Holidays to the Canary Islands have it all – tropical beaches, dramatic volcanic landscapes, vibrant culture and cuisine, and with the islands’ year-round sunshine, they’re also a winning winter sun destination.

Which island is right for you?

Tenerife is the biggest of the bunch, and couples lively beach resorts and attractions like Siam Park with breathtaking volcanic scenery in the Teide National Park. Lanzarote is defined not only by its striking volcanic landscape but also by Cesar Manrique’s captivating organic architecture. With its hidden coves, vineyards, and lava fields, Lanzarote is a top choice for those who like to explore on holiday. Fuerteventura’s chalk white sands and turquoise waters make it the best island for beach holidays, with perfect conditions for surfing and windsurfing. Gran Canaria feels like a mini continent, where sweeping sand dunes meet dense pine forests, while La Palma, known as ‘the green island’, is lush and mountainous, boasting quiet, black volcanic sand beaches and plenty of hiking opportunities.

Winter sun specialist

Thanks to trade winds, the Canary Islands have a warm and dry subtropical climate, known as the ‘eternal spring’. Whether you’re spending your summer holiday or Christmas in the Canary Islands, temperatures will average between 18-25℃. July to September are the warmest Canary Island months, and temperatures generally dip to their lowest in January and February.

Volcanic landscapes and nature

Thousands of years of volcanic activity have left their aesthetic legacy on the Canary Islands. Walking holidays in the Canary Islands will lead you deep into this cinematic landscape, from the soaring Mount Teide National Park in Tenerife to Lanzarote’s crater-strewn Timanfaya National Park. The rippling Maspalomas dunes in Gran Canaria feel like the Sahara Desert, and are best explored at sunset on camelback. La Palma, with its limited light pollution and legally protected dark skies, is an unparalleled spot for stargazing, boasting spectacular views once the sun sets.

Family adventures and theme parks

A family holiday in the Canaries means a stress-free short flight, a big variety of beaches, and, for much of the year, comfortably warm temperatures for swimming, hiking, and daytrips. There’s plenty to keep the family entertained, from invigorating water parks, including Tenerife’s award-winning Siam Park, to submarine safaris and boat trips to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.