Located off the coast of North Africa are a group of incredible small islands that are blessed with endless volcanic landscapes and tranquil beaches. It is an archipelago of eight Spanish islands that form the Canary Islands, each bringing a different zest with its distinct personality and natural wonders. These islands are currently one of the most desirable seaside destinations as there is something for every taste and for every type of holiday. Be it the majestic mountains, lava fields, golden beaches or the year-round spring climate, Canary Islands is definitely a destination that will help make memories to last a lifetime.
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Geographical Location Of The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean which is very close to the northwest coast of Africa. Though the islands are a part of Spain, they are geographically closer to Africa than to Europe. You will be surprised to know that the distance from the easternmost island Lanzarote to the African coast is just about 100 km. The islands are volcanic in nature and are part of the Macaronesia region, which includes the Azores and Madeira.
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Canary Islands At A Glance
The eight main islands have diverse landscapes with each having its own distinct character and appeal. Let us take a look at each of these islands to know what they have to offer.
1. Tenerife – For People With Different Interests
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands and the most developed of them all is a mix of beaches, mountains, towns, villages, eateries and family-friendly activities. People travelling with different interests can find a balance here.
Things To See – Teide National Park, Stroll San Cristobal de la Laguna, village of Masca, water park and the beautiful red, pink, black and white sand beaches.
Where To Stay In Tenerife – Hard Rock Hotel, Vincci Seleccion La Plantacion Del Sur, Adrián Hoteles Roca Nivaria, Sol Arona Tenerife, Regency Torviscas.
Best Time To Visit – Winter months between (Dec–Feb), spring and autumn months of (Mar–May, Sep–Nov) and summer months between (Jun–Aug).
2. Fuerteventura – For People Who Love Surfing
Fuerteventura, the second largest Canary Island is known for its strong winds that are great for water sports enthusiasts. Because of the constant breeze the island has a unique sand swept landscape that makes for a cool feature. Since Fuerteventura is only 60 miles from the African coast, it is the closest island to Africa.
Things To See – Corralejo National Park, Playa del Moro, Isla de Lobos, Penitas Dam, Faro de la Entallada and Playa Cofete.
Where To Stay In Fuerteventura – Gran Hotel Bahia Real, Sheraton Golf & Spa Resort, Castillo Playa.
Best Time To Visit – June to August for windsurfing and kitesurfing and September-November for calmer beach conditions.
3. Gran Canaria – For People Who Love Beaches
Gran Canaria also known as the miniature continent is the third-largest Canary Island. It is best known for it’s over 80 beaches, volcanic landscapes, seafood restaurants and laid back vibes. All thanks to its volcanic origins for giving it a superbly scenic land with striking cone-shaped profile.
Things To See – Roque Nublo, Magic Window, Las Palmas, Puerto Mogan and Maspalomas Dunes.
Where To Stay In Gran Canaria – Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Gran Canaria Mogan, Hotel Riu Palace Oasis, Santa Catalina, H10 Playa Meloneras Palace, hotel New Folias, Riu Vistamar.
Best Time To Visit – April-June and September-November are ideal times to visit as during this time one can expect fewer crowds and great weather.
4. Lanzarote – For People Who Love Aesthetic Settings
Lanzarote is unlike any other place on earth as it is covered in both volcano and desert. Half of the place looks like a Hawaii Island and the other half looks like a different planet. Local architect César Manrique seamlessly blended natural beauty with the art and architecture to make it the most aesthetically pleasing of the eight islands.
Things To See – Timinfaya National Park, Village of Órzola, Lanzaloe Aloe Farm, Papagayo Beach and Jameos del Agua.
Where To Stay In Lanzarote – Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park, Secrets Lanzarote Resorts & Spa, Cinco Plazas.
Best Time To Visit – March to June and September to November are the best times for good weather and lesser crowds.
5. La Palma – For People Who Love Stargazing
The island of La Palma is so beautiful that it has been protected under the UNESCO biosphere reserve. This beautiful island is also known by two other names, La Isla Bonita and La Isla Verde. A visit to this island gives the most colonial European feel in comparison with the other Islands. It also has some of the most clear/beautiful skylines and offers exceptional stargazing opportunities.
Things To See – Caldera de Taburiente National Park, Roque de las Muchachos, Los Tilos Waterfall, Salt Flats at Fuencalient and Unspoiled Beach of Cala Vella.
