The Canary Islands are a set of islands of volcanic origin that are part of Spain, although they are situated closer to Africa than they are to the European continent. Although they have many things in common, each island has its own charm and specific points of interest, which means that you should research carefully before choosing one as your next holiday destination.
Many people ask "Which is the best Canary Island to visit?" and expect a straight answer.
But there's no universal answer that's right for everyone because as we previously said, the islands are very different from one another and it depends on what you're expecting from your holiday as well.
TENERIFE
Tenerife is the largest island and the one with the most tourists visiting each year.
In Tenerife, you can find it all: great beaches, an amazing volcanic landscape. After all, Teide is the highest peak in all of Spain, you can also visit the enchanted forests in Anaga Rural Park, charming little villages and some of the most popular resorts in the archipelago when it comes to nightlife, like Playa de Las Americas.
If it's your first time visiting the Canary Islands and you have no idea which destination to choose, Tenerife might be the right answer for you.
GRAN CANARIA
The second most popular destination in the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is a great place for a holiday if want to party all night long, have fun and enjoy late nights in the clubs. The area of Maspalomas is famous for its clubs and it's a popular destination for LGTBQ tourism (many events like Winter Pride Maspalomas, Maspalomas Gay Pride or Dunas Festival take place in this part of the island).
Other parts of the island are more chilled, like Puerto de Mogan, which is actually great for a relaxed couples holiday, or Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria which is good for families with kids.
Gran Canaria has also become a popular destination for digital nomads and remote workers, who come to stay in Las Palmas especially during the winter months.
LANZAROTE
Lanzarote is one of the smaller islands, so it's amazing the multitude of beautiful places that you can see here. Without traveling for long distances, you can go on the footpath of the famous Cesar Manrique and visit places la Jameos del Agua, LagOmar or Mirador del Rio.
We love Lanzarote for a holiday during the autumn season, when the resorts are not as filled with tourists like in the summer, and the ocean water is still perfect for swimming. Lanzarote is a great destination for families with young children, as it's easy to navigate and you can find lots of things to do to keep the little ones entertained.
FUERTEVENTURA
Fuerteventura is like a Mecca for windsurfers and one of the most relaxed places where you can go for a holiday in the Canary Islands. The island is very different from Tenerife or Gran Canaria, more quiet and chilled, without many nightclubs.
Fuerteventura is the island to visit if you're looking for a beach holiday, as it is home to some of the best beaches in Europe: Playa la Concha (El Cotillo), Flag Beach (Corralejo Dunes), Sotavento, Cofete and there are so many more amazing beaches especially in the Jandia peninsula.
LA PALMA
La Palma is the island to go to if you want to see the most breathtaking view of the night sky. The island is famous as a Starlight Reserve and it's a good choice if you are looking to have an active holiday. Roque de los Muchachos Observatory is one of the island's most popular attractions.
La Palma is a great hiking destination, with lots of incredible hiking paths and green landscapes, waterfalls and beautiful views of the forests and of the ocean as well.
LA GOMERA
Although it is the closest island to Tenerife, La Gomera is very different from it. Just like La Palma, La Gomera is also an ideal destination for those who love hiking and trekking, as here on the island you have lots of trails and walking routes especially around Garajonay National Park.
EL HIERRO
If you want a holiday in a remote location, then El Hierro is the best Canary Island to go to. Tiny and wild, El Hierro hasn't been touched by mass tourism, so if you want a different kind of holiday, to clear your mind away from it all, this is the place to do that.
If you're still unsure which island to choose for your next holiday, then maybe we can help by giving you some options in regards to resorts and destinations on each of the islands on the archipelago.
These are the destinations that we would recommend to anyone looking for a holiday focused on partying and clubbing. Long nights while drinking and dancing in the clubs, lazy mornings and days spent laying in the sun - if this is the sort of holiday that you seek, then look at these resorts and choose the best island for you.
Tenerife: Gran Hotel Bahía del Duque Resort, The Ritz-Carlton Abama, Royal Hideaway Corales Resort - romantic 5 stars hotels, ideal for a couples' holiday. Puerto del Cruz is also a great destination to choose, because you are away from the noisy and busy South, so it's a great location for a romantic holiday even if you don't go for a fancy hotel. Playa San Juan is also a nice place for couples if you do want to be in the south in a quiet little town.
The Canary Islands are often chosen as a destination for honeymoons and even weddings, especially by couples coming from European countries. You can go for a luxury hotel that is Adults Only, or you can rent a nice apartment in a quiet town where you can just enjoy being together. The great thing about the Canary Islands is that they provide an option for anyone and any budget, so you can find a beautiful and romantic destination in the Canaries, even if you don't want to break the bank.
The Canaries are a popular choice for families, especially during the summer months and the midterms periods. These are also the most expensive times to come on holiday, so you should book in advance or wait until the very last minute to see if you can score a deal. Los Cristianos has nice beaches that are kid-friendly, Costa Teguise has the only aqua park in Lanzarote and Caleta de Fuste has a beach that is also kid-friendly, plus the resort is super close to the airport.
If you love water sports: surfing, kite surfing, paddleboarding, swimming or anything else, then the Canaries are a great destination. With beautiful weather all year round, you have plenty of options to choose from. Caleta de Famara and El Cotillo are more laid back, hippie places, compared to Corralejo or Puerto de la Cruz. Of course that you can also choose a place like Lajares as your base in Fuerteventura, and then go towards the Corralejo Dunes or El Cotillor for surfing.