travel to canary islands from uk

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Spain set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK .

If you are planning to travel to Spain through France, check the latest FCDO travel advice for France before you start your journey.

If you are planning to travel to Spain through Gibraltar, check the latest FCDO travel advice for Gibraltar before you start your journey.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Spain.

Passport validity requirements

If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements .

Your passport must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

Check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

Contact Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .

Visa requirements

You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.

If travelling to Spain and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you need to meet the Spanish government’s entry requirements. Check with Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK before you travel about what type of visa or work permit you may need.

If travelling to Spain for work , read the guidance on visas and permits.

If you cannot return to the UK before the expiry of your visa, permit or visa-free limit, contact the Spanish government’s national information service (In Spanish, English speaking operators are available). You can dial 060 from a Spanish phoneline.

If you are visiting Spain and need to extend your visa-free stay for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency, you must apply to the immigration authorities (‘Extranjería’) (in Spanish).

If you stay in Spain with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Passport stamping

Check your passport is stamped as you enter or exit the Schengen area through Spain as a visitor.

Border guards check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If you do not have relevant entry or exit stamps in your passport, they will assume you have overstayed.

You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area, and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence includes boarding passes and tickets.

Use the desks staffed by border officers. If you are aged 18 or over, and airport staff instruct you to, you may be able to use e-gates where they are in operation.

If you use an e-gate, make sure you get your passport stamped by a border officer.

Additional documents required by tourists

If you enter the Schengen area as a tourist, you may need to provide additional documents at the border. As well as a valid return or onward ticket, when travelling to Spain you could be asked to show:

• you have enough money for your stay
• a hotel booking confirmation
• proof of address if visiting your own property (such as second home)
• an invitation or proof of address if staying with a third party, friends or family, such as a ‘carta de invitation’ completed by your hosts.

You can visit the Spanish Ministry of Interior website for more information (only available in Spanish).

Residents of Spain

If you are resident in Spain your passport should not be stamped when entering or leaving Spain.

Actively show your proof of residence, such as the foreigner’s identity card (‘la tarjeta de identidad de extranjero’ or ‘TIE’), when presenting your passport at Spanish border control. For further information, read about living in Spain .

Travel between Spain and Gibraltar

Spanish border checks can cause delays when crossing between Spain and Gibraltar. If you are travelling to Spain through Gibraltar, check the travel advice for entry requirements for Gibraltar .

There is no charge to enter or leave Gibraltar. You should not hand over money to anybody claiming there is a charge.

Unaccompanied minors

Spanish law considers anyone under 18 to be a minor. If an unaccompanied minor comes to the attention of the Spanish authorities (particularly in connection with criminal incidents or when in hospital) they will be considered vulnerable and may be taken to a minors centre until a parent or guardian is found.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need on TravelHealthPro .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about what goods can be taken into and out of Spain. You can find details on the National Tax Agency leaflet (in Spanish and English). Declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into Spain

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

Taking money and goods into Spain

Check the National Airport Association website for guidance on taking money and goods into and out of Spain.

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Tenerife Airport

Tenerife south airport (tfs).

• About Tenerife South Airport
• Arrivals Information
• Departure Information
• Security Screening Tenerife South Airport
• Smoking at Tenerife South Airport
• Airport News

Entry Requirements for Tenerife

Ees – entry/exit system.

• Travel Insurance
• Thieves and Pickpockets
• Travelling with your pet
• Flying When Pregnant
• Flying With Babies and Young Children
• Flying with a Medical Condition
• EU Cabin Regulations
• Baggage allowance
• Child Car Seats, Booster Seats & Pushchairs
• Lost Luggage and Lost Property
• VIP Airport Lounge
• Airport Parking
• Airport Shopping
• Cash Machines & Currency Exchange
• Internet WiFi
• Places to Eat & Drink
• Reduced Mobility When Flying
• Wheelchair/Mobility Aid in Tenerife
• Flying to Tenerife with a Guide Dog or Assistance Dog
• Disabled Parking in Tenerife
• Tenerife South Airport (TFS) Flight Arrivals Today
• Tenerife South Airport (TFS) Flight Departures Today
• Destinations from Tenerife South Airport
• Private Jet Charter A
• Hotels Costa Adeje
• Hotels Los Gigantes
• Hotels Puerto de la Cruz
• Holiday Rentals
• Taxis From Tenerife Airport
• Airport Bus
• Buses across Tenerife
• Tenerife Tram
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Alcalá
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Amarilla Golf
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Buzanada
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Callao Salvaje
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Costa Adeje
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Costa del Silencio
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to El Médano
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Garachico
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Golf del Sur
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Guía de Isora
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to La Caleta
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to La Laguna
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to La Orotava
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Las Caletillas
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Los Cristianos
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Los Gigantes
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Masca
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Palm-Mar
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Playa de Fanabe
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Playa de las Americas
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Playa la Arena
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Playa Paraiso
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Playa San Juan
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Porís de Abona
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Puerto de la Cruz
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Puerto de Los Cristianos
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Puerto Santiago
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Santa Ursula
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Sueño Azul
• Taxi Transfers from Tenerife South Airport to Torviscas
• Costa Adeje
• Los Gigantes
• Los Cristianos
• Playa de Las Americas
• Puerto de la Cruz
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• Estate Agents/Real Estate Tenerife
• Tenerife Property Shop S.L.
• Tenerife Bike Training
• Bike Point Tenerife
• Tenerife Golf Holidays
• Tenerife Top Paragliding
• Los Abrigos
• Golf del Sur
• Weddings in Tenerife
• Mesón El Monasterio
• Tenerife Weather in January
• Tenerife Weather in February
• Tenerife Weather in March
• Tenerife Weather in April
• Tenerife Weather in May
• Tenerife Weather in June
• Tenerife Weather in July
• Tenerife Weather in August
• Tenerife Weather in September
• Tenerife Weather in October
• Tenerife Weather in November
• Tenerife Weather in December
• Covid 19 – Coronavirus – Tenerife South Airport
• Covid test Tenerife South Airport
• Covid-19 Travel Documentation for Tenerife South Airport

As part of Spain, Tenerife is within the EU and the Schengen area. The entry requirements differ, depending on whether you are travelling to Tenerife from another Schengen member state, an EU country that is not part of the Schengen area, or a third country.

Health Controls

Covid health controls for arrivals from EU- or Schengen -countries were lifted in June 2022. Covid health controls for passengers arriving from third countries were discontinued from 21/10/2022. Arrivals from China were temporarily subject to health controls but this is no longer the case. For more information, please see our Covid page .

Tenerife Entry Requirements for Citizens of Non-EU / Non-Schengen countries

Since the end of the Brexit transition period on 31/12/2020, this includes the UK .

You will  need a passport  to be able to travel to Tenerife. It is important to check the  age and expiry date  to ensure that it is valid for travel. Your passport has to meet two criteria :

• Valid for 3 months  or more after the day you leave Tenerife. Please check the  expiry date  of your passport. AND
• Less than 10 years old  when you travel to Tenerife. This is calculated from the  date of issue .

Please note : If your passport was renewed early, some additional months may have been added to its expiry date. Your passport may therefore still be valid for 3 months on the day of your return from Tenerife, but may already be more than 10 years old from the date of issue. Please check  in good time before you travel  that your passport fulfils  both criteria . The above information is based on the advice from the European Union website . Some airlines are currently requesting passport validity of 6 months or more at the time of travel, so please double-check your airline’s requirements.

Tourists on short trips

The visa requirements for Tenerife will vary, depending on your nationality . Citizens of many countries do not currently require a visa if they visit Tenerife as a  tourist for short trips . These countries include

• The United Kingdom
• The United States
• New Zealand
• amongst many others

Please see the European Union website for a full list of countries whose nationals are exempt from the visa requirement.

If you are travelling to Tenerife from one of the above-mentioned countries, the following rules apply:

• You can stay up to  90 days  in any  180-day period .
• However, if you are also visiting other EU countries, you will need to check that you do not spend more than  90 days in total across all the countries you visit, in any given 180-day period.

Business travel and longer stays

Different rules apply for business travel and longer stays. If you do require a visa, you will need to apply for this at the Spanish embassy in your country of residence prior to travelling to Tenerife.

Additional requirements

If you are visiting Tenerife as a tourist from a non-EU / non-Schengen country, you may also be asked to provide proof of the following:

• a return ticket
• the address of your accommodation in Tenerife
• sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Tenerife (currently, this equals € 100 per day)

New procedures announced

Please note, that these procedures are not yet operational .

There are changes ahead for nationals from non-Schengen /non-EU countries when visiting Spain (and/or other European countries). These were intended to be launched in 2023 but have already been postponed several times. According to the latest information, they are now due to become operational in mid-2025 .

ETIAS – Travel Authorisation

Nationals from non-EU/non-Schengen countries will soon be required to apply for travel authorisation ahead of their journey to Tenerife. This new scheme is called ETIAS, which stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. A valid ETIAS authorisation will enable the person to visit Spain (and/or other European countries) as a tourist for short stays (please see above).

Once operational, an ETIAS travel authorisation can be obtained via the official website for a fee of € 7 and will be valid for 3 years . When applying for ETIAS travel authorisation, you will need to provide some  personal information , e.g. your name, address, passport details and current occupation. You will also be asked questions about criminal convictions, past travel to conflict zones, and you will need to  outline your travel plans  during your stay in Europe.

EES (short for Entry/Exit system) is an IT system that will be used at passport control for passengers from non-EU, non-Schengen countries. The EES will automate border control procedures and replace passport stamping. This will speed up the process and increase the accuracy of the checks that are being carried out.

