Sun, sea, sangria… and a whole archipelago to choose from! The Canary Islands are a winter-sun paradise just off the northwest coast of Africa, and picking which one to visit can be trickier than deciding between tapas or paella (spoiler: both).
If you’re wondering which Canary Island is best for you – based on your travel style, bucket list and sunbathing preferences – I’ve got you covered.
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I’ve visited most of the islands (some more than once) and this guide is packed with first-hand tips and travel inspo.
So let’s island-hop our way through all eight of the main Canary Islands (yes there are eight, not seven) – with a bonus mini-island at the end too.
Which Canary Island is best for your trip?
There are four main Canary Islands, followed by four smaller ones.
This list shows the Canary Islands in order of popularity. You will find accommodation suggestions within each section, a map of the islands, ferry booking links and faqs at the bottom of the post.
1. Gran Canaria 🏖️
Best for: Sand dunes, beautiful landscapes, LGBTQ+ friendly vibes.
Gran Canaria is the all-rounder of the Canaries – a little bit of everything and a whole lot of sunshine. Famous for the golden dunes of Maspalomas (seriously, it’s like a mini Sahara), the island also boasts lush mountain villages, buzzing beach towns, and cosmopolitan Las Palmas.
It’s one of the best Canary Islands for LGBTQ+ travellers, with a friendly vibe and great nightlife – especially around Playa del Inglés and Yumbo Centre. There’s history in the old quarter of Vegueta, stargazing in the central mountains, and even camel rides on the dunes if you’re feeling extra.
Want beaches and bars and natural beauty? Gran Canaria’s got your back.
2. Tenerife 🌋
Best for: Epic adventures, hiking, stargazing.
The biggest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a volcano-hugging wonderland that has it all – from black-sand beaches and rugged ravines to Spain’s tallest mountain, Mount Teide. You can hike it, cable-car it, or stargaze from it – and yes, there might even be snow up there while you’re sunbathing on the coast.
Tenerife is perfect for adventure-lovers. You’ll find forested trails in the Anaga Mountains, whale-watching boat trips, and hidden villages like Masca nestled in lush gorges.
Down south, resorts like Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas offer family fun and nightlife. North Tenerife has a cooler, greener, more local vibe – ideal if you want to escape the package-holiday crowd.
3. Lanzarote 🍷
Best for: Wine lovers, art fans and volcanic wow-factor
Lanzarote feels like another planet – in the best way possible. Think lava fields, surreal craters, black-and-red rock formations, and eco-conscious design everywhere you look. Much of that’s thanks to local legend César Manrique, whose artistic touches are woven all over the island.
Timanfaya National Park is a must-see, with moonlike terrain and geysers that blast from the earth (plus a volcano-cooked lunch if you’re into that).
Lanzarote also boasts gorgeous beaches, arty boutiques, vineyards that grow in volcanic ash (yep, really), and stylish resorts like Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise.
4. Fuerteventura 🌊
Best for: Sandy beaches, water sports and wind-powered fun.
If your ideal holiday includes miles of beach and a salty breeze in your hair, Fuerteventura is calling. The island is famous for its wild, beautiful coastline, giant dunes (Las Dunas Natural Park is stunning), and some of the best surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing in Europe.
Corralejo is the liveliest base, with beach bars, live music, and easy access to Lobos Island (more on that in the bonus section!). Head south for quieter vibes and endless stretches of sand at Playa de Cofete or Costa Calma.
5. La Gomera 🌿
Best for: Hiking, wildlife, and serious nature vibes.
Tiny but mighty, La Gomera is a hiker’s dream. Criss-crossed with ancient trails and thick laurel forests, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a green paradise that feels worlds away from the beach resorts of the bigger islands.
The Garajonay National Park is the crown jewel – an enchanting jungle-like forest shrouded in mist. You’ll also find whale watching, sleepy villages, and black-sand coves tucked into the coast. It’s rustic, remote, and oh-so-rewarding if you love nature and quiet over beach bars.
Bonus: it’s just a short ferry from Tenerife, so you can easily combine the two.
6. La Palma 🌌
Best for: Stargazing, volcano treks and natural drama
Nicknamed “La Isla Bonita,” La Palma is ridiculously scenic – think lush ravines, epic viewpoints, and starry skies so clear they built one of the world’s best observatories here. It’s another UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and has strict light pollution laws, making it ideal for astro-tourism.
You can hike inside ancient volcanic craters at Caldera de Taburiente, explore lava tunnels from recent eruptions, and soak in some of the best landscapes in the Canaries. It’s also home to charming colonial towns like Santa Cruz de la Palma, where colourful balconies spill over cobbled streets.
If you like dramatic scenery and low-key vibes, La Palma is your spot.
NOTE: Don’t get confused by the name! ‘La Palma’ is a Canary Island, ‘Las Palmas’ is the main city of Gran Canaria, and ‘Palma’ is the capital city of Palma de Mallorca (another Spanish island).
7. El Hierro 🐠
Best for: Peace, diving, and off-the-grid vibes.
El Hierro is the smallest of the main Canary Islands and proudly unspoilt. It’s committed to sustainability (mostly powered by renewable energy) and has a peaceful, slow-living energy that’s hard to beat. If you want to unplug – really unplug – this is the place.
