Which Canary Island is right for you? Map & comparison

The Canary Islands — seven islands, each with its own unique character. I've traveled to all seven main islands and I'll tell you honestly: the question isn't WHETHER you should go to the Canaries, but WHICH island is right for you. Gran Canaria is so different from Lanzarote, and Tenerife has hardly anything in common with La Palma.

In this guide, I compare all seven islands in terms of landscape, weather, activities, costs and vibe — so you know immediately which Canary Island will be your next travel destination.

Canary Islands on the map — Location & Geography

The Canary Islands map The map above shows the situation at a glance: The islands belong politically to Spain and are organized as an autonomous region—geographically, however, they are significantly closer to Africa than to the Spanish mainland. The easternmost point of the islands (Lanzarote) is only 125 km from the Moroccan coast, while Madrid is 1,800 km away. This location at subtropical latitude (27–29° North) is also the reason for the year-round spring-like weather for which the Canary Islands are so well known.

The archipelago consists of seven main islands and several smaller islands. From west to east: El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. All are of volcanic origin — hence the dramatic landscape with craters, lava fields and black beaches.

A comparison of the 7 Canary Islands

 

Gran Canaria — The miniature continent

 

Gran Canaria packs everything onto one island: Saharan dunes (Maspalomas), green mountain valleys (Barranco de Guayadeque), cosmopolitan cities (Las Palmas), and secluded mountain villages. I call it the "miniature continent" because you can lie on the beach in the morning and hike at an altitude of 1,900 meters in the afternoon.

Highlights: Maspalomas dunes (especially at sunset), Roque Nublo (landmark of the island), Las Palmas old town Vegueta, Puerto de Mogán (the „Venice of the Canary Islands“).

Read my detailed review Gran Canaria travel report including all drone footage.

Lanzarote — Where volcanoes meet art

 

Lanzarote is the most cinematic of the Canary Islands. The volcanic landscape of Timanfaya National Park looks like Mars—red, black, and ochre lava fields as far as the eye can see. Add to that the wine-growing regions of La Geria, where vines grow in volcanic craters.

The artist César Manrique shaped the island like no other. His works — Jameos del Agua, Mirador del Río, Fundación César Manrique — are artworks that blend seamlessly into the volcanic landscape.

From the air, Lanzarote is absolutely breathtaking. The color contrasts between black lava, red sand, and turquoise sea are surreal. My Lanzarote travelogue shows the best spots.

Fuerteventura — wind, waves and wide open spaces

 

Fuerteventura is the island for kitesurfers, surfers, and anyone looking for endless beaches without crowds. The island is flat, dry, and windy—perfect conditions for water sports.

The beaches are the most beautiful in the Canary Islands: Playa de Cofete (wild and secluded), Playa de Sotavento (kitesurfing paradise), El Cotillo (surfer village). The desert landscape inland is photogenic, but less spectacular than Lanzarote's volcanoes.

All the details are in my Fuerteventura travel report.

Tenerife — Mount Teide and more

 

Tenerife is dominated by Spain's highest mountain — Mount Teide (3,718m). The caldera surrounding the volcano is a lunar landscape that is particularly magical at sunrise. The cable car takes you to 3,555m (summit only with a permit).

In the north, Tenerife is green and lush (Anaga Mountains, laurel forests), while in the south it is dry and touristy (Playa de las Américas). Puerto de la Cruz in the north is the most charming town on the island.

La Palma — The green hiking island

La Palma is the greenest and least touristy of the main Canary Islands. While Lanzarote is portrayed as a Martian landscape and Fuerteventura as a desert, La Palma offers a quiet contrast: subtropical laurel forests, deep volcanic gorges, and one of the darkest starry skies in Europe. The island is officially a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a Starlight Reserve.

For whom: Hikers, nature lovers, astro-photographers, those seeking peace and quiet.