See here for more information about the Entry/Exit-System.

Tenerife Entry Requirements for Citizens of Non-Schengen EU countries

A valid passport or national identity card is required for entry.

Due to the freedom of movement agreement within the EU, a visa is not required.

This currently applies to the following countries

Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania

Please note

From the end of March 2024 , Romania and Bulgaria will join Europe’s Schengen border-free zone for air travel . This means that there will be no more inspections for travellers arriving at Tenerife Airport from Bulgaria and Romania from 31/3/2024.

Tenerife Entry Requirements for Citizens of Schengen EU countries

Passport / id card.

EU citizens who are travelling within the Schengen area are not usually required to show a passport or national identity card for travel. However, you will still need to bring one of these documents with you, as foreigners who are on Spanish territory are obligated to carry valid proof of identity with them.

Due to the freedom of movement agreement within the EU, no visa is required.

Germany, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland

Lost Passport

If you have lost your passport whilst in Tenerife you will need to call your embassy or consulate.

Further information

For more information, please also see the European Union website and the website of the Spanish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation .

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Canary Islands

Scented pine forests, haunting volcanoes, lunar-like landscapes, secret sandy coves, miles of Sahara-style dunes, beach-hugging resorts. This is the unique beauty of the Canary Islands.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Cueva Pintada Museum & Archaeological Park

Gran Canaria

Discovered by a local farmer in the late 19th century, this is one of Gran Canaria's most important pre-Hispanic archaeological sites: a cave adorned with…

Casa-Museo de Colón

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

This fascinating museum documents Columbus’ voyages and features exhibits on the Canary Islands’ historical role as a staging post for transatlantic…

Pico del Teide

The cable car provides the easiest way to get up to the peak of El Teide. The views are great – unless a big cloud is covering the peak, in which case you…

Fundación César Manrique

Upon returning definitively to Lanzarote, César Manrique built his spectacular house and creative centre, Taro de Tahíche, into the lava fields just…

Parque Nacional de Timanfaya

Lanzarote's most spectacular sight, the eerie 51-sq-km Parque Nacional de Timanfaya sprawls around the Montañas del Fuego (Mountains of Fire) formed by…

Santuario de la Virgen de las Nieves

Santa Cruz de la Palma

For splendid views down the valley to Santa Cruz, put aside time to tackle the 4km uphill hike north of town to La Palma’s main object of pilgrimage, the…

Playa de Cofete

This is the main beach in far-flung Cofete, near the southern tip of the island and the main draw on the island for many. It's huge, quite beautiful and…

Villa Winter

This impressive structure, with its castle-like turret, was built by German engineer Gustav Winter in the 1930s. Rumours linking Winter to the Nazi party…

Latest stories from Canary Islands

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Just ahead of welcoming visitors flocking to its islands for the Easter break, Spain's Canary Islands are suspending some COVID-19 safety measures.

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Canary Islands and beyond

• Gran Canaria
• Fuerteventura
• Tenerife - Best Places to stay
• Gran Canaria - Top Places to stay
• Lanzarote - Best Accommodation
• Fuerteventura - Best Places to Stay
• La Gomera - Where to stay
• La Palma - Best Accommodation
• El Hierro - Best Areas To Stay
• Tenerife weather
• Gran Canaria weather
• Lanzarote weather
• Fuerteventura weather
• La Palma weather
• La Gomera weather
• Tenerife Events
• Gran Canaria Events
• Lanzarote Events
• Fuerteventura Events
• La Palma Events
• La Gomera Events
• El Hierro Events
• Tenerife Attractions
• Gran Canaria Attractions
• Lanzarote Attractions
• Fuerteventura Attractions
• Tenerife Tours
• Gran Canaria Tours
• Lanzarote Tours
• Fuerteventura Tours

Travel advice

Is tap water safe to drink in Tenerife and the Canary Islands in general?

Many first-time visitors to the Canary Islands are wondering if the tap water on the islands is safe to drink and brush their teeth with, as they may be accustomed to these types of restrictions based on their past experience from visiting other tourist destinations.

Mosquitoes in Gran Canaria - Is there a risk for infectious diseases?

Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands in general, have a relatively low presence of mosquitoes compared to other popular tourist destinations located in areas that have a tropical climate.

Are there dangerous mosquitoes in Tenerife and the Canary Islands?

Many visitors to the Canary Islands, especially those heading over to the archipelago for the first time, have this dilemma of whether they'll have to face a lot of mosquitoes in the Canary Islands or not.

Tenerife or Gran Canaria? Which Canary Island is better?

Of all the Canary Islands, people usually tend to make a comparison between Tenerife and Gran Canaria and sometimes between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. But every island has its own charm and unique characteristics, which makes it special and different from the rest in the archipelago.

Tenerife Prices in 2024 - How Expensive Is Tenerife?

Planning your upcoming trip to Tenerife and wondering how much spending money you will need? In this article, we will try to show you and give you some examples of how much things cost in Tenerife and what travel budget you need as a holidaymaker in order to visit this popular Canary Island.

Warmest Canary Island in Winter - December, January & February

The Canary Islands have become a very popular destination during the last years, especially during the winter months. The no.1 reason is the warm weather, so if you want to know which is the hottest Canary Island in winter, depending on the month when you plan to visit, we have made a comparison between the most visited destinations in the archipelago.

10 Reasons to Visit the Canary Islands in Winter

If you're thinking of visiting the Canary Islands in winter and you're still having doubts and wondering if it's a good idea, take a look at our list to understand why the Canaries are the best destination for winter sun in Europe.

Do visitors have to pay a tourist tax in the Canary Islands?

As the Canary Islands are one of Spain's most popular tourist destinations, many visitors wonder whether they'll need to pay a tourist tax, similar to those that already exist in places like Catalonia or the Balearic Islands.

Best car hire company in Fuerteventura - Discover Fuerteventura by car

Hiring a car while on holiday in Fuerteventura is a very popular option for many tourists, as you can explore the island at your own pace, stopping along the coast and exploring various beaches, as well as visiting the inland and beautiful places like Betancuria.

Coronavirus in the Canary Islands - 29 March 2022 (Biweekly reports)

Wondering what is the situation in the Canary Island in regards to the Coronavirus pandemic? Did you have a holiday planned in the Canary Islands which is now affected by the current situation with the Coronavirus spread?

Winter sun in Spain: 10 warmest places to visit in Spain in winter

Spain is a popular holiday destination for people from all over the world and it is constantly among the most visited countries in the world because it has a multitude of attractions and beautiful cities, great food, incredible beaches, friendly people and good weather.

Jellyfish in the Canary Islands

Did you know that there are over several thousand species of jellyfish known in the world right now? However, you can rest assured when planning a holiday to the Canary Islands, because there aren't that many species of jellyfish found in the waters around the archipelago.

The Canary Islands want to become "the office with the best climate in the world"

Turismo de Canarias has announced a strategy according to which they plan to promote the islands as 'the office with the best climate in the world'. These will be developed throughout this year to attract remote workers from around the world they will have a budget of 500,000 euros to promote the destinations in this sense.

10 Most Instagrammable places in Tenerife

Planning a trip to Tenerife and you're looking for the best places to take amazing Instagram photos to post? Well, in that case, you've chosen a great holiday destination, since Tenerife is full of great places to visit, where you can take fabulous photos, especially if you do a bit of planning ahead of time.

Digital nomads in the Canary Islands - Which is the best island?

Since the start of the pandemic, the Canary Islands have become a place of interest for digital nomads and remote workers, especially ones coming from Europe.

10 Warmest Places in Europe in Winter - December, January & February

Winter in Europe usually means low temperatures and snow, depending on the country that you're planning to visit. However, if you're not a fan of snow and cold winter weather, there are still a few places in Europe where the temperatures are mild and the weather allows for visitors to enjoy some much-needed winter sun.

Family Holidays in Fuerteventura: Best Resorts & Places to Stay

Fuerteventura, the second-largest Canary Island, is a great place to visit for families since you have endless beaches, beautiful weather all year round and the atmosphere on the island is laid-back and relaxed.

Tipping in the Canary Islands: How much to tip and when

This is a popular question from people who come on holiday to Tenerife and the Canary Islands in general for the first time and don't know what to expect. Tipping can be a confusing topic depending on where you're coming from since there are big differences across different cultures.

Best Time to Visit Tenerife - When to go for a sunny holiday

Tenerife is the largest and most popular of the Canary Islands and during the past years, tourism has grown, reaching 6 million tourists in 2016. With these numbers, it's clear that the island has become a popular tourist destination, especially for European visitors.

Covid-19 in Fuerteventura - 4 new cases & 142 active now on September 14

This is our dedicated page for updates on the Coronavirus situation in Fuerteventura, one of the Canary Islands in Spain. For those planning a visit to the island and wondering if it's safe to come or not, we will publish here the info regarding the total number of cases, current active cases, as well as any other details shared by the local authorities.

What are the new rules for holidays in the Canary Islands & Spain in 2021?

What is the new normality in Spain and what are the rules for foreign visitors traveling to Spain this summer? The summer season of 2020 comes with some changes and new rules that we all have to respect in order to keep everyone safe.

Canary Islands Announced Changes on Masks Regulations

The Governing Council approved, in its extraordinary session, the updating of certain prevention measures established by the Government Agreement of June 19, 2020, in order to better handle the health crisis caused by COVID-19.

Is Lanzarote Safe to Visit for Tourists? Advice for Safety in Lanzarote

If it's your first time planning a visit to Lanzarote (or the Canary Islands in general) you may be wondering if it's a safe destination and which places you should avoid.

