About the Canary Islands
Welcome to our comprehensive Canary Islands travel guides. This volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean is a paradise of incredible contrasts, offering everything from otherworldly lunar landscapes and dramatic hiking trails to crystal-clear diving spots. As independent travel journalists, we have spent months exploring these islands, including first-hand experiences of bringing our motorhome here by ferry.
Whether you are planning an epic road trip, searching for the best hiking in La Gomera, or looking for insider tips on Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, our expert travel advice and professional photography will help you discover the true magic of the Canary Islands beyond the usual tourist resorts.
Our Experience of the Canary Islands and Why We Love It
Our first stop in the Canary Islands was Lanzarote, an island we quickly realized was underrated compared to its bigger siblings, Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Since then we’ve kept coming back.
On Lanzarote, we rode a bus through Timanfaya National Park and watched water flash-boil out of the ground, ate meat cooked over actual volcanic heat, and hiked up Montaña Bermeja on La Graciosa in flip-flops (do not recommend). We also traced César Manrique’s footsteps around the island, including the house he built in Haria — reportedly Nobel laureate José Saramago’s favorite spot on the whole island.
La Gomera turned into the island we ended up writing the most about. We learned to (sort of) understand Silbo, the island’s whistling language, hiked through the UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park, stayed in a cozy home in Valle Gran Rey, and worked our way through the local restaurant scene one plate at a time.
Fuerteventura surprised us with Popcorn Beach — yes, the sand really does look like popcorn — and with La Pared, a base popular with Swedish and German visitors looking for an active holiday.
And in Gran Canaria, we found out it’s quietly become a hub for digital nomads, complete with its own conference, and we spent an evening watching a film outdoors at the Moonlight Cinema in Maspalomas. And how about the beautiful beaches
This is our still-growing collection of Canary Islands guides, built one island at a time, with more on the way.
Best time to visit the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands boast an incredible geographical diversity that will leave any traveler in awe. From volcanic peaks to lush forests and sandy beaches, the islands have it all. One of the most iconic landmarks is Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain and the third-largest volcano on Earth when measured from its base. Its summit offers an otherworldly experience, often above the clouds.
Thanks to their proximity to Africa, the Canaries enjoy a mild climate throughout the year. The pleasant temperatures make these islands an ideal destination regardless of the season. It’s a true year-round paradise, where you can escape the harsh winters of northern Europe and bask in the sun.
What to Expect from the Canary Islands
Language
The official language in the Canary Islands is Spanish. Most Spanish people speak English so there’s no problem with the communication when visiting the islands.
Currency
The currency in the Canary Islands is the Euro.
It is useful to carry small amounts of cash (€20–€50) for local markets, small cafes, buses, or tips.
What to buy in the Canary Islands
Prints by the artist Cesar Manrique. Cheese, honey, and wine that is locally produced on the islands.
Other information about the Canary Islands
The proximity of the islands makes it easy to explore multiple destinations during a visit to the Canary Islands. Each island has its own unique charm and attractions, and hopping from one island to another allows visitors to experience the diverse landscapes, cultures, and activities that the archipelago has to offer.
Destinations
Fuerte ventura
Lanzarote
Gran Canaria
La Gomera
All articles from the Canary Islands
La Pared powered by Playitas – For an active vacation
La Pared powered by Playitas is the place to be if you want an active vacation. Located on Fuerteventura and famous amongst Swedes and Germans, this is a safe haven hidden on the...
Guide to La Gomera – What to do while visiting the Island
Guide to La Gomera is the summon of our trip to La Gomera. Sure, our expectations were high, but we were super impressed with our trip. This small island, located about 50...
Garajonay National Park – Hiking in La Gomera
Garajonay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. La Gomera has over 650 kilometers of trails and a lot of them cross the national park. The Garajonay National...
Eating in La Gomera – Culinary delights and Restaurants
Eating in La Gomera is a treat by itself. During our visit to this beautiful island, we got to try out some awesome restaurants. There are several specialties that the island is...
PEG Los Telares, El Parque Etnografico de La Gomera
PEG Los Telares is short for Parque Etnografico de La Gomera. Everything "La Gomera" is collected at this place. Find out how the locals lived and what they were doing on the...
Casa Fatima – A home away from Home
Casa Fatima in Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera is your home away from home. We got to spend a couple of nights here and it was cozy and nice. There were even cookies waiting for us...
The whistling language of La Gomera
The whistling language and the whistling island? Yes, that is almost the official nickname for La Gomera. We haven’t heard about it before but once we got there we were both...
Digital Nomads love Gran Canaria – upcoming event
Digital Nomads love Gran Canaria, that's a fact! So much so that they even arrange conferences and workshops at the beginning of November. It's all about working from locations...
Outdoor cinema in Gran Canaria – Moonlight Cinema
Outdoor cinema in Gran Canaria, is that a thing? Indeed it is. There are several reasons for you to visit the Moonlight cinema in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria. One of the reasons is...