Canary Islands, Spain
"Volcanic islands where Europe meets the Atlantic"
Canary Islands at a glance
- Best time to go
- The Canary Islands are known for mild, sunny weather most of the year, so timing depends on what you want to do. April to October is often suggested for the clearest skies up on Mount Teide in Tenerife, while winter can bring snow to the summit and strong winds that close the cable car.
- How long to stay
- We'd suggest a week on one or two islands. Each island is very different, and getting between them takes extra time.
- Who it's for
- Sun-seekers, hikers and volcano-landscape fans who want a short-haul escape.
- Might not be for you if
- You want to climb Teide's summit on a whim. The final stretch to the crater needs a permit that must be booked in advance.
Off the coast of Africa but flying the Spanish flag, the Canaries stack black sand beaches, moonlike volcanic craters, laurel forests and star-thick skies onto seven very different islands. Tenerife has Mount Teide, Lanzarote is a lava wonderland, La Palma is stargazing heaven.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round — spring-like temperatures every month
Mar – May
Wildflowers in bloom, warm sea from May, perfect hiking in Anaga and La Palma.
Jun – Sep
Hottest and driest; great for beaches but book early — European summer crowds arrive.
Oct – Nov
Warm sea (23°C+), thinning crowds, occasional short showers — the local favourite season.
Dec – Feb
Mild 20°C days, snow on Mount Teide, whale-watching season off Tenerife's south coast.
Getting Around
Each island has its own bus network (guaguas); a rental car is essential for reaching the best coves and volcanic parks.
🚗 Rental Car
The only way to reach hidden coves, laurel forests and Teide's high crater. Cheap outside July–August.
🚌 Guaguas (Local Buses)
Tenerife's TITSA and Gran Canaria's Global are cheap and reliable between towns; sparse in rural interiors.
⛴️ Inter-Island Ferry
Fred. Olsen and Naviera Armas connect the islands — car-friendly, useful for La Gomera from Tenerife.
✈️ Inter-Island Flights
Binter runs quick 30-min hops between all seven islands.
💡 Rent a car per island, not for the whole trip — you can't easily take rentals on ferries between islands.
Suggested Itineraries
Tenerife — Puerto de la Cruz
Arrive, settle in the old fishing town, evening at Plaza del Charco.
Teide National Park
Full day at Teide — cable car, Roques de García loop, sunset above the clouds.
Anaga rural park
Laurel forest walk, hidden black-sand cove at Benijo, seafood lunch in Taganana.
Ferry to La Gomera
Fast ferry from Los Cristianos to San Sebastián, drive up to Garajonay National Park.
Valle Gran Rey
Terraced valley walk, sunset at La Playa, whale-watching boat if in season.
Back to Tenerife — south coast
Return ferry, afternoon at Los Gigantes cliffs, dinner in Masca (or coastal Alcalá).
Departure
Slow morning swim, tapas lunch, transfer to TFS.
🌱 Psst — you don't have to do it all. The best souvenirs are slow mornings and one unplanned detour you'll still be talking about years later.
Highlights
Must See
- Mount Teide summit
- Timanfaya National Park
- Anaga rural park
- Cueva de los Verdes
Local Cuisine
Insider Tip
Each island has a distinct personality — pick two, don't try to island-hop all seven in one trip.
Canary Islands travel questions, answered
When is the best time to visit the Canary Islands?
Guides describe Tenerife as sunny and warm all year, so it's more about what you want to do. April to October is often suggested for the clearest skies on Teide and the most reliable cable car operation, while winter can bring snow-capped views, but strong winds often close the cable car.
Do you need a permit to climb Teide?
Yes, for the final stretch from the upper cable car station to the crater. The permit is booked through the Tenerife Island Council's Tenerife ON platform, slots are limited and release on a set schedule, and you should show the permit and your ID at the trailhead. Some guided tours include the permit. The park itself is free to enter and needs no booking.
Can you see Teide without a summit permit?
Yes. Entry to Teide National Park is free and needs no booking, and you can drive through, stop at viewpoints and ride the cable car to the upper station, La Rambleta, where you can enjoy views without going up to the crater. Book the cable car ahead in busy periods.
Does the Teide cable car run in bad weather?
Not always. Strong winds often close it, especially in winter and in the afternoon, so guides recommend going early and having a backup plan.
Details last checked 20 September 2026.