Last updated: September 2026
Canary Islands holidays are the UK’s favourite year-round escape. Just four hours from Britain, these seven Spanish islands sit off the coast of north-west Africa and deliver guaranteed sunshine, volcanic landscapes and some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches — whatever the season.
Canary Islands holidays suit virtually every type of traveller. Couples, families, solo adventurers and retirees all find what they need across the seven islands. Beach lovers, hikers, surfers, golfers and foodies are equally well catered for.
The biggest draw is the climate. Warm, dry and reliably sunny throughout the year, the Canaries enjoy around 3,000 hours of sunshine annually. Average winter temperatures hover around 20°C — rare in a European destination accessible on a short-haul flight.
Prices are competitive too. Canary Islands holidays represent strong value, with budget airlines, all-inclusive resorts and self-catering apartments keeping costs manageable for most budgets. Many UK travellers find the islands cheaper than Mediterranean alternatives once accommodation, food and flights are factored in.
Nature lovers are particularly well served. The islands are home to UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, active volcanoes, pine forests and dramatic cliffs. Teide National Park on Tenerife and the lava fields of Timanfaya on Lanzarote are world-class natural attractions.
Gran Canaria holidays are ideal if you want variety. The island is often described as a miniature continent — within just a few hours’ drive you can explore the golden dunes of Maspalomas, the mountain village of Tejeda and the historic cathedral city of Las Palmas.
Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas are the main resort strips in the south. They offer a huge choice of hotels, restaurants, beach clubs and nightlife. The beach itself stretches unbroken for around eight kilometres, backed by rolling sand dunes that are protected as a nature reserve.
Families love Gran Canaria for its calm, sheltered beaches and excellent water parks. Aqualand Maspalomas and Sioux City provide full-day entertainment for children of all ages. The south also has go-kart tracks, mini-golf and dolphin shows to fill any quiet days.
For Canary Islands holidays with a cultural edge, spend at least a morning in Las Palmas. The Vegueta quarter holds the oldest cathedral in the Canaries, the house where Christopher Columbus stayed before his voyage to America, and a lively local market.
Gran Canaria’s cuisine is outstanding — papas arrugadas with mojo sauce is the essential dish to try.
Tenerife holidays are the largest and most visited of the Canary Islands options. It combines world-famous beaches in the south with dramatic highland scenery in the interior — including Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak at 3,718 metres. Canary Islands holidays on Tenerife rarely disappoint, whatever your preference.
Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos form the main resort corridor in the south. This is where you’ll find the widest choice of all-inclusive hotels, beach bars, golf courses and nightlife.
The volcanic black sand is striking, though many beaches have been replenished with golden Saharan sand for a more classic seaside look.
The north of the island has a greener, lusher character. Puerto de la Cruz is the traditional resort for visitors who prefer a more relaxed pace and authentic Spanish atmosphere. The Loro Parque zoo and theme park near Puerto de la Cruz is one of Spain’s most-visited attractions.
A cable car takes visitors to within 200 metres of Teide’s summit. On a clear day — which is most days — the views extend to all seven Canary Islands. Teide National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and arguably the single most spectacular sight in the entire archipelago.
Lanzarote holidays offer something genuinely different. The island’s volcanic landscape — black lava fields, emerald vineyards and otherworldly rock formations — makes it unlike anywhere else in Europe. Lanzarote has also earned UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status for its commitment to preserving this extraordinary environment.
Puerto del Carmen is the most popular resort, known for its five-kilometre golden beach and buzzing restaurant strip. Costa Teguise to the north is more family-orientated, while Playa Blanca in the south is quieter and upmarket. All three resorts are within easy reach of Timanfaya National Park.
Timanfaya is the island’s must-see attraction. The park covers an area of solidified lava from volcanic eruptions in the 1730s. Geothermal heat still rises just a metre below the surface — park rangers pour water into holes in the ground and it evaporates almost instantly into jets of steam.
Wine lovers should visit the La Geria wine region, where vines grow in individual volcanic rock craters designed to trap moisture in the dry soil. The local Malvasía white wine is crisp, dry and unlike anything produced elsewhere in Spain. Canary Islands holidays to Lanzarote are a genuine foodie destination.
Fuerteventura holidays are the best choice for beach purists. This long, flat island lies closest to the African coast and boasts more than 150 kilometres of white and golden beaches — more than any other Canary Island.
The beaches at Corralejo in the north and Jandia in the south are world-class.
Fuerteventura is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. The constant Atlantic trade winds make it one of Europe’s top destinations for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and the island regularly hosts world championship events. Surfers head to the west coast, where exposed reefs produce powerful waves in all seasons.
Families find Fuerteventura very manageable. The resorts are calm and relatively compact, beaches are shallow and safe for young children, and there are fewer large nightlife areas than on Tenerife or Gran Canaria. The Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura park near La Lajita is a well-regarded family attraction.
The old capital Betancuria is well worth a half-day excursion. Set in the hills away from the coast, this charming village has a 15th-century church, a small archaeological museum and excellent local restaurants.
