Often wrongly placed in the Mediterranean, probably by analogy with their cousins the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands are actually located several hundred kilometres west of the Moroccan coast, a latitude that guarantees them crystal-clear water and summer temperatures all year round. The two main islands, Gran Canaria and Tenerife, have long established themselves as specialists in all-inclusive holidays for a fan-footed holiday. However, it would be a shame to sum up a holiday on the Canaries as a holiday in hotels with large swimming pools. These Spanish islands that fill our lazy holidays are endowed with varied landscapes. Tenerife, for example, is home to the majestic Teid, a volcano with a lunar landscape and an excellent stargazing spot. Their wilder neighbours each have their own specialities: La Gomera impresses with its lush vegetation and offers us beautiful walks in its pine forests and black sand beaches. La Palma, with its heavenly creeks where swimming is so pleasant and its recent volcanic activity. Fuerteventura, with its large expanses of fine sand and turquoise waters promises you an unforgettable trip. El Hierro with its unsuspected geological formations where you can try your hand at diving and Lanzarotte with its waves and folklore. And finally, Gran Canaria, with its divine sand dunes! There are many tropical activities on offer, including many water sports such as scuba diving. You can also meet whales and dolphins who also enjoy the warm waters of the archipelago. This tourist guide will allow you to outline your trip on the spot. Impossible to talk about the Canary Islands without mentioning their gastronomy: fish, seafood and tapas are the basis of most typical dishes, but it is the papas arrugadas, small seasoned potatoes, perfect for a good meal during a family trip.
In the Canary Islands, there is no off-season as such, as the weather is fine all year round and temperatures range between 20 and 30°C. The high tourist season is summer, from May to October, with peaks in July and August. Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are fully booked in summer due to the beautiful beaches that these islands offer. Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro are rarely visited and will delight those who are looking for more tranquility. The best time to leave is, without a doubt, from November to April, because when our landscapes catch a cold, those of the Canary Islands are still basking in the sun. And it is also the occasion for many Spanish and international families to go on a trip during the Easter holidays or to see the carnival in the sun! However, accommodation is more expensive during December, January and February.
The Canary Islands enjoy a mild climate all year round: a warm climate for all the islands except for a moderate climate for the north of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote in spring. The average temperature is quite high and varies from 20 to 22°C throughout the year. July and August are the hottest months but temperatures rarely exceed 38°C. The rest of the year, only the mornings and nights are cooler, as in high altitudes.
Accommodation and catering rates are slightly lower than those in France. Be careful, however, there is a local consumption tax: the IGIC. Some establishments display prices excluding taxes. You will easily find cash dispensers on the different islands, in the city, in shopping malls or in casinos. Credit cards are easily accepted in shops, restaurants, hotels and even grocery stores.
Spain being in the Schengen area, like France, a simple identity card is sufficient to travel to the Canaries. An up-to-date identity document or passport will be required when you board, whether by plane or inter-island boat! The French driving licence will also be sufficient to rent a car.
There is no particularly serious disease listed in the Canary Islands. Mosquitoes are present, but despite the proximity of the African continent, there is no risk of malaria. No vaccine is required. However, check that your vaccination record is up to date to avoid any possible surprises on site.
The Canary Islands offer both all-inclusive trips to hotel complexes with tailor-made activities and excursions and theme trips, especially for hikers and volcano lovers. Stays last from 10 days to three weeks and generally include visits to two islands, or even three for the more ambitious ones.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationThe Canary Islands are very safe and modern islands, so travelling alone does not pose any particular difficulty. In addition, the diversity of the offer in transport, accommodation and activities will allow you to build the trip that suits you. However, make sure to book transport and accommodation in advance during the high season to avoid surprises
You must inevitably take a boat or plane to travel between the islands. The price and time of the trips are very variable, but between very distant islands, we recommend flying, a little more expensive but very fast. On the other hand, if you do flea jumps, the boat is much more practical. On the islands, renting a car remains a good solution but buses also exist and serve many destinations.
The Canary Islands in one week
Two weeks of visit to the Canary Islands
In the Canary Islands, there is no off-season as such, as the weather is fine all year round and temperatures range b...
Read more about it
The Canary Islands enjoy a mild climate all year round: a warm climate for all the islands except for a moderate clim...
Read more about it
Accommodation and catering rates are slightly lower than those in France. Be careful, however, there is a local consu...
Read more about it
Spain being in the Schengen area, like France, a simple identity card is sufficient to travel to the Canaries. An up-...
Read more about it
There is no particularly serious disease listed in the Canary Islands. Mosquitoes are present, but despite the proxim...
Read more about it
The Canary Islands are very safe and modern islands, so travelling alone does not pose any particular difficulty. In...
Read more about it
The Canary Islands offer both all-inclusive trips to hotel complexes with tailor-made activities and excursion...
Read more about it
You must inevitably take a boat or plane to travel between the islands. The price and time of the trips are very vari...
Read more about it
Already tired of traffic jams? From the subway? It's time to think about his next vacation and what to afford a nature getaway? The Canary Islands and the charming Ténerife, which offers activities for all ages: hiking, surfing, diving, whale watching and dolphins, fishing, canyoning, climbing, paragliding… There will be for the whole family! Especially during Carnival, during the first fortnight of February, where the fever took over ...
The Canary Islands often evoke dream beaches, sun and sunshine. Yet the archipelago reserves more surprises than you can imagine! Crossing its seven islands is to discover each time a new land, a different landscape. From the beaches of Fuerteventura to the volcanoes of Lanzarote, you will be amazed by these colorful landscapes and above all by this extraordinary climate that offers the most hours of sunshine in Europe! Petit Futé offers ...
The Canary Islands.... Be careful, reposition this destination on a map: this string of 7 European islands proudly emerges off the African coast, not far from Cape Verde! From north to south and from east to west: Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. Their particularities? These Canary Islands are lands littered with paradoxes, and are all different! On one side, concrete and large tourist ...
You want to escape but have just realized that your passport has expired? You didn't receive the precious sesame on time and want to leave as soon as possible? Don't panic: the French identity card provides access to many splendid sites! First of all, of course, there are the 28 Member States of the European Union. But be aware that your journey may extend to overseas France, some Eastern European countries or Iceland and Norway! The 10 ...