One day in Tenerife - Advice & Itinerary for Cruise Passengers

Tenerife is a great place to visit, even if you're only stopping over for a day during your cruise. As the most visited island in the archipelago, Tenerife offers plenty of activities for everybody and after your short visit, you will definitely want to come back to spend more time here.

Is Tenerife Worth Visiting? - Our Top 10 Reasons To Visit Tenerife

If this is your first time planning a holiday to Tenerife, you may find yourself asking if this destination is worth visiting or it's right for you and your family. We are declared fans of Tenerife and come over as often as we can, so in this article, we'll try to present the reasons why you should also come and visit Tenerife.

Tenerife itinerary: How many days you need to visit Tenerife

If you are planning your first holiday to Tenerife you may be asking yourself how much time do you need in order to see the island and discover some of the best sights.

Tenerife in Autumn - What To Expect From The Weather?

Tenerife is a year round holiday destination, with warm weather and sunny days during all seasons, while the temperatures stay fairly constant throughout the year, as opposed to the rest of Europe where they vary by a lot between winter and summer.

Best Canary Island to visit - Which one to choose?

If we lived in an ideal world, we wouldn't have to have to choose between travel destinations and we would simply go everywhere we wanted.

Best Time To Go To The Canary Islands - When To Visit

The Canary Islands are a popular holiday destination, especially for Brits and Europeans in general, who are looking for a sunny place where they can escape the cold weather back home in winter.

Is Tenerife Safe For Tourists? - Safety Advice Canary Islands

Tenerife is a super popular travel destination, especially among visitors from the UK and other European countries.

Best Time to Visit Fuerteventura - Which Month Is The Best?

Fuerteventura is the second largest Canary Island after Tenerife and it's mostly recognized for its amazing beaches, some of the best in all of the archipelago.

Best Time to Visit Gran Canaria - When To Come On Holiday

Gran Canaria is the second largest of the Canary Islands in terms of population and tourism, especially among visitors from European countries like the UK, Germany, Poland and all of Scandinavia.The island is filled with lovely beaches and also offers a diverse landscape, with many things to do for those visitors who wish to explore its best sights and attractions.

Hottest Canary Island in Summer - Where to go for a beach holiday?

It's no secret that the Canaries are a popular destination during the cold season, as they are the warmest destination in Europe during winter, due to their sub-tropical desert climate.

Canary Islands vs. Balearic Islands - Which are better?

SPAIN - probably the best destination in Europe for a warm and sunny holiday in Europe, no matter the season. Besides mainland Spain, the country has several islands which make the perfect setting for a great holiday, so today we will try to compare the most disputed and famed of them all: the Canaries vs the Balearics.

What to pack for a holiday to the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands enjoy a privileged climate all year round, with mild temperatures in winter that allow visitors to spend time on the beach or even swim in the ocean.

Best Time to Visit Lanzarote - When Should You Go On Holiday?

Lanzarote, as the rest of the Canary Islands, is a year round destination, so anytime you'll decide to come over, it will most likely be sunny and warm.

How to get the access permit for Mount Teide

Mount Teide is the 3rd highest volcano in the world and the highest peak in Spain, so normally many of the visitors who come to Tenerife wish to go up to the top.

What to wear in Tenerife - Packing List Included

Tenerife is advertised as the island of the eternal spring, so people are often confused as for what to pack for their holiday.

Do you need a minimum of 113 Euros per day to travel to Spain? What is the legal requirement?

Does the six drinks rule apply to Tenerife or the Canary Islands in general?

12 Best things to do in Puerto de Mogan, Gran Canaria - 2024 Guide

20 Best things to do in Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote (2024 Guide)

16 Best Things To Do in Corralejo, Fuerteventura - 2024 Guide

17 Things To Do in Costa Teguise, Lanzarote - Best Places to Visit

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Find cheap flights to Canary Islands from £38

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united kingdom to canary islands departing on 20/5. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to canary islands.

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Cheapest return prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know - Cheap tickets to Canary Islands

Faqs - booking canary islands flights, i’m looking for a flight to canary islands from scotland. which airports can i fly direct to.

You can book a direct flight to Canary Islands from Scotland to all islands except La Palma. If you’re planning to travel here, you’ll have to factor in at least one stopover in London Gatwick, Manchester, or one of the other Canary Islands. The Scottish city with the most airlines operating flights to Canary Islands is Glasgow, with regular direct connections departing from Glasgow Airport and Glasgow Prestwick.

I’m travelling to El Hierro from London. Which departure airport do I choose?

Passengers travelling to El Hierro from London have to account for at least one stopover. El Hierro Airport is served by domestic flights operated by regional airlines Binter Canarias and CanaryFly. Both have regular direct connections to Gran Canaria, which receives direct flights from London Gatwick, London Stansted (STN), and London Luton (LTN). These flights are operated by different low-cost airlines, with easyJet offering flights to Canary Islands from Gatwick, and Jet2 and Ryanair from Stansted.

What’s the best way to reach La Gomera island from Northern Ireland?

La Gomera island is served only by domestic flights (30min) operated by Binter Canarias from Tenerife North, which isn’t served by flights from the United Kingdom. Keep in mind when booking flights from Northern Ireland to this island that you’ll have to make at least two stopovers. All flights to Canary Islands from Northern Ireland depart from Belfast International. You can have your first stopover in Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria or Lanzarote, from where you can catch a flight to La Gomera via Tenerife North. If you want the shortest flight time possible, Gran Canaria is just 30min from Tenerife North, but it is only served by regular flights operated by Jet2. If you want to have more options when it comes to airlines to choose from, consider selecting Lanzarote as your first stopover. A flight from here to Tenerife North takes about 50min.

Which airports can I choose when booking a flight to Canary Islands from Wales?

There are direct flights from Cardiff Airport (CWL) to Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Tenerife South, with the latter served by the most airlines. Flights from Wales to this airport are operated by Ryanair, TUI Airways, and Thomas Cook Airlines.

How long is the flight to Canary Islands?

An average direct flight from the United Kingdom to Canary Islands takes 5h 25m, covering a distance of 1826 miles. The most popular route is London - Granadilla with an average flight time of 4h 25m.

What is the cheapest flight to Canary Islands?

The cheapest ticket to Canary Islands from the United Kingdom found in the last 72 hours was £25 one-way, and £29 round-trip. The most popular route is London Gatwick to Granadilla Tenerife-Sur and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was £76.

Which airlines fly to Canary Islands?

Jet2, easyJet & Ryanair fly the most frequently from the United Kingdom to Canary Islands.

What are the most popular destinations in Canary Islands?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Granadilla (35% of total searches to Canary Islands). The next most popular destinations are Santa Cruz de Tenerife (21%) and Arrecife (19%). Searches for flights to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (17%), to Puerto del Rosario (7%) and to Santa Cruz de la Palma (0.6%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Canary Islands

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Canary Islands flight deals.
• All seven of the Canary Islands are served by their own individual airports, except for Tenerife, which is served by two: Tenerife South Airport (TFS) and Tenerife North Airport (TFN). However, when looking for flights to Canary Islands from the UK, keep in mind that the airports of El Hierro (VDE), La Gomera (GMZ), and Tenerife North are only served by domestic flights.
• Low-cost carriers mainly operate the regular direct flights from the UK to Fuerteventura Airport (FUE). Jet2 is the airline serving the most UK airports, with regular flights from Belfast International Airport (BFS), London Stansted (STN), Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Newcastle, Birmingham, East Midlands, and Leeds.
• Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) is a focus destination for Norwegian and Ryanair. However, if you’re looking for flights to Canary Islands on one of these airlines, Ryanair gives you the most options when it comes to departure airport, with routes servicing Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow Airport (GLA) and Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK), Leeds, Manchester, and Liverpool.
• Passengers travelling to Lanzarote will land at Lanzarote Airport (ACE), to which most flights from the UK are operated by easyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair. La Palma Airport (SPC) is the airport with the fewest flights from the UK, with easyJet operating seasonal flights from London Gatwick (LGW), and TUI Airways operating regular flights from Manchester and also from Gatwick.
• If you’d rather not book a flight to Canary Islands on a low-cost carrier, Tenerife South Airport is served by regular flights from Manchester operated by Air Europa and from London Gatwick and London Heathrow (LHR) operated by British Airways.

Top 5 airlines flying to Canary Islands

Very comfortable Prem economy seats for a long haul flight. Had a problem with the tv that the crew fixed so was great!

Excellent. Planes are a little older and could get some refurbishment, but besides that everything was excellent.

Not good. Flight was purchased for my father who needed medical assistance to board and transfer due to a heart condition. No one at Hong Kong from Cathay was there to assist and he barely made the connection. When I talked to him he could barely breath and was not sure he was going to make it. Really poor service even though the ticket stated he needed a wheelchair assistance.

The boarding experience was as expected and went well. The plane's economy seating plan is not designed for a positive customer experience but rather for company profit. When the passenger in front of me reclined, the distance from the screen to my face was the span of my hand (thumb tip to pinky fingertip). There is no such thing as personal space in this setting. This results in the domino effect, for when I recline the person in back of me reclines and so it goes. This is not to say that reclining is the answer as the experience is not increased, but simply managed.

Crew experience was more transnational, seats were so close together (LtoR and FtoB) that it was difficult to enjoy much of anything. When the person in front leaned back, there is no space for me. Sadly it was a flight to be endured not experienced.

Seats were very comfortable. Crew were excellent. Food very good.

The coffee in Premium economy and economy is terrible. That's it. Everything else is great

Very comfortable flights. Not so many new releases in terms of films.

