The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, not far from the coast of Africa. These unique islands, made up of eight inhabited islands (seven large ones plus La Graciosa) and several uninhabited islets, are a real paradise for tourists and a place where it is easy to enjoy both beach holidays and nature. Beautiful beaches, remarkable nature and a distinctive culture make the Canaries one of the most popular travel destinations for people from all over the world. Spain’s other island option, closer to the mainland and with a different climate, is Majorca.
In this guide we look in detail at everything that makes the Canary Islands special: their climate, how to get there, which islands to choose for the kind of holiday you prefer, what to see, where to stay and how to enjoy an active holiday. You will learn about the distinctive cuisine and the cultural festivals worth attending, and many other interesting facts about this beautiful region.
Climate and nature
The climate of the Canary Islands is often described as eternal summer, with mild temperatures. The average temperature on the islands ranges from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius all year round, which makes them an ideal holiday destination at almost any time. In the north, for example on Tenerife, the climate is a little more humid and green, while the southern beaches are generally drier and sunnier.
The nature of the Canary Islands is remarkable and varied. Each island has its own distinctive features: the volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote, the green mountains of La Gomera and the fantastic sandy beaches of Fuerteventura. Walks in national parks such as Teide on Tenerife offer incredible views and a close encounter with vivid nature, including rare species of plants and animals.
How to get there
You can reach the Canary Islands in several ways: by air or by sea.
By plane
The most convenient and fastest way to get to the Canaries is by air. The archipelago is served by several international airports, the largest of which are:
- Tenerife Airport (North and South): handles many international and domestic flights. From here you can easily reach the island’s popular resorts.
- Gran Canaria Airport: also receives a large share of international flights, including direct flights from various European and Spanish cities.
- Lanzarote Airport: popular with tourists, especially those heading to Lanzarote or Fuerteventura.
- Fuerteventura Airport: serves domestic and international passengers and is a convenient gateway for holidaymakers on Fuerteventura.
Regular flights depart from major Spanish cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, as well as from other European countries. This makes the journey to the Canaries fairly easy and comfortable.
By sea
Another way to get to the Canary Islands is by passenger ferry. Ferries connect mainland Spain with the Canaries, and the crossing is also a great opportunity to enjoy sea views. Here are some routes:
- Cádiz and Huelva: ferries run from there to Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote. The journey takes more than a day, but you can take your car and belongings with you, so when relocating a ferry can be more convenient than a plane.
- Spanish ports: many cruise lines also offer routes calling at several islands, giving you the chance to see several parts of the archipelago in one trip.
Besides the convenience, a sea voyage lets you enjoy the magnificent views of the ocean and the coastal landscapes of the Canary Islands.
Which island will suit you best
The Canary Islands are diverse, and each of the eight inhabited islands offers something of its own. Here is a short guide to each of them to help you choose the one that suits you:
- Tenerife: the largest and most popular island, known for its beaches, volcanoes and lively nightlife. A great place for family holidays and active pursuits.
- Gran Canaria: an island often compared to a miniature version of mainland Spain, with plenty of resorts, restaurants and cultural events.
- Lanzarote: famous for its volcanic origin and unique landscape. Ideal for nature lovers and those who want to see unusual geological formations.
- Fuerteventura: has some of the best beaches in the archipelago and is great for water sports such as surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing.
- La Palma: a green, mountainous island in the north-west of the archipelago and one of the best places in Europe for stargazing; the Cumbre Vieja volcano erupted here in 2021.
- La Gomera: one of the lesser-known islands, famous for its unspoilt nature and ideal conditions for trekking.
- El Hierro: a tiny island where the sun shines almost all year round, offering peace and seclusion away from mass tourism.
- La Graciosa: the smallest inhabited island, off the northern coast of Lanzarote, with no tarmac roads; reached by ferry from Órzola.
So if you are looking for an active holiday, choose Tenerife or Gran Canaria. For a quiet holiday, Fuerteventura and La Gomera are a good fit.
Which islands belong to Spain
Spain has two large archipelagos. The Balearic Islands lie in the Mediterranean east of Valencia and Barcelona: the inhabited ones are Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. The Canary Islands are in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa, about two and a half hours’ flight from Madrid. Spain also owns small islands off the coast of Morocco (Alborán, the Chafarinas Islands and the rocks near Ceuta and Melilla), but nobody lives on them permanently.
There are eight inhabited Canary Islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa. The last was recognised as a separate island by the Canary Islands’ Statute of Autonomy in 2018; administratively it belongs to Lanzarote. Majorca is not part of the Canary Islands: it is a different archipelago in a different sea. Entry rules for tourists are covered separately: do you need a visa for the Canaries, Majorca and Ibiza.
Living in and moving to the Canary Islands
The Canaries are an ordinary part of Spain, so there is no special “island” residence permit: people move on the same grounds as to the mainland, such as the digital nomad visa, the residence permit without the right to work, study, work or family. A comparison of the routes and income requirements is in our overview of all the ways to get a Spanish residence permit. After arrival, documents are submitted to the immigration offices in Santa Cruz de Tenerife or Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, depending on the province.
You cannot move to Tenerife or any other island with permanent residence straight away, just as with any other part of Spain: first a residence permit, then permanent residence after five years of legal residence. How it is obtained is explained in our article on permanent residence in Spain.
