Best time to visit canary islands: When to go to the Canary Islands ? Climate, Weather and Influx of tourists

The Canary Islands are open to travelers, but here’s what you should know about restrictions, weather, and the best time to visit

• If you’re planning to visit the Canary Islands, it’s important to stay aware of COVID-19 advisories.
• Keep reading for important details as you prepare to explore the Canary Islands.

Advertisement

I travel frequently to the Canary Islands and have done so often during the coronavirus pandemic.

The rules can be confusing and depend greatly on where you’ll be arriving from, so make sure to take note if you plan to travel to the European Union first. It’s also a good idea to check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Embassy for updates.

I usually check the requirements on the Canary Islands tourism bureau website, which works with the government to update visitors on the rules and regulations for entering. I highly recommend checking the page regularly to ensure you’ll be fully prepared.

Do note these policies are current as of this writing but are subject to change at any time.

US travelers must meet a set of criteria before visiting the Canary Islands.Rubén Acosta for Insider

If you’re traveling directly from the US to the Canary Islands, be prepared to show the following:

• A health form, which can be filled out online before traveling. Once completed, you’ll get a QR code you can either show printed or digitally to be scanned upon arrival.
• A certificate of full vaccination against COVID-19. Travelers arriving from the US to the Canary Islands, or from the US to the Spanish mainland for tourism purposes, must be fully vaccinated. Accompanying persons between 12 and 17 years old are exempt.
• Passengers aged between 12 and 17 must have a negative PCR test taken a maximum of 72 hours before arrival.
• In addition, a diagnostic test of active COVID-19 infection will be required regardless of vaccination status or prior infection, for third countries at high risk only. The US is currently considered “at risk.” You can check the status of which countries are at risk here.
  • Antigen tests must be taken a maximum of 24 hours before arrival in Spain and NAAT tests (PCR, TMA, LAMP) taken a maximum of 72 hours before arrival in Spain.

If you plan to visit another European hub before heading to the Canary Islands, make sure to check the requirements for entering that particular country from the United States before traveling.

Advertisement

And if you’re visiting the Canaries via mainland Spain and are above the age of 12, you’ll have to show either a certificate of full vaccination against COVID-19, a negative COVID-19 test (antigen tests taken a maximum of 48 hours before arrival, and NAAT tests taken a maximum of 72 hours before arrival), or a certificate of recovery confirming that the holder has recovered from COVID-19, issued at least 11 days after the first positive test.

The island of La Palma experienced a volcanic eruption in 2021 but it has since been declared officially over. Rubén Acosta for Insider

Other key info to know before traveling to the Canary Islands

The volcanic eruption on La Palma

The island of La Palma experienced a volcanic eruption in September 2021 that spewed hot lava and ash over many businesses and residential homes in the immediate area and also temporarily affected the air quality. As of December 25, 2021, the eruption was declared officially over.

All areas outside Cumbre Vieja are safe to visit, as they were not affected by the lava. Though most places are up and running, make sure to check with local businesses or restaurants you’d like to visit that are near Cumbre Vieja in the following areas: El Paso, Los Llanos de Aridane, Tazacorte, Mazo, and Fuencaliente, which could still be affected by volcanic ash.

The sun is very strong.Rubén Acosta for Insider

What to know about weather and what to pack

No matter which island you visit, the sun can be very strong, so pack sunscreen.

Though it’s typically warm at sea level, bring along layers and warm clothing if you plan to hike in the Canaries or visit the Teide volcano — temperatures can vary up to 30 or 40 degrees Fahrenheit at different elevations on all the islands. It may be 40F and raining on Teide, approximately 12,000 feet above sea level, and 74F and sunny down below.

Advertisement

It’s also important to know the Canary Islands are windy, especially in summer but really year-round. Whenever there’s high pressure over the Sahara, temps rise and humidity falls, creating trade winds that blow over the islands, often at strong speeds midday. This is why the islands are so apt for surfing.

Different islands and areas of each island can have very different wind speeds. Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura are usually the windiest islands. Tenerife and Gran Canaria, especially the southern areas of these islands are usually slightly warmer, less windy, and much sunnier. Plan your vacation accordingly.

The Canary Islands have sunny, warm temps year-round with no rainy season.Rubén Acosta for Insider

The best times to visit the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands have sunny, warm temps year-round and it rarely rains. Winds are generally high year-round, too. It’s slightly warmer in the summer when highs hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. December highs are about 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Canary Islands weather and climate ☀️ Water temperature 💧 Best time to visit

The Canary Islands are a very popular vacation destination. Each of the seven major islands has its own character and unique attractions. Throughout the year it is a pleasant temperature in the Canary Islands, but between the islands there are differences in climate and weather. Do you want to go on vacation to the Canary Islands? We list some of the best sights for you.

Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest and also the most popular island of the seven major Canary Islands. On this island you will find the Pico del Teide, the highest mountain in Spain. This is a real eye-catcher, which can also be seen well from the other islands. Tenerife is very popular among sun lovers, but also hikers can indulge themselves on the island.

Hike through the beautiful countryside or climb the Pico del Teide. A cable car will take you a long way, but you will have to make it to the top under your own steam. Afterwards you can relax on one of the lovely sandy beaches.

The weather in Tenerife is actually always nice. It is warm throughout the year and there is little rain. Especially the southern part of the island is therefore very popular.

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is an island of contrasts. In the north you’ll find a beautiful green landscape, while the south is more desert-like. In the south you will also find beautiful beaches. That part of the island is therefore the most popular among holidaymakers. The nature reserve Dunas de Maspalomas is a special place to visit. The high sand dunes completely surround you and make you feel in another world.

Charco de Maspalomas is also located in this nature reserve. This is an oasis where migratory birds regularly rest. Furthermore, a visit to the capital Las Palmas should not be missed. The old city center has a long and rich history that is still visible today.

The temperature is pleasant all year round on Gran Canaria. However, a little more rain falls here than on Tenerife and Lanzarote, for example. For the northern part of the island this has to do. Nevertheless, Gran Canaria is a fine vacation destination all year round.

Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is the island to go to if you like windsurfing. Besides the fact that the island has a pleasant temperature and little rainfall, there is almost always wind here. The beaches are absolutely the most popular spot on the island. Not only among water sports enthusiasts, but also among sun lovers the beaches are popular.

Make time to watch a sunset on the beach. The sky takes on the most impressive colors. For hiking, Parque Nacional de Jandia is a good destination.

Lanzarote

Lanzarote is a versatile island. Of course the beautiful beaches are very popular, but also a visit to the capital Arrecife is worthwhile. The city is located on the coast and offers a lot of fun. Timanfaya National Park is also a special destination. Here you get to know the volcanic past of Lanzarote. And be sure to visit the museum Fundación Cesar Manrique. This artist has been very important for the formation of Lanzarote as it is today.

Lanzarote is very close to Africa and is therefore one of the warmest Canary Islands. The temperature is pleasant all year round and it almost never rains. However, the wind can sometimes make the evenings feel a little chilly.

La Palma

La Palma is a popular vacation destination among hikers. It is the greenest Canary Island. You can hike through special natural parks and picturesque villages. Parque Nacional Caldera de Taburiente is a beautiful hiking destination. Here you can see a huge crater with steep walls and an impressive waterfall.

The temperature on La Palma is pleasant throughout the year. In the months of October and November the most rain falls. The rest of the year is mostly dry with average temperatures between 19 and 24 degrees. This is a perfect temperature for walking and cycling.

La Gomera

La Gomera is a nice relaxing destination for nature lovers. The island is home to an enormous wealth of flora and fauna. From magnificent laurel forests to breathtakingly high rock faces. Untamed nature is still plentiful on this island.

The lively capital San Sebastián also provides plenty of entertainment. Stroll through the picturesque streets and enjoy the authentic buildings. Would you like to spend a day at the beach? Playa de Santiago is a black sand beach where you can relax.

La Gomera is a great vacation destination all year round. The temperature never drops very much and rises in summer to a pleasant 24 or 25 degrees. That is a fine temperature to discover the wild nature of the island. Precipitation is scarce throughout the year.

El Hierro

El Hierro is the smallest island of the Canary Islands. Here you will find therefore only a few small beaches. The rest of the coastline consists of high, steep rocks. This island is especially popular among divers. The marine reserve of Mar de las Calmas is considered one of the best diving spots in Europe. Many divers therefore want to discover the rich underwater world here.

El Hierro is a good choice if you do not feel like mass tourism. The small island is often overlooked by tourists, but that is exactly why it is so worthwhile.

On El Hierro the temperature is pleasant throughout the year. There is also very little precipitation. October and November are the wettest months. From August to October is with an average of 24 degrees the warmest.

Best time to visit Canary Islands

The best time to travel differs per island from Canary Islands. View the best travel months for:

• Gran Canaria

• Tenerife

• Fuerteventura

• Lanzarote

• La Palma

• La Gomera

• El Hierro

If you want to visit any of the Canary Islands, generally the best time to visit is January through December. In this period you have a pleasant temperature and almost no precipitation. The highest average temperature in the Canary Islands is 24°C in August and the lowest is 18°C in February. The highest water temperature is 25°C and at its coldest the water is 20°C.

Offers for Canary Islands

• Booking.com
• h20

In the table below you can quickly find the average weather per month in the Canary Islands, monthly temperatures or the most rain. Our average monthly climate data is based on data from the past 30 years.

Travel and stay the Canary Islands

If you are planning on visiting the Canary Islands, check out these well-known travel agencies. They have been rated as the best by travelers and offer great prices for any budget.

• Booking.com
• h20

Airline tickets

Looking to book a flight to the Canary Islands? Hop on one of these airlines.

• Skyscanner

Canary Islands weather

The weather for Canary Islands over the next 14 days will be 23°C till 24° with a couple of days chance of light rain showers. The water temperature will be 23°C.

5-day weather forecast Canary Islands

View the 14 day weather forecast for Canary Islands

Climate Canary Islands

Canary Islands has a mediterranean climate. The summers are warm and dry, and the temperature is cold in the winter. The average annual temperature for Canary Islands is 21° degrees and there is about 112 mm of rain in a year. It is dry for 243 days a year with an average humidity of 75% and an UV-index of 5.

Canary Islands

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Day temp. (°C)	19	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	24	24	22	20
Night temp. (°C)	16	16	16	17	18	19	20	21	21	21	19	18
Water temp. (°C)	22	21	20	21	21	23	23	24	25	25	24	22
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Precipitation (mm)	8	9	16	5	4	2	2	12	11	20	18	7
Days with rain	6	7	7	5	3	2	2	4	6	8	10	7
Dry days	25	21	24	25	28	28	29	27	24	23	20	24
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Sun hours per day	8	8	8	9	9	9	9	9	9	9	8	9
Wind force (Bft)	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	3	3	3	4
UV-index	5	5	5	5	5	6	6	6	6	6	5	5

Canary Islands weather by month

What is the average Canary Islands weather like in a given month? Let’s find out! Click on a month to check all the monthly averages for sunshine, temperature highs and lows, percentage chance of rain per day, snowfall accumulation and number of rainy days.

• January

  19°CView more

• February

  18°CView more

• March

  19°CView more

• April

  20°CView more

• May

  21°CView more

• June

  22°CView more

• July

  23°CView more

• August

  24°CView more

• September

  24°CView more

• October

  24°CView more

• November

  22°CView more

• December

  20°CView more

Canary Islands weather experiences

Have you been to Canary Islands?

Leave your Canary Islands weather experience for a chance to win $150!

When were you here?
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember

How was the weather?
ExcellentGoodModeratePoor

Describe your experience with the weather:

What is your name?

What is your email?

Your email will not appear with the review and will not be passed on to third parties.

By submitting the data you agree to our privacy policy

Frequently asked questions

Where are the Canary Islands?

Canary Islands is an archipelago belonging to Spain. It lies in a straight line 8,220 km from Islamabad.