I felt thirsty and asked the flight attendent for water, but no one came for more than half an hour.

The crew were fine. I didn’t enjoy the food at all. I found it unappetising and really had trouble eating it. The comfort level was fine and our return flight is with Cathay Pacific but honestly I probably wouldn’t fly Cathay Pacific again.

On the flight back the seats where very uncomfortable, they where so bad that my back started to hurt after the first 2 hours. I can sit in a wooden chair for 2 hours. But these where just horrible, it just shows how cheap the airline has become. And the cabin was heated all those people in a heated cabin during a night flight. It was clear the climate control was not working. To top that off you are not even offered a glass of water, these people are animals.

We purchased a Go First Pass for 10 Euros each so we could board first, but everyone was able to board at the same time so we wasted 20 Euros. The flight left ab out 15 minutes late and was not allowed to land at Healthrow so we had to circle Heathrow for about 45 minutes. This caused us to almost miss our flight from Heathrow to Atlanta.

Severely delayed with no notice. Could have arrived at the airport hours later had we been informed of the delay

Once the boarding sign went on and all passengers gathered in line, we were left waiting standing up for almost an hour because there was a delay.

It would be nice to have vegan options for meals. The entertainment was not working on the the way to Austria. It was only available near the end of flight to Canada. The service was excellent.

Flight was delayed by approx 1 hour. The boarding process and the flight itself were very good, slightly tight squeeze for my legs but overall happy.

The business class layout on this plane is tightly packed and atrocious with no sense of privacy.

Flight was meant to leave at 8:30pm but there was a 2 hour delay 😞

Airmalta does not include meals in their flights and neither offers entertainment.

The trip itself was good. I have given only good as rating, because my first flight has been cancelled by a different airline and that caused disruption in my trip. I spent over ten hours in Luton airport and that caused me high tiredness, sickness, because of the very early initial trip. easyJet staff has been professional and friendly.

Very pleasant crew, working hard on a full plane. Delay by a broken seat. However crew made back 60% of the delay.

Delayed and then further delayed with no announcement made so that all the passengers (who were standing in the jetty) could hear. We stood there for well over 20 minutes. We were further delayed through weather but no one explained that to us until the pilot made an announcement when finally on board

easyJet need to ensure that whether pre-booking seats or not children aren’t split from their parents the crew spent the majority of boarding asking passengers to move to accommodate two families. Surely the system identifies minors on a booking !!!!! It was all very frustrating to watch and caused delays which I’m sure cost easyJet more in the long run rather that automatically allocating families with minors seats together automatically.

Not great! Rude staff in London and the worse baggage reclaim I’ve ever seen. Great staff in flight but doubt I’ll fly with them again

Staff had been really impolite at the boarding area and for both ways charged high extra fees without a reason. For the check-in luggage which was measured 3.5 kg and was confirmed by the stuff to cost 40 € , 60 Euros had been purchased from our credit card. When confronted staff did call us both liars and claimed to never have announced anything. Flight back , when not wanting to press a backpack in a measuring metal instead of hand measuring , staff got angry that one did not follow her order, which was than escalated by the team. Although carrying a baby anyways staff did not offer any help in the unreasonable process and than charged again extra money. Cabine crew has been friendly but this experience LL lead to not booking easy jet at all in the future. Check in process in Edinburgh anyways chaotic,to the family check-in and disabled check-in everybody else was guided for check in process, so people just getting in between each other, not possible to monitor your own stuff.

As you would expect from a budget airline Left and arrived on time, no frills, not even a glass of water offered But you get what you pay for

The communication about the delay could have been better before and during the flight. Also, this online form could have less bugs. It is almost impossible to type in this window.

I had an emergency escape seat. The attendant gave the extrA briefing to my side of the aisle but didnt direct it at all to the other where my wife was sitting

Boarding great. Didn’t eat or drink so can not comment.

Speakers were blaring. It's like being in a Moroccan market and you keep getting shouted at with what's for sale

What can you say Ryanair get you there,no frills Not so cheap anymore ..... but what is now days! Would use again as always. Good flight times for us.

3 hours delay, non comunicated until past the time of original boarding, no assistance, witnessed land crew shouting at a passenger

Very unpleasant staff, disgusting service, ignoring requests, refusal to help

Letting people wait outside for boarding in the rain and almost 0 degrees for a high temperature destination is very customer unfriendly

Late again rude staff at gate bullying passengers made us stand in the cold 3degrees for 40 mins before they let us board

Largas colas para el check-in, por seguridad, sin explicación, el equipaje de mano pequeño tuvo que pasar a bodega,

Enjoyed our flight with Ryanair to Arrecife. Flight boarded pretty much on time, crew were welcoming and very good. Generally good for a frequent low cost flight, Seats could however have been more comfortable.

Toulouse Alicante, excellent. But the 2 next fligth by Air Europa canceled. Bad bad

I wouldn't like to fly with them anymore, I don't like their service, you can hardly take carry-on luggage because they charge you for everything, you can't ask for a glass of water, and the flight attendant tells you that they don't have any, that you have to Paying 3 euros for a bottle of water horrible, I don't recommend it, and they don't have anything low cost, because the plane ticket may not be expensive but what they charge you later for the rest, the flight becomes more expensive, it's the only airline that I don't like it so far, and I traveled a lot.

We paid to have overhead carry-on baggage. When we got to the gate we were told that our carry on bags would need to be checked and go below because the flight was full. Notably we were nowhere near the last people to board and about 30 other passengers also had to check their carry-on bags. Other than that the flight was fine.

Very bad plain although I paid A business class ticket I was stuck in a stiff fixed seat without any entertainment or Wi Fi for 5 hours I will never ever book a flight on British airline.

Self check in Kiosk did not recognize that I had prepaid for my luggage. This caused a 40 minute delay even though I had my British Airways email receipt for the prepaid luggage.

Crew were very friendly and helpful. They explained to us in detail the delay in our takeoff due to the storm that rolled in from Belfast and did their best to make up the time. Always great to fly BA!

Staff were very helpful. The free WiFi for messages was also very useful to keep in touch

Crew was more interested on looking at their phones than welcoming passengers during boarding.

The crew was very attentive and kept busy serving a variety of treats!

Terrible. Missed my flight to final destination because of delayed British Airways flight. Had to spend 12 hours in airport and $1500 for new plane tickets

The crew on board were all very pleasant and happy to help. The flight had the old business class seats. The departure board in the business lounge did not update and kept on saying ' gate open' but never said boarding. When I got nervous about the departure time and walked to the gate I was told off rudely for being late.

Not sure if the crew were experiencing something unknown to me,but the service of passing water was non-existent.In addition,please take consideration when providing yogurt as alternative for breakfast as some of us, could be lactose intolerant.. thanks

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A first-timer’s guide to the best Canary Islands

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written by Joanne Owen

updated 11.07.2023

The Canary Islands are home to the world’s second largest Carnival and the highest mountain in Spain . It is also home to world-class wines and beaches. Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro - all have a lot to offer travellers. But what is the best Canary Island? Read our guide and choose for yourself.

What is the best Canary Island?

1. tenerife - best for an infinite variety, 2. fuerteventura – best for wind sports and beaches, 3. gran canaria – best for diverse landscapes, 4. lanzarote - best for an elegant ambience, 5. la graciosa - best for secluded getaways, 6. la palma - best for jaw-dropping scenery, 7. la gomera - best for heavenly hiking, 8. el hierro - best for utter escape, how to get to the canary islands:.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Spain , your essential guide for visiting Spain .

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Spain, created by local experts

9 days  / from 2445 USD

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Discover the best of Andalucía's breathtaking palaces, churches, museums, vineyards, and more, as you travel through spectacular scenery dotted with pueblos blancos and bordered by rugged mountains and coast en route to Granada, Seville, Ronda and Jerez de la Frontera.

4 days  / from 637 USD

A culinary experience in Seville

Explore the cuisine and surroundings of Seville in Andalucia. From Iberian ham over sherry wines to the production and secrets of olive oil, this tour is an ideal weekend getaway. Decide yourself if you prefer a rental car or a chauffeur-driven car to explore the beauty of Andalucia.

10 days  / from 3756 USD

Spanish Honeymoon

Discover Andalusia, starting with the cultural city of Seville, then on to Córdoba and Granada, home of the stunning Alhambra Palace. Next you'll visit Granada and the Albayzin Arab quarter, then enjoy a stunning hot-air balloon ride, before ending your trip with a luxury boat trip from Marbella!

The diversity of landscapes on the Canary Islands really is staggering, spanning dramatic deserts and snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys and towering cliffs. Then there’s the seemingly infinite number of beaches - of both the black and white sand variety - take a look at our guide to finding the best beaches in Gran Canaria as proof.

What’s more, the Canaries are volcanic (hence that black sand), and volcanic islands are never dull. For example, La Palma’s Teneguia erupted as recently as 1971 - if you find that thought exciting take a look at our guide to the top 20 volcanoes around the world .

Given all this diversity, there's no question about which is the best Canary Island - rather, it’s a case of which is best for you. And the good thing is, no matter what your travel style, there’s an island to suit your needs.

The caldera of Tenerife's Mount Teide © Shutterstock

The largest of the Canary Islands in size - Tenerife is especially suited to families and couples whose interests diverge. Say one of you is a confirmed beach bum while the other likes to hike.

While Tenerife’s dry southern strip is its tourist epicentre - a string of resorts, restaurants, water parks and bars beloved by Brits - most of the island’s attractions lie beyond this entertainment enclave.