Expect rugged coastlines, forest trails, natural swimming pools, and some of the best diving in Europe. The underwater visibility is incredible, and the island’s volcanic origins make for dramatic seascapes. Above ground, there are villages that time forgot, epic clifftop viewpoints, and a strong local culture.
Come here for eco-travel, soul-soothing landscapes, and no crowds.
8. La Graciosa 🏖️
Best for: Barefoot beaches, island-hopping, and slow travel.
The baby of the bunch, La Graciosa only officially became the eighth Canary Island in 2018. It’s tiny, car-free, and reachable only by boat from Lanzarote – but it packs in more charm per square metre than some whole countries.
With no paved roads, the best way to explore is by foot or bike. You’ll find white-sand beaches, turquoise coves, and sleepy villages where time stands still. It’s ideal for a day trip or a couple of nights off-grid – especially if you’re already in Lanzarote.
Think flip-flops, fresh fish, and forgetting what time it is. Bliss.
Bonus Island: Lobos Island 🐚
Okay, so it’s not officially a Canary Island, but I have to shout out Isla de Lobos – a tiny islet just off Fuerteventura. You can’t stay overnight, but you can ferry over for the day and hike its dusty trails, snorkel in its crystal-clear lagoons, and chill out on near-empty beaches.
The vibe? Rustic, wild, and wonderfully undeveloped.
Map of the Canary Islands 🗺️
The map below shows all of the Canary Islands in numbered order, as listed in this post. Click the blue icons to see more information about each place. Click the star to add to your own Google Maps.
Where to Stay on Each Island 🛎️
Here are some handpicked accommodation options from my personal travel notes, sorted by island and travel style:
Gran Canaria
✨ Luxury: Gloria Palace Royal Hotel & Spa.
💸 Budget: Hotel Avenida de Canarias.
Tenerife
✨ Luxury: Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque.
💸 Budget: Hotel Vista Bonita.
Lanzarote
✨ Luxury: Hotel Volcán Lanzarote.
💸 Budget: Apartamentos Jable Bermudas.
Fuerteventura
✨ Luxury: Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach, Golf & Spa Resort.
💸 Budget: Las Gaviotas Apartments.
La Gomera
✨ Luxury: Hotel Gran Rey.
💸 Budget: Hotel Jardín Tecina.
La Palma
✨ Luxury: Hotel Hacienda de Abajo.
💸 Budget: Finca Valentina.
El Hierro
✨ Luxury: Parador de El Hierro.
💸 Budget: Sur Restinga.
La Graciosa
🌟 Best Pick: Evita Beach Suites Exclusivas.
Ferry Services Between the islands ⛴️
Some (but not all) of the islands can be visited by ferry. Most of the ferries take cars as well as foot passengers.
Here are some links for you to book your ferry tickets in the Canary Islands.
🚢 Tickets for Lanzarote to Fuerteventura.
🚢 Tickets for Fuerteventura to Lanzarote.
🚢 Tickets for Fuerteventura to Lobos Island.
🚢 Tickets for Lanzarote to La Graciosa.
🚢 Tickets for Tenerife ferries.
🚢 Tickets for Gran Canaria ferries.
⛵ Sail round 3 islands on one tour.
🛥️ Or Charter a yacht and go where you want.
Canary Islands FAQ: Your Questions Answered 💡
Still not sure which island is your perfect match? No worries – I’ve rounded up some of the most common questions travellers ask when planning their Canary escape.
A: Fuerteventura wins hands down with its endless stretches of white sand and turquoise water. Corralejo Dunes and Playa de Cofete are absolute stunners.
A: If you want to dance ‘til dawn, Tenerife and Gran Canaria are your party pals. Head to Playa de las Américas or Playa del Inglés for bars, clubs, and beach parties.
A: La Gomera and La Palma are top picks for nature lovers. Think misty forests, volcano hikes, and jaw-dropping viewpoints.
A: Island-hopping is easy with regular ferries and short flights between islands. Just don’t try to squeeze in too many – pick 2–3 max to really enjoy them.
A: El Hierro is the most remote and least visited – perfect if you’re craving peace, nature, and no crowds.
A: Yes! That’s why we all love them. You can expect 18–24°C even in December or January – perfect for escaping the chill.
A: Watching stars at La Palma, hiking lava trails in Lanzarote, or cycling barefoot across La Graciosa – take your pick!
Related Posts for the Canary Islands 📚
Still deciding which Canary Island is best for your trip? Check out some of my other Canary Island guides to help you narrow it down:
🌋 Ultimate Lanzarote Travel Guide
🌊 Ultimate Fuerteventura Travel Guide
🐚 Lobos Island Fuerteventura: The Ultimate Guide
🏖️ The 14 Best Beaches in Fuerteventura.
🍹 10 Best Things to Do in Corralejo, Fuerteventura.
🎨 14 Amazing Things to Do in Lanzarote.
Pinterest: Save for Later 📌
Planning your dream island escape? Don’t forget to pin this post so you can come back to it later. You’ll find it (and loads more travel inspo) on my Pinterest page:
→ Hazel’s Travels on Pinterest
👉 Looking for practical travel tools? Check out my Travel Resources page.
Tags: Beaches, Canary Islands, El Hierro, Europe, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Islands, La Gomera, La Palma, Lanzarote, Lobos Island, Spain, Tenerife
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