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Which is the best Canary Island?
Let’s match your mood to the perfect island.
Tenerife’s best for sun-soaked beaches, Lanzarote’s famous for its lunar landscapes and Fuerteventura’s a top pick for surfers – and that’s just a taste of the Canary Islands’ personality-packed line-up. Sure, they’re a part of Spain, but sitting closer to Marrakech than Madrid means they bag warm, sunny weather pretty much all year. And with all six main islands – Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Palma, Tenerife and La Gomera – bringing their own quirks to the party, the big question is – which one’s your perfect match? Whether you fancy dune-hopping in Gran Canaria, wandering La Palma’s lush trails or slowing things down on sleepy La Gomera, read on to find the island that suits your holiday mood.
When you’re ready, check out our best Canary Island deals.
When you’re ready, check out our best Canary Island deals.
Tenerife – best for beaches
If you like the idea of sitting beachside, sipping ice-cold drinks and picking at tapas, then Tenerife is for you. There are six beaches alone in Playa de las Americas, so you’re sure to find one to suit you. The main beach serves up a sandy stretch with water perfect for paddling, making it a great choice for families. Costa Adeje has two Blue Flag stretches up its sleeve – both backed by a bar-lined promenade. For something more laidback, head to the volcanic Blue Flag beach in the quieter resort of Playa de la Arena on the island’s west coast. Fancy exploring the island’s greener side? Head north to Puerto de la Cruz, where you can stroll through lush gardens to the town’s black-sand beach. Or, for a break from sunbathing, take a trip up to Mount Teide for views of the Canary Islands’ highest point.
Check out our holidays to Tenerife.
Check out our holidays to Tenerife.
Gran Canaria – best for exploring
Gran Canaria’s a top pick for anyone craving a mix of beach days and island exploring. From the golden dunes of Maspalomas to the mountain trails around Tejeda and Roque Nublo, the island serves up everything from sun-soaked shores to scenic hikes past natural rock formations. Up north, the lively capital Las Palmas blends city buzz with seaside cool, while Puerto Mogan, AKA Little Venice, has Italian-style footbridges, cobbled streets and a fancy harbour filled with yachts. Dreamy.
Check out our holidays to Gran Canaria.
Check out our holidays to Gran Canaria.
Lanzarote – best for nature lovers
Landing in Lanzarote feels like landing on a prettier version of the moon, and it has its mountainous landscape to thank for it. Base yourself in Playa Blanca and you’ll be close to some of the island’s best beaches, while staying in Puerto del Carmen puts you within easy reach of the otherworldly La Geria vineyards. Over in Costa Teguise, Timanfaya National Park is only around a 30-minute drive away – and it’s well worth it. The park is dotted with more than a hundred volcanoes, known as the Fire Mountains. With all of that up its sleeve, it’s easy to see why environmental activist and artist, Cesar Manrique, was inspired by the place. He certainly left a lasting impression here – from the whitewashed, blue-windowed homes to the lava-field house at the Fundación César Manrique.
Check out our holidays to Lanzarote.
Fuerteventura – best for activities
For a holiday filled with thrills, head to Fuerteventura. The coastline is home to some of the best watersports in Spain, from kite surfing to jet-skiing. Playa de Sotavento, near Costa Calma on the island’s south coast, is the spot for windsurfing – visit in July and you can even catch the World Championships in action. And as far as on-land activities go, you’ll find traditional tapas bars in the old town and karaoke bars in the resort centre. Further up the coast, Costa Caleta is a proper family fave, mixing easy-going watersports with a line-up of international restaurants. And down in the Jandia area, you can pair your beach time with duty-free shopping and laidback cocktail bars.
Check out our holidays to Fuerteventura.
Check out our holidays to Fuerteventura.
La Gomera – best for food
If you want an authentic taste of the Canaries, La Gomera will get your tastebuds tingling. The capital, San Sebastian, is a foodie’s paradise with spots serving local favourites like potaje de berros – a refreshing watercress soup – and papas arrugadas, boiled potatoes drizzled with mojo, a fiery pepper sauce. There are also heaps of upscale eateries to dive into. San Sebastian is home to a whopping 16 Michelin stars, so good grub is never far away. For a real showstopper, head to Arzak, where each dish is turned into art.
Check out our holidays to La Gomera.
Check out our holidays to La Gomera.
La Palma – best for a laidback break
The quietest of the Canaries, La Palma serves up peaceful surroundings and laidback vibes. Stay in Los Cancajos for intimate tapas restaurants and sunset strolls or choose Puerto Naos or Tazacorte if you fancy being close to some of the island’s prettiest Blue Flag beaches. The island is UNESCO protected, so stunning natural scenery is always on the cards – La Palma’s the greenest of the Canaries, after all. You’ll find everything from waterfalls to hikes that take you right above the clouds.
Check out our holidays to La Palma.
Check out our holidays to La Palma.
Feeling inspired?
Browse our Canary Island holidays.
Or if you need more inspo, read about our best hotels in the Canary Islands, the top things to do in Spain and the best beaches in the Canary Islands.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Carla Fabian and Conor Braniff
Last updated: 03.12.2025
Browse our Canary Island holidays.
Or if you need more inspo, read about our best hotels in the Canary Islands, the top things to do in Spain and the best beaches in the Canary Islands.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Carla Fabian and Conor Braniff
Last updated: 03.12.2025