Canary Island Holidays

There’s so much to see and do in the Canary Islands, but here are a few of our favourites:

• Beach-hop: The best place to enjoy the year-round sunshine is on a beach, and the good news is, the Canary Islands have plenty! You’ll be able to choose from seemingly endless stretches of golden sand, as well as unique volcanic beaches with black sand.
• Embark on outdoor adventures: There are so many outdoor activities waiting for you in the Canary Islands, from hiking through natural parks in Gran Canaria, to exciting cable car rides in Tenerife and exhilarating buggy tours in Lanzarote.
• Attend a carnival: Immerse yourself in Canarian culture by attending the dazzling carnival celebrations which take place between February and March every year. Each island celebrates in its own way, but most events will feature a vibrant parade with colourful floats, singing, dancing and fireworks. The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival is considered one of the best in the world!
• Visit top attractions: The Canaries are famed for their volcanic activity. Visit the incredible landscape of Lanzarote’s Timanfaya National Park or venture to Tenerife to awe at Mount Teide. The Maspalomas Sand Dunes in Gran Canaria, Corralejo Natural Park in Fuerteventura, and Caldera de Taburiente National Park in La Palma are just a few must-see attractions.
• Search for wildlife: On holidays to the Canary Islands, you’ll be able to see amazing animals in their natural habitat. Gran Canaria is a prime destination for birdwatching and spotting giant lizards. The islands are also brilliant for dolphin and whale-watching excursions.

From volcanic peaks to underground caves and impressive sand dunes, Canary Island holidays are perfect for those who want to explore the great outdoors.

• Teide National Park: This sprawling park is home to the famous Mount Teide volcano, which has the highest summit in Spain. If you’re a hiking enthusiast, you can reach the peak of Mount Teide on foot but this is a challenging excursion. For something more relaxing, take a cable car ride to the top and admire panoramic views along the way.
• Timanfaya National Park: This fascinating park is a must-visit in Lanzarote and is often compared to the planet Mars because of its incredible volcanic landscape. It's home to active volcanoes and geothermal activity, creating a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere. Visitors can witness steam vents and boiling mud pools and can even experience a volcanic demonstration where lava flows are simulated.
• Maspalomas Sand Dunes: Admire the rolling sand dunes at the Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve – one of the most popular attractions in Gran Canaria. Spend time at the beach, follow walking trails or look out for wildlife by the lagoon.
• Caves: Step inside spectacular underground caves like the ‘Wind Cave’ in Tenerife, and Jameos del Agua and the Cueva de los Verdes in Lanzarote. The latter has winding passageways and an amazing auditorium in the depths of the cave.
• Hiking: Pull on some walking boots and head for La Gomera. The second smallest of the Canary Islands, it’s criss-crossed with walking trails which wind their way past rocky beaches and quaint mountain villages.

With the region famously a go-to destination for winter sun, expect to spend the day lounging on blissful beaches during your holiday. Take your pick from secluded coves, golden sandy stretches and striking volcanic beaches.

• Fuerteventura: This beautiful island has plenty of brilliant beaches waiting to be discovered. The picturesque Grandes Playas de Corralejo stretches for miles, while Sotavento Beach features golden sand and glistening lagoons. It’s also a top spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
• Lanzarote: The idyllic sandy beaches of Papagayo are some of the best in Lanzarote. The string of white-sand beaches are lapped by crystal-clear waters that are perfect for snorkelling and swimming.
• Gran Canaria: One of our favourite beaches in Gran Canaria has to be Playa Amadores. It boasts Blue Flag status and features pristine, crushed coral sand which has been imported directly from the Caribbean. The dazzling blue sea is teeming with marine life, making it popular for scuba diving.
• Tenerife: This sun-soaked island is an ideal choice if you want to discover volcanic beaches with black sand. Playa Jardin is one of the island’s most famous beaches. It was designed by celebrated Canarian artist César Manrique and is surrounded by stunning gardens. For soft, golden sand, head to Las Teresitas Beach.
• La Palma and La Gomera: There are lots more beaches to be found across the Canary Islands. Playa de Tazacorte is a popular black-sand beach in La Palma, while Playa del Ingles in La Gomera has a lovely unspoilt feel.

With so many wonderful beaches, it makes sense that water activities are top of the list on Canary Island holidays. Whether you want to set sail on a boat trip or try thrilling water sports – there’s something for everyone.

• Whale watching: For a day trip to remember, head out to sea in search of beautiful dolphins and whales. The Canary Islands are a great place to go whale watching at any time of year.
• Windsurfing: Fuerteventura is a top destination for windsurfing. The island boasts fantastic waves and its consistently breezy conditions are ideal for water sports.
• Lago Martianez: This amazing leisure complex in Puerto de la Cruz has a large artificial lake and multiple swimming pools, with separate options for adults and children. Spend the day here relaxing or swimming in the refreshing waters, before enjoying a snack at one of the many restaurants.
• Water parks: Get ready to make a splash at Siam Park in Tenerife. It’s been voted the best water park in the world multiple times, and is home to thrilling water slides, as well as family-friendly attractions and a sandy beach. Aqualand Costa Adeje is another popular water park nearby to check out.
• Boat trips: When it comes to boat trips, there are plenty to choose from. If you want to get up close to magnificent marine life, book a glass-bottom boat tour or a submarine adventure in Puerto de Mogan, Gran Canaria. Want to treat yourself to something really special? Choose a private catamaran cruise at sunset.

Foodies will be in their element in the Canary Islands. Pick from tasty Spanish tapas, fresh seafood and Canarian classics, accompanied by fine local wines.

