CANARY ISLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE
Canary Islands – Soft Weather All Year Round
Canary Islands or the Canaries are an autonomous community of Spain. These magnificient volcanic islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean, just over 100 km from African mainland. The location makes the Canaries a very popular tourist destination especially during the European winter season. The islands are known for their beautiful beaches, great food and drinks, and their special natural attractions such as Mount Teide in Tenerife and Maspalomas in Gran Canaria.
The Canary Islands are often overlooked as a mass tourism and alcohol-filled destination, but the truth is there is so much more to explore.
However, due to the environmental impact and various issues caused by mass tourism, the authorities have started implementing more regulations and introducing measures like tourist taxes to better manage and preserve the islands’ natural beauty. This helps to ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy the Canary Islands’ attractions while protecting the delicate ecosystems and local communities.
Population
2 200 000
Language
Spanish
Currency
Euro
visa
no visa required for Eurozone, EFTA and Schengen area
weather
Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Time zone
utc+1
basic phrases in Spanish
Hello / Greetings:
Hola
Thank you:
Gracias
Please:
Por Favor
Which Canary Island to Visit? Top Beaches, Activities, and Family-Friendly Destinations Explained
Discover the best Canary Island for your next trip! From stunning beaches and thrilling activities to family-friendly destinations, this guide covers it all. Explore top spots for surfing, cycling, hiking, and more to plan your perfect island adventure!
Overtourism in Canary islands: what you need to know before visiting (2025)
What you need to know about overtourism in Canary Islands before visiting
Top 7 Attractions in the Canary Islands 2025
Let this brief explanation of the 7 best attractions of the main islands help you choose your destination this winter!
Overview of The Canary Islands
Climate
The climate of the Canaries is Mediterranean. The weather is warm throughout the year, January being the coldest with around 21°C of maximum temperature. The mild climate makes the islands worth visit any time of the year, though occasional storms and rains are present during winter months.
safety
Petty crime is common, but safety in general is good. Read more from here.
Top attractions and activities
What is the best month to visit The Canary Islands?
You could actually visit these islands at any time of the year. You can enjoy less tourists, lower rates and warm weather during the spring. Summer is hot and there are more tourists during peak season. Additionally you can choose to visit in Fall, when rates are lower, but weather is still great.
March to May – Avoiding the crowds
Best bet to avoid masses is travelling in March to May. The weather is nice and sunny, making it optimal for exploring the national parks, whale watching or just sunbathing. Easter in Spain and Canary Islands is an important holiday with many festivals and activities.
Chasing the sun – June to August
This season can also be considered to be the high or peak season of Canary Islands, which does affect prices. Europeans are on vacation during the summer and the Canaries is a popular choice among many. UV index is very high during this time so high-SPF sunscreen should be used.
Extended Summer in Europe? – September to november
Fall is a great time to visit the Canary Islands. The weather is still very warm for any activities. August to October is also the harvest time in Canary Islands, opening vineyards to visitors. November is usually the cheapest time to travel to Canary Islands. November starts to introduce some increase in rain, so pack accordingly.
Summer.. in Winter.. In europe? – December to february
Again, this is a high season at the islands, attracting a lot of European travelers longing for summer and sun. Prices are again higher than during the off season, but in my opinion it’s worth it to escape the cold rainy or snowy Europe for a week or more.
practical information
If you are from the Eurozone, EFTA or Schengen area all you need to show upon arrival at the airport is a valid passport or national identity card, with no additional checks. Travelers residing in other countries are required to go through customs and may be asked for supporting documents. Check if a Visa is required from you here.
The official language is Spanish. While many younger people and those in tourist-heavy areas also communicate well in English, it’s appreciated if you learn a few basic Spanish phrases. This shows respect to the locals and often leads to warmer interactions.
how Much time to spend in The Canary Islands?
Canary Islands offer various activities and experiences ranging from sunbathing to hiking the most spectacular views at the mountains. 7-day trip is optimal for a casual vacation. This will allow you to see some of the main attractions on your chosen island and experience the greatest activities, while still having time to just relax by the beach or wandering around in the major cities.
Are canary islands expensive?
Yes and no. The season you visit will have a slight impact for certain prices such as hotel rates. As the islands are very popular among tourists, the prices are not very cheap, but not too expensive either.
- Coffee 1-3€, special coffees may cost more
- Main dishes in a normal restaurant vary between areas, approximately between 6 and 12€
- Bus ticket ~2€
- Beer 2-4€
- Accommodation can be affordable starting from around 50€ per night, but typically these are not close to main attractions. These might still however provide value for the money.
Cash or Card?
Card payments are widely accepted but some cash is suggested to be carried on.
Food and drinks
where to stay
unsure what to pack? Feel like you are forgetting something?
I’ve put together a packing list to help you travel easier.