- Taxes. Income tax in the Canaries is the same nationwide IRPF, but instead of IVA on purchases the islands have their own tax, IGIC, with a general rate of 7% compared with 21% on the mainland. How IVA works and where it is not charged is covered in our guide to IVA tax.
- Flights. Island residents are entitled to a 75% discount on flights and ferries to mainland Spain and between the islands. Under Royal Decree 1316/2001 it is intended for citizens of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland; citizens of other countries, under airline rules, get it with long-term resident status but not with an ordinary residence permit. You need to be registered in a municipality on the island.
- Housing. The islands are not a cheap option: rents in the Canaries are already higher than in Valencia, especially in the south of Tenerife and in Las Palmas. Prices by region are summarised in our overview of where to live in Spain.
- Community. Tenerife and the neighbouring islands are home to one of the country’s notable Russian-speaking communities, including many remote workers; more in our article on Russians in Spain.
- Downsides. Everything not produced on the islands arrives by sea, so some goods are more expensive and take longer to deliver; the mainland and the rest of Europe can only be reached by plane or by a ferry crossing of more than a day.
Where to stay
The Canary Islands offer a wide range of accommodation, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Tenerife and Gran Canaria have large hotel complexes providing all the services needed for a comfortable holiday.
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura also offer plenty of hotels and apartments in different price ranges. And if you want a unique experience, you can choose accommodation with ocean or mountain views to enjoy the subtropical scenery.
La Gomera and El Hierro have small guesthouses and hostels, which offer a chance to get to know the local culture and way of life more closely.
Active holidays
The Canary Islands are an ideal place for lovers of active holidays. You can go diving, surfing, windsurfing or kitesurfing, or simply spend time on the beach, bearing local conditions in mind. Many tourists go hiking in the mountains, since Tenerife is home to Spain’s highest volcano, Teide.
La Gomera has many trekking routes with truly stunning views of the island’s nature. What makes the island special is also the chance to enjoy magnificent nature and very varied scenery.
In addition, all the islands offer water sports and boat excursions, so you can make the most of an ocean holiday.
Festivals
The Canary Islands are famous for their colourful festivals, held throughout the year. The best known are the carnivals, which are especially popular on Tenerife and Gran Canaria. These events attract tourists from all over the world and showcase the rich culture and traditions of the local people.
Other festivals are also worth attending, such as the rural romerías (pilgrimage fiestas), held in summer and autumn in almost every municipality. Festivals are a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Canaries and see unique traditions, music and dance.
Shopping
The Canaries offer plenty of shopping opportunities. In the large tourist centres you will find shops by local designers, souvenir shops and boutiques. The main cities, such as Las Palmas on Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz on Tenerife, have large shopping districts with international brands.
On Lanzarote and Fuerteventura you can find unique local products such as ceramics, jewellery and work by local craftspeople. These make excellent souvenirs and gifts for family and friends.
Sights
The Canaries are rich in sights of all kinds. The Teide volcano on Tenerife is one of the archipelago’s main natural attractions, where you can climb to the summit and enjoy a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.
Do not miss the chance to visit Garajonay National Park on La Gomera, with its relict laurel forest, and Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote, with its solidified lava fields. On Tenerife, the Masca gorge and village are worth a visit.
In addition, all the islands have historic monuments such as fortresses, old churches and museums that will help you learn more about the culture and history of the Canary Islands.
Cuisine
Canarian cuisine is a perfect combination of local produce and Spanish traditions. One of the best-known dishes is papas arrugadas, potatoes boiled in sea salt, often served with mojo sauce.
Local chefs are highly regarded, and every restaurant offers its own dishes based on fresh seafood, meat and vegetables grown by local farmers. It is also worth trying Mediterranean dishes such as fresh fish and seafood, which appear on the menu of almost every restaurant.
The Canary Islands are also known for their wineries. On Lanzarote, for example, you can find unique wines produced on volcanic soil, which gives local wines a distinctive taste and aroma.
Frequently asked questions
Which islands belong to Spain?
Two archipelagos: the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean (Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera) and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic, with eight inhabited islands, the largest of which are Tenerife and Gran Canaria. In addition, there are several uninhabited islets off the coast of Morocco.
Can you move to Tenerife with permanent residence?
Not straight away. On Tenerife, as everywhere in Spain, you first obtain a residence permit on one of the available grounds, for example the digital nomad visa or the residence permit without the right to work, and the right to permanent residence comes after five years of legal residence.
Do you need a separate residence permit to live in the Canary Islands?
No. The Canaries are part of Spain, and a Spanish residence permit is valid on the islands just as on the mainland. The differences are the tax on purchases (IGIC instead of IVA) and the residents’ discount on flights, which not all foreigners are entitled to.
How many inhabited islands are there in the Canaries?
Eight: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa, which has been considered a separate island since 2018.
Conclusion
The Canary Islands are an ideal holiday destination, combining stunning nature, a vibrant culture and plenty of opportunities for an active time. If you are considering moving and starting a business on these remarkable islands, Relotus Relocation can help you obtain a start-up visa for Spain. When choosing a permanent place to live, bear in mind that life on the islands is more expensive than on the mainland: a comparison of cities by rent and income is in the ranking of Spanish cities, and a region-by-region breakdown in our article on where to live in Spain. We offer full support at every stage, from preparing documents to helping you settle into your new home. Spain is waiting for you, and the Canary Islands are the perfect place to make your dreams come true!