On the north coast, picturesque Puerto de la Cruz has been attracting northern Europeans for over a century, with much of its colonial grandeur remaining intact, despite the commercialisation of its seafront promenade.

Fans of Spanish food and old-time charm would do well to visit La Orotava, an unspoiled town perched on a steep hill above Puerto de la Cruz. Blessed with stately mansions, ancient churches and cobbled streets, it’s also home to an abundance of beautiful local restaurants.

To experience Tenerife’s jaw-dropping crowning glory, head inland through cool pine forests to Teide National Park, home to the eponymous iconic volcano, and Spain’s highest peak. The epic lunar landscape around Mount Teide is best seen from a  cable car in the company of a local guide as part of a wider island tour.

Ready to escape the winter gloom? See our guide to the best places to visit in winter for sun .

Where to stay in Tenerife:

• For La Orotava stays: Hotel Alhambra
• For beach stays: Hotel Cleopatra Palace
• For luxury stays: Hacienda del Conde

Find more accommodation options in Tenerife

View Of Roque Nublo And El Teide, Gran Canaria © StockWithMe/Shutterstock

Next up in our guide to the best Canary Islands is Fuerteventura. The second largest island, Fuerteventura lies less than a hundred kilometres away from the African coast and is one of the least developed islands. Wind-swept, sandy and barren, it boasts the best beaches of the archipelago, most of which are blessed with fine golden sand.

Once a sleepy fishing port, unpretentious Corralejo is now a lively seaside resort town with a mix of Brits, Germans and locals contributing to its vibe. This tapas-bar-rich town is also close to some of the island’s top natural attractions.

The main highlight is Corralejo National Park, a swathe of protected sand dunes best explored on a  buggy or quad bike trip . Alternatively, try a 4x4 fix with a juddering jeep tour which takes in Cofete Natural Park - think cacti and incredible coves.

Fuerteventura windmill against a typical beautiful, blue sky backdrop © Shutterstock

If you’re seeking a beautiful beach experience, look no further than the soft sand of Playa del Moro. Its epic, windy setting gives it an appealing wildness, and it’s also one of the area’s best places to surf.

Lastly, no visit to Fuerteventura would be complete without heading to idyllic Isla de Lobos. Travelling to, and exploring, this largely uninhabited nature reserve is rewarding for nature-lovers and families alike.

Where to stay in Fuerteventura:

• For Corralejo stays: Luxury Cayetana
• For beach stays: Castillo Playa
• For family stays: H10 Tindaya

Find more accommodation options in Fuerteventura

The fine sand and turquoise waters of Fuerteventura's Jandia Beach © Shutterstock

The third largest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria comes a close second to Tenerife in terms of having all-around appeal - dramatic scenery, perfect beaches, lively resorts, cultural sites aplenty, and restaurants worth writing home about.

Gran Canaria’s dramatic landscape comes courtesy of its classic volcanic cone profile and if you're up for an adventure take a look at our guide to exploring the rugged heart of Gran Canaria on foot . The island's mountainous nature also causes huge climate variations. So you might leave Las Palmas in damp and cloudy conditions and an hour later be enjoying the blazing hot sun on the spectacular Maspalomas Dunes.

As for Las Palmas itself? At once a major commercial hub, historical centre, cosmopolitan resort, and essential seaport, this is arguably the most beguiling of Canarian capitals. Adorned with attractive museums and galleries, it’s a stunning place to amble an afternoon with an informed Canary Islands travel guide taking you on an  Old Town walking tour .

For an easy hike to an epic sight that the entire family can enjoy, head to Roque Nublo. Given that this mighty rock was once worshipped by the island’s indigenous population, this is sure to satisfy culture vultures and outdoorsy types alike.

Where to stay in Gran Canaria:

• For rural stays: El Rinconcito de Tejeda
• For beach stays: Valentina Beach Apartments & Suites
• For family stays: Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa

Find more accommodation options in Gran Canaria

Sunset on Gran Canaria - one of the best Canary Islands © Shutterstock

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The youngest of the seven main islands, the stylish Lanzarote is also the most aesthetically pleasing - largely thanks to the work of one man. César Manrique was a visionary architect who stamped his creative architectural style on lots of local projects.

To see the magical side of Manrique’s vision in situ, head to Jameos del Agua. The first visitor attraction Manrique designed, this mood-music accompanied fantasy journey through a gorgeous volcanic grotto and underground lagoon really is out-of-this-world.

Alongside Manrique’s unique architectural vision, Lanzarote is also known for its idiosyncratic viticulture that sees Malvasia wine grapes grown in the island's craters. Seeing as the island’s wine is made distinct by its volcanic terrain, it makes good sense to combine wine-tasting with a visit to the island’s Timanfaya National Park.

For family-friendly resort life, plus golden beaches and a bustling marina that’s perfect for people watching, Playa Blanca comes up trumps. It’s also where you catch the forty-minute ferry to Fuerteventura. Speaking of ferries, for a more remote (and incredibly beautiful) beach experience, head to tiny La Graciosa - a picture-perfect place to get away from it all for the day.

Where to stay in Lanzarote:

• For boutique stays: Hotelito Rural Flor de Timanfaya
• For beach stays: Apartamentos Acuario Sol
• For family stays: Grupotel Cinco Plazas

Find more accommodation options in Lanzarote

Lanzarote's weird and wonderful wine production landscape in La Geria © Shutterstock

At the northern tip of the Lanzarote is the small fishing port of Orzola. This is the embarkation point for a ferry service to the tiny Isla Graciosa, run by Líneas Maritimas Romero. With superb beaches, this is the place to get away from it all for the day and is also a great place for a family holiday .

For an unforgettable view of Isla Graciosa drive up to the Mirador del Río an observation gallery built into the cliffside – yet another of César Manrique’s unmissable creations. This is probably the most spectacular mirador in the Canaries. Great cliffs curve down to the beach, with Graciosa just across the strip of water called simply El Río (The River), and two smaller islands, Montaña Clara and Alegranza, in the background.

Combined with a small section of the northwest coast of Lanzarote, the islands form the Parque Nacional del Archipiélago Chinijo. The only sound here is the wind gently whistling through El Río.

Spain is well known for its amazing wines and this tailor-made trip to The Lands of Wine allows you to explore two famous regions: Ribera del Duero and La Rioja. Four different wineries, from traditional to modern, and many restaurants on the way await your visit.

Where to stay at La Graciosa:

• For couples stays: La Pardela Excellence Apartamentos
• For beach stays: La Graciosa Camelia Beach Vistas Mar
• For family stays: Apartamentos Graciosamar

Find more accommodation options in La Graciosa

La Graciosa © Shutterstock

The entire island of La Palma has been declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve for its remarkable scenery - some parts are dramatically volcanic, and others are lushly forested. It’s no wonder that the most north-westerly of the Canary Islands is known as both La Isla Bonita (The Beautiful Island) and La Isla Verde (The Green Island).

The capital, Santa Cruz de la Palma, is an attractive history-rich town that’s well worth a day (or two) of exploration. Clean and bright with a mix of traditional and modern architecture, back in the day (namely, the Renaissance era), it was the third most important port of the Spanish Empire, after Seville and Antwerp.

A cool way to uncover La Palma’s volcanic origins (in both senses of the word "cool" - these caves are chilly) is to take a guided tour of the unique 500-metre-long, 3-metre-wide lava tunnel .

Moving now from subterranean exploration to peak adventuring, the pinnacle of La Palma’s scenic highlights is the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, where the finest views of the archipelago can be seen from Roque de los Muchachos.

You can drive most of the way up and then ramble around the volcanic mound on foot. Blanketed in dense Canarian pine woods, and zigzagged with deep ravines, the park is a picture-perfect paradise for ramblers.

Where to stay in La Palma:

• For Santa Cruz de la Palma stays: Hotel Emblemático Holiday Time
• For beach stays: Puerto playa
• For country stays: Apartamentos La Caleta

The Rough Guides to Spain and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find more accommodation options in La Palma

Columbian history, rugged terrain, and honey rum - more on that later - La Gomera is cheese to Tenerife’s chalk. It’s a mountainous island, criss-crossed by long, winding roads, with a coastline dominated by dramatic cliffs - and few beaches. 

But the real jewel in La Gomera’s crown is its interior - lots of vertiginous verdant valleys that are often capped by clouds, with the Parque Nacional de Garajonay at its heart. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park has a well-marked circular trail and contains rare laurel forests, subtropical plant species and archaeological sites - all the while serving up sweeping views.

Though small in size, La Gomera is big on delivering food and drink specialties, such as almogrote, a spicy cheese paste. To wash it down, there’s lots of local wine to choose from, or ronmiel liqueur (literally, rum honey). While Canarian rum is popular on all the islands, this is a La Gomera speciality. As is guarapo - a honey-like syrup made from the heated sap of Canarian palm trees.

Ready to explore the food of Spain? Don't miss our guide to the best Spanish food.

Where to stay in La Gomera:

• For sea views: Apartamentos Tapahuga
• For various activities: Telegraph Hostel
• For town stays: Hotel Torre Del Conde

Find more accommodation options in La Gomera

Local specialities on La Gomera © Shutterstock

Last (but not least) in our guide to the best Canary Islands comes rustic El Hierro - the smallest and most south-westerly island in the archipelago is also the hardest to get to, and the least set-up for tourists.

If you’re looking for bouncing bars in the company of 24-hour party people, this isn’t the island for you. And, as with La Gomera, if you’re looking for picture-perfect beaches, this isn’t your nirvana either. El Hierro is a sanctuary from tourist trappings - a haven for divers, hikers, and get-away-from-it-all-ers.

