Best Canary Island to visit for a dreamy escape

The Canary archipelago is an increasingly popular tourist destination, with 8 main islands to choose from, each one offering something different. Now, you’re probably wondering which one suits you best, right? Don't worry, we've got you covered!

In this guide, we break it all down to help you find the chosen one, the best Canary Island that will instantly steal your heart. So, are you ready to find out where you will be planning your next dreamy Atlantic escape?

Continue reading to discover which is the best Canary Island to visit, then compare prices and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper!

• Why visit the Canary Islands?
• Best Canary Island for couples
• Best Canary Island for partying
• Best Canary Island for families
• Best Canary Island for beach lovers
• Best Canary Island for nature and outdoors
• Best Canary Island for first-timers
• So, which is the best Canary Island for you?
• How to get to the Canaries
• Travel tips

The golden dunes of Maspalomas in Gran Canaria

Why visit the Canary Islands?

We know what you're thinking: “lower the sails, sailor! I have not decided to travel yet and you are already weighing anchor”.

Perhaps Cupid has missed the shot and you don't feel that crush at first sight, so here are something things to keep in mind when trying to decide which Canary island to visit:

• Great weather all year round: enjoy year-round sunshine in the Canaries! it is not a matter of witchcraft or the pigeon drop. This paradise boasts an average temperature of 19ºC in winter and 27ºC in summer. Wish you had this weather in your hometown, don’t you? To learn more about what clothes to pack, take a look at our complete guide on the climate of the Canary Islands.
• Diverse landscape: as soon as you reach a beach, you find yourself surrounded by gleaming dunes or a landscape blanketed with lush forests. In the Canary Islands, the possibilities are endless.
• The Canarian ambiance: the Canarian people are known for their warmth and hospitality, but not only for that: they love to celebrate life! The archipelago’s carnival parades rival those of Rio de Janeiro.
• Finger-licking food: tired of eating instant soups every day? Travel to the Canaries for an irresistible combination of Moroccan and Spanish flavors! There you can indulge in mouthwatering Canarian dishes from mojo picón (a pepper and garlic sauce) to the traditional watercress stew.
• Pet-friendly: your four-legged fluffy companion could also do with a seaside vacation, so what better place than the Canary Islands? After all, the islands took their name from the Latin word for “dog”, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of dog-friendly beaches in the Canaries.
• Accommodation: are you a fan of "all-inclusive"? Or do you prefer the charms of nature? There is accommodation for everyone in the Canary Islands: grand resorts, country houses, vacation rentals, and even camping!

If you have already convinced yourself that the Canaries are the perfect destination for your holiday, continue reading to discover which is the best Canary Island to visit.

A road making its way into the laurel forest in La Gomera

Best Canary Islands for couples

Planning a romantic getaway and wondering which Canary Island will sweep you both off your feet? From stargazing on mountain tops to sipping wine in volcanic vineyards or long walks in tranquil forests, these islands turn romance into an art form.

• La Palma: the smallest and arguably most picturesque of the Canary Islands, La Palma is designed for romantic escapes. With stunning views and breathtaking landscapes around every corner, this quiet Atlantic retreat is perfect whether you plan on spending quality time in a boutique hotel or stargazing out in the mountains.
• Lanzarote: a dream destination for design lovers and hopeless romantics alike, Lanzarote feels like a volcanic love poem written by César Manrique. Wander through otherworldly lava fields, sip your way through the wine region of La Geria, or hide away on peaceful beaches where the only sound is the ocean doing its thing!
• La Gomera: if pure tranquility is at the top of your list, then La Gomera is just what the doctor ordered. Slow, scenic, and impossibly green, this Canary island is a true paradise that is perfect for long walks, soul-soothing views, and totally unplugging.

Good to know: for further ideas and inspiration on things to do with your significant other, head over to our recommendations for a romantic couple’s holiday in the Canaries.

The park of Taburiente reaches for the horizon in La Palma

Best Canary Island for partying

If your ideal holiday includes late nights, loud music, and the kind of stories you definitely won’t tell your grandmother, you’re in the right place. Some Canary Islands are all about the dance-til-sunrise energy, so here are the top picks for a trip that refuses to go to bed early.