The coordinates of Canary Islands are:

• Latitude: 28.2447668
• Longitude: -15.8287774

The GPS coordinates are 28° 14′ N, 15° 49′ W

How long is the flight to the Canary Islands?

The flight time from Jinnah International Airport to the Canary Islands is approximately 11 h. 10 min.

Airline tickets

• Skyscanner

What are the airports on the Canary Islands?

These are the airports that are situated on the Canary Islands:

• El Hierro
  Hierro Airport (VDE) in Valverde

What is the currency of the Canary Islands?

On the Canary Islands, the Euro (EUR) is used for payment.

Exchange rates on 15 September 2022

• 1 Pakistani rupee = 0. 005 Euro
• 1 Euro = 189.74 Pakistani rupee
• 100 Pakistani rupee = 0.53 Euro
• 100 Euro = 18,973.77 Pakistani rupee

What is the area code of the Canary Islands?

The area code to call the Canary Islands is +34.

Seen a mistake?

Email us. We are grateful to you.

Your guide to the day of the Canary Islands

Discover how each of the islands celebrates the Day of the Canary Islands, one of the Canary Islands festivals you need to know about.

The Day of the Canary Islands, or the Día de Las Canarias, is marked every single year on the 30^th of May with a bank holiday for all island dwellers. This year it falls on a Thursday.If you’ve fallen under the spell of this magical archipelago, you’ll be intrigued to discover the history behind the Canary Islands Day, and how it’s celebrated in modern times.The Canaries in May are a blissful place to be, as the temperatures are yet to spike and the crowds are yet to arrive, so if you’ve booked a holiday for this time of year you’re in for a treat. Being there for one of the most important Canary Islands festivals is just an added bonus.Read on to find out absolutely everything you need to know about the Day of the Canary Islands, and how to get involved in the festivities if you happen to be holidaying on any of the Canary Islands on this special day.

The History of the Day of the Canary Islands

Unfortunately, a lot of national or regional days are held on days on which there was a significant battle or some form of bloodshed, so celebrating them can bring up mixed feelings.Luckily, with the Day of the Canary Islands, that’s not the case. On May 30^th 1983, the first session of the Parliament of the Canary islands was held in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, presided over by Pedro Guerra Cabrera.That marked the start of the residents of the islands starting to have more autonomy and more say over what went on in the archipelago, rather than having everything dictated by a distant central government in Madrid. That’s the perfect excuse for celebrating the unity of all Canarian people, both those still living on the islands and those spread all over the world, as they’re an adventurous bunch with a fascinating history. These days, the islands have a population of roughly two million.

How Canary Islands Day is Celebrated

The Canaries are made up of seven islands, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. They’re all very different in many ways, but on ‘Canary Day’, they all come together in celebration of their shared, distinctive, rich culture.If you happen to be on any of the islands over this date then you’re bound to stumble across celebrations, but you can go looking for them, too!Here are a few of the things to keep an eye out for.

Spice up your Canarian holidays at a food tasting

If you’ve ever been on any Canary Island breaks before, then you’ll know first-hand that the cuisine of the Canary Islands is to die for. It’s similar to mainland Spanish cuisine in lots of ways, but is also influenced by the aboriginal inhabitants of the islands, the Guanches, who were here long before the Europeans, as well Latin American cuisine, thanks to the large number of Canarians who migrated there during the 20^th century.On the Day of the Canary Islands, there are events held all over the islands that celebrate this cuisine with food tastings. Don’t leave without trying papas arrugadas con mojo (potatoes with a delicious piquant sauce), tortilla (Spanish omelette), tortillas de calabaza (flat pumpkin cakes).You should sample plenty of local, fresh cheeses and island wines, too. The flavours in both of these are very distinctive thanks to the geology of the islands.Grab yourself a plate and have a chat with the people serving you or your fellow diners. Locals are normally very proud of their cuisine, and many will be happy to wax lyrical about it should you ask them.

Enjoy some Canary Islands music

There’s no shortage of live music on 30^th May. There will be plenty of concerts played by locals in public squares and bars. Just as with the food, Canarian music has been influenced by the Guanches and contact with Latin America.Cuban music and Canarian music have long been connected. If you’re lucky, you might witness some of the traditional local dances, too.

Witness something unique to the Canary Islands: Lucha Canaria

Lucha Canaria, or Canarian Wrestling, is often described as a mix between wrestling and judo. It’s the most popular local sport, passed down from the original inhabitants of the island. Before the Spanish arrived, it was a way of solving conflicts over land.There are matches organised all over the different islands on the Day of the Canary Islands, as a celebration of the island’s unique culture. If you’re here for the festivities, then it’s a great opportunity to witness this unique sport for yourself.https://www.instagram.com/p/BuPFsPqFq6U/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Ask locals or your hotel for tips for Canary Island Day

May is one of the best times to visit the Canary Islands, both for the culture and the weather. If you’re visiting the Canary Islands in May and coincide with this regional holiday, be sure to ask at the front desk of your hotel for tips on where to go to enjoy the show put on throughout all of the different islands.The other way to make sure you don’t miss anything when you’re on your Canary Islands holidays is to just ask the locals. They’re proud of their local culture and so will be happy to point you in the direction of the party.

canary islands

, best time to visit canary islands

, canary day

, canary islands holidays

, canary island breaks

, canary islands in may

, day of the canary islands

, canary islands music

, canarian holidays

, home

, canary island day

, canary islands day

, canary islands festivals

, canaries in may

Canary Islands | Tourist information

The Canary Islands are worldwide known as one of the best holiday destination. The Canary Islands climate attracts here tourists all year around. The islands have a subtropical climate, with long warm summers and moderately warm winters. Here never is cold. Temperatures in the Canary Islands are rarely dispensed below 15°C in winter. There is rarely too hot in summer. The water temperature is nearly constant throughout the year and does not fall below 20°C. Islands are especially popular with tourists from the north Europe countries. It is enjoyable to come here in winter, when it is snow and frost at home.

Distance from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to London is about 2890 kilometers (1790 miles). Distance to New York is 5360 km.

The volcanic eruption has caused concern among tourists looking to go on vacation to the Canary Islands. See the latest news from the Canary Islands about La Palma volcano eruption here. Would you like another destination for your vacation?

Temperature and climate

According to the meteorological observations air temperature in the Canary Islands is very little different throughout the year. The average daytime temperature in winter is only about 8 degrees lower than the temperature in the summer. Quite a bit of precipitation drops there. This makes the climate of the Canary Islands one of the most favorable in the world (especially for people with health problems). The Canary Islands are often called the “island of eternal spring”. Note spring, not summer. Many tourists consider that winter here can be cool. The following table shows the averaged temperature in the Canary Islands by month.

Information for tourists

The Canary Islands are an archipelago located just off the northwest coast of mainland Africa. Distance from islands to southern border of Morocco is about 100 kilometers (62 miles). The archipelago consists of seven large and several smaller islands. Tenerife is the most populous island, and the largest island of the archipelago. Gran Canaria is second most populous island of the Canary Islands’. The Fuerteventura Island is the second largest in the archipelago. The population of Canary Islands is 2,117 million inhabitants.

Flag of the Canary Islands

As previously reported in the news media, the lack of cars is observed in car rental in the Canary Islands. Book your car in advance.

The islands

• Tenerife. Administrative center: Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Population: 906,000 people.
• Gran Canaria. Administrative center: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Population: 845,000 people.
• Lanzarote. Administrative center: Arrecife. Population: 141,000 people.
• Fuerteventura. Administrative center: Puerto del Rosario. Population: 103,000 people.
• La Palma. Administrative center: Santa Cruz de La Palma. Population: 86,000 people.
• La Gomera. Administrative center: San Sebastián de La Gomera. Population: 22 thousand people.
• La Hierro. Administrative center: Valverde. Population: 10 thousand people.

Climate and beaches make the islands a major tourist destination. Over 12 million tourists visit islands every year. Most popular islands with tourists are Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria.

Interesting information

• Canary Islands Autonomous Region has two capitals: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas. Cities perform the functions the administrative center in turn, changing in four years.
• The area of the Canary Islands: 7447 km2.
• Geographic coordinates: 27 ° 38 ‘- 29 ° 35’ N; 13 ° 20 ‘- 18 ° 14’E
• Population: 2.1 million.
• Climate: tropical, warm and dry. The temperature in summer and autumn 22 – 27C, winter and spring 17 – 21C.
• The water temperature of + 20C or higher.

Among the islands, Tenerife has the largest number of tourists received annually, followed by Gran Canaria. The greatest number of tourists comes from the United Kingdom. In second place by number of coming tourists are Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Italy, France, Austria, Ireland and Switzerland. Tourism is more prevalent in the southern parts of the islands, which is hotter and drier and has many well developed resorts.

Coat of arms of Canary Islands.

Most famous attraction on Canary Islands is Teide National Park and Mount Teide (Tenerife). The Teide on Tenerife volcano is the highest mountain in Spain. The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Carnival of Las Palmas are one of the most famous Carnivals in Spain. It is celebrated on the streets between the months of February and March.

The Canary Islands have eight airports. The largest airport is the Gran Canaria airport. Tenerife has two airports: Tenerife North Airport and Tenerife South Airport.

There are ferry boats that link islands as well as fast ferries linking most of the islands. A typical ferry ride between La Palma and Tenerife may take up to eight hours or more while a fast ferry takes about 2 and a half hours. Trip between Tenerife and Gran Canaria by fast ferries can be about one hour. The port of Los Cristianos (Tenerife) has the greatest number of passengers recorded in the Canary Islands. It is followed by the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Canary Islands location

The Canary Islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 110 kilometers east of the west coast of Africa (Morocco). Administratively the island are part of Spain. Approximately in the center of the archipelago is the Gran Canaria island. Tenerife Island is located to west of and Fuerteventura to east of the Gran Canaria. You can specify the location of the islands on the map below.

Useful links for those who are planning a trip to the Canary Islands:
Find flights and buy tickets.
Book a hotel in Canary Islands.
Book a transfer (taxi, minibus) from the airport to the hotel.

Language
English

Main content:

3 Reasons to visit the Canary Islands in winter

The Canary Islands is one of the favourite destinations for tourists. This is mainly due to the enviable climate the archipelago has, with average temperatures throughout the year ranging between 19º and 25º degrees. This and other factors are what tip the balance in favour of travelling to the Canary Islands in winter.

The attraction of visiting the islands in winter is being able to enjoy the sun and the beach in months when half of Europe and part of Spain is in the cold, rain and snow. From November to March, you can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities and spend a different kind of Christmas without the bad weather.

If you want to escape the cold, leave your coats, umbrellas and woolly hats behind, you’ve come to the right place, because in the following lines we’re going to show you the best plans for a winter holiday in this little paradise in the middle of the Atlantic.

Thanks to the subtropical climate they enjoy and their location close to the African coast, you can always enjoy the sun and beach. The Canary Islands are ideal for a short winter getaway with family or friends.

Here are 3 reasons why you should travel to the Canary Islands in winter.

1. Good weather all year round

Temperatures on the islands range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius – even in winter! You can spend Christmas or New Year’s Eve literally on the beach, taking a dip even at night. You won’t be making a snowman here, but rather a sandman, as it hardly ever snows here (except occasionally at the top of the mountain). Make your friends and family jealous by showing off with photos of yourself outdoors and on the beach in the middle of winter.  

2. Spectacular food

If you come to the Canary Islands leave your scarf and winter jacket at home and bring your sandals and flip-flops, sun cream, shorts and a desire to try the best typical Canarian Christmas and winter dishes by hopping from bars, pubs, to restaurants and cafeterias.

3. Enjoy a different kind of winter

In the low season there are fewer people, so you can enjoy the beaches and mythical places on your own! Forget the crowds and noise and enjoy the almost deserted villages, landscapes and beaches.

