The 7 best Canary Islands to visit this year, ranked

Best for: epic peaks and culinary delights

As the largest of the islands, Tenerife has something for everyone – so not just your classic beach holiday resorts but good food, hikes and Spain’s highest mountain, the El Teide volcano, 3,715m above sea level. Resorts are huddled in the southwest and north coast, but pretty towns can be found dotted all around, such as the very lovely La Orotava and La Laguna. Canarians will often say that Tenerife is the most foodie of the islands, and it’s got the credentials to prove it, with more Michelin stars than any of the islands. 

Stay here: Costa Adeje is the best of the southerly resorts with upmarket hotels such as Bahia del Duque. In the north, try the quaint boutique La Laguna Gran Hotel for classy historic feels.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Tenerife

Best for: city sights and indigenous culture

Gran Canaria has its own microclimate that means you have the mighty Maspalomas sand dunes in the south, cool pine-covered central peaks around the Tejeda crater, and lush tropical valleys such as Agaete that contains Europe’s only commercial coffee plantation. The capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is Spain’s eight largest city and has a trendy, understated vibe with a string of rooftop bars and a seriously nice city beach, Las Canteras. Resorts are plentiful in the south where you’re pretty much guaranteed good weather. For a cultural hit, seek out remains of the pre-Hispanic inhabitants, such as the Painted Cave of Gáldar.

Stay here: For Wes Anderson-style design and almost direct access to the dunes, book a room at Seaside Palm Beach, or if you fancy the city, Be Cordial Malteses is a chic boutique in an old townhouse.

📍 Discover the best hotels in Gran Canaria

Best for: beaches and watersports

As the oldest island, desert-like Fuerteventura’s once soaring peaks having mellowed into pillow-like mountains, and it’s now the most laid back of all the islands. Canary Islanders agree that Fuerteventura has the best beaches of any of the islands with the resorts of Corralejo in the north and Morro Jable in the south making the most of the swathes of golden sand. Surfing and windsurfing are big business here with international competitions and enthusiasts coming from all over for its incredible swells. After all that surfing, don’t leave until you’ve tasted the island’s famous Majorero goat’s cheese. 

Stay here: The Avanti Lifestyle Hotel was the island’s first hotel when it opened in 1969. It still enjoys the prime spot on the water’s edge in Corralejo. The sleek Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace which looks over Morro Jable beach, has high-end restaurants and sustainable credentials.

Best for: wine and other-worldly landscapes

The most starkly volcanic of the islands, Lanzarote is a standout in beauty and conservation. Thanks to strict building regulations brought about by renowned island architect César Manrique, all buildings must be whitewashed, must be low-lying and must not impose on the surrounding landscape. Essentially that means even the major resorts have a prettiness about them. You can visit many of Manrique’s architectural creations across the island such as Bond-villain-esque Mirador del Rio with views over to neighbouring La Graciosa, and Lanzarote also makes incredible volcanic wine – it’s worth booking on a tour with Wine Tours Lanzarote to learn more.

Stay here: Beachfront Hotel Fariones is legendary in Playa del Carmen, while La Casa de los Naranjos offers homemade breakfasts in its restored manor house.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Lanzarote

Best for: stargazing and Jurassic-Park vibes

La Palma hit headlines in 2021 when one of its volcanoes erupted, but don’t let that put you off. The island is safe to visit and one of the best places for hiking and nature in these parts. It’s often known as La Isla Bonita, as most of the island is covered in lush green vegetation, and we’d recommend taking a guided hike down into the Caldera de Taburiente or going stargazing on the peaks – the whole island is a protected Starlight reserve.

Stay here: Check in to the Parador de La Palma for tropical gardens and gorgeous Atlantic views, or try a quirky lighthouse stay at Faro de Punta Complida.

Best for: trails and fascinating traditions

La Gomera is home to the world’s only whistling language, silbo gomero, which you might hear if you’re out hiking in the mountains, or even in town, as it’s now compulsory to learn in school. This is a popular place for cyclists, thanks to the challenging inclines and quiet, well-maintained roads. Don’t leave without trying almagrote, a tangy cheese paste often served with crackers as a snack or starter.

Stay here: The grand Parador de La Gomera overlooks the island’s tiny capital and the port, and has a pool and sauna – great for soothing weary cycling legs.

Best for: hiking and all-out nature

Did you know that the island of El Hierro runs on nearly 100 per cent renewable energy making it one of the world’s most sustainable islands? With its laurel forests, crags, ravines, mountains and peaks, it’s a hiker’s paradise. Try circular two-hour Ruta de la Llanía that will give you a good flavour of the island and take in forests and black sand beaches. To cool off, head to any of the natural sea pools that you’ll find around the island such as Charco Azul.

Stay here: With only five rooms, the Hotel Puntagrande has to be on the list of the world’s smallest hotels, perched right on the edge of Europe.