The Canary Islands

A sunshine paradise in the Atlantic

Published: 24 February 2023, 12:30

Enjoying the benefits of a subtropical climate and eternal spring, the Canary Islands offer mild temperatures and, therefore, wonderful, all-year round holiday conditions. Whether you’re after an active hiking or water sports holiday or simply want to soak up the sun and relax, the seven islands off the northwest coast of Africa, with their fine sandy beaches and lush green forests, offer something for everyone. It’s no wonder that the islands in the Spanish archipelago are also fondly known as “the happy islands”.

Those who want to get to know the Canary Islands have the choice between the well-known large islands of Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Tenerife and the smaller, lesser-known islands of La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro. Each island has its own character combined with scenic highlights such as the UNESCO-listed Teide National Park in Tenerife, the vast dunes of Maspalomas in Gran Canaria or the colourful shimmering mountains of fire in Lanzarote.

Figures, dates, facts

Time difference: - 1 hour
Population: 2.2 million
Official language: Spanish
Currency: Euro

An overview of the Canary Islands

Tenerife is the largest Canary Island. Mount Teide and its impressive volcanic landscape, which is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, is a star attraction. © cameris / AdobeStocks

With around 300 days of sunshine a year and fine sandy beaches, Gran Canaria is an ideal family destination. The dunes of Maspalomas are a particular highlight on the third largest island © kgdad / Ad

Dozens of volcanoes shimmer in bright colours here: the mountains of fire in Timanfaya National Park are the landmark of the volcanic island of Lanzarote. © Nido Huebl / AdobeStocks

Water sports such as surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing are big on Fuerteventura. Gorgeous beaches like Playa del Viejo Rey make this possible © stylefoto24 / AdobeStocks

The island of La Gomera is considered a hiker’s paradise. The picturesque village of Vallehermoso in the north of the island is a good place to start. © Robert Schneider / AdobeStocks

Caldera de Taburiente National Park on La Palma

The lesser-known island of La Palma is a natural paradise and is still considered an insider tip. The Caldera de Taburiente National Park is enchantingly beautiful. © karlibri / AdobeStocks

El Hierro is the smallest, westernmost and most remote Canary Island. There is a lot of untouched nature and tranquillity to be found here. A spiritual place with mystical magic. © linohoracio / Adobe

It’s most beautiful outside

Each of the seven main islands offers incredibly beautiful landscapes. If you like being out in nature, you’ll love the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands are a dream destination for outdoor activities, whether it’s relaxed walking and swimming or more active sports like kitesurfing, surfing and challenging hiking on mountain trails. Water sports are big on the islands because of their location in the Atlantic. And there’s an abundance of parrotfish, mullet and moray eels to see when diving and snorkelling. There’s an incredible wealth of beautiful beaches to choose from.

Outdoor holidays in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands offer a wide range of hiking trails for a variety of requirements like here on La Gomera. © Tanja Wilbertz / AdobeStocks

There are beautiful diving spots, which are characterised by an impressive underwater world and interesting rock formations, most notably around Fuerteventura. © stylefoto24/AdobeStocks

Why not try kitesurfing? Fuerteventura and Tenerife are among the most popular kite spots in the Canary Islands. Pure thrills! © Ulrich Hollmann / AdobeStocks

Marvel at natural wonders: one of the most fascinating destinations in Lanzarote is Lago Verde. The green lagoon is connected to the sea underground. © Balate Dorin / AdobeStocks

“The 50 shades of blue” or “winding down by the sea” or “dream holiday in the Atlantic”. Welcome to the Canary Islands – the sunshine paradise! © Jenny Sturm / AdobeStocks