The Canary Islands offer a great variety of plans, among them the most important ones are the fiestas and the unique landscapes. Beaches, sun and good weather almost 365 days a year: warm up under the Canarian sun! Visit many places with a unique and very different nature and let yourself be surprised by the natural diversity of the Canary Islands – perfect for sports lovers! 

Do you want more? We’ll present to you 3 of its islands, where you’ll find the ideal place to enjoy an authentic winter experience in the Canary Islands.

1. Gran Canaria: the miniature continent

Our miniature continent. Gran Canaria stands out for its authentic microclimates and a diversity of landscapes that few other islands in the archipelago have.

Gran Canaria doesn’t leave those who visit it indifferent. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, its capital, is the most cosmopolitan city in the archipelago. In winter, it offers a wide variety of plans and activities with Christmas as the great winter event.

Visiting the island in winter means enjoying sun and beach in emblematic places such as Playa del Inglés or Maspalomas. Sunbathing while enjoying the tranquillity and relaxation in the middle of January is a real privilege.

The ideal time to visit the islands is after the rains, when the landscape is completely green, flanked by small waterfalls. Discover iconic landscapes such as Roque Nublo, the Tamadaba pine forest or emblematic villages such as Teror or Tejeda, where you can discover the best gastronomy of the island.

Culture and history have a place reserved for you. Be sure to visit its network of museums in the capital’s Vegueta district, with the Canary Island Museum or the Casa de Colón, as well as discovering part of its history with archaeological sites such as the Cueva Pintada (Painted Cave) or the Fortress of Ansite.

2. Tenerife: the infinite land

The infinite island, which doesn’t disappoint with its numerous plans and activities that make it a magnificent place to spend a winter holiday. With a spring-like climate all year round, it seduces visitors every year.

You can enjoy the beach and sun on its black sand beaches, such as Playa de Benijos, and golden sand beaches in the south, such as El Médano, and also enjoy the best natural landscapes, taking in the network of trails that connect with the Teide National Park.

If you want to spend a few days soaking up the island’s culture and history, La Laguna is the epicentre of the island. Wander the narrow streets of the centre and immerse yourself in history and architecture with a visit to La Laguna Cathedral.

3. Lanzarote: the island of volcanoes

The island of volcanoes and landscapes that seem to be from another planet. Its wilder side offers visitors an experience in the heart of nature that you’ll remember forever.

Lanzarote is the ideal place to spend a few days of disconnection in the middle of winter, with a mild climate that allows you to enjoy its beaches, such as Papagayo or Famara.

Furthermore, travelling to the Canary Islands in winter means discovering such emblematic spots in Lanzarote as the Jameos del Agua, the Cueva de los Verdes cave and the Timanfaya National Park.

One of the island’s attractions is to see the work that the sculptor and painter Cesar Manrique left all over the island.

If you want to experience the luxury of travelling to the Canary Islands in winter, make your early booking for the 22/23 winter season.

Book now your winter holidays with HD Hotels with total flexibility and with cancellation up to 48 hours before your arrival. Book before August 31st to receive a 25% discount.

But wait… There’s more! Extend your summer with this winter offer in the Canary Islands: From the 1st of September until the 15th of October, come and enjoy the best of summer in the Canary Islands. Good weather, quiet beaches and thousands of experiences to live at your own pace.

Make your reservation before 31 August and take advantage of the great offer to visit any of our hotels.

What are you waiting for to enjoy the winter paradise?

Where to Stay in the Canary Islands: Which Island is Best for You

• Share

• Tweet

If you’re planning to visit this archipielago it’s important to know where to stay in the Canary Islands. The fabulous Canaries Archipelago comprises eight main atolls and each offer different advantages for tourists.

Known as the Islands of eternal springtime, if you’ve never visited them before, all appear very similar at first glance. But similar doesn’t mean the same-as. 

Laying in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Africa, between them, they attract over 16 million visitors a year. They all enjoy warm year-round sunshine, minimum rainfall, fantastic beaches, volcanic interiors, fabulous cuisine and friendly locals.

There though, is where similarities end. Each magnificent island has its own appeal, its own charm and its own character. This blog highlights each of the eight main islands and offers suggestions on which one might be the best option for your holiday requirements.

Table of Contents

1. Tenerife, the most popular destination where to stay in the Canary Islands

The largest of the Canary Islands and most popular by visitor numbers, Tenerife has something for everyone.

If your prime concern is sun, sand and sea, the south coast of Tenerife is the place to head for, especially through the winter months of October through March.

Accommodation is plentiful and well spread throughout the island. Whether a backpacking hostel, self-catering apartment, or a sumptuous 5-star, all-inclusive seaside villa, you’ll find it in Tenerife. 

Families are particularly well catered for with family-friendly hotels and aparthotels, many with daily kids clubs.

The Brits are the biggest visitors to Tenerife by numbers, so if your full-English breakfast and Sunday roast are a big part of your holiday must-haves, you will find plenty of hotels, expat bars and restaurants where you can indulge your passions.

For those who prefer to live like a local, Spanish café/bars and restaurants offer the best of Canarian and international cuisine. Tenerife boasted six Michelin starred restaurants at the last count, so this time, do things a little differently and start your day with a Spanish coffee and croissant or bocadillo (filled baguette).

For those days away from the beach with the kids, you have Siam Park in Adeje, one of Europe’s largest waterparks. Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz, with its dolphin shows and penguins, aquariums, tropical birds and animals.

Just on the edge of Los Cristianos, you will find Monkey Park, with its collection of small primates, birds and other fauna, or, a little further out, Park Las Aquilas Jungle Park in Arona.

If you enjoy a little people watching, head for Playa Del Duque. A beautiful beach fronted by 5-star hotels and upmarket bars and restaurants. Strut your stuff down the promenade, where you might just bump into a premier league footballer or YouTube fashion influencer.

If your preference is walking, hiking and natural history, add a visit to Teide National Park and El Teide, Spain’s highest mountain. 

Explore the pine-clad hillsides, geological formations and the many walking trails. In the north of the island, Sendero El Bosque Encantado in Santa Cruz, with its ancient forests, is also very popular with nature lovers.

We could also include Tenerife as one of the best places to stay in the Canary Islands for nightlife, along with Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, who all have their buzzing night-time scenes.

The Tenerife season is split broadly in two, with the 18 – 30s and families with school-age children visiting through the summer months. And older families and couples arriving through the winter months.

Puerto de la Cruz on the west coast is a popular destination with German visitors, while in the north, the island’s capital, Santa Cruz and its large port are filled with day-trippers. 

Although you can seek out the odd expat bar in both these areas, most evening entertainment consists of friendly Spanish bars and restaurants.

For the younger set and party animals, the place to head for nightlife is Playa de Las Americas on the southwest coast, with its long strip of Spanish and English bars and clubs. Most establishments here stay open until 4am, with others closing at 6am.

For more family orientated hostelries and restaurants that still bump until the early hours, look around Costa Adeje, San Eugenio or Los Cristianos.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE CANARY ISLANDS IN TENERIFE

• ($$$) Royal River & Spa, Luxury Hotel
• ($$) Hotel Tigaiga
• ($) Route Active Hotel

FIND TENERIFE HOTEL DEALS

2. Gran Canaria, our choice of the best place to stay in the Canary Islands for nightlife.

Sitting in the centre of the island group, Gran Canaria is the third largest of the islands and the third most popular by visitor numbers. Particularly favoured by the Germans, it also attracts many tourists from the UK, Italy, France and Scandinavia.

Said to be the warmest of all the islands, it’s little wonder that its magnificent beaches are a big draw. Around the southern coast, the most popular visitor area, you will find kilometers of golden sand beaches with sunbeds, parasols and water sports to suit all tastes. 

Along the beach fronts are plenty of bars, restaurants and shops for all your sunbathing needs, as well as beachside villas and hotels.

The island’s north coast is more rugged, with wild, volcanic sand beaches and rocky coves, popular with those who prefer quiet, away from the more crowded beach areas.

If you prefer to alternate your holidays between days on the beach and exploring your surroundings, Gran Canaria’s interior is the ideal place to do it. 

Much of the island away from the coast is a dedicated biosphere of craters and calderas, mountains, valleys and pine forests, interspersed with sleepy Canarian villages that time seems to have forgotten.

The east of the island is Gran Canaria’s main agricultural area. The fertile soil in an area known as ‘La Vega Mayor’ provides the ideal conditions to raise bananas, oranges, tomatoes and peppers, cucumbers, sugar cane and ornamental plants and flowers.

With plenty of hiking and biking trails, it is popular with photographers and nature lovers, trying to catch a glimpse of the elusive Gran Canaria Blue Chaffinch, found nowhere else except in the island’s Inagua Pine Forest Reserve.

As previously mentioned, there are excellent and varied night-time scenes for visitors on all the four largest islands. However, Gran Canaria has been specifically chosen for its variety and diversity.

There’s no need to rush back from the beach to get dressed for dinner. While most hotels have fixed dining hours out of necessity, you’ll find plenty of restaurants in the main tourist areas open until midnight, often offering entertainment while you dine.

If you want to party the night away, these are the areas to head for.

• Playa del Ingles: With around a dozen main nightlife centres, this bustling south coast resort is also the main area for Gran Canaria’s gay community. Visit over 200 bars and clubs at the Yumbo Centre for drag queens, fetish bars and clubs, and various Gay Pride events held throughout the year.
• Las Palmas: Capital city of the island offers a good selection of everything. From quiet, laidback family bars, cocktail bars and karaoke bars, to music and dance clubs where you can party ‘til dawn. Head for Plaza de España in Mesa y Lopéz.
• Puerto Rico: On the southwest coast, the places to head for are the Europa Centre for quieter, family evenings out, and the main avenue, where the party people will find plenty of bars and clubs to keep them entertained into the early hours.

Accommodation across the island is varied and plentiful, from privately let fincas in the country, to hostels, self-catering apartments, all levels of hotel accommodation and sumptuous villas.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE CANARY ISLANDS IN GRAN CANARIA

• ($$$) Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia – Gran Lujo
• ($$) Hotel Parque Tropical
• ($) TC Hotel Doña Luisa

FIND GRAN CANARIA HOTEL DEALS

3.

Lanzarote, where to stay in the Canary Islands for couples

Whether looking for somewhere to celebrate that special occasion, or just wanting to chill out and recharge the batteries, there’s a lot to be said for choosing Lanzarote.

Just over 97 km off the coast of Africa and close to the island of Fuerteventura, Lanzarote is the fourth largest Canary Island, around half the size of its bigger sisters.

Lanzarote has learnt from the mistakes of the past. As a result, you won’t find high-rise hotels here. Instead, accommodation and visitor attractions have been constructed to blend in with the island’s natural scenery and contours.

As expected on these islands, beaches play a big part in visitor itineraries, but there is also plenty to see and do away from the coastal areas.

The port city of Arrecife in the centre-east of the island is the island’s capital. Not a tourist resort but the cultural and commercial hub of the island, its port sees ferries leaving for the other Canary Islands, Europe and West Africa.

It is also close to the local airport and a popular base with those visitors preferring to holiday away from busy tourist areas, liking instead to explore the less commercialised parts of the island by hire car or organised trips.

For beach lovers, the south and east coast are the places to head for those long stretches of golden sand. 

The north of the island is renowned for some of the best views, and beaches in the main here are also golden sand, with smaller, quieter coves of rugged rocks and volcanic sand.

Although sheltered areas exist, the island’s west side has a constant onshore breeze that some may find a little off-putting. However, the wind also makes the west coast very popular with wind and kite-surfers.

One of Lanzarote’s most famous artists, Cesar Manrique, was a big advocate of sustainable tourism, and examples of his artistic architecture can be seen around the island today. His principal residence was converted to a museum after his untimely death, and a number of his works are displayed here.

The interior of Lanzarote around Timanfaya National Park has been likened to a moonscape, or Mars, or a lunar landscape, all with good reason. 

