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Year-round sunshine about four hours from the UK. Compare Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, find the island that suits you, then check live prices for your dates.
The Canary Islands are a group of Spanish islands in the Atlantic Ocean, off the north-west coast of Africa. Their mild climate makes them the UK's favourite winter sun destination, and they are just as popular for summer, half-term and Easter breaks. Each island has its own character, from the volcanic peak and big resorts of Tenerife to the long white beaches of Fuerteventura, so it is worth choosing carefully.
Four islands account for almost all UK package holidays to the Canaries. Here is what each one is like and who it suits best.
Largest islandThe biggest and busiest of the islands, and the most popular with British holidaymakers. The sunny south has large resorts, waterparks and a lively evening scene, while the greener north is more traditional. In the middle stands Mount Teide, Spain's highest mountain, in a national park you can explore by cable car.
Popular resorts: Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, Puerto de la Cruz
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Volcanic landscapesBlack lava fields, low white buildings and sheltered golden beaches give Lanzarote a look all of its own. The island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, shaped by the artist César Manrique, whose sites are among its top attractions. It is relaxed rather than rowdy, with resorts that suit couples and families alike.
Popular resorts: Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise
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Beaches and mountainsOften called a miniature continent, Gran Canaria packs golden dunes, mountain villages and a proper city into one round island. The sunny south is home to the big resorts and the Maspalomas dunes, while Las Palmas in the north adds a city beach, shopping and restaurants.
Popular resorts: Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogán
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Best beachesThe second largest island and the closest to Africa, Fuerteventura is known for mile after mile of soft white and golden sand. Steady breezes make it a favourite for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and the pace is calm, making it ideal if you want space on the beach.
Popular resorts: Corralejo, Caleta de Fuste, Costa Calma, Jandía and Morro Jable
Explore Fuerteventura holidaysThere is no single best Canary Island. The right one depends on what you want from your holiday. As a quick guide:
These are the two largest and liveliest islands, and both offer big resorts, nightlife and mountains to explore. Tenerife has the widest choice of family hotels and attractions, including Siam Park and Loro Parque. Gran Canaria has the Maspalomas dunes and a real city in Las Palmas. If you want the biggest choice of hotels, Tenerife usually edges it.
These neighbouring islands are flatter, drier and calmer than Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Lanzarote has more to see, with its volcanic national park and Manrique sites. Fuerteventura has the bigger, wilder beaches. They are close enough to visit both: the ferry between Playa Blanca and Corralejo is short.
| Island | Atmosphere | Beaches | Best for | Main airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tenerife | Lively and varied | Mostly golden and dark sand, many man-made | Families, nightlife, attractions | Tenerife South (TFS) |
| Lanzarote | Relaxed, stylish | Sheltered golden coves | Couples, scenery, families | Lanzarote (ACE) |
| Gran Canaria | Lively south, city in the north | Long golden beaches and dunes | Beaches, nightlife, walking | Gran Canaria (LPA) |
| Fuerteventura | Calm and spacious | The best in the Canaries, long and white | Beaches, watersports, peace and quiet | Fuerteventura (FUE) |
Tell us what you are looking for and when you would like to travel, and our team will suggest the islands, resorts and hotels that fit. There is no obligation.
Prefer to talk? Call 01904 767511 or email holidays@conexo.co.uk.
The Canary Islands are warm all year. Winter days are typically around 20–22°C, spring and autumn reach the mid-20s, and summer is hot, often around 28–30°C on the southern coasts. Rain is rare, falling mostly between November and February, and trade winds keep the heat comfortable.
Winter (November to March) is the classic time for winter sun, with the best chance of warmth anywhere within a short flight of the UK. Christmas, New Year and February half-term are busy, so book early.
Spring and autumn bring warm days, a warmer sea and fewer crowds outside school holidays. October is a particular favourite.
Summer is the hottest time, with the warmest sea and long sunny days. It is popular with families during the school holidays.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day °C | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 25 | 27 | 29 | 30 | 29 | 27 | 24 | 22 |
| Sea °C | 19 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 21 |
Approximate averages for the main southern resorts. Temperatures vary between islands and from day to day.
