Cheat sheet to the Canary Islands
A place of eternal springtime is how the Canary Islands are sometimes described. The seven islands have a lot in common, especially the mild climate.
But they also offer many contrasts – and many choices for the traveller.
Here’s a rundown on the individual islands off western Africa’s coast.
FUERTEVENTURA:
The first thing many people associate with it are the endless sandy beaches. In the north there are the sand dune beaches near the main city of Corralejo.
“This is a very pretty small city with a pleasant vibe and great dining,” says Manuel Morales, in charge of Spain for the German tourism operator FTI.
That is not so much the case in the south of the island, in such places as Costa Calma, Jandia and Esquinzo. There, vacationers often just stick around their hotels.
Whereas the beaches of most of the other Canaries have black sand, Fuerteventura’s sand is popular for its dazzle. The longest one of the entire Canaries is 14 kilometres long at Cofete.
For Morales, Fuertenventura is the island with the most summer-like climate. Sometimes, a strong wind can be an unpleasant occurrence.
But as Sven Goerrissen, of the travel operator Tui, says, this also provides the best conditions for kite-surfing and wind surfing.
LANZAROTE:
“The somewhat different island” is how Goerrisson describes the smallest of the four main islands. Besides lava-strewn landscapes it also naturally has many spots for swimming.
But it also has something for culture-minded vacationers and those seeking more active recreation. Price levels here are somewhat higher than on the mass tourism is
TENERIFE:
This is the largest of all the islands and so, in the view of many, the one offering the most variety.
“You have everything here on one island,” says Carmen Fernandez of the Spanish Tourism Office. Basically speaking the island is divided into two parts, north and south. The southern part is where to go for classic beach holidays.
“Swimming, sunshine, beach, resort hotels and promenades, but not much else,” is how Manuel Morales describes this side of the island.
In the much greener north, there are barely any sandy beaches, but many trails for hiking.
Towering over the island in the middle is the volcanic mountain Teide, at 3718 metres Spain’s highest peak. For many people, the Teide alone is a reason to come to Tenerife.
But besides the swimming in the south and hiking in the north, the island has much more to offer, with Goerrissen calling it an “island with the full programme.” In his view it’s the island with the most to offer, be it the exciting capital city Santa Cruz, two special recreation parks of Siam Parque and Loro Parque, and golf courses.
GRAN CANARIA:
Similar to Tenerife, Gran Canaria also has a north-south division. The northern part is cooler and wetter, but as a result has much more vegetation. The south is drier, warmer and sunnier. Most vacationers clearly prefer the south because of its beaches, above all at Maspalomas.
And, thanks to a large offering of vacation apartments in the south, this part is above all a favourite with families.
Gran Canaria is also a place that attracts the young party-going crowds. The north is often only a place for a day-long excursion, chiefly to see the capital Las Palmas.
LA PALMA:
“The island for winding down” is how Goerrissen describes it. Those who want no part of mass tourism and do not aim to spend all their time at the beach will come to La Palma. Hikers love the island. There are only a few larger-sized hotels.
LA GOMERA:
In contrast to La Palma, this island does not have its own airport. It mainly benefits from its proximity to Tenerife, with ferry services connecting the two islands. As a result, many vacationers will book a holiday combining the two islands. La Gomera also has many good golf courses.
EL HIERRO:
This is the smallest and most authentic of the Canary Islands. The “drop-out island” is what Morales calls it. One of the tiniest hotels in the world is on El Hierro, with just four rooms.
Just letting go and hiking around is something you can do well on El Hierro. Scuba diving, too.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
canary islandsLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!