Canaries Holidays

Pack your sunnies: Canary Islands holidays mean sunshine every month of the year, islands with different personalities, and beaches from black volcanic sand to golden dunes. Leave the winter behind and let the Canaries do the rest.

Good to know for your holidays to the Canary Island

• ☀️ Weather - Canary Islands weather is the star of the show: 20 to 21°C through December and January, 27°C in August, and never, ever, below 19°C in any month. The southern resorts are the warmest, and if you want the warmest Canary island in the depths of winter, head for the south of Tenerife or Gran Canaria.

• 🍺 Price of a pint - A cold cerveza runs about €2 to €3 across the islands, though a seafront bar in Playa de las Américas or the Yumbo strip will charge closer to €4 or €5. Either way, we'll drink to that!

• 🤩 Fun fact - The Canary Islands are named after dogs, not birds. The Latin Insula Canaria means "island of the dogs", and the canary bird was named after the islands rather than the other way round.

Highlights of your Canary Island holidays 2026 and 2027

• Winter sun - Holidays to the Canaries in November, December, January or February still run 19 to 23°C in the southern resorts, with sea warm enough to swim in. Nowhere else four hours from home can say that.

• Each island gives a completely different holiday - Tenerife for the big resorts and the volcano, Gran Canaria for the dunes and the nightlife, Lanzarote for the lunar landscapes and the wine, Fuerteventura for more beach than the rest put together, La Palma for the stars and the walking.

• Mount Teide, and the view from the top - Spain's highest mountain at 3,715m, on Tenerife, with a cable car most of the way up and a national park around it that looks like nowhere else in Europe.

• Beaches in every colour - Black volcanic sand at El Bollullo, golden Sahara-blown dunes at Maspalomas and Corralejo, and calm man-made bays like Amadores where the water barely moves.

• Duty-free, genuinely - The Canaries sit outside the EU customs and VAT area, so spirits, tobacco, perfume and electronics are cheaper here than on the Spanish mainland.

A holiday in the Canaries is perfect for you if...

• You want a beach holiday in December but you are not prepared to fly ten hours.

• You want something that feels like Spain but looks like Mars.

• You want a party island, a quiet island and a family island, all on the same island, and all a four-hour flight away.

• You would rather hike a volcano in the morning and lie on a beach in the afternoon than pick one.

• You are after cheap holidays to the Canary Islands and you want somewhere that is just as good in the cheap months.

When is the best time to go on your Canary Island holidays?

The honest answer is any month, which is not something you can say about anywhere else in Europe. What changes is the crowd, the price and how warm the sea is.

Winter (November to February) - This is what the Canaries are for. The Canary Islands in November still run about 23°C, in December and January about 20 to 21°C, and in February about 20°C, in the southern resorts. The sea holds around 20 to 21°C all winter, which is swimmable (though it won't quite be a warm bath). If you want the warmest Canary island in November, December or January, it is the south of Tenerife, Gran Canaria or Fuerteventura: all three sit in the lee of their own mountains and stay several degrees warmer than the north coasts. Prices are at their highest over Christmas and New Year and at their lowest in late January.

Spring (March to May) - The best all-round window. Around 21 to 23°C, the landscapes green after the winter rain, the almond blossom out on La Palma and Gran Canaria, and the walking at its best before the summer heat. Sea is still cool for swimming until May.

Summer (June to August) - Classic beach weather, 25 to 27°C and never much hotter, because the Atlantic and the trade winds cap it. Sea temperatures peak at 22 to 23°C. It is the busiest stretch, and worth booking early.

Autumn (September to October) - The quiet secret. The Canary Islands in October are still 25°C with the warmest sea of the year at 23°C, the summer crowds gone and the prices with them. September is nearly as warm and nearly as quiet. If you can travel outside the school holidays, this is the window.

Where is the best area to stay on your holidays to the Canary Islands

Which is the best Canary island for you?

There is no single best Canary island, but there is a best one for each kind of holiday, and picking the island is the decision that matters most here. Tenerife is the biggest and the busiest, with the widest choice of hotels and the volcano. Gran Canaria is the most varied, with the dunes, the biggest nightlife scene and a proper city in Las Palmas. Lanzarote is the most distinctive, low-rise and volcanic, and the best for anyone who likes a landscape. Fuerteventura has more beach than the other three put together and the best wind for surfing. La Palma is the quietest and the greenest, and the best in Europe for stargazing.

If you are choosing on warmth alone, the south coasts of Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura are the warmest Canary islands in winter, because all three sit in the shelter of their own mountains.

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Which is the best Canary island for families?

Tenerife is the family pick, with waterparks, kids' clubs and the widest choice of big resorts. Costa Adeje is the calmest end of it, with soft sand and a promenade you can walk the length of. Over on Gran Canaria, Maspalomas is the other strong family base, with the famous dunes and a very long, very shallow beach.