Valverde, the only Canarian capital located inland is small, with a cluster of friendly bars and restaurants. Other impressive inland sights include the Tubo Volcánico, a 295-foot volcanic cave, and El Sabinal, a forest of juniper trees (sabinosas) that have been twisted, gnarled and bent by the wind. If you’re desperate for a bit of beach time, Playa del Verodal is El Hierro’s best. 

For fine dining and diving, you’ll want to head to La Restinga, a laidback fishing village with a black sand beach, diving centre, and bunch of good fish restaurants. Neighbouring Bahía de Naos is a marine nature reserve.

Where to stay in El Hierro

• For wonderful views: El Laurel
• For coast stays: Salitre
• For beach stays: Lightbooking Varadero La Restinga

Find more accommodation options in El Hierro

El Hierro - a haven for hikers © Shutterstock

There are numerous airline flights from all UK airports to the Canary Islands. Some flights involve a stop-over in Madrid or Barcelona. You can also fly to Gran Canaria or Tenerife and get a connecting flight. Note that many people go to the Canaries on all-in package holidays, which can be the cheapest way to do it.

At present there are several flights to the Canary islands from the US operated by British Airways, Air Europa and Iberia, that usually go via Madrid or via London airports.

You can also travel to the Canary Islands by ship. The most popular operators are:

• The Trasmediterránea ferry company . Runs a weekly service from Cádiz to Arrecife, Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Santa Cruz de la Palma.
• The Fred Olsen Shipping Line runs ferries between Gran Canaria and Tenerife and between Tenerife and El Hierro.
• Naviera Armas has services from Gran Canaria to Tenerife, Fuerteventura, La Gomera and Lanzarote, and Tenerife to El Hierro and La Palma.

Do you want to explore the highlights in Spain while staying in nature at the same time? Look no further. Start your tailor-made Spanish adventure in Barcelona before heading off to the mountains - drive your rental car to Andorra and further on to Basque Country. Decide between driving yourself or guided tours.

Ready for a trip to the Canary Islands? Check out The Rough Guide to Spain . If you travel further in Spain , read more about the best time to go , the best places to visit and best things to do in Spain. For inspiration use our Spain itineraries from our local travel experts . A bit more hands on, learn about getting there , getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Spain without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

We may earn commission from some of the external websites linked in this article, but this does not influence our editorial standards - we only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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Canary Islands   Travel Guide

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Why Go To Canary Islands

You'd be right in comparing Spain's Canary Islands to a tropical paradise. Located in the North Atlantic Ocean off the southwest coast of Morocco, all seven islands in this archipelago flaunt enviable strips of shoreline that roll out into aquamarine waters. Surfers, windsurfers, scuba divers and sunbathers all flock to different shores to revel in the gnarly waves, vibrant underwater world and soft sands. And if you're visiting some of the bigger islands — namely Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote — you'll find the requisite plush resorts. These luxury accommodations boast gourmet restaurants, sprawling golf courses and prime beach access.

But we'd argue that the Canaries are as much about the four natural parks as they are about beaches and resorts. Take the Parque Nacional del Teide on the island of Tenerife, for instance: It contains the globe's third-largest volcano — and visitors can hike it. Lanzarote houses Timanfaya National Park , where travelers can take camel rides across the almost lunar-looking terrain. Upon discovering this combination of beautiful beaches, luxurious accommodations and out-of-this-world natural parks, you're sure to feel like the cat that swallowed the canary.

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• # 2 in Best Beaches in Spain
• # 5 in Best Cheap European Honeymoon Destinations
• # 12 in Best Places to Visit in June 2024

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Best of Canary Islands

Best hotels in canary islands.

• # 1 in IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel El Mirador
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• # 3 in Royal Hideaway Corales Beach - Adults only

Best Things to Do in Canary Islands

• # 1 in Las Palmas (Gran Canaria)
• # 2 in Playa de Maspalomas (Gran Canaria)
• # 3 in Parque Nacional del Teide (Tenerife)

Popular Tours

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Canary Islands Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best times to visit the Canary Islands are between March and May and from September to November. Winter and summer bring loads of tourists, which make accommodations more expensive and more difficult to find. Meanwhile, in spring and fall, the Canaries continue to enjoy the same pleasant weather as the peak seasons, only without the tourist crowds.

Weather in Canary Islands

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

The national parks The Canaries' four national parks are just as worthwhile as the beaches.

The sunshine The weather is sunny and 70 practically year-round, so there's no bad time to visit. But don't forget to lather on the sunscreen.

The carnival The Canaries' version of Carnival is second only to Rio de Janiero 's. If you're visiting in February, book your hotel several months in advance.

How to Save Money in Canary Islands

Stay put The costs for inter-island planes and ferries can add up. Instead of island-hopping, save some coin by soaking in all of the charms of just one island rather than skimming the surface of them all.

Skip summer and winter Visit in the spring or fall when hotel rates are a bit lower and there are fewer tourists.

Book early and in a city Most of the budget hotels can be found in the island's big cities like Santa Cruz de Tenerife , Las Palmas and Arrecife. Book your accommodations a few months in advance to secure your spot.

Culture & Customs

Even though they're located hundreds of miles from the Iberian Peninsula — and about 70 miles from the northwest coast of Africa — the Canaries are a part of Spain. Residents of the Canary Islands think of themselves as Spanish citizens, just as much as those who live in Madrid .

The Canaries use the Spanish currency of the euro (€1 EUR). Since the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates often, be sure to  check what the current exchange rate is  before you go. Major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops. When it comes to tipping, the Canary Islands also follow Spain suit. While tipping isn't compulsory, the service industry does appreciate it. Rounding up to the nearest euro in a taxi and leaving anywhere from 7 to 13 percent at a restaurant should be sufficient.

Locals in the Canaries speak Spanish, but you'll find that their accents sound more South American than Spanish. And on the island of La Gomera, some of the locals still speak their native language, Silbo. The deep whistle sound of the Silbo language supposedly carried quite a long way across the island, so natives could communicate from a distance.

Carnival is a big deal here, as are religious pilgrimages and parades that pay homage to different saints. The parades, known as Romeria , usually end up at a church or religious structure.

What to Eat

You'll find every cuisine imaginable on Tenerife and Gran Canaria. But if you want try one of the islands' culinary specialties, you should order parrot fish or sea bream, which are usually poached and served with hot sauce and fresh veggies. Sea salted potatoes served with a spicy pepper sauce are another common accompaniment to the main course.

Many restaurants on Fuerteventura serve up local goat cheese called majorero . And if you find yourself on Lanzarote, you should also sample some wine — the region's grapes are grown in volcanic ash, and labels like Los Bermejos have received high praise from wine experts.  

Sunburn is the most likely risk you'll encounter when traveling to the Canaries. Make sure to slather on the sunscreen and hydrate with water, whether you're at the beach or in a national park. You should also guard yourself against the possibility of petty theft, especially in popular tourist areas, by concealing your valuables on your person or even storing them in a hotel safe. Do not bring any valuables to the beach, or if you do, make sure someone is attending them at all times.

Getting Around Canary Islands

The best ways to get around the Canary Islands are by car and by plane. Although there are bus systems available on all the islands, most don't run frequently enough to be useful to tourists. And the islands' attractions are far too spread out to see completely on foot. A car will enable you to get where you want to go quickly and efficiently. When you want to island hop, a plane is a reliable and efficient way to get around. If you'd rather get around by boat, several companies also offer inter-island ferry services.

Although all seven islands have airports, the busiest airports are Tenerife South Airport (TFS), Tenerife North Airport (TFN) and Gran Canaria Airport (LPA). At the moment, however, there are no direct flights from the U.S. to the Canary Islands. To reach the islands, you'll have to first make a pit stop at a European airport like Madrid . When it comes to ground transportation, all of the airports offer some combination of taxis, car rental agencies and buses.

Entry & Exit Requirements

You'll need a U.S. passport that will be valid for a minimum of three months after you return from the Canary Islands. Visit the U.S. State Department's website for the latest information on entry and exit requirements.

The seven isles that make up the Canary Islands boast everything from beaches and swimming to national parks and volcanoes to enjoy.

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Is Canary Islands Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Spain : Safety by City

• Andorra la Vella
• Canary Islands
• Palma de Mallorca
• San Sebastian

Comprising seven islands, the Canary Islands are only 62 miles west of Western Sahara and Morocco.

Although a small archipelago, the Canaries are home to 2.2 million people, making them the most populated special territory of the European Union.

Most of the population is concentrated in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

The largest city, Las Palmas, is in Gran Canaria.

Due to the island’s location, they have historically been considered a link between Europe, South America, North America, and Africa.

The islands have a vibrant culture and rich history, along with one of the best beaches in Spain, thus making them a popular global tourist destination.

Las Palmas is a captivating city with plenty of historical sites, outdoor adventures, fantastic nightlife, and exceptional food representing the island’s diversity.

If you’re considering traveling to the Canary Islands, it’s essential to understand the potential dangers, safest and least safe locations, best safety tips, and other relevant information before leaving.

Keep reading to learn more about this paradise!