The last volcanic eruption in the 19th century added even more to the volcanos, lava fields and rust-red and black hues of the volcanic rocks and substrate.

Nonetheless, the inhabitants developed some highly fertile soils, where various fruits and crops can be cultivated, including grapes. 

Now Lanzarote produces some of the Canary Islands best wines, which are exported around the world. Organised trips are available to a number of these wineries.

Other areas are more like black sand deserts, with cacti and scrub sprouting from the barren soil.

If you prefer your evenings to be more drinking and dining, rather than singing and dancing, Lanzarote has many excellent restaurants where delicious local cuisine is served.  

Try a selection of roast meats topped with goats cheese and mojo sauce. All washed down with one of Lanzarote’s excellent wines or a local beer.

Much of Lanzarote’s accommodation comprises self-catering complexes from studios to large apartments that sleep six or eight. In addition, a limited number of hostels are available, as are private villas and tour operator hotels.

The most popular resorts with all amenities are Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca. However, private boutique hotels and tastefully furnished apartments and cabins can be found beyond the busy resort areas if you prefer to be off the beaten track.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE CANARY ISLANDS IN LANZAROTE

• ($$$) Hotel Fariones
• ($$) Seaside Los Jameos
• ($) Club del Carmen By Diamond Resorts

FIND LANZAROTE HOTEL DEALS

4.

Fuerteventura, where to stay in the Canary Islands for amazing beaches and surf

The second-largest of the Canary Islands, and a declared UNESCO biosphere reserve, Fuerteventura has something to appeal to all adults and children. And particularly those who enjoy active water sports holidays.

Although something of a late developer in the tourism sector, Fuerteventura fast started catching up when the visitor euros began trickling into the coffers. 

With over 150km of natural sandy beaches and delightful hidden coves blessing her coastlines, it wasn’t long before marinas, water parks and golf courses began to appear. 

With, of course, the required infrastructure of apartment blocks, shops, hotels, bars, restaurants and an expanding road network.

If your preference when choosing where to stay in the Canary Islands is a lazy-hazy laid-back beach holiday, nowadays you have a plethora of options in Fuerteventura.  

If your first consideration is riding the waves, Fuerteventura is great for that too, and we have listed a few of the island’s most popular surfers base camps.

• El Cotillo, on the northwest coast and a surfers paradise
• Puerto del Rosario, on the eastern coast and the island’s capital
• Costa Calma, on the south-east coast and a popular surfing base
• Costa de Antigua, ten minutes from the airport on the east coast
• La Oliva, just inland from Corralejo in the north
• Lajares, slightly inland and popular with backpackers and surfers

With high Atlantic swells and an almost constant breeze around most of the coastline, Fuerteventura has several excellent surf schools, attracting new and experienced surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers from across Europe and beyond, and the island regularly hosts international surfing events.

Almost every water activity you can think of is available in Fuerteventura, including sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving, whale and dolphin trips, and big game fishing.

If you prefer to get out and about inland, you can explore the sand dunes at Corralejo National Park, the Oasis Animal Park and the old island capital of Betancuria, dating back to 1404.

Visit the food and craft markets at La Oliva and the nearby Aloe Vera farm. Then, call into Antigua, home of Fuerteventura’s windmills. 

Next, stop off at La Alcogida Eco-Museum with its 19th-century village, and Poblado de la Atalayita, an original Mahos aborigines settlement. Or spend a day with the kids at Acua Water Park, Corralejo.

All the larger resorts on Fuerteventura have enough nightlife to suit most visitors. You will find fast food outlets to serve the kids, and family restaurants, seafood restaurants and international restaurants, where you can dine Asian, Italian or Mexican.

For those after-dinner drinks, there are expat bars, friendly Spanish café/bars and cocktail bars. Many of which offer entertainment such as live music, karaoke or DJs.

Booking accommodation in Fuerteventura shouldn’t prove a problem, with plenty of self-catering apartments, hotels and villas available in the main surfing areas and other large resorts.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE CANARY ISLANDS IN FUERTEVENTURA

• ($$$) Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace
• ($$) Barceló Corralejo Sands
• ($) La Fresa Hostel

FIND FUERTEVENTURA HOTEL DEALS

5. La Palma, where to stay in the Canary Islands for natural beauty and hiking

La Palma, Isla Bonita. In English, Beautiful Island. The ideal place where romantic couples, young and old, can leave the maddening crowds far behind.  

The fifth-largest (or third smallest) of the Canary Islands, at just 70km long and 30km wide, it is a province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Yet it remains an island virtually untouched by the rampant growth of commercial tourism.

Not only is it a favourite destination for those seeking a week or two just for themselves, but it is a popular draw with divers, nature lovers, walkers and hikers, who like nothing better than filling a backpack and spending their days close to nature.

The whole island is a designated UNESCO Biosphere site. Although born millions of years ago from the same volcanic eruptions as its bigger sisters, it is the greenest of the Canary Islands, with much of its flora found only on La Palma.

The island has five National Parks, Caldera de Taburiente National Park, El Cubo de La Galga, Laguna Barlovento Park, Las Nieves Natural Park and Cascada de Los Colores.

La Palma’s interior rises steeply, and at sea level you will find plant species that love the intense sunshine and salty air, such as Limoniumpectinatum and Astydamia latifolia.

From 100 to 400 metres high, you will find Euphorbia canariensis and Euphorbia balsamifera. While at 350 to 700 metres, the first trees begin to appear, typified by the Mount Atlas Mastic Tree, the Dragon Tree and the Canary Palm.

At around 700 metres the first Laurels are becoming evident, nurtured by the high moisture levels of the north and northeast Trade Winds, and higher up the ubiquitous Canary Pine takes over.

All are mixed with lava fields and their hues of black, red and ochre, volcanic cones and multi-coloured rocks and boulders.

For those days away from hiking, the island’s capital and main cruise port is Santa Cruz de La Palma, on the island’s east coast. It is a beautifully picturesque old Spanish town, with cobbled streets, tightly packed, pastel-coloured terraced properties, and colourful blooms cascading from balconies and plant pots.

Aside from the above, other popular places to stay to retain that romantic vibe include the pretty town of Llanos de Aridane, tucked in the valleys of central La Palma.  

The small coastal village of Tazacorte, where you can enjoy a little time on the volcanic sand beach, and in the north of the island, Barlovento, with its rugged volcanic coastline.

Puntagorda in the northwest of La Palma is famous for its fine-dining and fresh seafood restaurants. While staying at Breña Baja, you are close to the island’s international airport, meaning less travelling time.

La Palma also has plenty to keep those with an interest in Canarian history, architecture and culture busy.

All over the island, and especially in the towns and cities, you will find copious examples of churches dating back to the 13th century, such as the Gothic church of Sant Jaume in the centre of Santa Cruz de La Palma.

Fine examples of traditional rural architecture can be found at Puntagorda, Villa de Garafía and Tijarafe, while museums highlighting the island’s architectural heritage can be found at Los Llanos (Benahoarita Archaeological Museum), La Zarza (Cultural Park), Villa de Garafia (Zarxita) and Villa de Mazo (Belmaco Archaeological Park).

For nightlife, an evening out on the Island of La Palma will be a decidedly low key affair, compared to some of the larger islands. Nonetheless, low key doesn’t mean any less enjoyable. In fact many would say just the opposite.

Whether you choose to stay in one of the smaller villages, towns or larger cities, you can expect to dine in friendly local restaurants serving the best of Canarian cuisine using fresh ingredients throughout.

Consider succulent grilled meat dishes served with fresh salad or vegetables and Canarian potatoes, or grilled tuna, swordfish, sea bass or parrot fish. 

If you’re not sure, ask for a selection of tapas. Small tasting plates that help you find what really makes your taste buds tingle.

If you’re staying in Santa Cruz de La Palma, you can push the boat out for that special occasion in the Michelin starred restaurants of Casa Osmunda, or the El Rincon de Moraga.

For those romantic after-dinner drinks, wherever you stay in La Palma, there will be a bar you fall in love with. A bar where you can sip a long cocktail or glass of sparkling La Palma wine. And gaze up at the stars through the clear Canary Island sky.

Although organised trips and tours are available to help you visit the places you want to see on La Palma, a hire car is highly recommended, to be able to make the most of your time on the island.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE CANARY ISLANDS IN LA PALMA

• ($$) Parador de La Palma
• ($$) Ferien Haus La Palma
• ($) Hacienda San Jorge

FIND LA PALMA HOTEL DEALS

READ MORE LA PALMA TRAVEL TIPS

• Where to stay in La Palma

6. La Gomera, one of the nicest places to stay in the Canary Islands for nature lovers

Almost circular in shape, little La Gomera lies to the west of Tenerife. At just 20km long and roughly the same wide, with high craggy cliffs and rocky black-sand coves all around the coast, you can always find somewhere to lay your towel. 

Beaches though, are not why most people visit this exquisite island. 

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2012, the majority arrive to enjoy the hiking and biking trails, the plethora of endemic plant life, the different local fauna, and the traditional Spanish coastal towns and inland villages that make this island what it is.

Although tourism is helping improve the economy, the majority of its 20,000 population still make a living from fishing and agriculture, with bananas, dates, grapes, figs, cereals and tomatoes being the main crops.

The jewel in La Gomera’s crown is Garajonay National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage National Park since 1986, Alto de Garajonay is the highest point at 1457 metres above sea level, and the views are superb.

High humidity and mild temperatures provide a micro-climate that sustains species of plants not found elsewhere. Laurel forests, fir trees and pinewoods, heathers and succulents; all vie for nutrients in the valleys, the hills and mountain sides.

There are 18 well-marked trails to get you around the park and its different forests and rock formations, with free guided tours available on Fridays; and Wednesdays during the summer.

Around the island, you will find the picturesque Valle Gran Rey on the west coast. A popular visitor stop-over with a backdrop of rugged cliffs, water hewn barrancas and palm trees.

Alojera, a little further up on the northwest coast, is also popular with visitors preferring to stay around the coastal areas.

Around the northern curve of the island, you will find lush green valleys and net-covered banana plantations, old townhouses, a former convent and several churches on your walks.  

Take in Agulo, with its twisting lanes and old colonial buildings, the traditional village of Hermigua and the Vallehermosa area, with its 400-metre high volcanic vent called Roque Cano.

On the island’s west coast lies San Sebastian de La Gomera, the island’s capital and main port. From here, there are daily ferries to Tenerife and the other Canary Islands.

Dating back to the 15th century, the town established itself as the island’s primary commercial port, and remains that way to this day. 

Its range of boutique hotels and private lets, makes it a favourite area with visitors looking for where to stay in the Canary Islands after arriving by ferry from Tenerife.

Like the other Canary Islands, La Gomera has a balmy, spring-like climate year-round. So if sunshine plays a big part in your holiday plans, choose the south of La Gomera when deciding where to stay in the Canary Islands.

Dryer than the north, the arid soil is more suited to cacti, succulents, and splurge, with its greyish-green foliage and yellow bracts, that sprout on the plains and low hillsides.

The local airport is also found here, just 34km from San Sebastián de la Gomera; it provides air transport between the islands and a limited number of flights to European destinations.

You will also find the scenic fishing village of Playa de Santiago, with its traditional fishermen’s cottages and boats bobbing in the harbour.

At 800 metres high, you can also explore the small Canarian town of Alajero, with its surrounding fields lying fallow, waiting for the winter months to bring moisture in the fogs that sweep in from the sea.

Accommodation on La Gomera is limited to privately let studios and farmhouses, small apartments and a few boutique hotels.

Nightlife on La Gomera is relaxed and laid-back. Local café/bars and restaurants will offer a choice of tapas, and serve the best of Canarian stews, meat dishes, seafood and sweets. 