🎉 Which Canary island is best for a group holiday?

If it is nightlife you are after, Playa del Inglés on Gran Canaria and Playa de las Américas on Tenerife are the two big ones: beach clubs, bars and the kind of strip you can walk end to end. For a more laid-back version with the same energy, Costa Teguise on Lanzarote does it without the scale.

❤️ Which is the best Canary island for couples?

La Palma is the romantic one: stunning landscapes, some of the darkest skies in the world for stargazing, and beaches with nobody on them. Or Corralejo on Fuerteventura, for the dunes, the light and the small restaurants along the old harbour.

What are the best beaches to hit up on your holidays to the Canaries?

Ready to swap your screen saver for the real deal? The Canaries are a buffet of sandy feasts and nature treats, with a side order of island vibes. With year-round toasty temperatures and over 300 annual days of sunshine, you can literally visit whenever you like. And if you're itching for a last-minute holiday in the Canaries, we've got deals hotter than your crush's summer pics. So, let's dive into the beachy who's who:

• Maspalomas (Gran Canaria) - picture 17km of pure sandy bliss. No rush for the best spots here (and no one plonking their towel down right next to you - winner)

• Amadores (Gran Canaria) - this is the family-friendly bay where the waters are as calm as a zen master and the sands are as soft as your favourite pillow. It's a man-made marvel where even the wind takes a break.

• Playa el Bollullo (Tenerife) - black sands, secluded vibes, and a touch of volcanic drama – this beach is like the moody artist of the coast, perfect for lovebirds escaping the world.

• Las Vistas (Tenerife) - with 850m of sandy bliss and a sea as serene as a lullaby, this beach is a playground for the young and the young at heart. And ice cream? You bet there's ice cream.

• Playa del Duque (Tenerife) - a slice of luxury on Tenerife’s Costa Adeje, with golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Surrounded by stylish beach clubs and high-end restaurants, it’s the perfect spot to lounge in comfort and enjoy the island’s upscale vibe.

• Corralejo (Fuerteventura) - calling all thrill-seekers! This beach has waves that are ready to party with your surfboard, and sands that are itching to tickle your toes.

• Playa el Hierro (Fuerteventura) - ever seen a beach that looks like a popcorn machine exploded? This is it. Not your average sandy shore, but an epic tale of nature's quirks.

• Playa Flamingo (Lanzarote) - with sands as fine as stardust and waters protected by manmade magic, families unite – this is your chill zone.

• Playa del Reducto (Lanzarote) - Blue Flag certified, sand as soft as a whisper, and a vibe that sings 'holiday anthem' – it's the beach that everyone is writing home about.

• Playa de Papagayo (Lanzarote) - hidden in a natural cove, this golden-sand beach feels like a secret paradise. With crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling, it’s the ultimate spot to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful day by the sea.

• Puerto Naos (La Palma) - the largest beach on the island, with fine black sand, palm trees, parasols, a promenade bursting with bars and cafés, and a Blue Flag status.

All Inclusive Holidays To Canary Islands

All inclusive means your food, your drinks and your snacks are all paid for before you get on the plane. The whole shebang included in one tidy little price tag, so you can drink as many barraquito as you like, chomp on Canarian potatoes until you're blue in the face, and embarrass yourself silly in as many aqua aerobics sessions as you can handle. Just...maybe not in that order.

All inclusive Canary Islands holidays work particularly well because of the way the islands are built. The big all inclusive resorts here are concentrated in a handful of purpose-built stretches, Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen on Lanzarote, Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas on Tenerife, Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés on Gran Canaria, Caleta de Fuste on Fuerteventura, so you are never far from a beach, a promenade and somewhere to walk to in the evening if you fancy a night off the buffet. And because the season runs all year, all inclusive holidays to the Canaries in January cost a fraction of the same room in August.

Most of the all inclusive holidays we sell to the Canaries are four-star, and most of them sit within a few minutes' walk of the sand.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Which all inclusive Canary Islands hotels are best for families?

Barcelo Lanzarote Active Resort in Costa Teguise is the one to beat for an active family, with swimming pools from an olympic-size lane pool to a splash park, nine bars and restaurants, and a genuinely full sports programme.

Beatriz Playa & Spa has three buffet restaurants, spa facilities, and a kids-stay-free offer on selected dates, with the beach a short walk away.

💑 Where should couples go all inclusive in the Canaries?

• Iberostar Selection Sábila - Adults Only in Costa Adeje is adults only throughout, with sea-view rooms that get the sunset and a spa worth booking into on the first day rather than the last.

