Gran Canaria or Tenerife: which one is best for you?

The two capital islands of the Canary archipelago have a lot in common, spectacular beaches, incredible landscapes and a wide range of leisure activities. However, if you are planning your vacations in the Canary Islands, you may not know which one to visit.

Keep on reading to find out the highlights of Tenerife and Gran Canaria so that you can choose the one that suits you best.

Las Canteras beach, one of the best urban beaches in the world

Highlights of Gran Canaria, the miniature continent

This island is a favorite for locals and tourists because it has an unparalleled offering of activities and landscapes. 

One of the gems of Gran Canaria is its capital, Las Palmas, which is the largest city in the archipelago. The city is multicultural and cosmopolitan and has a wide cultural agenda. Besides, its beach, Las Canteras, has been considered the best urban beach in the world by Tripadvisor. This makes the island the perfect choice if you want a vacation full of fun and activities.

Las Palmas is also one of the favorite cities among digital nomads as it has the beach nearby and all the necessary amenities. There is a large international community, with events and activities every day.

The island has amazing golden sand beaches and one of the best climates in the world. From north to south, you can find beaches and natural pools to go for a swim and practically every day of the year it’s sunny somewhere on the island.

Gran Canaria is also a bit smaller than Tenerife, so you can visit most of the island in four or five days. In addition, public transport works quite well, although it is advisable to rent a car if you want to go to the mountains.

Highlights of Tenerife, the biggest of the Canaries

Its idyllic nature, charming villages and beaches make Tenerife the most visited island in the archipelago.

Tenerife has numerous landscapes of spectacular beauty. In a single visit to the island you can explore the Teide Mountain, which is the highest point in Spain, the laurel forest of Anaga, the lunar landscape of Vilaflor or the incredible village of Masca.

There are also many beautiful black sand beaches and some golden sand beaches in Tenerife. The ones in the north such as Playa Jardin in Puerto de la Cruz or Benijo stand out as the most impressive. However, If you travel with children or just want to take a relaxed swim, it’s preferable to go somewhere in the south like el Médano or el Camisón.

Tenerife is also ideal for digital nomads, who tend to prefer the south of the island, where there are lots of beaches and the weather is always good.

Another amazing thing about this island is the large number of charming villages it has. From La Laguna, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz or Masca, there is one that will captivate you.

The forest of Anaga in Tenerife

So, which one should you choose?

Both islands have a lot to offer, the choice will depend on the type of vacation you are looking for.

If you want to relax on the beach, we recommend that you visit Gran Canaria as it has amazing beaches to swim safely and enjoy sunny weather any time of the year. On the other hand, if you prefer hiking and forests, Tenerife certainly has a lot to offer. 

Although Santa Cruz de Tenerife is also big, if you are looking for a vacation with lots of events or a cosmopolitan city full of life, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the place for you. However, for people looking for tranquility and small but very authentic towns, Tenerife is the best option.

Tip: why choose if you can visit both islands? Find out everything you need to know about the ferries between Gran Canaria and Tenerife.