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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.

The must-see places in Canary Islands

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When to go to Canary Islands?

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.

  • Weather forecast
  • Budget
  • Procedures
  • Health
  • Discovery
Weather at the moment
Weather all year round

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.

Budget

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.

Procedures

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.

Health

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.

How to go to Canary Islands? Our advice & tips

  • Organised trips
  • Going alone
  • Moving around

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 destination

The 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.

Prepare for your trip Canary Islands

Transportation
  • Book a train
  • Sea crossing
Accommodations
  • Find a hotel
  • Airbnb rental
  • Holiday rental
Stays
  • Tailor-made trip
Services / On site
  • Airbnb experiences
  • Book a table
  • Activities & visits

Canary Islands travel inspiration

7 days
Average budget
  • When to go?
    Printemps, Eté
  • With whom?
    Solo, Couple, Famille, Amis, Groupe
  • Themes :
    Culture / Patrimoine , Faune et flore, Découverte, Aventure / Sports et loisirs, Détente / Bien être

The Canary Islands in one week
Quotatrip
All tours
14 days
Large budget
  • When to go?
    Printemps, Eté, Automne
  • With whom?
    Solo, Couple, Famille, Amis, Groupe
  • Themes :
    Culture / Patrimoine , Faune et flore, Découverte, Aventure / Sports et loisirs, Détente / Bien être

Two weeks of visit to the Canary Islands

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Discover Canary Islands

Practical information
When to travel?

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

Weather forecast

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

Budget

Accommodation and catering rates are slightly lower than those in France. Be careful, however, there is a local consu...
Read more about it

Formalities

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

Health

There is no particularly serious disease listed in the Canary Islands. Mosquitoes are present, but despite the proxim...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

The Canary Islands are very safe and modern islands, so travelling alone does not pose any particular difficulty. In...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

The Canary Islands offer both all-inclusive trips to hotel complexes with tailor-made activities and excursion...
Read more about it

Getting around

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

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