Where to Stay In La Palma – Puerto de Tazacorte, Puerto Naos, Santa Cruz De La Palma, Los Llanos de Aridane and El Paso.
Best Time To Visit – March-June or September-November
6. La Gomera – For People Who Love Hiking
La Gomera may be small, but its outstanding mountain trails is a hikers paradise. This mountainous island is packed with ancient laurel forests and deep ravines. For people who are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and dive deep into nature this is the place to be.
Things To See – Garajonay National Forest, Roque De Agando, cafes in the forests.
Where To Stay In La Gomera – Apartamento La Peatonal, Hotel Torre Del Conde, Apartamentos Charco del Conde, Residencial El Llano, Pensión La Gaviota, Hotel Jardín Concha.
Best Time To Visit – Best time for trekking will be between the months of Mar to May and Sep to Nov.
7. El Hierro – For People Looking For A Complete Escape
The smallest, least touristy and hardest to get to is the island of El Hierro where you won’t find people bustling with activities but an island that is almost untouched by tourism. This off-the-beat-destination has sweeping viewpoints, glinting Atlantic pools and misty forests where one can have a real sabbatical away from the world. The island has also achieved 100% sustainability by using only renewal energy.
Things To See – Jinema Trail, El Sabinal, Natural Pools, top of the hill ValVerde Church, Tubo Volcánico and La Restinga.
Where To Stay in El Hierro – Apartamentos Villa Marina, Parador de El Hierro, Hotel Punta Grande, Hotel Boomerang, Casa Rural la Hojalata, Pension El Guanche, Sur Restinga.
Best Time To Visit – Visit between September to June for hiking, diving and other outdoor activities.
8. La Graciosa – For People Looking For Peace And Solitude
La Graciosa is a tiny island that’s accessible only by ferry from Orzola. With no paved roads and human activities around, this place feels more like the end of the world. However this island offers untouched beaches, breathtaking views of Graciosa and peace and solitude that is broken only by the sound of wind. This tranquil island was officially declared as the eighth Canary Island in 2018.
Things To See – Las Agujas Grandes, Montaña Amarilla volcanes, golden Playa Francesa and views of Lanzarote’s Famara cliffs.
Where To Stay In La Graciosa – Evita Beach, Samsara Home, Hotel Emblemático La Casa, Casa Olga, La Caletilla La Graciosa.
Best Time To Visit – Visit during the months of March-June or September-November for good weather and tranquility.
Things To Know About The Canary Islands
- All the eight beautiful Islands of Canary are part of Spain.
- Canary Islands Spain enjoys Year-round spring climate.
- Four of the islands (La Palma, El Hierro, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria) come under the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves for their unique ecosystems.
- The tallest mountain in Spain is located on Tenerife which is one of the popular Canary Islands.
- All the eight islands are connected well by air (interisland flights) and ferries.
- Spectacular centuries-old carnival celebrations happen in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
- The islands are home to two UNESCO geo parks and four national parks.
Suggested Reads: 10 Best Islands In The World
Final Thoughts
Of the eight islands, Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the most visited ones but let me tell you, the less explored islands like La Gomera and El Hierro are the showstoppers. The combination of untouched surroundings with stunning scenery and charm makes it one of the must visit islands. When you decide to visit the Canary Islands someday make sure to visit them all because each of the eight islands offers a unique and distinctive experience. Do let us know of your visit and which island left a mark in your heart.
FAQs
Citizens from countries like the United States, Canada, and the UK, can enter the Canary Islands for up to 90 days. Tourists coming from the remaining nations need a visa to enter the Islands. Check for the latest entry requirements with your local embassy before planning a visit.
All the eight islands have something new to offer to its visitors however if we have to choose one from the lot, it would be Tenerife. Tenerife is the largest island and provides a well-rounded option for first-time visitors.
Just like any other destination, tourists should be mindful of their surroundings, fraudsters and scams. Since this destination has many beaches there are many warning flags at beaches, lakes and rivers. Here are some of the most common color flags that you are most likely to see.
Green Flag: the water is calm and ideal for a swim.
Yellow Flag: agitated waters, be cautious while swimming.
Red Flag: dangerous waters hence entering the water is forbidden.
Black Flag: not fit for swimming as the water is contaminated.