• Tenerife: if your ideal getaway involves dancing until sunrise and hitting the beach the next day, then pick up the phone, because Tenerife is calling! Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje are legendary for late-night clubs, beach bars, and an energy level that does not care that you promised yourself an early night.
• Gran Canaria: few islands deliver nightlife like Gran Canaria. From the colorful party scene in Maspalomas to the buzzing bars in Las Palmas and Playa del Inglés, this island knows how to throw a party in every flavor. Add in festivals, beach clubs, and nights remembered through blurry selfies, and you’ve got your ticket to a Canary Island of unforgettable fun.
• Lanzarote: not every party has to be wild, sometimes you want something a little lighter and sun-kissed. Enter Puerto del Carmen, where the vibes are fun, relaxed, and beachy. Think holiday cocktails, live music, and good times without the need for recovery goggles the next day.

Picturesque walkthrough of Teror in Gran Canaria

Best Canary Island for families

Whether you are looking to plan a summer seaside escape with the family or want to spend the winter holidays with kids in the Canaries, there is an island that ticks all the boxes and then some:

• Tenerife: essentially the Canary Islands’ all-inclusive family toolkit, Tenerife has it all. Want theme parks? Siam Park. Kid-friendly beaches? Everywhere. Animal encounters? Loro Parque. It’s the ultimate stress-free pick for family fun (and maybe a little parent relaxation too).
• Lanzarote: calm, compact, and wonderfully easy, Lanzarote takes the chaos out of family travel. Couple the awe-inspiring volcanoes of Lanzarote with safe beaches and family-friendly resorts, and you’ve got a paradise island for kids who love exploring and adults who enjoy a smooth holiday without constant navigation battles.
• Fuerteventura: the second-largest Canary island is basically a giant natural playground: endless expanses of soft sand, shallow waters, and plenty of space for kids to run wild (in a cute way). The chilled-out atmosphere means no stress and no rush; it’s all about sun, sea, and sandcastles.

The exotic lagoon of Los Clicos located in Lanzarote

Best Canary Island for beach lovers

The beaches in the Canary Islands are jaw-dropping, but some islands crank the coastal magic up to eleven. Here are the top spots where the water glows turquoise, the sand stretches into the horizon, and your “just one more beach” turns into five:

• Fuerteventura: if beaches were an Olympic sport, Fuerteventura would win the gold every single time. From the iconic Popcorn Beach to Playa Risco el Paso and El Cotillo, you can expect endless white-sand stretches, turquoise waters, and the perfect conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Warning: you may never want to leave!
• Lanzarote: from golden crescents to rugged surf spots, the beaches in Lanzarote will keep you entertained and amazed. The Papagayo coves are postcard-perfect, and the surf vibes on the western shores attract salty-haired adventurers from all over. Simply put, this is where you go for that ideal mix of beauty and buzz.
• Gran Canaria: the Maspalomas dunes alone could earn Gran Canaria a spot on this list, think a beach that looks half Sahara, half paradise. Add in family beaches, surf beaches, and city beaches, and you’ve got a variety that would make any beach fan grin. Take a look at our 7-day road trip in Gran Canaria for more ideas on places to hit up along the way.
• La Graciosa: a tiny island with oversized beach beauty, La Graciosa is a haven for anyone seeking peace and pristine sand. No cars, no crowds and no stress, just endless coastline and water so clear that the beaches of La Graciosa feel unreal. Your future screensaver awaits!

Gigantic fine sand beach in Morro Jable, Fuerteventura

Best Canary Island for nature and outdoors

If your ideal getaway involves wild landscapes, epic hikes and dramatic viewpoints, the Canaries are a nature lover’s paradise. There are plenty of things to do in the Canary Islands all year round, especially if you like spending time exploring nature and the outdoors:

• Tenerife: home to Spain’s highest peak, volcanic deserts, ancient forests, and lunar landscapes, Tenerife doesn’t play around when it comes to nature. Hike up Teide (or take the cable car, no judgment), explore wild coastlines, and soak up views that feel like they belong to another planet.
• La Palma: nicknamed “La Isla Bonita” for good reason, La Palma is a hiker’s dream: deep forests, volcanic craters, dramatic viewpoints, and some of the clearest night skies on Earth. If Mother Nature had a favorite child, it might be this island.
• La Gomera: small but mighty, La Gomera is packed with ravines, rainforests, waterfalls, and trails that lead to wow-worthy views. Garajonay National Park alone is worth the trip. Your legs may complain, but your heart will most definitely not!
• El Hierro: this is the wild child of the Canaries: untouched landscapes, crystal-clear waters, epic diving, and a sense of solitude you just can’t fake. It’s perfect for travelers who want adventure without the crowds or maybe want to pretend they’re on a National Geographic expedition.

