Canary Islands, Spain - Travel Guide

The Canary Islands offer year-round sunshine, diverse volcanic landscapes, and beautiful beaches. They are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, water sports, and simply relaxing by the ocean.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$60/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$350/day

Known For

CanariesFortunate IslesMacaronesiaAtlantic IslandsSpanish ArchipelagoTenerifeGran CanariaLanzaroteFuerteventuraLa PalmaLa GomeraEl Hierro

🇪🇸 Country Information: Spain

CapitalMadrid

CurrencyEuro (€)

Language Spanish , Catalan, Galician, Basque, Valencian

Phone Code+34

Electricity230V (Type C, F)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is generally not obligatory but appreciated for good service; 5
10% in restaurants is common for good service, rounding up taxi fares, small change for baristas

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas
Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and tourist areas, but smaller establishments might prefer cash
It's good to have some cash for small purchases and less urban areas
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Meal times are typically later than in many other countries, with dinner often starting at 9 PM or later
Siesta is less common in major cities but still observed in smaller towns
Personal space can be closer than in some other cultures
Dress codes are generally casual but respectful, especially when visiting religious sites

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Spain is very LGBTQ+ friendly with comprehensive anti-discrimination laws and legal same-sex marriage since 2005. There is strong societal acceptance.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are complex: private use and cultivation of cannabis are decriminalized, but public consumption and trafficking are illegal and carry severe penalties

Special Laws

It is illegal to drink alcohol in public spaces outside of designated areas
Smoking is prohibited in many public indoor spaces
Nudity and topless sunbathing are allowed on some beaches but can be restricted in others

Common Phrases

HelloHola (OH-lah) Hola

PleasePor favor (por fah-VOR) Por favor

Excuse mePerdón (per-DOHN) Perdón

Thank youGracias (GRAH-see-ahs) Gracias

Climate

Generalized climate for the Canary Islands, known for mild, spring-like weather year-round.

Climate Zone: Subtropical

Best Time to Visit

No super hot or cold seasons
No hurricane or monsoon season
No particular months prone to floods
Occasional minor earthquakes are possible, but significant seismic activity is rare

Getting There

Fly direct to major islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote) from most European cities (3
5h, €100
€300)
Inter
island flights and ferries available

Getting Around

Taxis readily available
Bus networks extensive and affordable
Car rental highly recommended for exploring
Ride
sharing apps like Uber/Bolt are not widely available in most areas, but local taxi apps might exist

Health & Vaccinations

No specific vaccines required
Routine vaccinations advised
No altitude sickness concerns
Probiotics can be helpful for new environments
No malaria risk

Staying Connected

eSIMs available from major Spanish providers (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange)
Airalo, Nomad, and other global eSIM providers work well

Local Cuisine

Papas Arrugadas must_try

These 'wrinkled potatoes' are small Canarian potatoes boiled in salted water (historically seawater) until they are tender and covered in a layer of s

Mojo Rojo regional_speciality

A popular red sauce made with olive oil, vinegar, sea salt, garlic, chili, cumin, and pimentón paprika. This sauce is a staple condiment in Canarian c

Bienmesabe dessert

A sweet Spanish dessert whose name translates to 'it tastes good to me.' It consists of ground almonds, honey, egg yolks, cinnamon, sugar syrup, and l

Ron Miel (Honey Rum) alcohol

This is the most popular Canarian drink among visitors. It is a sweet liqueur combining rum and honey, often enjoyed after a meal or on its own. It is

Barraquito non_alcoholic_beverage

A layered coffee drink that typically combines condensed milk, liqueur (often absent in the 'sin licor' variety), espresso, and milk, sometimes topped

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Teide Peak Ascent Permit (Tenerife) permit_or_pass

Book 2–3 months in advance

The permit to hike to the very peak of Mount Teide has strict capacity limits and often sells out months in advance, regardless of the season.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Inter-Island Ferry Travel Transport

Book 3 weeks to 2 months in advance

Booking in advance, especially if traveling with a car or between major islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria), secures the best fares and ensures a spot on the desired sailing.

High-Demand Accommodation Accommodation

Book 1.5–6 months in advance

The Canary Islands are a major year-round destination, especially popular during the winter months, so specific hotels or desirable rentals book up quickly.

Mount Teide Cable Car Tickets (Non-Resident) Attraction

Book 2–4 weeks in advance

While not as limited as the summit permit, cable car tickets sell out for preferred time slots, especially during the busy holiday periods.

Fun Facts

1. The name "Canary Islands" does not come from the canary bird, but rather from the Latin word for dog, "Canaria," meaning "Island of Dogs."
2. The island of La Gomera has a unique, ancient, whistled language called Silbo Gomero, which was used to communicate across deep ravines.
3. The skies above the Canary Islands are protected by the Sky Law, and the archipelago is considered one of the three best places on the planet for stargazing due to its clarity.
4. Mount Teide, located in Tenerife, is the highest peak in all of Spain, making the Canary Islands home to the country's highest point.

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