Canary Islands holidays: our guide to the islands

Where are the Canary Islands?

The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic, off the coast of Morocco. The seven main islands are Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. All of them were made by volcanoes, which is why the scenery changes so much, from black lava to sand dunes and green mountains.

The climate is mild all year, which is why northern Europeans have come here for winter sun for generations. The islands share the UK's time zone, and the flight is long enough to feel like a proper escape but short enough for a few days in the sun.

Here are the four islands most people choose between, and what sets them apart. The Canary Islands belong to Spain.

Which Canary Island is best for you?

Gran Canaria: a bit of everything

A real city in Las Palmas, the Maspalomas dunes and mountain villages above the clouds. The safest choice for a first trip. Read our Gran Canaria guide.

Tenerife: volcano and contrasts

Spain's highest mountain in the middle, sunshine in the south and green mountains and old towns in the north. Best if you want to mix pool days with nature. Read our Tenerife guide.

Lanzarote: lava, art and wine

The most distinctive island, with volcanic landscapes, white villages and the work of César Manrique. For those who want calm and something different. Read our Lanzarote guide.

Fuerteventura: the beach island

Long, wide beaches, dunes and wind for surfing. For those who want to walk by the sea for hours. Read our Fuerteventura guide.

The smaller islands

La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro are greener, quieter and have fewer hotels. La Gomera is a short ferry ride from Tenerife and makes an easy day trip.

Things to do in the Canary Islands

• Ride the cable car up Mount Teide and stay for the stars over the national park. Read more about Mount Teide and the national park.

• Walk the dunes at Maspalomas or Corralejo at sunset.

• Drive through the volcanic landscape of Timanfaya on Lanzarote.

• Watch whales and dolphins off the south coast of Tenerife.

• Eat papas arrugadas with mojo, small potatoes boiled in salt water with red and green sauce, on every island.

Where to stay in the Canary Islands

Most of the luxury hotels are in Costa Adeje on Tenerife and in Maspalomas and Meloneras on Gran Canaria. We have gathered our favourites in the best hotels in Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Each island guide above also has its own hotel picks.

The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama: for something special

A red palace on a clifftop above the sea in south-west Tenerife, with palms, pools and a lift down to its own beach. One of the best-known luxury hotels in the islands.

Book your sun break: See rooms at The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama

When is the best time to visit the Canary Islands?

The Canary Islands have mild weather all year, and high season for winter sun runs from October to April. Christmas, half-term and Easter fill up fast, so book early. The south coasts of Gran Canaria and Tenerife are the most reliable for winter sunshine.

For flight and hotel in one booking, see winter sun holidays. Comparing destinations? Read where is hot in December.

Frequently asked questions about the Canary Islands

Which Canary Island is best?

It depends on what you want. Gran Canaria is best for variety and city life, Tenerife for nature and Mount Teide, Lanzarote for calm and character, and Fuerteventura for long beaches and surfing. Gran Canaria and Tenerife have the most hotels and flights.

Which Canary Island is warmest in winter?

The south coasts of Gran Canaria and Tenerife get the most winter sunshine. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are dry and sunny but windier. The northern sides of the bigger islands are cloudier.

Where should I stay in the Canary Islands?

Choose the island for what you want to do, then the area. Costa Adeje on Tenerife and Maspalomas and Meloneras on Gran Canaria have most of the luxury hotels. Las Palmas suits a city break, and Corralejo a beach holiday on Fuerteventura.

How many Canary Islands are there?

There are seven main islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. Several smaller islands come on top, including La Graciosa north of Lanzarote.

Can you travel between the Canary Islands?

Yes. Ferries and short domestic flights link the islands. The ferries between Tenerife and La Gomera and between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are the easiest to combine on one trip.