• Warnings & Dangers in Canary Islands

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The crime rate in the main city and across all islands is low, making it a safe destination for visitors regardless of the time of day or night. Travelers shouldn't be worried about walking the streets at night, even alone. However, like in any location, you must remain vigilant and leave an area if you don't feel safe.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Metered taxis and ride-sharing are plentiful on the two main islands. However, taxis aren't as prevalent on smaller islands with a lower population, so you may need the hotel to call. Taxis are a safe choice in all locations since there are many fixed transportation rates. The only mass transit on the islands is the bus, which is also safe at all hours of the day or night. While the bus is a good option within cities, getting to specific locations outside of city limits will be difficult.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Spain generally has a pickpocketing problem due to high unemployment rates, and the Canary Islands are no exception. Purse snatching is common in Las Palmas, especially during festivals, holidays, and weekends when more visitors are present. Also, Las Palmas has issues with car break-ins, so it's critical always to keep belongings in sight. Thieves are most active near airports, hotel lobbies, and on beaches.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

The Canaries have a minimal risk for major storms like hurricanes, and experts calculate less than a two percent chance of a damaging earthquake in the next 50 years. Wildlife hazards on the islands are also low, but if you see a wild animal, it's best to take photos from a distance and never attempt to feed them. The islands get thunderstorms and lightning, which can cause flooding, but it's a minimal risk for visitors.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Although car break-ins and pickpockets are prevalent, violent crimes are almost nonexistent, including mugging and robbery. Although this is not a concern, it's important to keep your guard, stay on well-lit streets, leave valuables at home or out of sight, and not draw unwanted attention to yourself.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Europe is always a target for terrorists due to certain political views. While the Canary Islands have not yet been a target, they are a popular tourist destination, so the risk of an attack is always medium. An attack on mainland Spain is more likely, but it's essential always to be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity, especially in public areas.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

ATM and credit card fraud is common in the Canary Islands, so use banks or reputable ATMs, not those randomly on the street. Also, pay attention when others are handling your credit cards, as you never know when they can be swapped. Additionally, Internet scams via email citing business opportunities and other amazing deals are common, although they are unlikely to impact tourists.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

The Canary Islands are safe for solo female travelers since crime rates are low and women are well-respected by most. Although it is safe to walk alone at night, it's still important to be aware of your surroundings and pay extra attention to your belongings, as pickpocketing and scams are common on the Islands.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

Spain and the Canaries have excellent tap water that's safe to drink from the faucet. This means you don't need to take precautions as they are similar to your home. The only questionable water comes from private wells and unregulated water sources in rural areas. Still, bottled water is inexpensive and readily available everywhere if you want to be completely cautious. When staying in cities, bringing a water bottle to refill with excellent tap water is always beneficial to save money.

• Safest Places to Visit in Canary Islands

The safest areas on the islands are rural, less populated towns and villages.

In Las Palmas, the safest places are closest to Las Canteras Beach, such as Guanarteme, El Puerto, La Puntilla, and La Isleta.

Las Canteras is one of the top beaches in the country and in Western Europe.

Other safe areas include Triana and Vegueta.

• Places to Avoid in Canary Islands

Generally speaking, the Canary Islands are safe, minus petty crimes that are primarily opportunistic.

Walking around during the day and night is achievable without major concern.

The only area to avoid is Santa Catalina Park in Las Palmas at night.

Also, Isleta and Jinamar are not the most welcoming places for tourists, so there’s no reason to visit.

Furthermore, avoid alleys in Las Palmas and Tenerife as they are dark and could have criminals waiting for someone to make a wrong turn.

For those who wish to avoid crowds, Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles have heavy foot traffic and are common places for pickpockets.

The best way to avoid becoming a crime victim is to stay away from nightlife areas as they are more active with thieves at night.

Using common sense goes a long way while traveling, and the Canary Islands are no exception, regardless of their excellent safety record.

• Safety Tips for Traveling to Canary Islands
• Always Use a Metered Taxi. Although unlicensed taxis are not a significant problem in cities, they still exist. If you get into a taxi and don’t see a meter, then politely exit the car, as they can charge whatever they want since it’s unregulated. This will save you a massive headache and could save you a lot of money.
• Avoid Demonstrations. All areas of Spain have regular demonstrations at government buildings, and the Canaries are no exception. Luckily, most demonstrations and protests are nonviolent, but you never know when one can quickly escalate and get out of hand. Given that this isn’t your fight, avoid large groups of people unless it’s a parade!
• Don’t Hike or Camp Alone. Although the Canary Islands are small, getting lost or injured is easy, so always hike or camp with a buddy. If you must go into the wilderness alone, always contact the local ranger’s office and give them your route and time when you plan to check back in at the end of your adventure.
• Keep An Eye on Your Belongings. This point is crucial for visiting markets, festivals, beaches, and other busy areas. Pickpockets and thieves are looking for easy targets who leave their bags only for a moment, so don’t be a victim by being vigilant with your belongings.
• Know the Basic Emergency Numbers. Before traveling to the Canary Islands, search for and enter local emergency numbers into your phone and on paper so they are readily available. These include your country’s embassy or consulate, emergency police or fire, and the ambulance service.
• Leave the Valuables at Home. Like in all destinations, petty crime is common in tourist-frequented neighborhoods and attractions. The Canary Islands, specifically Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife are no exception to pickpocketing. Avoid running into this issue on your dream vacation by storing valuables in your hotel room. Also, never bring your passport in public and leave it locked away in your room in a safe or lockable luggage bag when out for the day.
• Never Ignore Beach Flags. With over 60 beaches receiving the Blue Flag award, the Canary Island beaches are some of the safest on Earth. Lifeguards regularly patrol the beaches and look for hazards to keep visitors safe. There are several flags you must know before visiting, each with a different hazard, including the following: • Red – strong currents unfit for swimming. • Yellow – modern currents or surf, swim cautiously. • Green – calm conditions, exercise caution. • Purple–shark, stingray, and jellyfish sightings. Always follow these beach flags, and if you need clarification on whether it’s safe to swim, ask a lifeguard on duty.
• Never Wander Down Dark Alleys. While cutting through a dark alley may be a slightly faster route, you never know who is waiting for an unsuspecting wanderer. This is especially important in Las Palmas and Tenerife to avoid any conflicts.
• Only Drink in Marked Areas. Vaping, smoking, and drinking in public places are prohibited on the streets or beaches of the Canary Islands. While this isn’t a safety tip, it can save you from a hefty fine. Instead, find a café, restaurant, or bar with an outdoor seating area with a designated smoking section. Here, you can drink and smoke while enjoying the beautiful outdoor weather.
• Pay Attention if a Stranger is Asking Questions. If a stranger approaches you asking many questions, be aware of someone behind you attempting to steal your wallet, open your bag, or conduct some other petty crime. Always keep your belongings in the front pocket and your bag at the front of your body. Also, politely say you don’t know and leave the situation.
• So... How Safe Is Canary Islands Really?

The Canary Islands are one of the safest places to visit in Europe.

The latest statistics show that the overall crime rate has been at the lowest level since 2010, which is impressive since most places experienced crime upticks during and following the pandemic.

The crimes that occur in the Canary Islands are mostly petty thieves and property damage, so there is nothing to worry about when visiting.

Las Palmas, the largest city, has a combined crime rate of only 41.2 incidences per one thousand individuals.

The best way for visitors to remain protected is to leave valuables in a safe in the hotel room or locked in luggage.

Also, don’t carry your wallet or phone in your back pocket as it can easily be stolen.

The daytime safety rating for those walking alone is an exceptional 86.49; at night, it’s 67.74, which is still impressive.

The best defense against petty crimes is being aware of your environment, including who is near you.

• How Does Canary Islands Compare?
• Useful Information

For those traveling to the Canary Islands or anywhere in Spain, most don't require a visa for stays less than 90 days. Visa requirements can be found on each embassy's website, along with any other entrance requirements.

The main currency in Spain is the Euro since it's part of the European Union. Given the amount of tourism, especially in the summer, credit cards are accepted in most places, even rural villages. ATMs are plentiful, and currency exchange shops can also be found.

Unlike the rest of Spain, which is more arid, the Canaries boast a tropical climate with temperatures ranging throughout the year. Average temperatures in January are around 69 degrees F and rise to 83 degrees F in the summer. Most visitors get away with summer or spring attire throughout the year, so colder temperatures are rare.

The main airport servicing Las Palmas and the island is Fuerteventura. Visitors can hop on the airport bus to the city center, which takes around 35 minutes. Additional airports include Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Tenerife South, and Tenerife North, depending on which island is your destination.

Travel Insurance

Signing up for travel insurance is necessary regardless of where you are visiting. Travel insurance covers you financially for: • Accidents and personal liability • Legal fees • Lost baggage or days due to airline delays • Medical expenses • Money, passport, and travel documents

Canary Islands Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

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Article Contents

• Canary Islands : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Tap Water Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Tenerife Gran Canaria Lanzarote Fuerteventura La Palma La Gomera El Hierro

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• Fuerteventura
• Gran Canaria
• Means of Transport
• Natural Parks
• Theme Parks
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• Hotels in Lanzarote
• Hotels in La Palma
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• Canary Islands
• Prepare your holidays
• What to see
• Canary Food and Drinks
• Privacy and Policy

Necessary Documents to Travel to the Canary Islands

Find out which documents you ought to have to travel to the canary islands..

If you’re planning to visit another country it’s convenient to previously check if you have all the documentation needed as passport , citizen card and visa the most common documents requested for traveling. Moreover there are other documents that even when not essential, they might facilitate your traveling process.

If you’re buying a trip to another country through a travel agency , it should provide you all the information regarding passports , visas , sanitary formalities as well as offer you the possibility to sign an emergency assistance insurance that assures your repatriation expenses as well as transportation in case of accident, illness or death.

Personal identification document

This document might be used to enter and travel among the European Community Countries (including the Canary Island s), if you’re coming from another european country or other Spanish Region.

