The Canary Islands: Which Island Should I Choose for my Holidays?
Maybe lesser known as their Balearic sisters in the Mediterranean Sea, the Canary Islands are a paradise on Earth. Also known as “The Islands of the Eternal Spring” – due to warm temperatures all year long – these islands are one of the seventeen autonomous communities of Spain while being located 2000 km away from the Iberian Peninsula. You don’t know the archipelago yet? No worries, in this article, we will tell you all you need to know about Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and the other islands. Let’s get started!
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Where are the Canary Islands located?
“How you’ve been to the Canaries? The Spanish islands in the Mediterranean Sea?” Wrong! Often confused with the Balearic Islands, the Canaries are located closer to the Moroccan shore than to continental Spain. Lanzarote is only 250km away as the crow flies from the South of Morocco. Before the Americas were discovered, they were the last west land known to Europeans and Christopher Columbus used them several times as a strategic step before a long journey towards the new continent.
 to follow on your holidays?
Don't miss the Teide peakexperience : on foot or by cable car.
Get to know the most visited national park in Europe and climb the highest peak in Spain. Exceed your limits in this excursion to Teide peak with permits.
If you want to live a unique and environmentally friendly experience, and also get to know the Teide National Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the help of a guide Senda, book your place for a guided tour of Teide with permits.
How many islands are there?
7? 8? More? On the 26th of June 2018, it was settled that the archipelago counts 8 islands, with La Graciosa becoming the eighth “official” island. From East to West, we have La Graciosa; the smallest island of the Canaries; Lanzarote, famous for its wines and its volcanic landscapes; Fuerteventura, the ideal spot for surfers and beach lovers; Gran Canaria, land of hikers and various watersports; Tenerife, hosting the infamous carnival in February and home of the Teide mount; La Gomera, the quiet island; La Palma, also known as La Isla Bonita – the pretty island; and last but not least, El Hierro, which is known internationally for its scuba diving spots. No matter how you want to spend your holidays, there always will be an island that fits your needs!
The hottest Canary Island by season
Do you plan to visit the Canaries in winter to escape from the cold days in Europe? Or maybe you want to spend your summer holidays in the archipelago but you don’t know which island to choose yet? No worries, Senda will show you which island is the warmest season after season.
Hottest Canary Island in winter
Without a doubt, the hottest island in winter is Tenerife! The temperature in the South of the island rarely goes below 20°C and the water is warm enough to enjoy a bath. If you plan to visit the island in February or March, you can’t miss the carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which is considerer the second biggest carnival in the world after Rio’s Carnival in Brazil!
Canary Island with the best climate in spring
The Eastern Islands are usually the warmest in spring. In Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, thanks to winds coming from the African continent, the temperature of the air is 23°C on average from March to June and the temperature of the water can reach 21°C, surely enough for you to visit the beautiful beaches of this two islands and swim in its turquoise waters.
Hottest Canary Island in summer
Every island! In summer, the differences in temperatures are insignificant from Lanzarote to El Hierro. Choose an island according to how you want to spend your holidays. Weather-wise, the Canaries are sunny from June to September.
Hottest Canary Island in autumn
In October, you might head to La Palma, Tenerife or Gran Canaria. In November, we recommend you Lanzarote: the temperature of the water in the South of the island can reach 24°C! Moreover, thanks to its subtropical climate and the calima – winds coming from Africa – the island is not too rainy and the temperature of the air is so warm that you will forget about the cold weather in your home country!
Our weather forecast doesn’t seem accurate? Do you think that Gran Canaria is the hottest island in winter and El Hierro the warmest in autumn? You may be right, even in the Canaries, the locals don’t agree on which island is the sunniest / warmest all year long. Let us know about your personal experience below!
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