Canary Islands holidays

Taking inspiration from Spain, Africa and Latin America, the Canaries offer an abundance of delicious dishes. From fresh seafood to tasty grilled meats, there’s plenty in the Canaries for every palate. One must-try is papas arrugadas. These homegrown potatoes are boiled in salty water with their skins on, resulting in an unusual wrinkled texture and perfectly soft insides. Often served with fresh fish and meat dishes, they’re paired with a peppery mojo sauce. Ideal for washing down your delicious Canarian delicacies, the islands are home to some fantastic local wines, including the award-winning Valera from Gran Canaria. If you’re after a sweet tipple, try a glass of Ron Miel – this honey rum is so good, you’re sure to smuggle a bottle or two in your suitcase when it’s time to leave!

With a mix of white, golden and black volcanic sand, there truly is a beach for everyone in the Canary Islands. With 500 to choose from, it’s no wonder visitors from all over the world keep returning to the islands year after year. A favourite in Fuerteventura is the Blue Flag-awarded Corralejo Grandes Playas, a pristine stretch of white sand and turquoise sea. In neighbouring Lanzarote, you’ll find another beautiful white sand beach, Playa Flamingo – the perfect place to snorkel in gin-clear waters. If you’re going to Tenerife, Playa de las Americas is the place to be. Head straight from powder-soft beaches to dynamic bars in this vibrant part of the Canaries. In next-door neighbour Gran Canaria, make a beeline for the incredible dunes of Maspalamos, where you’ll feel like you’re trekking across the Sahara!

There’s almost no counting the number of beautiful natural attractions you can explore on your Canary Islands holiday. While it would be impossible to list them all, here are some of the most incredible natural sights you simply can’t miss – if you can drag yourself away from the beach, that is.

Volcan El Teide, Tenerife: Get amazing views of Tenerife from the highest point in Spain, Volcan El Teide. Start with a long cable car ride to the volcano – you’ll feel like you’re flying through the clouds – and get a great view of the scenery below. You’ll then be driven to the most breathtaking rock formations on the island before heading to the top. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity you won’t want to miss out on.

Horse riding, Gran Canaria: Explore Gran Canaria’s rural side with a horseback ride through the volcanic landscape. Designed for all ages and abilities, your tour will be led by a top instructor from one of the island’s professional horse riding schools. Trekking off the beaten track, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the mountaintop skyline, as well as getting to experience Gran Canaria’s unique rocky terrain.

e-biking, Fuerteventura: Experience the incredible landscapes of Fuerteventura with a power-assisted bike tour. Suitable for all abilities, this exciting trip has you visiting the island’s best cauldrons, crossing through dramatic valleys and traversing over white sandy beaches. You’ll even get to see chipmunks playing in volcanic craters! Your friendly tour guide will make sure everything is safe, so even little ones can enjoy the tour to the fullest.

With so much beautiful coastline in the Canary Islands, the best way to take it all in is from the ocean. There are tons of ways you can have fun on the water here, whether its heading out on an organised boat tour, or zipping around on a jet ski. We’ve chosen our top three water-based activities you can’t miss on your next holiday in the Canaries.

Whale & dolphin watching, Tenerife: Watching whales and dolphins live and play in their natural environment is one of the most magical experiences you can have. Tenerife is the best place in the Canaries to see these wonderful creatures and there are any number of value for money boat tours available. Take your pick from a glass-bottom boat, a catamaran or a wooden sailing vessel. Just have your camera at the ready!

Boat tour, Lanzarote: Start your journey by flying across the water in a catamaran, where you’ll take in majestic views of the Lanzarote coastline. When you reach the beautiful beaches of Papagayo, it’s time to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear water before enjoying a tasty lunch prepared by the crew. Heading back to base, you’ll stop off for the chance to see dolphins playing alongside the boat.

Jet ski safari, Fuerteventura: This is jet skiing with a difference! Follow the captain’s boat for an exciting tour of the Fuerteventura coast where you’ll get to see shipwrecks, harbours and hidden bays. These jet skis are made for two, so grab a friend or your better half and experience a day out on the ocean you’ll remember for a lifetime.