Tenerife has Siam Park, one of Europe's best-known waterparks, and Loro Parque zoo. Gran Canaria has waterparks and camel rides in the dunes, and many hotels on every island have splash parks and kids' clubs.
Take the cable car up Mount Teide in Tenerife, walk in the lava fields of Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote, or hike to Roque Nublo in the mountains of Gran Canaria. Whale and dolphin watching trips run from the south-west coast of Tenerife.
Fuerteventura's beaches at Corralejo and Sotavento are among the best in Spain, with lessons in windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing. Lanzarote's Papagayo coves are perfect for a calm swim, and boat trips run to the little island of Lobos.
Visit César Manrique's cave and garden sites in Lanzarote, stroll the old town of La Laguna in Tenerife, or explore the Vegueta district of Las Palmas. Carnival in February is a highlight, with the biggest parades in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas.
For more ideas, read our guide to 10 interesting things to do in Tenerife.
Canarian cooking is simple and full of flavour. Try papas arrugadas, small salty wrinkled potatoes served with red and green mojo sauces, along with fresh grilled fish, goat's cheese from Fuerteventura and gofio, a toasted grain flour used in local dishes. Lanzarote's volcanic vineyards produce excellent Malvasía wines, and in Tenerife a barraquito, a layered coffee with condensed milk, is a must.
The resorts also have plenty of international restaurants, and all inclusive hotels are widely available on every island. See our pick of the top 5 restaurants in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote.
Beyond the big four are the smaller, quieter islands of La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa. They have few large hotels and are best for walking, nature and slow travel. La Gomera is a short ferry ride from Tenerife and makes a popular day trip, and La Graciosa can be reached by boat from the north of Lanzarote.
If you would like to include one of the smaller islands, send us an enquiry and we will look at the options.
Direct flights run to all four main islands from airports across the UK, taking around four to four and a half hours. Tenerife has two airports; most holiday flights use Tenerife South, which is close to the main resorts.
UK visitors do not need a visa for holidays. Your passport must be less than 10 years old on the day you arrive and valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave. Always check the latest entry rules on GOV.UK before you travel.
The currency is the euro and the islands are on the same time as the UK all year round. Conexo can also supply your euros and prepaid currency cards before you go.
Ferries and short inter-island flights link the islands. The easiest combinations are Lanzarote with Fuerteventura and Tenerife with La Gomera.
Tenerife is the most popular choice for families, with the widest range of family hotels, waterparks such as Siam Park and attractions such as Loro Parque. Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura are also good for families, with calm beaches and hotels with kids' clubs and splash parks.
Fuerteventura has the best beaches in the Canaries, with long stretches of soft white and golden sand around Corralejo, Costa Calma and Jandía. Gran Canaria's Maspalomas dunes and Lanzarote's Papagayo coves are also highlights.
All four main islands are warm in winter, with days typically around 20–22°C, and the differences between them are small. The southern coasts of Tenerife and Gran Canaria are sheltered and very sunny, while Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are drier but breezier.
Tenerife and Gran Canaria have the liveliest nightlife. Playa de las Américas in Tenerife and Playa del Inglés in Gran Canaria have the biggest choice of bars and clubs. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are quieter in the evenings.
Of the four main holiday islands, Fuerteventura is the most relaxed and spacious. For real peace and quiet, the smaller islands of La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro have very few large hotels.
Flights from the UK take around four to four and a half hours, depending on your departure airport and which island you fly to.
The Canary Islands are warm all year. Winter, from November to March, is the most popular time for winter sun. Spring and autumn are warm with fewer crowds outside school holidays, and summer is the hottest time, with the warmest sea.
No. The Canary Islands are on the same time as the UK all year round, which makes them ideal for a short break and easy for children.
UK visitors do not need a visa for holidays. Your passport must be less than 10 years old on the day you arrive and valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave. Check GOV.UK for the latest entry requirements before you travel.
Yes. Ferries and short flights connect the islands. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are a short ferry ride apart, and La Gomera is an easy day trip from Tenerife. Contact us if you would like to combine two islands in one holiday.
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