All can be washed down with some of the best wines you will taste anywhere or a local beer like Dorada or Estrella.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE CANARY ISLANDS IN LA GOMERA

• ($$) Hotel Playa Calera
• ($$) Parador de La Gomera
• ($) Hotel Torre Del Conde

FIND LA GOMERA HOTEL DEALS

7. El Hierro, great place to stay in the Canary Islands for eco-tourism

The second smallest and most westerly of the Canary Islands, El Hierro is both a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Geopark. 

At just over 270 square km in area and virtually untouched by international tourism, it is a popular destination with eco-tourists and the many scuba divers who arrive to explore the pristine turquoise waters and aquatic species in the various Marine Reserve areas.

It is also the first Canary Island to attain 100% self-sufficiency in renewable energy, using hydroelectric and wind power.

The island’s geography was formed over a million years ago and is one of sheer rugged cliffs, volcanic cones, plunging ravines and black/red topsoil.  

The flora of this ancient landscape includes plant species in every hue of green, interspersed with amber, yellow and orange shrubs, juniper groves and succulents.

Areas of wild scrub and sectors of cultivated crops and flower meadows can be found in the valleys, on terraces, and around small traditional whitewashed cottages and villages. In contrast, woods and forests of pine and laurel stretch up the hillsides.

Whether you decide to stay a week or two weeks, you certainly won’t be short of things to do on El Hierro. A hire car will undoubtedly be an advantage to get around the island, but if not, you can do it on public transport, taxis or organised trips.

Visit San Andrés and the Garoé Visitors Centre, and learn the history of the lifesaving, water producing properties of the Garoé, or Sacred Tree.

Choose a day at the La Hoya del Morcillo recreational forest, close to the town of El Pinar. It is the only forest on the island with a campsite and picnic area.

Pencil in a visit to the Frontera Rural Park, including the Mencáfete Nature Reserve. Over 12,000 hectares of extraordinary nature reserve, with many hiking and biking trails are waiting in the island’s southwestern half.

The coastal areas shouldn’t be forgotten either during your exploration. Visit the Reserva Marina del Mar de Las Calmas, the Natural Beach Monument made up of volcanic landslides stretching over 9kms and 1,000m high, and the Roque de La Bonanza at Las Playas.

For those who prefer to enjoy their downtime sunbathing and swimming, El Hierro can provide the beaches. 

Although not the large stretches of golden sand you enjoy on the larger islands, the natural high cliffs, large boulders, volcanic sand and crystalline waters of the almost deserted coastline make up for it.

Check out the following beaches dotted around the island: La Restinga, Cala de Tacorón, Charco Azul, La Maceta, Charco de los Sargos, Cala de Timijiraque, Charco Manso, Tamaduste, El Verodal and Arenas Blancas.

If you enjoy basic during your time in the Canary Islands, on El Hierro, you’ve got it. There are no high-rise hotels or apartment complexes, no lifts, and only a couple of main roads.

That said, there are several small, pleasant boutique hotels, bed and breakfast establishments, guest houses, private apartments, fincas and country cottages available around the island. 

You can even choose a spa hotel in the north of the island. Or a forest campsite at Morcillo.

The island can be reached either by ferry from Los Cristianos, Tenerife, or by daily flights from Gran Canaria or Tenerife.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE CANARY ISLANDS IN EL HIERRO

• ($$) Parador de El Hierro
• ($) Balneario Pozo de la Salud
• ($) Hotel Ida Inés

FIND EL HIERRO HOTEL DEALS

8.

La Graciosa, warm sunshine, crystal clear waters, golden sand beaches and total relax

You could be forgiven for having a quick glance at the top of the page, to check we’re still discussing the best places to stay in the Canary Islands.

A few years ago, La Graciosa was just another islet laying 6km off the coast of Lanzarote and unknown by the vast majority of visitors who arrived every year to stay in the Canary Islands.

In 2018, all that changed when Spain’s General Commission of the Autonomous of the Senate decreed it could become the 8th Canary Island. Now, La Graciosa is a fully-fledged island, and a part of the Lanzarote Marine Nature reserve.

A favourite dive site with snorkelers and scuba divers. It is also very popular with bird watchers who arrive to catalogue the many seabirds, falcons, kestrels, ospreys and other birds of prey that nest and hunt from the surrounding cliffs.

Just 29 square km in area, with no road infrastructure, two small villages and around 600 residents, it cries out to be explored. 

Unfortunately, the only way you can get here is via a 30-minute ferry crossing from Lanzarote, with the last boat of the day leaving for Lanzarote at 19.00hrs.

Away from the pristine beaches, La Graciosa’s interior is arid and barren, with little in the way of vegetation. What there is, is protected. Created 3000 to 5000 years ago, the island was formed by four volcanoes, with falling ash and sand filling the plains.

Trails are marked out to the north and south to visit the volcano of Montaña Bermeja in the north and Montaña Amarilla in the south. You can also explore Montaña Pedro Barba and its twin peaks. All offer spectacular views across the island, Lanzarote and out to sea.

For the hikers and bikers, trails to all inland areas are carefully laid out, and detouring from them will be frowned on by any rangers in the area.  

Without any roadways, mountain bikes are the favourite mode of two-wheeled transport, and if you don’t have your own, they can be hired at Caleta de Sebo.

The two villages are Casas de Pedro Barba by the harbour, and Caleta del Sebo. Both have a limited number of private lodgings available, which are best booked online prior to your visit if you want to be sure of a roof. 

A basic campsite is located at Playa de El Salado, and can be booked on your arrival.

With a small supermarket and a couple of local bars and restaurants, you should be able to pick up all you need for a day on the beach, enjoy a pleasant lunch, and buy a couple of souvenirs of your time on La Graciosa.

If you have any special needs, essential medication or dietary requirements, take them with you.

When you arrive at the harbour, you will see several old Land Rovers lined up that double as taxis, to ferry you to any of the island’s glorious beaches.  

These taxis also offer round the island tours, and are a great way to get a better perspective of the island while maximising your beach time. Be sure to take plenty of sunblock, sun hats and shades.

It is some years now since La Graciosa attained the dizzy heights of a fully-fledged island, and it remains virtually unknown save by those who regularly visit Lanzarote.

If you would like to visit this little Canarian gem while it remains just as nature intended, booking sooner rather than later is recommended.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE CANARY ISLANDS IN LA GRACIOSA

• ($$) Evita Beach Apartamentos
• ($) Apartamentos Graciosamar
• ($) Apartamentos El Marinero – Avenida

FIND LA GRACIOSA HOTEL DEALS

Photos: Shutterstock

• Share

• Tweet

A short guide to the Canary Islands: a list of islands and their features

Located in West Africa, next to the Moroccan coast, the Canary Islands are an archipelago of amazing natural landscapes. The mild climate allows you to visit them throughout the year, and a large number of direct flights from all European cities makes these islands very popular.

The Canary Islands belong to Spain , so you can go here with a Schengen visa. Also, you can combine a trip to the Canary Islands with a trip to Morocco , the islands are located very close to the mainland and are accessible both by sea and by air.

Weather in the Canary Islands – when to go on vacation

It’s hot all year round , only in January or February the temperature can drop below 20 degrees, usually only in higher areas. Temperatures hover around 30 degrees in July and August with cool coastal breezes in most places. September and October are the best times to visit the Canary Islands, when the sea is still warm and the water is ideal for swimming. For lovers of natural beauty, almond trees bloom in January and February in Gran Canaria , while wild flowers from corn poppies to cirsium bloom in March and April. Also, winter is the time for whale and dolphin watching .

What to do in the Canary Islands

Useful services for tourists abroad:

Book a transfer, rent a car for a few hours or all day with a driver, cheap and reliable – Gettransfer

For an interesting sea voyage – renting your own yacht literally in two clicks, quickly and inexpensively – Searadar

Reliable premium class insurance that even covers Covid-19, chronic diseases and active types of tourism with risk for life – Tripinsurance

The Canary Islands are often associated with lazy holidays on superb beaches, but you will be surprised by the variety of landscapes and opportunities for pastime. On the island of Lanzarote, the mysterious lunar landscapes and volcanoes provide excellent conditions for hiking and walking. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, you’ll love Fuerteventura’s huge, idyllic beaches, which are also great for water sports. Tenerife, the most touristy of the islands, offers a wide range of activities from beaches to lively nightlife and hikes to the El Tide volcano. The landscape of Gran Canaria is truly diverse – sand dunes, volcanoes, gorges, deserted beaches, as well as the famous Pic de las Nieves.

List of the Canary Islands and their features

Using our short guide to the islands, you will be able to find something suitable for you and decide on the choice of a holiday destination in the Canary Islands.

Gran Canaria

The charm of Gran Canaria (Gran canaria) lies in its varied countryside and over 200 km of coastline. In its center are located the peak of the island – Pic de las Nieves, which reaches 1949 meters and offers a breathtaking view of the island. This volcano is popular with cyclists and hikers, and the trails pass through vast pine forests.

Beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts will love the local coves. Incredible sand dunes, gorges, thermal waters , steep cliffs are also among the local natural attractions.

Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is located only 60 miles from Morocco and is the closest Canary Island to the African coast. This destination in the Canary Islands is so diverse that it is simply breathtaking here, and a trip here will leave you with wonderful memories.

Whether you just want to relax or have a real adventure, Fuerteventura has it all. First of all, visitors come to the huge beaches with white sand and turquoise water. If you like water sports, has plenty of surf spots and windsurfers. The conditions for this are very good, and the wind blows almost constantly.

Don’t miss Corralejo Natural Park , one of the most beautiful natural places on the island with its sand dunes and beaches. The surrounding villages convey the local flavor and allow you to plunge into the life of the islanders.

Tenerife

It is the largest of the Canary Islands, and the main attraction of Tenerife is the volcano 3700 meters high, El Tiede . Also, it is the highest mountain in Spain. Experienced hikers can climb up on foot, for whom trails and routes are provided, while less athletic visitors can ride the cable car.

Tenerife is an ideal island for hiking with its many trails through the island’s national parks. Of course, relaxing on beautiful sandy beaches, seaside resorts and rugged coves is also not to be missed. Local beaches are some of the best in Europe , but at the same time, one of the most popular.

Lanzarote

When you first come to Lanzarote, you will be mesmerized by its beauty. It is a lunar terrain of black, arid soil dotted with volcanoes and covered with dry lava flows, where only cacti grow.

It’s worth visiting the Timanfaya National Park to get close to the volcanoes. Less touristy than Fuerteventura or Tenerife , the island has retained its authenticity, where you can see local houses with white walls and feel the history of the islands.

Lanzarote also has museums and beautiful monuments, many of which are the work of César Manrique, famous architect and resident of island. Manrique has left his mark on the architecture of the island, combining styles that are in harmony with nature. His Mirador del Rio offers an incredible view of Isla de la Graciosa (Isla de la Graciosa), and in his cactus garden you will be amazed by the variety of flora and contrasts of colors.

The spectacular caves of the volcanic island , the salt marshes, its green lagoon and magnificent beaches are also amazing – you will not find such landscapes anywhere else.

La Gomera

The green and lush nature of the island of La Gomera is hidden from visitors and prying eyes. You can get here by ferry and this place will surprise you with its silence and its peaceful environment. The main activities here are hiking from the seashore to the tops of the mountains, turned into terraced farmland, the hike passes through banana plantations, rocky valleys and fog-covered forest.

The top view from the highest peak, the Alto de Garajonay National Park, allows you to watch whales and dolphins. All you have to do is arrive in the right season and arm yourself with binoculars.

El Hierro

The smallest of the Canary Islands, El Hierro is also not exactly a tourist destination. This is the realm of wild nature and beautiful landscapes, where a calm atmosphere of rural life reigns.

Volcanic landscapes reach 1500 meters above sea level, meadows with grazing cows and sheep stretch for kilometers, and banana plantations and an ancient pine forest can shelter you from the heat in the Sahara region. The waters of the Atlantic Ocean are always quite cool, so it won’t get too hot here.

