The Canary Islands
Your Year-Round Dose of Sunshine!
Welcome to the Fortunate Isles!
Just a short flight away, but a world apart in landscape and climate, lie the Canary Islands. I’ve always thought of this Spanish archipelago, scattered off the coast of Africa, as Europe’s ultimate escape hatch. Their volcanic origins have created some of the most dramatic, awe-inspiring scenery you’ll ever see, from the lunar-like lava fields of Lanzarote to the pine-clad slopes of Mount Teide in Tenerife.
But the real magic, the reason we Brits have loved these islands for decades, is the weather. They are the ‘Islands of Eternal Spring’, serving up sunshine and blue skies when we need them most. Forget the winter blues; this is where you come for a dose of Vitamin D in December! Whether you’re a beach lover, a keen hiker, a water sports fanatic, or just someone in need of a top-class pool lounger, there’s a sun-drenched island here with your name on it.
Spoken Languages
It’s officially Spanish, but English is spoken so widely and brilliantly in all the resorts you’ll feel right at home from the moment you land.
Accepted Currencies
As a part of Spain, the currency is the Euro (€). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but cash is great for small purchases and market stalls.
Weather and Climate
This is the headline act! Expect warm, sunny days all year round, with winter temperatures that feel like a lovely British summer's day.
Transport Options
Hiring a car is the best way to explore each island's hidden corners. Island hopping is easy with a network of fast ferries and frequent internal flights.
Our Top Four Canary Islands
Tenerife
The king of the Canaries and an island of two halves. The south is home to buzzing resorts like Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas, with fantastic beaches and water parks. The north is lush, green, and traditional, while the centre is dominated by the epic volcanic landscapes of Teide National Park, home to Spain's highest mountain.
Lanzarote
The artist’s island. . The vision of artist César Manrique is everywhere, blending architecture with the island’s raw, volcanic nature. Explore the fiery mountains of Timanfaya National Park, relax on the golden Papagayo beaches, and discover the unique vineyards that grow in volcanic ash.
Fuerteventura
A paradise for beach purists. If your dream holiday involves kicking back on endless stretches of white sand next to stunning turquoise water, this is your island. It’s a world-class destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with a wonderfully laid-back and chilled-out atmosphere.
Gran Canaria
A 'continent in miniature'. This island has an incredible diversity of landscapes. In the south, you can wander the spectacular, Sahara-like sand dunes of Maspalomas. The interior is a rugged, mountainous paradise for hikers, while the capital, Las Palmas, is a bustling, vibrant Spanish city.
Four Tips for a True Canarian Experience
Look Up! The Stars are Spectacular
The clear, unpolluted skies over the Canaries make them one of the best places in Europe for stargazing. On islands like Tenerife and La Palma, a trip up into the mountains at night reveals a breathtaking cosmic show. You’ll see the Milky Way in all its glory. I highly recommend booking a guided stargazing tour in Teide National Park – it’s a truly magical and humbling experience.
Don't Forget the Wrinkly Potatoes!
You cannot leave the Canary Islands without trying papas arrugadas con mojo! It’s the signature dish: small, local potatoes boiled in extra-salty water until their skins go wrinkly. They’re served with two amazing sauces (mojos): a spicy red one made with peppers and a green one with coriander and garlic. Simple, authentic, and incredibly moreish.
Pick Your Island Wisely
Don't assume all the Canary Islands are the same – each one has a very distinct personality. Before you book, have a think about your ideal holiday. Are you after dramatic landscapes and art (Lanzarote)? Non-stop beaches (Fuerteventura)? A bit of everything from nightlife to nature (Tenerife)? Matching your holiday style to the right island is the key to a perfect trip.
Escape the Resorts for a Day
The resorts are brilliant, but the true soul of the islands is found when you head inland and uphill. Hire a car and drive into the mountains. You’ll discover charming, whitewashed villages where life moves at a slower pace, incredible viewpoints (miradors) offering panoramic views, and authentic local restaurants where you can enjoy a fantastic meal for a fraction of the coastal price.
So, What Makes the Canaries a Perfect Choice?
It’s the unbeatable combination of being so close, yet feeling so exotic. In just a few hours, you can trade grey British skies for otherworldly volcanic landscapes and a climate that feels like a different continent. The sheer variety across the archipelago is astounding; you could have seven completely different holidays on seven different islands, from the lush, green forests of La Gomera to the sandy expanses of Fuerteventura.
Ultimately, the Canaries are our reliable, year-round promise of sunshine. They are the perfect, easy answer to that question we ask every autumn: "Where can we go for some winter sun?". They are a safe bet for families, a playground for adventurers, and a haven for anyone just wanting to relax. It's Europe's sunshine capital, and it never, ever disappoints.