• Melia Jardines del Teide - Adults Only is the other Costa Adeje adults-only option, a short walk back from the busiest stretch of the front, which is the point of it.

💰 Which are the best value all inclusive Canary Islands holidays?

• Sol Lanzarote sits in Puerto del Carmen, the resort with the longest promenade on Lanzarote, so the all inclusive is the base rather than the whole holiday.

• Barcelo Fuerteventura Mar is in Caleta de Fuste on Fuerteventura's sheltered east coast, where the bay is calm enough that the beach works for people who do not love the Atlantic.

👉 All hotels in the Canaries

What are the top hotels to stay at on your Canary Island holidays?

These sun-drenched islands are full of tip-top hotels from all-inclusive to adults only that all serve up that classic vacay feeling, and cheap holidays to the Canaries aren't hard to come by either. Have a nosy at these hotels if you can't decide where to jet off to...

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best Canary Islands hotels for families

• LIVVO Lago Taurito Waterpark (Gran Canaria) - a family-friendly hotel with its own aqua park, 50m from the beach at Playa Taurito.

• Landmar Hotel Playa La Arena (Tenerife) - a beachfront beauty for the whole fam, with four pools, live music nights and a Spanish tapas restaurant.

• Broncemar Beach (Fuerteventura) - a village-style layout with a pool, Jacuzzi, snack bar and entertainment programme.

💑 Best adults-only hotels in the Canary Islands

• Guayarmina Princess - Adults Only (16+) (Tenerife) - a haven away from little ones, with a food market buffet, platinum services, an infinity pool with panoramic views and a serious spa.

✨ Best luxury hotels in the Canary Islands

• Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife (Tenerife) - swanky suites, big pools, live music that is always on, and a vibe that is pure rock and roll, in the heart of Costa Adeje.

💰 Best value Canary Islands hotels

• Beatriz Playa & Spa (Lanzarote) - two pools, mini golf for the kids, a choice of restaurants and the beach on the doorstep.

• Barcelo Lanzarote Active Resort (Lanzarote) - if you are the active sort this is your bag, with an olympic-size pool, a full sports programme, wellness facilities and ten bars and restaurants.

• Meliá La Palma (La Palma) - facilities for all ages and the best base on the quietest island in the group.

👉 All hotels in the Canaries

Cheap holidays to the Canary Islands

Cheap holidays to the Canary Islands are mostly a question of when rather than where. The islands sell all year, but late January, the first half of February and the whole of May are the cheapest windows, and October is the best value for money, because you get the warmest sea of the year and none of the summer crowd. If you're on a tight budget then try to avoid Christmas, New Year and the February half term if you can.

Island for island, Fuerteventura and La Palma tend to come back cheapest, with Tenerife and Gran Canaria costing more simply because more people want them. All inclusive usually works out cheaper than paying as you go if you are a family or a group, particularly on the bigger Lanzarote and Fuerteventura resorts. If you would rather eat out, walk one street back from the promenade: a menú del día inland costs about a third of a seafront main course and is usually better.

The other thing that makes cheap Canary Island holidays cheaper is the tax position. The Canaries sit outside the EU VAT area and use a much lower local sales tax instead, so alcohol, tobacco, perfume and electronics are all noticeably cheaper than the Spanish mainland, and there is no tourist tax to pay at check-in anywhere in the islands. Local buses, the guaguas, cost a couple of euros and reach every resort, which beats a hire car for a week on the beach.

👉 All hotels in the Canaries

Canary Island holidays - the 2026 / 2027 travel guide

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Things to do in the Canaries for families

If you’re after all-day fun that will keep the whole fam buzzing, the Canaries are a total winner. From world-class waterparks to real-life submarines, here is how to earn your "Cool Parent" badge on your next family holiday...

• Siam Park (Tenerife) - voted the best waterpark in the world. With adrenaline-pumping slides and massive wave pools, it’s a full-blown aquatic adventure that you simply can't miss.

• Oasis Park (Fuerteventura) - part safari, part zoo, and 100% a hit. Spot cheeky lemurs and towering giraffes for a proper animal-packed day out.

• Submarine Safaris - dive into the deep without getting your hair wet. Spot vibrant fish and stingrays through huge viewing windows - it’s giving serious Blue Planet energy.

• Whale Watching - hop aboard a boat trip (especially in Tenerife or Gran Canaria) to see dolphins and whales in the wild. The look on the kiddos' faces? Priceless.

❤️ Things to do in the Canaries for couples

The Canaries were made for romance. Whether you want to sip cocktails in a volcanic cave or dine by a canal, here is how to dial up the love factor on your couples' holidays...

• Sunset Cruises - picture clinking glasses with the sea breeze in your hair and the sky doing that golden-hour glow thing. An easy 10/10 date night.