Saint-Martin
The capital of Saint-Martin and its largest settlement is Marigot.

On the hill above it rises the city’s main historical landmark – Fort Louis. Built by the Spaniards in 1692, it was soon abandoned. And in 1789, the French strengthened and expanded it, naming it in honor of the then ruling monarch, Louis XVI. From the walls of the fort, stunning views of the city and the sea open up. The road to it passes along the main street – Rue de la République.
It vividly illustrates the Franco-Caribbean architecture of the late 19th century typical of Marigot – graceful houses on several floors with openwork balconies-terraces. There are many restaurants, fashion boutiques, cosmetics and electronics stores, jewelry stores offering products of the most prestigious brands. And since Saint-Martin is a duty-free zone, the prices for goods are pleasantly surprising. The open-air Marigot Market is considered the largest in the entire Caribbean. Here you can buy fragrant Creole spices, unusual sauces, tropical fruits, the freshest seafood, products of local artisans. For a unique cultural experience, visit the Roland Richardson Gallery. And admire the beautiful sunset and yachts swaying steadily on the water – in the marina of Port La Royale. There are also several excellent fish restaurants here.

Grand Case

The Creole village of Grand Case is recognized as the unsurpassed gastronomic center of all the Caribbean islands. More than three dozen restaurants operate here. The village has a peculiar tradition. Establishments along the Boulevard de Grand Case write their menus on special boards outside at the entrance. So it is very easy for tourists to choose a place with dishes to taste during a walk. The cuisine of Saint Martin is a mixture of European, Creole and Caribbean traditions. Its base is fish and seafood, which are mined in the waters near the island. It is worth trying the original soups Sopi-di-piss (fish-coconut) and Sopi-di-binja (based on wine), krokeshi (fish meatballs), wahoo or snapper fried on coals. Meat is also served here. Tourists especially like cabrito stoba (stewed lamb), ayacas roll and steak with lemon and Caribbean spices. But the side dishes here are very simple – boiled rice, beans, fresh vegetables. Sauces are a must. You can drink all this splendor with expensive vintage wine. And you can try local beer (Heineken, Balashi, Amstel) or the original Guavaberry liqueur. In addition to gastronomic delights, Grand Case is famous for the Atelier des Tropismes gallery, which exhibits contemporary Caribbean artists, and the Church of Mary the Star of the Sea. The village has a large sandy beach where you can go diving.

Tintamarre

Tintamarre Island, 4 km from Saint Martin, currently uninhabited. It is part of a nature reserve and a great place to relax. Baie Blanche is located on its western coast. It is known for its beautiful swimming beach with fine sand and crystal clear waters. On the opposite side of Tintamarra, the coast is more rocky. However, it is great for diving and snorkeling. There are sea turtles, many colorful fish and corals grow here. From February to May, dolphins appear near the island. Scuba divers will appreciate the opportunity to explore the wreck off the northwest coast. Tintamarre is covered in lush greenery. Several picnic tables can be found in the shade of the trees. But there is no other infrastructure. You will have to bring food and water with you. You will also need a pair of sturdy shoes for those who want to explore the area. Previously, an airline was based on the island, and the inhabitants were engaged in growing cotton. During the walk, you can find an almost destroyed airstrip and a small rail track that led to the plantation. There are several interesting caves on the rocky coast of the island.

Pinel

Another uninhabited island is Pinel. It is located very close to Saint Martin. A small ferry runs regularly between them. You can also swim here by boat, kayak or paddleboard. This is a very popular place among tourists, as it combines all the delights of wild recreation and the comfort of a well-organized space. Tourists are brought to the main beach. There are two restaurants on its territory. At the pier itself – Yellow Beach, and at the grapefruit grove – Karibuni. There is a gift shop nearby. They sell bright island-style pareos and other beach paraphernalia. This part of the coastline is well equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent. The restaurants serve fish and seafood dishes. The opposite (northern) side of the island is wild and uninhabited. To get to it, you need to go along the path, bypassing iguanas basking in the sun. The beaches here are protected by a reef. This secluded place is very much appreciated by divers and snorkelers, and also by lovers of sunbathing without clothes. From Pinel, by kayak or paddleboard, you can get to the islet of Petite Clef. There is a sandbar in front of it, where you can fix a watercraft at the buoy. This is an absolutely wild place for those who want complete privacy.

Best dive sites | Swedbank blogs

Diving or snorkeling has long been a popular pastime for tourists.

There is a growing number of people wishing to get acquainted with the diversity of the underwater world, so diving tours are becoming more and more popular among travelers every year.

Dive boldly!

Before embarking on an underwater adventure, you must complete training to obtain an international diving certificate. In Latvia, several schools offer this opportunity, and prices range from 250 to 400 euros. The dive itself without your equipment will cost you up to 50 euros at a time. You will have to pay up to 1000 euros for your own equipment, while used equipment can be purchased at half the price. It will pay off if diving becomes your passion – having your own equipment will save you about 20 euros per dive.

When going on a diving trip, it is very important to choose the right insurance that covers all possible risks. For such cases, Swedbank offers insurance for active recreation and high-risk activities. In the case of diving, it is suitable if you are going to dive to a depth of more than 10 meters with the obligatory possession of a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certificate or an equivalent certificate confirming the qualification of a diver. In addition, equipment can be insured.

Now all that’s left is to choose where to go!

Croatia

Amazing Croatia is a country of thousands of islands scattered in the Adriatic Sea, as well as amazing nature, rich history and ancient culture. Croatia has a lot of interesting things to offer to divers – reefs, caves, grottoes, canyons and wrecks , where divers of any level will find something interesting for themselves. Diving on wrecks – ships that sank during the first and second world wars – is very popular in Croatia. Especially many of these ships are located near the largest Croatian island of Vis, which is literally surrounded by excellent diving sites. In the north, at the foot of the Alps and the Dinaric Highlands, there is one of the most beautiful bays on the Adriatic Sea – Kvarner. This is the warmest dive destination in Eastern Europe and you can dive here all year round. The underwater world of Kvarner is known for its steep walls and rocky reefs covered with beautiful corals. In turn you need to go to Biszewo to see Blue Grotto – a magical sea cave with shimmering blue water.

Best time to visit

Diving in Croatia is best done in summer. Warm water and great visibility guaranteed!

Cyprus

The underwater world of Cyprus is able to surprise both beginners and experienced divers. There is something for everyone here, from simple sandy bottom dives for beginner divers to great dive sites for professional divers. The most popular diving spots in Cyprus are 9 caves0032 Amphorae , chapel and sunken Zenobia. Caves Amphorae are located near the city of Paphos and you can see ancient pottery that has survived to this day. The chapel can be accessed from the shore, making it ideal for night diving. In turn, the Zenobia is the most famous wreck in Cyprus used for diving. You should definitely see the trucks that remained chained on the cargo deck.

The best time to visit

The diving season in Cyprus runs from March to November. At this time, the water in the sea is warm and crystal clear.

Best dive sites: Ayia Napa , Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos.

Greece

Greece has about 240 inhabited islands and a long coastline, so you will find many excellent diving sites here – walls, wrecks, grottoes and reefs.

Several popular destinations are located in the Aegean – near the islands of Naxos and Mykonos. Some of the most famous are the sunken Peloponnesian ship near the island of Mykonos and Reef Koundouros with great visibility and lots of marine life.

In turn, in Crete you can try diving in the caves. For example, cave El Greco has a wide passage and a compact air pocket that allows you to emerge above the water. The blue-roofed, dazzling white-walled coastal landscapes that form the backbone of almost every Greek settlement make this part of the world incredible.

Best time to visit

Summer is the best time for diving in Greece. In the Mediterranean climate from July to September, the weather is hot and dry, and the average air temperature does not fall below +27 ° C.

Italy

In Liguria, the epicenter of diving, about 30 kilometers east of Genoa is the famous seaside village of Portofino. Portofino, surrounded by the cities of Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli, is also called the birthplace of Italian diving.

Diving in Sorrento is characterized by the same topography as on the coast: steep slopes, grottoes and caves.

The Tuscan archipelago and the island of Elba are known as the place of Napoleon’s exile, where he spent about a year in exile. For divers, the island offers more pleasant opportunities – a variety of marine life, as well as breathtaking walls and slopes. The Pontine Islands, which are a volcanic archipelago located between Rome and Naples, including the islands of Ponza and Ventotene, attract divers with an interesting bottom topography with grottoes, caves and shipwrecks.

Best time to visit

The diving season runs from April to October. By European standards, the climate in Italy is considered moderately warm, but depending on the place, weather conditions can vary greatly.

Best dive sites: Campania, Elba, Liguria, Sardinia, Sicily.

Spain

In regions such as Granada, Malaga and Cadiz, diving is possible almost all year round. The transition zone between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean is home to marine mammals and divers have a chance to see whales. In the north, in Cantabria, Galicia, Asturias and the Basque Country, the water is usually colder, the tides are higher, and rich flora and fauna compensate for somewhat poorer visibility. Spain is proud of its marine national parks and reserves, such as Cabo de Palos, Cabo de Gata, the Columbretes Islands in the Mediterranean, and La Palma, Le Restinga and Isla de Graciosa in the Atlantic Canary Islands. Each region has its own charm that makes divers come back again and again.

Best dive sites: Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Catalonia, Costa Blanca (Valencia).

Portugal

Portugal has everything you need for great diving. Thanks to the long coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, you can dive in different places throughout the country, including Porto, Aveiro, Peniche, Lisbon, Sines, Sagres, Lagos and Faro. Divers are attracted not only by the mainland of Portugal, but also by its islands, primarily Madeira and the Azores.

The Atlantic waters off the Azores and Madeira are home to many endemic species of fish and shellfish, and are also famous for their rocky reefs, underwater caves and sunken ships. By the way, the Azores is one of the rare places in the world where you can dive into the crater of an active volcano.

Best dive sites: Azores, Lisbon.

Egypt

Egyptian reefs are full of life – luxurious corals and millions of fish enchant with the brightness of colors. Egypt offers the widest range of diving opportunities – secluded closed reefs, wrecks, walls, underwater peaks, shore dives, day trips and tours on special boats with accommodation on board. With fantastic visibility and easy access to great depths, Egypt is ideal for technical diving and training. All this makes the Red Sea one of the best diving destinations in the world.

The most popular resorts in Egypt are Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. Hurghada is a thriving tourist destination with excellent diving and a large selection of hotels and tours. Here you will find a lot of interesting sights and exciting activities. In Sharm El Sheikh you will find over 30 excellent dive sites as well as a variety of dive boat tours with accommodation on board. In addition to diving, you will find beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, nightlife and restaurants, as well as many beach activities.

About 20 kilometers south of Sharm el-Sheikh is national park Ras Mohamed . These protected areas can be visited as part of a one-day tour or spent several days here on board a specialized boat. Divers at Ras Mohamed are attracted by currents that allow for drift diving, as well as scenic wrecks.

When is the cheapest time to fly to Barcelona? Beach season in Spain

Editor: Irina

A bright and diverse country attracts tourists to its borders throughout the year – both in summer and winter it has something to surprise vacationers. One of these wonders of Spain is Barcelona – the city of art, contrasts and love. We have been here 4 times already! And we will definitely come again 🙂

Content

1. Beach season and weather
2. Sea temperature
3. Where is the best holiday in Spain?
4. Climate
5. When is it cheaper to go?
6. Season of discounts and sales

So, you are going to the homeland of Antonio Gaudí’s masterpieces – what time of the year should you plan your tour? The answer to the question of when to go to Spain (Barcelona) is best depends on the purpose of your trip – a relaxing beach holiday, exploring the cultural heritage or conquering shopping routes have their preferred seasons. So, the best time for excursions in Spain is the “golden autumn” and spring – at this time of the year there is a comfortable warm temperature, without obvious heat, a fairly long daylight hours. The beach season at sea opens from mid-June and lasts until mid-September.

