Canary Islands Holidays Guide

Europe

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Since the advent of modern package holidays, the Canaries have been attracting millions of holidaymakers. The main attractions are the climate and the beaches – although there's also diving, golf, hillwalking, aquaparks, historic towns and a wide range of other attractions. The Canary Islands are part of Spain and much of the cuisine is Hispanic with some African influences, although you'll find plenty of places geared towards tourists looking for a taste of home. There are a wide range of resorts and towns – families, clubbers, senior travellers, gay travellers and those who are looking to base their holiday around particular aquatic sports will all find somewhere suitable.

Canary Islands

Canary Islands Holidays Planner

Gran Canaria is one of the main destinations in the Canaries – here there is golf, swimming and surfing, and Las Palmas, one of the Canaries' most vibrant cities. Lanzarote is a favourite of British and Irish holidaymakers, who crowd the island beaches. The Timanfaya National Park is another favourite attractions. Tenerife is one of the most popular and varied – as well as the beaches, there is much to see in the rocky interior, which is excellent for walkers. El Teide is the highest mountain in Spain, but most visitors go up by cable car; be careful of altitude sickness.

The main islands are covered above, but there's much more to the Canaries. Fuerteventura is quieter than the main islands, and popular with windsurfers and surfers. El Hierro is a small, relaxed island, and a top destination for scuba diving. La Gomera is a laid back, bohemian island; a large proportion of tourists come to enjoy walking the unspoilt landscape and beaches. La Palma has similar attractions, and is mostly off the well-trodden tourist track. Wherever you go in the Canaries, you'll find a variety of places to stay, and facilities are generally very good.

Canary Islands Holiday Tips
Canary Islands Travel Info
Get around the Canaries either by ferry, or by internal flights to the remoter islands.