Where Is Best To Book A Holiday In The Canary Islands?

When you think of heading off on a Spanish holiday, you are probably looking for many different things based on the kind of holiday you want. Some people want only the best weather, while others prioritise wide sandy beaches, and yet another type of visitor might want plenty of activities or natural beauty and history to discover.

No matter what kind of holiday you are looking for, there’s bound to be a Canary Islands holiday for you. With eight main islands to choose from – some being more well known and popular than others – you can really make your holiday your own. Let’s take a look at some of the best holiday destinations in the Canary Islands…what will your favourite spot be?

Costa Adeje, Tenerife

While you might imagine that Gran Canaria is the largest of the islands, that title actually goes to Tenerife, an island beloved by so many tourists. A break away to Tenerife can offer many diverse activities, but if you are looking for a chic holiday, Costa Adeje is the area for you. This southwesterly resort boasts stylish hotels and plenty of nightlife and restaurants to explore, whether you are going as a couple, with friends, or taking the whole family.

With touches of luxury all around, Costa Adeje wraps around a beautiful beach with warm and clean water to swim in, fronted by an impressive and charming promenade. You can lay out on the sand during the cooler mornings (although “cooler” truly is relative in this winter sun hotspot!) and then enjoy the air conditioned shops in the afternoon, or spend some time enjoying traditional Canarian food in the many upscale restaurants. Or head to Golf Costa Adeje for something a little more sporty.

If you take children, a range of watersports are conveniently available, or you can take them to the ever-popular Siam Park, a waterpark that will keep children busy for hours. By night, the area comes alive with cocktail bars and clubs perfect for dancing during the balmy evenings.

San Sebastián, La Gomera

One of the less well-known Canary Islands is La Gomera, which is perhaps less given over to tourism than other popular spots. Don’t let that dissuade you, however. Make your way to the island capital of San Sebastián to truly get to know authentic Canarian life and cuisine. You might be surprised to find chefs known across the world residing on this little island.

As the second smallest of the Canaries, this volcanic island has plenty to offer if you want to try hiking across the unusual landscape, or try the local dish Potaje De Berros, a surprisingly tasty watercress soup.

The capital sits on the Bay of Biscay, and boasts picturesque beaches such as Playa de Ondarreta, where you can enjoy strolling the promenade by evening. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the Parte Vieja, San Sebastián’s old town where you can wander the cobblestoned streets and feel the peaceful energy of this unique island escape. Some of the coolest accommodation choices for San Sebastian can be found in its old town. And listen out for the incredible and ancient whistling language the locals sometimes use in La Gomera. 

Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura

Do you prefer hustle and bustle over space to chill out? You don’t have to choose when you head to Fuerteventura’s capital of Puerto del Rosario. This harbour city is not just for tourists, it’s a real thriving place where you can see boats coming and going from the harbour and explore streets lined with glimmering white houses, perfect for keeping out the midday sun.

While Puerto del Rosario is a less expensive option than some of the more resort focused areas, it’s a great way to get away from simply stretching out on the beach. It can also be a perfect day trip if you are staying somewhere else along the coast.

Bubbling with life and excitement, from the eclectic street art to the many restaurants, you’ll be surrounded not only by other tourists but also by local Canarians simply going about their day. Visit the Unamuno House-Museum for a look back at how living on Fuerteventura used to be a hundred years ago, hit some of the many shops in Calle Primero de Mayo, or head to Playa Blanca for that all-important beach life.

Costa Teguise, Lanzarote

There are many great destinations to visit in Europe, but Spain has plenty of great options to choose from with the Canary Islands. Lanzarote might not be your first choice when you think of the Canary Islands – it has suffered somewhat from a reputation for being tourism heavy and, while this is valid, it’s still a great break. Holiday weather can sometimes be temperamental, but for tourists wanting a hot holiday, then Lanzarote is a top holiday destination in Spain. Temperatures stay hot for most of the year since it is close to the equator, which makes it one of the best holiday destinations to book all year round.

Perfect for families, the resort of Costa Teguise is a bright and cheerful choice if you want an easy holiday with plenty of amenities right on your doorstep. Perched on the eastern coast, this is also a fantastic budget-friendly option, which can be essential for those with larger families, or if you want to get away for some last minute fun in the sun.

With plenty of shops and restaurants, as well as bars to hang out in, you won’t be at a loss for places to eat and things to do. The Costa Teguise beach is hard to beat, too, with Cucharas Beach being ideal for those who want to explore the area’s watersports. However, if you have little ones to consider, Bastian Beach is sheltered and sunny. You can even find charming villages dotted nearby, or take the family for a day out at Aquapark. This is one place you won’t have a moment to be bored!

Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

Across the water on Gran Canaria, there is plenty to choose from when it comes to wonderful holiday destinations. If you are looking for something a little more adventurous than the standard Canary Islands holiday, then plan your trip to include Maspalomas.

This resort area is a little wilder than some of the more carefully designed areas of Gran Canaria, with natural rolling sand dunes and nature all around. It’s ideal for photo opportunities, and just for discovering something you might not expect in such a tourist-heavy area of the world.

Maspalomas is near a nature reserve, so you can explore the natural wonders of the area, and then relax on the beautiful Playa Del Ingles beach. Whether you want watersports or a lovely beach, Maspalomas is a wonderful choice. You can even walk down the promenade (stopping for a coffee or meal is easy!) and end up in nearby Meloneras to discover even more to see and do.

Los Llanos, La Palma

When packing for a hot Canary Island getaway it’s important to take all of the travel essentials that you need. As well as your important travel documents, be sure to pack your sunglasses and sunscreen for a hot holiday destination like La Palma. The most north westerly of the main Canary Islands, La Palma has a lot to offer for visitors seeking a combination of sun, ocean views, and plenty of historical interest. Oh, and a truly incredible national park that you won’t want to miss.

Also known as La Isla Bonita (The Beautiful Island), La Palma has plenty of places to choose from, but we have a soft spot for Los Llanos – where you can find everything already mentioned.

Los Llanos is especially beloved by those who want sandy beaches, but also wish to explore the culture of La Palma and visit the impressive national park, Caldera de Taburiente. For those who want to go on hikes in the sunshine, or take a trip to the Los Llanos de Adriane (the old town), where the charming white houses and many historic buildings will capture your imagination. You can even see mummies at the town museum, which has to be a big selling point if you are looking to mix relaxing on a Blue Flag beach with really learning something new.

Betancuria, Fuerteventura

Far from the brightly coloured, family-centred resorts that populate much of the Canary Islands main coastal areas, Fuerteventura has the ideal alternative for couples or friends looking to chill out.

If you are searching for a little more of that classic Canarian style, then Betancuria is where you want to be. This town is hidden away in the valley of Macizo de Betancuria, making it perfect for those who love nature and want to be surrounded by friendly locals. The residents of this small town are always ready to make you feel at home, whether you are trying the tasty Canarian dishes in a quaint restaurant, or enjoying picking up souvenirs at one of the many regular markets.

For those who want a real taste of the Canaries and its beauty, visiting the local rural park and enjoying impressive views over the land, and spending time in the town’s museum will give you a glimpse of the heart of Fuerteventura, and its rich history. You won’t want to leave this little piece of paradise behind.

Across the Canary Islands, you can find such a variety when it comes to landscape and types of holiday, from family areas to luxury destinations and everything in between.

You’ll never be too far from a beautiful beach, but if you want to get off the sand and find out more about the history and culture of these incredible islands, or you simply want to head to a family-friendly waterpark, it’s all available to enjoy easily. Whatever kind of holiday you are looking for, the Canary Islands are waiting for you – what will you discover first?