canary Island

With year-round sunshine, stunning beaches and world-class resorts, the Canary Islands are one of the UK’s favourite destinations for luxury getaways and winter sun. But which one should you choose for your Canaries holiday?

Tenerife
The best all-rounder and ideal for families and couples, Tenerife offers visitors a multitude of attractions, nightlife and dramatic scenery including Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. Of course, there’s a wide choice of beaches including the sumptuous Costa Adeje, lively Playa de las Américas and chilled Los Cristianos.

Lanzarote
Known for its striking volcanic landscapes and stylish feel, Lanzarote is an ideal choice for couples and luxury holidays with boutique hotels, whitewashed resorts and a more laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy the chilled luxury of Playa Blanca, the easy-going surroundings of Costa Teguise or the energetic vibe of Puerto del Carmen.

Fuerteventura
The go-to island for long sandy beaches, Fuerteventura has a relaxed pace, best suited to families and couples looking for sunshine, space and water sports. Corralejo in the north of the island has a buzzing atmosphere. On the east coast, Caleta de Fuste boasts calm, sheltered beaches that are great for kids. And Morro Jable in the south offers a quieter, more rested feel.

Gran Canaria
Ideal if you want variety, Gran Canaria boasts everything from sweeping sand dunes to scenic mountain villages. Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas share a long sandy beach, with lively nightlife, shops and attractions at one end, and a quieter, more upmarket feel at the other. Gran Canaria is a great choice for couples and luxury travellers seeking both relaxation and culture.

The Canary Islands enjoy a warm, subtropical climate all year round, which is why they’re often called the “islands of eternal spring.” This means there’s no bad time to visit, but the best months depend on what you’re looking for.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for exploring, with pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds and great conditions for walking and sightseeing. The months of June and August are perfect for beach holidays, with long sunny days and lively resorts, though it can get hotter and quite busy.

Travellers looking to escape winter temperatures flock to the Canary Islands ever year. While much of the UK experiences cold, rainy or even snowy weather, the Canaries stay pleasantly warm, often reaching around 20°C to 25°C during the day. In fact, the islands are some of the best places in Europe for Xmas holidays in the sun. Spending Christmas in the Canaries offers a unique mix of festive atmosphere and beach relaxation. You can enjoy traditional Christmas lights, markets and celebrations alongside sunny days by the sea, making it ideal for families, couples and winter sun seekers.

You don’t usually need a car for a Canary Islands holiday, particularly if you’re staying in one of the main resorts. However, hiring a car can be a great option if you want to explore more of the island.

If you are staying in a popular resort such as Costa Adeje (Tenerife), Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) or Maspalomas (Gran Canaria) and you plan to spend most of your time at the beach, by the hotel pool or enjoying local restaurants, you probably do not need a car. These areas are typically easy to get around on foot and are well served by taxis and local transport.

Hiring a car is a good idea if you want to explore multiple resorts, go into the mountains or visit rural villages and prefer to travel at your own pace. A car is especially useful in places like Fuerteventura, where attractions and beaches are more spread out, or if you want to discover the more scenic sides of Tenerife, Gran Canaria or Lanzarote.

Yes. Most of the beaches in the Canary Islands are very family-friendly and safe for swimming, making them a popular choice for anyone traveling with kids. Many of the main resort beaches carry Blue Flag status for water quality, safety and cleanliness. Lifeguards are on duty in key areas during the day and there are usually good facilities such as toilets, sunbeds and cafés nearby.

Across the islands, there are plenty of beaches with calm, sheltered waters, ideal for children to paddle and swim safely; resorts such as Los Cristianos in Tenerife, Playa Blanca in Lanzarote and Caleta de Fuste in Fuerteventura are especially popular.