Must-see:

• Caldera de Taburiente — the world's largest erosion crater, spectacular hikes
• Route of the Volcanoes — 24 km long-distance hiking trail across a volcanic chain
• Roque de los Muchachos (2,426 m) — Observatory and one of the best starry skies in Europe
• Los Tilos — mystical laurel forest with waterfalls

Budget: €55–85 per day (cheaper than the major islands, little package tourism).

Restrictions: Following the 2021 volcanic eruption, some regions in the south are still in the reconstruction phase. The main tourist areas (Santa Cruz, El Paso, Los Llanos) are not affected.

La Gomera - The wild mountain paradise

La Gomera is one of the smallest of the Canary Islands (370 km²) and can only be reached by ferry from Tenerife. This is precisely what makes it a hidden gem: no direct flights, hardly any package tourists, instead endless mountain trails, hidden coves and the unique UNESCO World Heritage Site of Garajonay National Park — one of the last laurel forests in Europe.

For whom: Hikers, backpackers, culture enthusiasts, off-the-beaten-path travelers.

Must-see:

• Garajonay National Park — UNESCO World Heritage Site, cloud forest with trees up to 1,000 years old
• Valle Gran Rey — the hippie bay of the Canary Islands, black sand beach and sunsets
• Los Órganos — spectacular basalt columns visible only from a boat
• Silbo Gomero — the famous whistling language (UNESCO cultural heritage), is still spoken today.

Budget: €60–90 per day (accommodation is cheap, restaurants are expensive due to the island location).

Arrival: Ferry from Los Cristianos (Tenerife), 50 minutes. Flights are only available from Tenerife North.

El Hierro — The wildest outpost

El Hierro is the smallest and westernmost of the Canary Islands—until 1492, it was considered the end of the known world. Today, it is one of the few European destinations that can be powered entirely by renewable resources. The island has no traditional beaches, but instead boasts dramatic cliffs, volcanic craters, and some of the best diving spots in Europe.

For whom: Divers, geology enthusiasts, off-grid travelers, minimalists.

Must-see:

• Mar de las Calmas — protected marine reserve with dolphins, turtles, whales and crystal-clear water
• El Sabinar — wind-shaped juniper trees, one of the most surreal motifs of the Canary Islands
• Mirador de la Peña — a viewpoint designed by César Manrique overlooking the entire island
• Orchilla Lighthouse — the westernmost point of Spain and former prime meridian (before Greenwich)

Budget: €50–80 per day (budget island, limited luxury options).

Arrival: Direct flights are only available from Tenerife or Gran Canaria, or by ferry.

Madeira — The Flower Island (Bonus Recommendation)

 

Technically not a Canary Island (but belonging to Portugal), but often combined in the same trip. Madeira is the hiker's paradise of the Atlantic — the famous Levada walks lead along historic irrigation channels through laurel forests and spectacular gorges.

More on this in my Madeira travel report.

Which island is right for you? — Decision-making aid

 

• First Canary Islands trip: Gran Canaria or Tenerife — the most diverse
• Beach + Kitesurfing: Fuerteventura
• Photography + Drone: Lanzarote (volcanoes) or La Palma (starry skies)
• Hike: La Palma, La Gomera or Madeira
• Peace and quiet + Getting off: El Hierro or La Gomera
• Nightlife: Gran Canaria (Las Palmas, Playa del Ingles)
• Family: Gran Canaria (best infrastructure) or Tenerife

Best time to travel & which island is the warmest?

The Canary Islands are rightly marketed as the "Islands of Eternal Spring" — the average temperature remains between 18 and 25 °C all year round. But there are significant differences between the islands and between the north and south sides of each island.

Which Canary Island is the warmest?

The Fuerteventura is the warmest of the Canary Islands., closely followed by Gran Canaria (South) and Lanzarote. The reason: its location in the east, closer to the African mainland, plus its flat topography without high mountains to block the clouds. Fuerteventura's average annual temperature is 22.4 °C. In winter (December–February), the daytime temperature remains stable at 20–22 °C, and in summer at 26–28 °C.

