The Canary Islands are still a very popular holiday destination and it’s not hard to see why. With a huge variety of landscapes and coastlines, warm weather all year round, excellent tourist infrastructure, and no shortage of culture, it attracts millions of visitors each year. 

If, like many people, you’re thinking about visiting the Canary Islands on your next holiday, there are a few things you should know. So, here are some considerations to make before travelling to the Canary Islands. 

Choose the Right Island to Visit

When it comes to choosing a specific Island, you should consider the type of trip you’re looking for. Every Island has something unique to offer, so it's best to pick based on the activities you’re hoping to participate in. 

• Hiking and nature adventures - Tenerife, La Palma, and La Gomera 
• Diving and water sports - El Hierro, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura
• Nightlife - Gran Canaria 
• Secluded beaches - La Graciosa
• Art and culture - Lanzarote 

You can also visit multiple islands in one trip to get a more comprehensive Canary Island experience. For example, many people staying in Lanzarote visit La Graciosa or Fuerteventura for the day, as they are both only a half-hour ferry away. 

Local Transport Options

There are a number of ways to get to each island and hop between them. 

Buses

Buses are an incredibly popular option, with most of the islands featuring an extensive public bus network that makes it easy to navigate airports and popular tourist destinations. 

Ferries 

Many of the islands are just a short ferry ride away from each other (Tenerife to La Gomera is a prime example, at around 50 minutes), making day trips to various islands quick and simple. Though others take much longer (Gran Canaria to Lanzarote can take up to 11 hours, for example), in which case flying may be a more suitable option. 

Car Rentals 

Hiring a car is typically very affordable across the Canary Islands and it’s a great option if you prefer a little more freedom. It also makes it easy to explore more rural areas and less tourist-heavy areas of the islands. Many rental companies offer a number of specialist rentals too, making it more accessible to everyone. For instance, even if you’re a young driver, don’t own a credit card, or want to secure your car hire with a digital driving licence, you can! 

Common Tourist Mistakes 

To ensure your trip runs smoothly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Not preparing for microclimates - although the islands are well-known for having a steady temperature throughout the year, climates in certain areas can change in minutes, so it’s important to pack some winter and waterproof clothing too
• Not trying local cuisine - the typical food and drink isn’t the same as mainland Spain, and it’s worth ordering local dishes to get a better feel of Canarian cuisine
• Failing to use sun cream - even if it doesn't feel as hot as some other countries, its vicinity to the equator means the UV index is high, so regular sun cream application is crucial 

Enjoy a Trip to the Canary Islands!

Whether you want to sunbathe on an isolated beach in La Graciosa or hike your way across Tenerife, the Canary Islands have something for everyone. By choosing the right island for you, looking into local transport options, and avoiding common tourist mistakes, you can enjoy a trip of a lifetime here.