Canary Islands or Azores? Where to go on holiday?

Are you trying to choose between the Azores and the Canary Islands for your next holiday and you find it hard to decide? Both archipelagos are beautiful places to visit but they have different characteristics, so we'll try to help you decide which one is the better destination for you.

Which has the better climate - the Canary Islands or the Azores?

The Azores, an archipelago part of Portugal, have a mild, oceanic climate influenced by the North Atlantic Current. This results in relatively stable temperatures throughout the year. Winters are mild, with average temperatures ranging from 12 to 16°C (54 to 61°F), while summers are pleasantly warm, with averages around 24 to 26°C (75 to 79°F). Rainfall is frequent, particularly during the winter months, making the islands lush and green. The weather can be quite changeable, with rapid shifts between sun and showers.

The Canary Islands, an archipelago of eight islands part of Spain, are enjoying what is often referred to as "the eternal spring", with mild temperatures during the winter months, that allow visitors to spend the days at the beach.

If you're visiting the Canary Islands in winter you can expect temperatures around 20°C  - 25°C  during the daytime, so it will be considerably warmer than in the Azores.

If you're looking for sunbathing weather during the winter months, the Canary Islands are definitely the best choice, as the archipelago is probably the hottest destination in Europe in winter. Also, the Canary Islands get far less rain than the Azores during the winter months.

What to do in the Azores vs what to do in the Canary Islands

The Azores are a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, with trails that range from easy walks to challenging hikes, offering breathtaking views of crater lakes, waterfalls, and coastal cliffs. We can recommend exploring places like Sete Cidades, Furnas, and the Caldeira Velha.

Both the Azores and the Canary Islands are some of the best places in the world for whale watching due to the abundance of marine life in the surrounding waters. In both destinations, you can take a boat tour to see sperm whales, dolphins, and other cetaceans in their natural habitat. 

In the Azores, you can relax in the natural thermal pools and hot springs scattered across the islands, in places like Furnas on São Miguel or the Termas do Carapacho on Graciosa that offer rejuvenating experiences amidst beautiful surroundings.

For adrenaline junkies, the Azores offer opportunities for activities such as canyoning, kayaking, surfing, and mountain biking. 

In Tenerife, you can go and visit the popular animal park Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz and you can also spend a day at Siam Park, often referred to as the best water park in the world.

Also in Tenerife, you can visit several historic towns, with beautiful Canarian architecture like La Orotava and La Laguna, but the other islands also have charming villages like Teror in Gran Canaria, Betancuria in Fuerteventura and Teguise in Lanzarote.

Which has the best beaches: the Azores or the Canary Islands?

While the Azores are not typically known as a traditional beach destination like some tropical islands, they do offer some beautiful beaches worth exploring. The islands are known more for their rugged coastline, volcanic landscapes, and diverse outdoor activities. However, you can still find sandy beaches with picturesque surroundings where you can relax and enjoy the ocean. Some of the most well-known beaches in the Azores are: Praia Formosa (Santa Maria), Praia do Almoxarife (Faial), Praia da Vitória (Terceira), Praia do Fogo (São Miguel), Praia do Porto Pim (Faial).

In the Canary Islands you have beautiful beaches like Grandes Playas and Cofete in Fuerteventura; Playas Papagayo in Lanzarote; Las Canteras, Amadores Beach, Anfi del Mar, in Gran Canaria;  Playa del Duque, Playa Las Vistas, Playa Las Teresitas in Tenerife, just to count a few of them. The beaches in the south of the islands usually have sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars and lifeguards on site and you can swim all year round, even during the winter months, although it's true that some people find the sea cold, especially in February and March.

So which islands are the best: Azores or the Canary Islands?

Ultimately, determining whether the Azores are "better" than the Canary Islands depends on individual preferences, interests, and priorities. Both archipelagos offer unique experiences and beautiful landscapes, so it depends on what you expect from your holiday.

The Azores offer outdoor activities such as hiking, whale watching, scuba diving, and exploring hot springs. The Canary Islands are renowned for their beaches, water sports, hiking trails, and vibrant nightlife. 

The Azores are relatively remote and less developed in terms of tourism infrastructure compared to the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands are more accessible and have well-established tourism infrastructure and flights connecting them with almost all the countries in Europe, they also have more hotels, resorts, restaurants, and transportation options than the Azores. They attract a larger number of tourists, particularly during the peak season, which is the winter season in Europe when the Canary Islands are the best option for winter sun.