• Jameos del Agua (Lanzarote) - a dull volcanic cave turned super-cool cultural spot. With live music and an underground pool, it feels like a Bond villain's lair (minus the evil plot).

• Puerto de Mogán (Gran Canaria) - nicknamed "Little Venice" for a reason. Flower-filled streets and canals make it the perfect backdrop for a seafood dinner date.

🍷 Things to do in the Canaries for Foodies

This one’s for the guzzlers and grazers. Swap the hotel buffet for something a bit more authentic and get a taste of the real Canaries.

• Guachinches (Tenerife) - seek out these rustic, family-run spots for hearty stews, grilled meats, and dangerously drinkable homemade wine. Authentic, affordable, and delish.

• La Geria Vineyards (Lanzarote) - sip crisp wines grown in black volcanic soil. The views are a whole vibe, and the taste is unique to the island.

• Majorero Cheese (Fuerteventura) - visit a local farm to try this famous goat cheese. Pair it with a glass of vino and prepare for your supermarket cheddar to be ruined forever.

🚵🏽‍♂️ Things to do in the Canaries for Adventurers

If lying horizontal by the pool isn’t your vibe, the Canaries have plenty to get your heart racing. From lava fields to the skies, it’s time to get that pulse pounding and those legs working overtime...

• Volcano Biking (Lanzarote) - an epic ride across lava fields and past ancient craters. It’ll leave your legs burning and your camera roll full.

• Paragliding (Tenerife) - soar over stunning coastlines and sleepy towns like a total legend. It’s equal parts adrenaline and awe.

• Rock Climbing (Gran Canaria) - tackle cliffside routes with proper knee-buckling views.

• Dune Buggies (Fuerteventura) - channel your inner action hero and kick up some volcanic dust on the off-road trails.

• Lava Tubes (La Palma) - go underground to explore eerie atmospheric tunnels formed by ancient lava flows.

👯‍♀️ Things to do in the Canaries for groups

Whether it’s a stag do or just a mates' escape, the Canaries serve up top-tier group adventures. Here is how to keep the squad entertained - you can thank us later...

• Catamaran Party Cruises - sun, sea, music, and maybe a few dolphins popping by the dance floor. Absolute scenes.

• Beach Bar Crawls - hit the strip in Playa de las Américas or Puerto del Carmen for cocktails, live DJs, and rogue karaoke performances.

• Group Surfing - hit the waves in Fuerteventura together. You’ll laugh, you’ll wipe out, and you’ll definitely earn that post-surf Cerveza.

• Jeep Safaris - explore the wilder side of the islands on a 4x4 tour. Throw in a Fanta Lemon break and it’s a wholesome jolly with stunning views on tap.

💰 Things to do on your cheap holidays to the Canaries

OK deal-hunters - hold onto your sunhats. Word on the beach has it that cheap holidays to the Canaries are your ticket to paradise on a penny. Every island's got its own groove, which means whether you're in the mood for total zen or 24/7 party vibes, you're covered. One thing they all have in common, though? Brag-worthy beaches that laugh in the face of Instagram filters, delish food that'll have you loosening the drawstring (worth every bite, though), and vibes as chilled as your frozen mojito. Cheers to that

• Conquer Teide National Park - lace up your trainers and head to Tenerife’s most iconic peak. Hiking here is completely free and the views are absolutely stunning.

• Plunge into Natural Pools - skip the fancy water parks and find a natural ocean pool. They are dotted all over the islands and make for a gorgeous, free swim.

• Wander the Maspalomas Dunes - spend a day exploring these massive, rolling sand dunes in Gran Canaria. It feels like wandering through the Sahara, but with a much better breeze.

• Explore Historic Vegueta - take a stroll through the cobbled streets of Las Palmas. This old town district is bursting with charm and perfect for soaking up some local culture for nothing.

• Visit Local Markets - skip the tourist traps and hit up a local market. They are great for people watching, picking up fresh fruit, and keeping things super cheap.

Getting around on your holidays to the Canary Islands

• 🚌 Buses - locals call them "guaguas" and they are a steal. Reliable and comfy (often with air-con and Wi-Fi), operators like TITSA (Tenerife) and Global (Gran Canaria) will get you from A to B easily.

• 🚖 Taxis - easy to flag down and relatively cheap for short hops. Use apps like FreeNow to book or just grab one from a rank. Top tip: Always ask for an estimated fare first to avoid surprises.

• 🚘 Car Hire - the best way to explore at your own pace. The roads are decent, and the scenic routes are stunning - perfect for beach hopping or hitting the national parks. Book ahead in summer to bag a bargain!

Canary Island holiday destinations to explore...

• Lanzarote

• Fuerteventura

• Tenerife

• La Palma

• Gran Canaria