- Spain's Canary Islands are Europe's hidden gem, with year-round sunshine and warm weather.
- Each island has distinct attractions like volcanic beaches, otherworldly sand dunes, and scenic hiking.
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When I moved to Madrid from the US nearly 15 years ago, most of my fellow expat friends took vacations to popular Spanish cities like Seville or Barcelona.
But not me.
In lieu of castles in La Mancha or the weaving streets of Andalusia, I preferred to spend every free moment on the Canary Islands, a volcanic archipelago that's often considered to be Spain's Hawaii.
The region has held such endless intrigue that I'm looking to purchase a home on the Canaries to forever enjoy these islands — my only holdup is that I can't decide which one to call home.
The Canaries are made up of seven main islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, El Hierro, La Gomera, and La Palma. Each is distinct, with year-round sunshine and no rainy season. Here's an introduction to familiarize yourself with each island:
- Tenerife: The most developed island. Come for surfing, black- and white-sand beaches, hikes to the highest peak in Spain, and lively, international dining and nightlife.
- Gran Canaria: One of the larger islands, relax and enjoy its Sahara-style sand dunes and family-friendly beaches.
- Fuerteventura: A standout for remote golden-sand beaches that are perfect for lounging and windy waves for surfers.
- Lanzarote: Home to volcanic hikes, wine tasting, culture and art, and a more luxurious, higher-end vibe for travelers wanting all the extras.
- La Palma: Nicknamed La Isla Bonita, or, beautiful island, here you'll find astrotourism, hiking, and remote black-sand beaches.
- El Hierro: Expect eco-friendly tourism, a local feel, and diving and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
- La Gomera: Savor magical woodland hikes and a no-frills, traditional food scene.
This guide will highlight some of the best attractions, cuisine, and accommodations on each island to help you decide which destination(s) are right for you and how to plan your visit. Here's everything you need to know about traveling to the Canary Islands through the eyes of a local.