in cities and tourist areas, with 4G/5G coverage; rural areas and ravines can have weak service. Ask for actual speeds. EU/EEA citizens may live and work freely, but need to register for long stays. Other nationalities may need Spain's international remote-work visa for longer stays; requirements include working for companies or clients outside Spain and meeting minimum income thresholds. Tax residence depends on individual circumstances (generally, spending more than 183 days in Spain); seek professional tax advice before a long stay.

Consider coliving spaces, medium-term apartments and monthly rentals. Demand is high in Las Palmas and southern Tenerife, so start looking early.

Check AEMET, Spain's national weather agency, on its website or free official app for forecasts and island alerts. Yellow: low risk, but take care outdoors. Orange: significant risk; avoid trails, exposed coasts and unnecessary travel. Red: extreme risk; follow official instructions. The Canary Islands Government can also declare pre-alert, alert or emergency situations.

Common hazards include ocean swell (especially in winter), wind that can cancel ferries, heat and calima, intense rain and flash floods in ravines, and summer wildfires. Postpone hikes and coastal excursions, stay away from the sea during heavy swell, check ferry and flight status, and follow local authorities. Emergency number: 112.

All the islands are volcanic, and several have had recent activity: Timanfaya (Lanzarote, 1730-1736 and 1824), Chinyero (Tenerife, 1909), El Hierro (underwater eruption, 2011) and Tajogaite (La Palma, 2021). The source draft cites INVOLCAN's weekly bulletin of 2 October 2026: green alert level on Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and El Hierro, and yellow on La Palma. Yellow relates to persistent gases in specific areas of Puerto Naos and La Bombilla, where local restrictions apply; the rest of La Palma is operating normally. Check official sources before travelling because conditions can change.

The source text says that since February 2026, swarms of tiny, almost imperceptible earthquakes have been recorded beneath Las Cañadas. It describes them as part of recurring activity observed since 2017, with no increased short- or medium-term eruption likelihood; Tenerife's alert level was still green on 2 October 2026. Green means normal conditions. Yellow means above-normal activity or residual effects; local restrictions may apply. Orange and red indicate a possible or imminent eruption; follow the authorities' instructions.

Check INVOLCAN for bulletins and island alert levels, Spain's National Geographic Institute for real-time earthquakes, and the Canary Islands Government/PEVOLCA for emergency plans and updates. Visitors can explore Timanfaya National Park, Teide, La Palma's Volcano Route and Tajogaite, Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua, among other sites, while observing current restrictions.

The Canary Islands use IGIC rather than VAT; the source draft gives a general rate of 7%, compared with 21% for mainland Spanish VAT. Some goods may cost less, although shipping makes others more expensive. There is no general regional tourist tax, but individual municipalities (for example, Mogán) and specific natural sites may charge fees. The currency is the euro. Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for guachinches, markets and small villages.

Tipping is not compulsory; people often round up or leave around 5-10% for good service. The Canary Islands are one hour behind mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands, and share the time zone of the UK and Portugal. EU mobile plans generally include roaming at no extra charge. Coverage is good in coastal areas and towns but can be weak in ravines and on summits.

The islands use type C and F plugs at 230 V, as in mainland Spain. Emergency number: 112. EU citizens should bring a European Health Insurance Card; visitors from elsewhere should have travel insurance. Health centres and pharmacies are available on every island; smaller islands have fewer hospital specialities.

Spanish is spoken, with a distinctive accent and vocabulary; English and German are also spoken in tourist areas. Useful words: guagua (bus), papas (potatoes), millo (corn), cotufas (popcorn), baifo (young goat) and ¡chacho! (an expression of surprise). The islands are generally safe, with low crime. The main risks are natural (sea conditions, heat and trails); take ordinary care of belongings in cars and busy areas.

Costs vary by island, season and accommodation. Source-draft estimates per day, excluding flights and based on mid-season: budget traveller, €50-85 per person; mid-range couple, €110-160 per person; family of four, €250-400 per family; luxury, €250-500 or more per person. These are indicative estimates, not guaranteed prices.

Indicative prices: coffee €1.50-2; beer €2-3; set lunch €10-15; a guachinche meal €15-20 per person; bus €1.50-5 depending on route; rental car €25-50 per day in mid-season. IGIC, fuel, tobacco and alcohol can be cheaper, but tourist accommodation in high season may cost as much as or more than on mainland Spain.

Travel in May-June or September-November and avoid Christmas, Easter and August. Book accommodation, cars and ferries early. Eat at guachinches, village bars and set-lunch spots; use buses and travel passes if you do not need a car every day. Make the most of free beaches, trails, viewpoints and historic centres.