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Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are an archipelago off the coast of northwestern Africa. There are 8 main islands. These are Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa.

Together they have a population of 2.2 million people. Most of this population can be found on the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

Canary Islands

The Canaries were created by volcanic activity. This activity is also responsible for the Canaries distinctive black beaches. Mount Teide, a volcano on Tenerife, is a popular tourist destination. It is also the highest mountain in Spain.

The Canaries are a popular tourist destination with people coming to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine. The islands are also popular with expats looking for somewhere warm and affordable to retire. Roughly 10% of the population is made up of expats.

There is plenty to do apart from enjoying the good food and weather. A variety of adventure sports are available as well as dolphin cruises and other marine activities. There are water parks and other attractions for the whole family.

Towns and Islands of the Canaries

Learn more about towns on the islands:

Arrieta – offers fishing boats bobbing gently in the small harbour and volcanic hills rising up behind the village

Betancuria – has cobbled streets winding past whitewashed houses, framed by rugged volcanic peaks

Costa Adeje – sits on Tenerife’s sunny southern coast with golden beaches and calm, clear water all year round

Costa Teguise – grew from a quiet fishing spot into one of Lanzarote’s favourite holiday resorts

Fuerteventura – offers long white beaches stretching for miles with an interior that feels wide open and untouched

Gran Canaria – often gets called a miniature continent sand dunes, pine forests, ravines and cliffs all within one compact island

Lanzarote – looks like nowhere else in Spain with black volcanic soil, white villages and green vines, it feels unspoiled

Los Llanos – is the perfect base for exploring La Palma’s volcanoes, forests, and black-sand coves

Maspalomas – whether you fancy adventure or pure relaxation, this resort town covers it all

Playa de la Arena – feels calm and unhurried. It’s the perfect spot for travellers who want sunshine without the crowds

Puerto de la Cruz – sits on Tenerife’s greener, cooler north coast with volcanic black-sand beaches and grand colonial architecture

Puerto del Rosario – a lively, colourful city with street art, sandy beaches, and a genuine local feel

Tenerife – is the largest of the Canary Islands, and it packs an astonishing variety into one place drawing millions of visitors every year

Teror – lies in the green hills of Gran Canaria with traditional wooden balconies lining cobbled streets and a genuine local flavour

Getting to the Canaries

Thanks to the thriving tourist industry flights are available all year round.

Flying time from London to Tenerife is about 4 hours 30 minutes.
From Seville to Tenerife is 2 hours 15 minutes.
Madrid to Tenerife is 2 hours 55 minutes flying time.

Book flights.

Ferries are available to travel between the main islands.
The ferry from Santa Cruz, Tenerife to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria takes just under 5 hours.

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