Tip: there are many more amazing hidden gems in the Canary Islands, all you need to do is go off the beaten path.

Fog taking over the coast in La Gomera

Best Canary Island for first-timers

Some of the Canary Islands are especially easy to explore, full of variety, and guaranteed to leave you planning your next adventure before you’ve even unpacked. Here are the best choices for a flawless first impression:

• Tenerife: the perfect starter Canary island is easily Tenerife as it has a bit of everything: beaches, nightlife, charming towns, epic nature, and food that makes you rethink your life choices. It’s easy to get around, and even easier to fall in love with. Not convinced? Then take a look at our 1-week itinerary in Tenerife for a better idea of what to expect.
• Lanzarote: compact, stunning, and wonderfully manageable, Lanzarote is the kind of place where first-time visitors immediately feel at home. Between its black-sand beaches, whitewashed villages, and one very charismatic volcano, it sets the bar high for future trips. Did we mention that Lanzarote at Christmas is an ideal winter escape with a tropical twist?

Top tip: if you are still undecided, check out our detailed guide on which is a better fit, Tenerife or Lanzarote.

Amazing sea view from Anaga Park in Tenerife

So, which is the best Canary Island for you?

Now that you’ve explored the unique highlights of each island, here’s a recap to help you identify the best Canary Island to visit, based on your travel goals:

• Tenerife: the best Canary Island for families, as well as travelers seeking a blend of luxury and authenticity, nature enthusiasts and culture lovers.
• Gran Canaria: perfect for outdoor adventures, beach action and vibrant nightlife.
• Lanzarote: ideal for those interested in unique geological features and history, as well as wine tourism enthusiasts and sport lovers.
• Fuerteventura: the top choice for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
• La Gomera: great for hiking and nature lovers seeking tranquility, as well as food enthusiasts.
• El Hierro: the hidden gem for responsibly minded travelers, adventure seekers and those seeking solitude.
• La Palma: the best Canary Island for travelers seeking a blend of low-key luxury, immersive nature exploration and exceptional stargazing opportunities.
• La Graciosa: perfect for a peaceful getaway with stunning, uncrowded beaches.

The mountainous town of Tejeda located in Gran Canaria

How to get to the Canary Islands by ferry

Getting to the Canary Islands by ferry is not only easier than you think, it’s also a great way to get your adventure started in style and with a bit of sea breeze. Ferries depart regularly all year round from the ports of Cádiz and Huelva in Andalusia, which take as little as 26 hours to reach the Canary Islands.

So all you need to do is kick back, relax, and let the ocean guide you toward your Atlantic escape! For all the routes and plenty more information, head over to our comprehensive guide on Spain to the Canary Islands ferry schedules.

Lighthouse standing on El Hierro’s coast

Useful tips for traveling to the Canary Islands

Here are some useful tips to know before traveling to the Canary Islands:

• If you’re not bringing your own vehicle, renting a car is the easiest way to move around the Canarian landscape. Public transport works well too, especially on the larger islands, but nothing beats the freedom of four wheels.
• Many beautiful places in the Canaries are far from urban centers, which is part of their charm! Just remember to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. You’d be amazed how much a simple bottle of water can save the day.
• The archipelago’s mild climate is enviable, but the weather can vary depending on where you’re headed. Make sure to look up the best month to visit the Canary Islands for your type of trip, as a beach day and a mountain hike don’t always play by the same rules.
• Accommodation is different on each island. Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer endless options, but places like El Hierro or La Graciosa can fill up quickly. Plan ahead unless you’re genuinely considering a beach nap as a “night’s stay.”
• Still unsure which island is your perfect match? The distances between islands are short, so why choose just one? Our island-hopping guide in the Canaries will help you take the first step on your journey.

Desert beach of Caleta de Sebo in La Graciosa

Book cheap ferry tickets to the Canary Islands online

The only thing left between you and your dream island? A ferry ride! On Ferryhopper, you can book ferry tickets for the Canary Islands, explore every route on our Map of ferries, and let the adventure planning begin!