• Canarian tapas: You’ll find plenty of restaurants serving mouthwatering Spanish cuisine all over the Canary Islands. A tapas meal involves several small plates, giving you the chance to try lots of dishes at once. Papas arrugadas (delicious salted potatoes) is one of the most popular dishes of all.
• Seafood: Being surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean means seafood is a staple on most Canarian menus. Top dishes to try include vieja (parrotfish) and pulpo (octopus).
• Michelin-starred meals: If you’re visiting the Canary Islands for a special occasion, you might want to treat yourself to a Michelin-starred meal. Restaurante la Aquarela in Gran Canaria offers incredible meals with fantastic flavours and presentation. M.B restaurant in Tenerife uses fresh ingredients that are sourced daily, and boasts 2 Michelin stars.
• El Diablo: If you’re searching for a unique foodie experience, head to El Diablo Restaurant which is located within Lanzarote’s Timanfaya National Park. The food is cooked using heat generated from an active volcano! Dine on classic Canarian dishes as you look out over the volcanic landscape. Make sure you try the volcano-inspired dessert with popping candy.
• Wine: Wine growing has a 500-year-old history in the Canary Islands. Tenerife has the most extensive wine production, but Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are also known for producing some fantastic wines. Book a guided tour during your holiday and visit some of the unique volcanic vineyards.

Nightlife in the Canary Islands varies between resorts. Choose from chilled-out bars and cosy local pubs or opt for chic cocktail lounges and lively nightclubs.

• Tenerife: Playa de las Americas is not only one of the best places for nightlife in Tenerife, but in the whole of the Canary Islands. You’ll find everything from pubs, bars, karaoke venues, live music bars and nightclubs that stay open until the early hours.
• Lanzarote: This is another Canary Island known for its nightlife, with most party goers flocking to Puerto del Carmen. The popular resort is packed with British-style pubs, vibrant bars and nightclubs.
• Gran Canaria: The capital, Las Palmas, is located in the north of the island and has a collection of trendy bars. Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas are the best resorts for nightlife in the south. Gran Canaria is also known for its wide selection of LGBT-friendly bars.
• Fuerteventura: Fancy something more laid-back? Fuerteventura has a more relaxed nightlife scene compared to some of the other Canary Islands, but there are still plenty of places where you can have a few drinks. Corralejo is great for a night out as it has sports bars, cocktail lounges and karaoke venues. For exotic cocktails on the sand, head to Waikiki Beach Club.
• La Palma: Known for its tranquillity and natural beauty, La Palma offers a chilled-out nightlife experience. The island's focus on stargazing and outdoor activities often leads to earlier nights. However, you can still find cosy bars and restaurants in towns like Santa Cruz de La Palma, where you can enjoy local cuisine, craft beers and live music.

From all inclusive resorts with everything on your doorstep to volcanic marvels and beaches boasting exhilarating water sports, family holidays in the Canary Islands have it all. Here are just a few of the things families can enjoy together:

• Waterparks: One of the best ways to cool off from the heat is at a waterpark. If you're planning a family holiday to Tenerife, Siam Park is a must-visit. It's been voted the best waterpark in the world multiple times and has something for all ages. Aquapark Costa Teguise in Lanzarote and Aqualand Maspalomas in Gran Canaria are also top picks.
• Beach days: The Canary Islands are brilliant for a beach break, with the island of Fuerteventura boasting more than 150 beaches! In addition to lounging on golden sandy beaches like Playa de Sotavento and Costa Calma, we’d recommend spending some time at the unique volcanic beaches with black sand.
• Water activities: Water activities are extremely popular in the Canary Islands and there are lots that cater for children. Younger children will love pedalo boat rides, submarine adventures and glass-bottom boat tours that let you get up close to sea life, while older children can try exciting water sports.
• Outdoor attractions: Children will love seeing towering mountains and volcanoes in the Canary Islands. Get out and appreciate the great outdoors, as you explore top outdoor attractions like Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote, Mount Teide in Tenerife and Bandama Caldera in Gran Canaria.
• Family hotels: The Canary Islands have lots of family-friendly hotels with amazing on-site facilities. Some have kids’ clubs, children’s pools, water slides and play areas. Take some time to find the right resort for you. All inclusive holidays are a good option if you want to keep the costs down when you arrive, as your flights, hotel and food are all covered in advance. There are also lots of self-catering options if you’d prefer to cook yourself.

The beautiful Canary Islands are an ideal holiday destination for couples, as you’ll find the perfect mix of exciting adventures and relaxing activities. Here are a few things you might want to try on your holiday:

• Secluded beaches: As well as sandy beaches with all the amenities you could need, the Canary Islands have plenty of unspoilt sandy stretches and charming coves where you can unwind in peace.
• Day trips: There are lots of fun day trips to keep you busy, including hiking adventures, catamaran cruises, scuba diving excursions and stargazing experiences to name just a few. Island-hopping is also popular in the Canaries. A ferry from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura will take just 30 minutes, while the ferry from Tenerife to Gran Canaria takes less than 2 hours.
• Evening entertainment: Whether you want to enjoy casual drinks at a local bar or you’d prefer to dance the night away at a lively club, there are endless places to choose from for a night on the town. Tenerife has some of the best nightlife in the Canaries, making it a good pick if you want to party. If you’re after something more laid-back, savour a seafood dinner at elegant waterfront eateries or book a romantic meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
• Wine tasting: The Canaries are famous for their excellent wines and you can visit some of the vineyards to discover exactly how they are made. Book a tasting tour at Bodega Los Berrazales in Gran Canaria and you can try several varieties with a side of Canarian tapas.
• Romantic hotels: Escape to a tranquil resort where you can totally unwind. The Canary Islands have some fantastic 5-star hotels with on-site spas where you can book a range of treatments including a couples massage. Some resorts also have infinity pools, a la carte restaurants and evening entertainment.