Tip: if you choose the most profitable time to fly to Spain, you should pay attention to the off-season – the lowest prices for air tickets from Moscow (direct flight) are set in November, January and February. Booking a hotel is also quite cheap during this period. We advise you to search either on RoomGuru (hotels and hostels) or on Airbnb (apartments).

Beach season in Spain. Weather in Barcelona

So, if your goal is to soak up the gentle waves of the Mediterranean Sea, let’s figure out when the season begins and ends? In general, the weather in Spain is very friendly for tourists, but it has its own nuances depending on the month and region of the holiday. So in the popular resort of Costa Brava in the northern part of the Mediterranean coast, the sea warms up a little later than in southern Spain; the swimming season in the hot Canary Islands lasts all year round. Accordingly, you can go here even in winter (December-January).

The hospitable Catalan coast begins to receive tourists from the middle of May. The beach season in Barcelona traditionally ends on the 20th of September (to coincide with the celebration of the famous La Merce festival). Let’s take a closer look at the holiday season: the beginning and end, weather conditions and the nuances of relaxation by months.

Monthly weather in Barcelona

Horta labyrinth in Barcelona. The photo is deceptive, these walls are taller than a person 🙂

• May

  The weather in Barcelona in May 2022 pleases with warm temperatures and clear sun, short rains are possible. The last month of spring is the best time for a trip to the capital of Catalonia for those who do not like the heat – the air temperature at noon reaches +19…+23°С. The tourist season begins, but the influx of tourists is not yet so great. May is therefore our favorite month to visit Barcelona.

  June

  The weather in June in Barcelona 2022 is warmer than in May, there are even hot days – real summer comes to the city. The average air temperature during the day is +24°C, the sea warms up and becomes comfortable for swimming.

  July-August

  July-August in Barcelona is very hot – the temperature reaches 30 degrees, there is almost no rain. During this period, the beach season in Spain reaches its peak, characterized by a large influx of tourists.

  September

  Weather in Barcelona in September 2022 – from the beginning of September until about the middle of October, the velvet season begins in Barcelona: the scorching sun and August heat are replaced by moderate warm weather. It rains, but there is plenty to do in gorgeous Barcelona even when the weather is bad!

  October

  The weather in Barcelona in October 2022 is already unpredictable – relatively warm days alternate with bad weather. The average air temperature is +22°C, at night it drops to +13. A trip to the capital of Catalonia in the middle of autumn makes it possible to save money – vacation prices are cheaper than in the summer months and September.

  Winter

  What are the weather conditions like in winter Spain? The climate in Barcelona in winter is quite comfortable, the temperature stays at around 12-15 degrees, while it is sunny and almost without precipitation. In December, the city is transformed for the New Year holidays, many colorful festivals and interesting events take place in January-February.

Barcelona sea temperature

The average sea temperature in Barcelona varies from month to month. At the beginning of the swimming season, in late May-early July, the water temperature is +21°C and gradually warms up to +23. The warmest, most comfortable for long-term swimming, the sea becomes in July and August – the water warms up to +26°C. By the end of September, the water becomes a couple of degrees cooler, but still great for a beach holiday.

In October, the swimming season is on the decline – by the end of the month the sea cools down to +20 °C, the rainy season begins. From November to March in Barcelona is the low season – the water is cold and unsuitable for swimming, catching waves of wind rise on the sea. But do we remember that at this time you can go to the Canary Islands? 🙂

Detailed information about the water temperature now, for the next 10-14 days, can be found on thematic forums and portals. Well, or just type in Google “sea temperature in Barcelona” 🙂

Where is the best holiday in Spain?

View of Barcelona from Park Güell

Spain is an interesting country with a rich culture, traditions and great opportunities for active, sightseeing, beach holidays. History buffs will be interested in large cities – Barcelona, ​​Seville, Madrid, Toledo. Here you can wander through the ancient streets of the Old Town, visit museums and exhibitions of famous artists, see bullfighting with your own eyes and participate in colorful local festivals. Fans of parties and nightlife are attracted by the legendary Ibiza, which has gained a reputation as a world center of youth culture.

Where is the best place on the sea in Spain?

The rocky coast of the Costa Brava, near Lloret de Mar

Spain’s sunny beaches are considered to be among the best in Europe. The Mediterranean climate, well-maintained sandy beaches, a developed recreation and entertainment industry contribute to a large flow of tourists. The resort areas of the Costa Brava, Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol are very popular. Vacationers with children choose the family resorts of the Costa Dorada, Mallorca, hospitable Tenerife – the island of eternal spring.

Reviews of experienced tourists will help you decide where and when it is better to relax in Spain. However, it is reliably known: in order to combine beach and cultural holidays, go to the capital of Catalonia – Barcelona 🙂

The climate in Spain

The climate of Spain almost throughout the country has a mild Mediterranean character with dry hot summers and sunny warm winters. Thanks to favorable weather conditions, you can relax in the homeland of Carmen and flamenco in any season. But still, the average temperatures in Spain vary by month, depending on the regions.

• world-weather.ru/pogoda/spain/barcelona/
  https://world-weather.ru/pogoda/russia/novokuznetsk/

Spain in summer

Despite high temperatures, summer is the most popular time of the year to visit Spain. If you do not like excessively hot climate and heat, we recommend planning a trip for June – the thermometer usually does not rise above 24-25°C, you can combine a beach holiday with sightseeing of remarkable places. In July-August, the temperature rises to 30-35°C, especially in the southern regions of the country – a ticket to Barcelona or the north of the country, where the temperatures are more comfortable, would be a good choice.

Spain in the spring

There is still no swimming in Barcelona in May, but all the locals spend the weekend on the beach

Spring is a great season to visit Spain and Barcelona in particular, a time of colorful holidays and spectacular festivals. Spain in March is a good and economical option for a sightseeing tour. Due to the fact that the air temperature is still very low for sunbathing, the rest will be cheaper than in the high season. However, some southern islands are already ready to receive tourists for a beach holiday in the first month of spring. April, like March, is good for cultural and educational leisure – clear weather, lack of excitement allow you to truly feel the atmosphere of this original country. Spain in May (towards the end of the month) opens the swimming season.

Spain in autumn

The weather in September is warm and clear, the August heat subsides – the so-called velvet season begins. Barcelona beaches are emptying, and the entertainment life of the city, on the contrary, is gaining momentum. October still retains warm days, but at the end of the month comes the rainy season. The weather in Barcelona in November can bring surprises in the form of precipitation and wind.

Spain in winter

Winter weather is characterized by mildness, comfortable temperature, plenty of sunny days. In December, Barcelona will give vacationers vivid emotions, the magic of the New Year and Christmas mood.

In January, in addition to festive fairs and festivities, there are bright flamenco festivals. Winter Spain will please fans of shopping with an abundance of cool winter sales.

When is the cheapest time to go to Spain?

The high season in Spain lasts from late June to mid-September and ends with the La Merce festival. At this time, the highest prices for vacations are noted. If you are planning to visit Barcelona or another Spanish resort and save money at the same time, you should plan your trip during the low season, which falls on the period from November to April. The advantages of rest are the absence of intrusive crowds of tourists, moderate weather and attractive prices for the tour.

You can relax on the sea and not overpay for a ticket at the end of the tourist season in September – the water is still warm and suitable for swimming, there is no burning heat – which will be a big plus if you are traveling with a child.

• You can buy an inexpensive tour on Travelata
• Find suitable flights – on Aviasales
• On Airbnb (not hotels here, but apartments)

Do you have a visa? >>

Season of discounts and sales in Spain. Shopping in Barcelona

Shopping in Spain deserves special attention, many tourists rush to this country just for this. Modern Barcelona is a real mecca for notorious shopaholics, comparable to the possibilities of Madrid, Paris or Milan. The summer season of discounts in Spain is considered the longest in Europe, it lasts from July to early September. You can save from 20 to 70%. The second wave of discounts falls on the winter-spring season.

Shopping malls and outlets near Barcelona

If you’re visiting Barcelona, ​​you won’t have a dilemma what to bring from Spain – craft fairs, flea markets and souvenir shops offer a rich variety of interesting national souvenirs.

The most popular outlet in Barcelona is the famous La Roca Village, where you can buy inexpensive collection items from fashion shows, shoes and clothes from last season’s collections, jewelry, handbags and other accessories. Especially for tourists, the Barcelona Shopping Line buses run around almost all the iconic shopping centers and outlets in Barcelona in one route.

Where else to go to enjoy shopping in Barcelona? Shopping centers El Corte Ingles, Pedralbes Centre, Maremagnum. In the vicinity of the city, in a 15-minute drive, you can visit the large Viladecans outlet.

Sales dates in Spain

Global sales in Barcelona, ​​like almost everywhere in Europe, take place 2 times a year. We bring to your attention the dates of the season 2022:

• In summer – from July 1 to August 31;
• In winter – from January 7 to March 6.

If you are planning on shopping, it makes sense to visit the outlets during the first weeks of sales in Barcelona – by the end of the discount season, the range of goods is significantly reduced.

When is the best time to go to Spain? Undoubtedly, this is a hospitable country, interesting for travel regardless of the season. But still, the choice of the optimal tour time depends only on you and the goals of your trip. 🙂 We love Barcelona in spring — when you can walk the streets all day, there is no hot sun and crowds of tourists. Although we were also in July, having caught the sales season and bought a lot of things.

Copying of materials is allowed only with the obligatory indication of a direct, active and open for indexing hyperlink to howtrip.ru.

• • Countries
  • Months
  • Tips

  Bulgaria – England – Vietnam – Germany – Greece – Georgia – Dominican Republic – Egypt – Israel – India – Italy – Bali – Spain – Cyprus – Cuba – Maldives – Malta – Morocco – Mexico – UAE – Russia – USA – Thailand – Tanzania – Tunisia – Turkey – Montenegro – Czech Republic – Sweden – Sri Lanka

  January – February – March – April – May – June – July – August – September – October – November – December

  Top applications – Business lounges – Bank cards – Promo codes – Tours – Air tickets – Tour operators – Delayed departure – Cheap Europe – With children – Countries without a visa – Internet abroad

We are looking for a tour with a discount:

We are going to rest in the Canary Islands: where are the Canary Islands, which country do they belong to.

Holidays in the Canary Islands: weather, beaches, attractions, reviews

• June 23, 2019
• Directions

• Valentina Buravleva

The Canary Islands have long been popular with travelers from Britain and the northern regions of Europe who miss the bright sun and warm weather. Here you can find a wide variety of entertainment, from water sports, exciting hiking trails and ending with visiting architectural monuments, colonial cities. But at the same time, inexperienced tourists often have many questions about exactly where these islands are located, what are their features, what other travelers say about this area.

Geographic location

“Where are the Canaries and what is their location?” – one of the main questions of interest to many travelers. From a political point of view, the Canary Islands are part of Europe. In most restaurants, hotels and shops, tourists can easily communicate in English.

However, according to their geographical location, it is more correct to attribute them to Africa. The islands lie east of the central Atlantic Ocean. The closest neighboring country to them – Morocco – is 112 km away from the island of Fuerteventura. There is no ferry service between the Canaries and Morocco, which is also important for those who are interested in where the Canaries are located. Therefore, travelers must first cross the Spanish mainland. From there you can take a ferry to the islands.

On the map you can see how close the Canary Islands are to Africa. Which country is closest to them is also visible in the diagram. This is Morocco and the territory of Western Sahara.

The islands are located in the ocean, but officially belong to Spain. The Canaries are one of the autonomous communities of this state. By the way, they received such status back in 1982. Since then, no one has any doubts about what the Canary Islands are. Which country they belong to is also clear – the archipelago is part of Spain as an autonomous territory. Also at 19In 86, the Canary Islands joined the EU on special terms.