Hiring a car for at least one day of your Canary Islands holidays on Fuerteventura is strongly recommended.
Canary Islands holidays offer far more than beach time. The islands have a distinct culture shaped by centuries of trade routes between Europe, Africa and the Americas. Traditional Canarian cuisine is hearty, fresh and flavoursome — quite different from mainland Spanish food.
The signature dish is papas arrugadas — small, wrinkled potatoes boiled in heavily salted water and served with mojo rojo (red pepper sauce) or mojo verde (coriander and garlic). This simple, delicious staple appears on menus across all four main islands and costs very little in local restaurants.
Fresh fish is exceptional everywhere. Vieja (parrotfish), sama (red porgy) and lapas (limpets) grilled over charcoal are traditional Canarian specialities best enjoyed at a waterfront chiringuito. The Canary Islands are also a surprisingly good wine destination — Lanzarote’s volcanic Malvasía whites and El Hierro’s reds have earned international recognition.
Carnival is the biggest cultural event in the Canaries. Tenerife’s Carnival in February is the second largest in the world after Rio de Janeiro, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to Santa Cruz. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria holds its own spectacular Carnival at the same time.
If your Canary Islands holidays fall in late January or February, joining the celebrations is unmissable.
Choosing a beach is one of the great pleasures of planning Canary Islands holidays. Each island has its own character, and the differences are striking. Here are six beaches that consistently rank among the finest in Europe.
Canary Islands holidays are genuinely enjoyable in every month of the year. The islands sit at a latitude equivalent to southern Morocco and benefit from steady Atlantic breezes that moderate summer heat. This makes them appealing even in July and August when Mediterranean resorts can feel oppressively hot.
Winter is peak season for British travellers, particularly January and February. Temperatures of 19–21°C feel positively tropical compared to the UK in mid-winter. Hotels and flights are busier during this period, but the weather is the most consistently dry and sunny of the year.
Spring and autumn offer a good balance of warmth, value and fewer crowds. March to May and September to November are particularly pleasant, with sea temperatures warm enough for comfortable swimming.
These months are ideal for walking holidays — the highland trails on Gran Canaria and Tenerife are spectacular in spring wildflower season.
Direct flights to the Canary Islands operate from most major UK airports. Gran Canaria and Tenerife South (TFS) are the most frequently served, with multiple daily departures from Gatwick, Manchester, Heathrow, Bristol, Birmingham and Edinburgh. Flight time is around four hours.
Lanzarote Airport (ACE) and Fuerteventura Airport (FUE) also have strong direct routes from UK airports, especially with Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2 and TUI. Booking through a package operator typically offers better value than booking flights and accommodation separately, and gives you ABTA and ATOL financial protection.
Inter-island ferries connect all seven Canary Islands. Armas and Naviera Armas operate regular crossings, making it easy to combine two islands on a single Canary Islands holiday. A Gran Canaria and Lanzarote combination is popular for travellers who want both beach variety and volcanic drama.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Atlantic Ocean, off north-west Africa (Spanish territory) |
| Flight time from UK | Approx 4 hours |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Language | Spanish (English widely spoken in resorts) |
| Best months | Year-round; peak UK demand Nov–Feb |
| Average summer temp | 27°C (coast); cooler inland and in north |
| Average winter temp | 20°C |
| Top islands | Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura |
| Time zone | GMT (same as UK in winter; 1 hr behind in summer) |
| Visa required | No (UK passport, 6 months validity) |
When booking your Canary Islands holidays, always check that your tour operator carries the right financial protection. Search4Sun lists holidays from a wide range of UK operators — standards vary, so we recommend doing your own due diligence before you pay.
Look for ABTA membership, ATOL protection or ABTOT cover — these schemes protect your money if an operator ceases trading before or during your holiday. For a plain-English guide to what each scheme covers, read our holiday protection guide.
For last-minute deals on Canary Islands holidays, check availability on LastMinute.com — they frequently offer significant discounts on late departures from UK airports.
Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are both excellent choices for families. Gran Canaria has calm southern beaches and water parks, while Lanzarote offers sheltered coves and kid-friendly resorts such as Puerto del Carmen. Both islands have direct UK flights and a wide range of self-catering accommodation.
Canary Islands holidays are possible all year round thanks to average temperatures between 18°C in winter and 27°C in summer. Winter breaks are especially popular with sun-seekers escaping the UK cold, while July and August suit families travelling during school holidays. Book at least three months ahead for peak periods.
No visa is required for UK passport holders. The Canary Islands are a Spanish territory and part of the European Union, so British travellers need only a valid passport with at least six months remaining.
You should also carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or purchase comprehensive travel insurance before you travel.
Search4Sun is not itself ABTA or ATOL bonded — we list holidays from a wide range of UK tour operators and protection levels vary. Always check your chosen operator’s credentials before you pay. You can verify cover at ABTA, ATOL or ABTOT. Our holiday protection guide explains exactly what each scheme covers.
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