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A rugged, volcanic archipelago huddled near the coast of Morocco in north-western Africa, the Canary Islands comprise seven Spanish islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro), each with its own unique culture and history.
While you might guess that the Canary Islands are named after the species of bird by the same name, in fact, the islands get their title from the Latin term “Insula Canaria” or “Island of the Dogs”, thought to be derived from the large population of ‘sea dogs’ (i.e. monk seals) that once lived on the islands. Another theory is that the islands’ earliest inhabitants worshipped dogs, so they named themselves “the ones with the dogs.”
Here’s why you need to add the Canary Islands to your 2023 travel itinerary.
7 reasons to visit the 7 Canary Islands in 2023
Easily accessible from the UK
Just around a four-and-a-half hour flight from the UK, the Canary Islands are easy enough to get to either for a last-minute getaway, or for a preplanned holiday – minus the hassle of flying long-haul.
Year-round sunshine
One of the biggest selling points of these sunny Spanish isles are their year-round warm, balmy climes. During the summer months (June – August), you can expect 9-10 daily hours of sunshine and consistently high temperatures in the mid to high 20s, with minimal rainfall.
However, even the winter months are mild in the Canary Islands, with temperatures rarely falling below 20°C. Expect more rainfall though, particularly in the north of the island.
Distinct culture and history
Each of the seven Canary Islands has a unique character and past which, for many, is largely what makes exploring them so exciting.
For example, La Gomera – one of the lesser known islands – has its very own ‘whistling language’, known as “El Silbo Gomero”. Historically used to communicate across the miles, the language pre-dates the Spanish settlers who came to live on the island, yet it’s still taught in local schools to this day.
Varied local cuisine
The Canary Islands offer a varied range of cuisine, from the Michelin-starred restaurants of Tenerife to the simple cuisine of Fuerteventura, inspired by its indigenous inhabitants (based just 100km or so from Morocco).
Must-try dishes to try in the Canary Islands include:
- Canarian potatoes or “papas arrugás” – wrinkled, skin-on new potatoes teamed with mojo dipping sauce, particularly popular in Tenerife (although a popular Spanish tapas dish throughout the islands)
- Palma honey in La Gomera
- Red and white wine in the volcanic vineyards of Lanzarote (Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, La Palma, El Hierro and La Gomera also produce their own wine)
- Fresh Majorera goat milk cheese in Fuertuventura (PDO)
- Gran Canaria rum
- Quesadillas in El Hierro
Picture-perfect views
From golden, red and black-sand beaches lapped by gentle azure shores, to the magnificent mountains of Tenerife (home to Spain’s tallest peak), the seven Canary Islands offer an abundance of awe-inspiring natural landscapes.
And, with three of the Islands designated official Biosphere Reserves – areas where the quality of the light at night (along with other cultural, scientific, natural or landscape features) is of prime importance – the scenes are often just as spectacular by night, as they are by day.
Beautiful beaches
If you love spending long days lounging around on the sand soaking up the sun while on holiday, you’ve come to the right place. The Canary Islands are home to some of the best beaches in Spain, with top spots including:
- Corralejo Grandes Playas in Fuerteventura
- Las Teresitas in Tenerife
- Papagayo Beach
- Playa Mujeres in Lanzarote
- Amadores in Gran Canaria
- Playa des Ingles – Gran Canaria
Extensive choice of accommodation
Each of the Canary Islands offers an excellent range of choice when it comes to where to stay; from budget-friendly Airbnb apartments, to family-friendly five-star resorts and hotels.
Plus, for those holidaying without children, the islands offer a number of adult-focused hotels and resorts where you can really get away from it all.
Have you ever been to the Canary Islands? Where did you go and what did you get up to while you were there? Comment below to share your experience with other readers.
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