Climate

This heavenly place is located, of course, in the subtropics. And here it is important not only where the Canaries are located, but also what other features that affect the local weather. The climate here is formed under the influence of trade winds. They bring fresh air to the sun-warmed islands. Proximity to the equator and the warm current of the Gulf Stream determine the softness and warmth of weather conditions. On the islands of Fuerteventura and in some areas of Lanzarote, the weather can be much drier; these areas sometimes suffer from insufficient rainfall. Therefore, when considering the question of where the Canaries are located, one should take into account the characteristics of each individual island. A slight difference in weather conditions may still be present.

Slight differences between different islands

Separate pieces of the archipelago are located so close to each other that one island can be easily observed from the shores of another. But at the same time, climatic conditions can vary on each of them. On those islands that can boast of high mountains (La Palma, Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro), much more precipitation falls than on the plains of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. Where it rains more often, and the vegetation is denser, more diverse. As for the plains of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, the climate on them is almost the same in any part of their territory. Vegetation is sparse and uniform.

In general, the Canary Islands is a place of the so-called eternal spring, where the sun shines more than 300 days a year. That is why holidays in the Canary Islands are so popular. The average annual temperature in Tenerife is about +25 °C; sea ​​water warms up to +28 °С. The warmest month is August, when the thermometer rises to +29 °C.

The coldest time is January. The air temperature in winter is about +20 °C, and sometimes drops below +13 °C. Usually, a vacation in the Canary Islands means just a sweet pastime on the beach, swimming and walking. Therefore, the winter period is not particularly popular with travelers.

It hardly rains in the Canaries during the summer months. In spring, autumn and winter, of course, precipitation can even fall for several days in a row. But when the season is high in the Canary Islands, rainfall becomes a rarity. This is the period from August to October. At this time, the resort has the most tourists, as the weather is conducive to a better rest.

When to go on vacation?

In general, the best time to visit the Canary Islands is from April to October. In Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, located in the east, warm weather reigns all year round, so there are no time limits here. The mountainous islands of the western region – La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria – are best visited at any time of the year except winter. Indeed, in the period from December to February, the temperature here becomes moderate, dropping to +20 … +23 ° С.

The tourist season in the Canary Islands is in the summer. But if travelers want to save money, then they can choose any autumn or spring month.

Canary Islands: names and brief descriptions

We list the main islands that are popular with travelers.

• Tenerife. The main point that attracts tourists from all over the world and at the same time the largest island of the entire archipelago.
• Gran Canaria. It ranks first in terms of the number of inhabitants, has a developed infrastructure and no less attractive natural beauty.
• Fuerteventura. A peaceful place for those who seek serenity.
• Lanzarote. Famous for its reserves, volcanoes.
• La Palma. A small island with beautiful nature. Famous for its black sand beach.
• Hierro. The westernmost of all the islands and the smallest.
• Homer Island. A charming island that will impress fans of ecotourism.

Now we have considered not only where the Canary Islands are located, but also the main tourist points. Depending on their preferences, travelers can choose one or another island; however, we can safely say that none of them will leave the tourist indifferent. After all, wonderful nature is a property inherent in each of the islands of the archipelago.

Getting there

Flying to the Canary Islands is no problem. Five of them have international airports. For example, planes from Russia arrive at an airport located in the southern part of the island of Tenerife (there are two of them in total – there is also a northern one).

Features of the flight will depend on the starting point. From some countries there is no direct communication. For example, to get to the Canaries from Kyiv, you will have to make a transfer – first fly to Barcelona or Madrid, and only there you can take a direct plane to the Canaries.

Main coasts. Tenerife

Now consider the main reason why travelers come here – the beaches of the Canary Islands. Many tourists consider the beaches of this island to be the best place on earth. Strips of soft golden sand are located along the coast, and on the territory of the beaches with the most developed infrastructure there are a large number of various holiday homes, hotels, restaurants and sports facilities.

According to tourists, there is where to relax on the beach “El Medano”. But it is more suitable for surfers. To the west are the small “Playa Santiago” and “Playa de la Arena”. They are protected by rocky headlands; The coast is surrounded by lush parks.

“El Boyoyo”

One of the most popular beaches in Tenerife, famous for its black sand. In fact, ocean waves bring it here from the shores of the Sahara desert. “El Boyoyo” is a separate world that differs from other beaches in its unusualness, which is why it is also very popular among travelers.

The beaches of Fuerteventura

According to travelers, the local coastlines are rarely overcrowded with vacationers to the eyeballs. On the one hand, they are well suited to fans of a calm, measured pastime. On the other hand, the infrastructure here is poorly developed.

On the northern coast of the island is Corralejo, a fishing port that is also a popular surfing center.

“Playa Sotavento”, which means “leeward beach”, has long earned a reputation in Fuerteventura as the best place for fans of golden sand and gentle sun. It is located along the entire southern coast of the Jandia Peninsula, in the very south of the island. 30 km of golden sand, stretching along the sea line, are washed by turquoise waters. No wonder these landscapes attract travelers from all over the world.

“Famara” (Lanzarote)

Another point that is rarely overlooked by beach lovers. “Famara” is surrounded by picturesque mountains. The coast is very popular among surfers and paragliders.

“Hermigua” (Gomera Island)

Everyone loves this island for its natural National Park called Garajonay. Its area is huge – almost 4000 hectares. However, it cannot be said that this attraction is more important for tourists than the beautiful coasts of the island. One of the most attractive beaches is “Hermigua”, located in the northeast.

What to visit? Teide National Park (Tenerife)

One of the main attractions of the Canaries. The height of the Teide volcano is 3718 meters. It rises above the small island of Tenerife, the most famous of all the Canary Islands. The Teide National Park, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is also interesting for travelers with the opportunity to go inside the huge volcanic crater.

Its bottom is 19 km in diameter, and driving through this barren landscape is like traveling to the center of the earth. In fact, this crater is the remains of a large mountain that exploded about 3 million years ago. In some places, walls of volcanic rock remained here, towering 457 m above sea level.

Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote

This island is much older in origin than Tenerife. The last volcanic eruptions that shaped the modern landscape of the island occurred between 1730 and 1736. In those days, 11 villages were buried under the lava. The population left the island, which was once considered the Garden of Eden.

When the eruptions stopped, the farmers returned to their former places of residence and began to cultivate the ash-covered land. Local volcanic landscapes, including the still active crater, are managed by the Timanfaya National Park, also included in the UNESCO list.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Many tourists recommend visiting the capital of Tenerife. It is a lively and inviting city that also has several architectural highlights. Chief among them is the magnificent Auditorio de Tenerife Opera House. Its concert hall has a sea view. The building was designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. World-class performers, including renowned orchestra conductors, perform here.

There are other places of interest in Santa Cruz that are recommended for tourists. For example, this is the Museum of Fine Arts, where you can admire the works of Spanish, Flemish and Canarian artists.

At the Museum of Nature and Man, you can learn more about the cultural characteristics of the indigenous people of Tenerife; about how the natives lived before the arrival of European settlers.

Works by César Manrique, Lanzarote Island

This artist is remembered not only for his work, but also for his dedication to preserving the culture of his home island of Lanzarote. It was Cesar who launched the campaign to save the island from the rampant tourist overrun that has destroyed so many other holiday destinations. Manrique built a number of landmarks. These include his personal home Taro de Tahiche, built in the form of several underground bubbles formed by lava flows. The abandoned fort, converted by the artist into the International Museum of Modern Art, is also interesting.

What travelers themselves advise

According to tourists, the Canary Islands are a good place not only for a beach holiday, but also for all kinds of entertainment. However, if the traveler wants to try everything that is offered here (besides, of course, a beach holiday), then you will have to prepare a considerable amount of money. By the way, tourists themselves are advised to keep money on cards. After all, thefts are not so rare here, you can be left without a penny. You can have a small amount of cash, but only for basic pocket expenses. So it is important not only to know where the Canary Islands are located, but also how to relax safely in this resort.

There are also exchange offices in the archipelago. You can always exchange dollars for euros, although the exchange rate may not be entirely profitable. So this should be taken care of in advance.

Similar articles

Directions

The capital of Nicaragua – Managua: population, infrastructure development, city history and attractions

Directions

Country Panama where is located? Panama: location, population, language, climate, tourism potential

Directions

Where to go on vacation without a visa: a list of countries and recommendations for tourists

Directions

Urumqi: where is it? What is China’s bustling metropolis famous for

Directions

Limassol or Larnaca: which is better to choose where to relax, reviews

Directions

Where is Legoland in Russia: Addresses, Top Advice Before You Go to

It’s time to fly to the Canaries

Home »
My blog ”
Cases

Mikhail Schwartz
November 13, 2018
11 152
39

The end of autumn, which means it’s time to fly to the Canary Islands. In Europe, there is no longer a single place with warm weather, except for the Canary Islands. Now I’m planning my trip. Who is tired of Thailand in winter, Tenerife is a great alternative. In the end, spend about the same, and the level of comfort and food in restaurants are familiar, European.

Los Gigantes in Tenerife

Let me remind you that the Canary Islands belong to Spain. Any Schengen visa is required. There are 7 major islands in total. If you do not know where to fly, choose Tenerife. There are direct flights there.

Flight to Tenerife

This year, in addition to Aeroflot, S7 flights appeared on the Moscow-Tenerife route in the regular schedule, which favorably affected the price. For example, last year the average price of a direct flight in both directions was about 30,000 ₽, and this year, look what a freebie.

Go to my low price calendar and check the box for direct flights only.

Price calendar for air tickets to Tenerife

The lowest price for S7 without luggage is about 16,500₽

We switch to the price with luggage. It turns out about 19800 ₽

S7 with luggage

Aeroflot is also not far behind and offers a price of 23 200 ₽ in both directions with luggage for almost any date except holidays.

Aeroflot flights Moscow-Tenerife with luggage

I do not consider tickets with transfers, because they are only a couple of thousand cheaper. It makes no sense.

When to fly to Tenerife?

Tenerife has excellent warm weather 22-26˚C all year round. But in the summer there is no point in flying there, since there are a lot of other summer destinations. But from November to March, Tenerife has no competitors in Europe. When snow and slush are everywhere, Tenerife is warm and sunny.

Where to stay on the island?

We lived in Tenerife in late autumn and winter, so I can say with confidence where the weather is better at this time. I draw a map for the autumn-winter period.

Where to live in Tenerife?

I advise South West:

• Los Gigantes or Puerto de Santiago (Hotels at)
• Costa Adeje (Hotels in )
• Las Americas (Hotels on or apartments on AirBnB)
• Los Cristianos (Hotels on or apartments on AirBnB)

These are the best places for infrastructure, beaches and weather in winter. I swam in the winter. The water temperature was around 22˚C. Cheerfully, but bearable.

View tours

A quick search gave a price of 64 200₽ for two people with a flight to Adeje:

Cheap tour option in Tenerife

View sections with last minute tours at:

• Last minute tours in Tenerife in Onlinetours
• Last minute travel deals in Tenerife at Travelata

What to do on the island?

The most beautiful beach in Tenerife

Be sure to rent a car, there is nothing to do on the island without it. Where to take a car without collateral and a credit card, I wrote here.

Relax for a few days on the black sand beach. The sand is so warm!

Then ride down to the Teide volcano and climb it. Then to Anaga Park and stop by the capital of Santa Cruz. Then see the city of Puerto de la Cruz and go to Loro Parque. Go trekking to the volcanoes.

What to see on the neighboring islands?

La Gomera Island

It is easy to fly between the islands with Binter and Canary Fly. I bought through aviasales, tickets are more expensive on the websites of these airlines.

I already have guides for all the islands:

• 88 attractions in Tenerife
• What to see in Gran Canaria
• 49 points on my favorite iron island El Hierro
• Endless beaches and dunes of Fuerteventura (here are the best beaches!)
• Lanzarote Volcano Island
• Oasis island with waterfalls La Palma
• Cute baby and hiking champion La Gomera

Have you already been to the magical Canary Islands? Write in the comments.