Temperature comparison of the main islands (annual average)

• Fuerteventura: 22.4 °C — warmest island, very stable temperatures
• Gran Canaria (South): 22.2 °C — warm, dry south, green north
• Lanzarote: 21.9 °C — warmer but windier than Gran Canaria
• Tenerife (South): 21.5 °C — warm in the south, significantly cooler in the north
• La Palma: 20.1 °C — cooler due to altitude and northeasterly aspect
• La Gomera: 20.3 °C — mild, often trade wind clouds in the north
• El Hierro: 20.0 °C — windy and cool, warmest coasts in the south

Best time to travel for each type of trip

• Beach vacation: Possible year-round, ideal October–April
• Hike: March–May and September–November (pleasant temperatures, little rain)
• Kitesurfing/Surfing: November–March (trade winds strongest)
• Starry sky (La Palma): August–October (clear nights, few trade wind clouds)
• Diving (El Hierro): August–October (best view)

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions about the Canary Islands

Are the Canary Islands 7 or 8 islands?

The Canary Islands consist of seven inhabited main islands and several small neighboring islands. It has also been officially recognized as such since 2018. La Graciosa (northwest of Lanzarote) is recognized as the eighth island — but it has only around 700 inhabitants and no airport. In a travel context, the seven main islands are usually mentioned: El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote.

Do the Canary Islands belong to Africa or Europe?

The Canary Islands politically belong to Spain and thus to European Union. Geographically, however, they are located on the African continental plate, only about 100 km off the coast of Morocco and Western Sahara. For travelers, this means: EU entry with a national identity card, the euro as currency, German-speaking doctors in tourist areas — but the subtropical climate of Africa.

Which Canary Island is the warmest?

Fuerteventura With an average annual temperature of 22.4 °C, it is the warmest of the Canary Islands. The south of Gran Canaria (Maspalomas) is only slightly behind at 22.2 °C. In winter (December–February), these two islands are the most reliable choice for consistently warm temperatures of 20–24 °C.

Which Canary Island is the cheapest?

For package holidaymakers Gran Canaria The wide selection of flights and hotels often makes it the cheapest option (from €400 per week in the off-season). Independent travelers are La Palma With €55–85 per day and affordable accommodation, it's the cheapest island. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura They are priced in between, Tenerife It is most expensive in tourist hotspots.

Which island is suitable for families?

Gran Canaria It is the most family-friendly island: extensive package holiday infrastructure, child-friendly beaches in Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés, theme parks (Palmitos Park, Sioux City), good medical care. Alternative: Fuerteventura For a beach holiday with a peaceful atmosphere.

Which island is best for hikers?

La Palma leads by a wide margin — the Caldera de Taburiente and the Ruta de los Volcanes are among the most spectacular hiking trails in Europe. La Gomera and Tenerife (Teide National Park, Anaga Mountains) follow. Those who prefer less mountainous terrain will find more on Gran Canaria Varied highland hikes.

Do I need a rental car?

Yes, on every island except Gran Canaria and Tenerife South. While the Canary Islands have bus connections between larger towns, the most beautiful spots (Caldera de Taburiente, the Anaga Mountains, El Cotillo on Fuerteventura) are only accessible by car. Rental car prices start at €20 per day in the off-season. Note: the mountain roads on El Hierro and La Gomera are winding—not recommended for those prone to motion sickness.

When is the best time to travel to the Canary Islands?

The Canary Islands are a Year-round goal With a pleasant climate all year round. The warmest time for beach holidays is June to October (25–29 °C water). Ideal for hiking and city breaks are March to May and October to November (pleasant 20–24 °C, little rain). Peak season is Christmas/New Year and February to March (Carnival) — flights and hotels are significantly more expensive then.

Since over 10 years professional travel creator with over 4.2 million followers On Instagram and YouTube. Specializing in high-end tourism board collaborations, luxury hotel campaigns, and drone photography from 82+ countries.