If you’re under 18 years old and travelling alone , you should take a mother/father permit or judicial permit. If you’re traveling with your father, mother or guardian , you should have the legal affiliation documentation.

This document should be issued in the Spanish Embassy on the tourist’s country of origin . This document you let you enter, work, study or just visit any of its cities . For the non-immigrant visitors that wish to come to the Canary Islands there are six types of visas:

• Transit Visa : Which will allow you to pass the international transit areas of a spanish airport or cross spanish territory
• Stay Visa : Which will allow you to stay for no more than three months uninterrupted on this country or successive stays for a period of time that summed up shouldn’t exceed threes months per semester counting on the first entry date.
• Residence Visa : This visa will allow you to live in Spain, although you shouldn’t perform any laboural or professional activity.
• Work and Residence Visa : This visa will allow you to live in Spain as well as perform a laboural activity.
• Study Visa : This visa will allow you to live in Spain while taking part on courses or particular studies. It will also allow you to realize investigation projects.
• Courtesy Visa : This visa is issued to all diplomatic agents, consular workers and international organization partners.

How should I know if I need a visa to enter in the Canary Islands?

First, you should know tha t foreign who wishes to enter in Spain should have a visa, unless it’s in one of the following conditions :

• You won’t need a visa if you’re staying for less than three months on a six-months interval and you have nationality from one of the following countries : Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Chipre, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Slovakia, Slovenia, United States, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Lithonia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, Norway, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Czech Republic, Korea, Romania, San Marino, Santa Sede, Singapur, Switzerland, Uruguay, Venezuela, Hong Kong, Macao and any country that belongs to the European Union .
• If you enter with the condition of refugee you won’t also need a ininterrumpida visa
• Crew members from ships who have sea agent identity document and commercial planes crew members who have their identity card, ticket and do not abandon the plane also don’t need any visa.

Driving License in the Canary Islands:

For the citizens of European Union you only need to bring your own driving license . For citizens from others countries you might need to bring an International Driving License .

European Health Card

This document replaces the old E-111 form. With this document you have the right to receive free medical assistance in every country within the European Union . This is valid for one year counting on the date you obtain it. To request this document you should present you medical card at your local Social Services.

Travel insurance

It’s advisable to hire a short term insurance . It might be very useful. You might request it to your travel agent .

Find out more information you need to know before your trip to the Canary Islands :

• Accommodation
• Communication
• Festivities
• Smoking and Drinking
• How to dress
• Health Assistance
• The Canary Islands Flag
• Tips and Taxes
• Disabled Facilities

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Plea to Brits from tourist hotspot at 'risk of collapse' with fears of mass holiday cancellation

Tourists have been told to 'stay away' by locals.

Tom Earnshaw

An urgent plea has been issued to sun-loving Brits from those that run an idyllic archipelago loved by those jetting off from the United Kingdom.

There's no doubting the British obsession with a week or two in the sun . The seven, 10 or 14 day break is what makes the daily slog all worthwhile, with millions of us opting for sandy white beaches, cocktails on terraces, and reading a book by the swimming pool.

But one of the destinations loved the most by UK residents is worried.

And it's all because of a backlash by those who call it their permanent home.

It comes after locals told Brits and other tourists to, essentially, back off, claiming the locations were at 'risk of collapse' .

The Spanish islands have seen locals self-police the visitor hot spots because of so-called call 'tourist overcrowding'.

No, not the Balearics. We're on about the Canary Islands , which are closer to Africa than Spain itself.

And it's that location that makes them a firm favourite with Brits, given the consistently hot temperatures experienced on the group of islands.

But those who run the governance of the islands are worried that the backlash from residents across the likes of Tenerife Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura will be enough to put people off and look elsewhere.

Regional tourism chief, Jessica de León, told the Telegraph that she would be 'delighted to welcome' tourists to the islands.

She added: "It is still safe to visit the Canary islands.

"People who come here to visit and spend their money must not be criticised or insulted. We are playing with our main source of income."

But the political view is not universal, with one councillor Gabriel Gonzalez - from the hard-left Podemos party in Tenerife’s resort town of Adeje - saying: "We have the feeling that we are not living off tourism; it is tourism that is living off us."

Earlier this month, Canary Islands president Fernando Clavijo asked tourists to keep coming there on holiday.

"We are worried because tourism is our main source of income and I think that whoever comes here to enjoy, to spend a few days and to leave their money in the Canary Islands, shouldn’t be rebuked or face insults," he said.

Néstor Marrero, secretary of a Tenerife ecology group called ATAN, has said that the number of tourists allowed on the Canaries 'should be reduced'.

Instead of a focus on all-inclusive holidays, Marrero said the aim should be for 'higher-quality visitors' who will actually leave their hotels. Savage.

Residents across Lanzarote took to the streets on 20 April in a protest against tourism, chanting 'Lanzarote has a limit'.

Similar movements have sprung up across Fuerteventura, Tenerife, La Palma, and Gran Canaria.

Whatever your stance, it's clear that the issue isn't going away any time soon.

Topics:  Holiday , Money , Travel , UK News , World News , Environment , Business

Tom joined LADbible in 2024, specialising in SEO and trending content. He moved to the company from Reach plc where he enjoyed spells as a content editor and senior reporter for one of the country's most-read local news brands, LancsLive. When he's not in work, Tom spends his adult life as a suffering Manchester United supporter after a childhood filled with trebles and Premier League titles. You can't have it all forever, I suppose.

@ TREarnshaw

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Tens of thousands protest against Canary Islands’ ‘unsustainable’ tourism model

Organisers say 50,000 turn out to call for limit on tourist numbers, saying model makes life unaffordable and puts strain on resources

Tens of thousands of people are protesting across the Canary Islands to call for an urgent rethink of the Spanish archipelago’s tourism strategy and a freeze on visitor numbers, arguing that the decades-old model has made life unaffordable and environmentally unsustainable for residents.

The protests, which are taking place under the banner “Canarias tiene un límite” – The Canaries have a limit – are backed by environmental groups including Greenpeace, WWF, Ecologists in Action, Friends of the Earth and SEO/Birdlife.

“We’ve reached the point where the balance between the use of resources and the welfare of the population here has broken down, especially over the past year,” said Víctor Martín, a spokesperson for the collective Canarias se Agota – The Canaries Have Had Enough – which helped to coordinate protests on Saturday across the eight islands.

Eleven members of Canarias se Agota have already been on hunger strike for a week to protest against the construction of two large luxury developments in southern Tenerife, which they describe as illegal and totally unnecessary.

Police said 20,000 people had turned out for the demonstrations, but organisers put the figure closer to 50,000, Spain’s TVE public television said.

“We are not against tourism,” Rosario Correo, one of the protesters, told TVE. “We’re asking that they change this model that allows for unlimited growth of tourism.”

Protesters also gathered in Madrid and Barcelona to show their support for the rallies in the Canary Islands, public television said.

Last year, 13.9 million people visited the islands, which have a population of 2.2 million. Tourism accounts for about 35% of the archipelago’s GDP – bringing in €16.9bn in 2022 alone – but local people say the industry is stressing natural resources and pricing them out of the rental market.

Figures from Spain’s National Statistics Institute show that 33.8% of people in the Canaries are at risk of poverty or social exclusion , the highest proportion for any region except Andalucía.

Martín said the regional government’s continuing focus on tourism at a time when the climate emergency was leading to cuts to water supplies made no sense. “Demand is rising in urban areas where there are more tourists,” he said. “We’ve had a very dry winter and a water emergency’s already been declared on Tenerife.

“There are going to be restrictions if there’s not more rain this month but it’s 36C here right now. This is all unsustainable and it means that we won’t even be able to keep normal levels of tourism going. And yet the authorities and the businesses here are trying to stick with this model.”

The housing situation in many parts of the archipelago was also dire because of high prices, low wages, a lack of public housing and the continuing cost of living crisis, Martín said. “I realised we’d reached the limit when I saw people who were working as hotel maids or waiters were living in shacks.

“Wages are so low that they don’t cover the basic costs of living, especially in the current crisis, which is global, but has been felt keenly in the Canaries because we have to import practically everything.”

He insisted the protest movement was not anti-tourist, pointing out that many people in the Canaries had known and liked generations of families from countries such as the UK and Germany.

“The problem isn’t the tourists,” he said. “It’s a model that was built around, and with the connivance of, a business class that doesn’t want to listen to what needs to be done, and with a political class that serves that business class instead of serving all the citizens.”

He said a complete rethink of the Canaries’ tourism model could not wait. “What we’re asking is very simple. Given that tourism is the main economic activity and the cause of all these problems, we want an immediate halt to these two mega-projects,” he said of the Tenerife developments.

“We also want a tourist moratorium that will lead to a study of the load each island can take and which will determine whether we’ve already passed the critical point. In areas where there’s an overload, we want to see a stage of degrowth of economic activity to benefit natural resources. Otherwise, you have an existing model that only benefits a very few people.”

Martín said a proper study of the problems the Canaries suffer from could have global repercussions. “This rethinking of the tourism model could put the Canaries on the map as an example of sustainable tourism development,” he said. “We could be known for something positive instead of something negative.”

Fernando Clavijo, the regional president of the Canary Islands, has said his administration is already taking action. “All the actions this government has taken have been based on a revision of this model,” he told reporters this week . “The Canaries tourist model has been a successful one, but obviously, as with anything, there are things that could be perfected.”

Over-tourism has become a major issue in many Spanish cities and regions , triggering protests and backlashes in Barcelona , and leading the authorities in Seville to consider charging visitors to explore the Andalucían city’s famous Plaza de España .

• The Observer

Most viewed

'My misery, your paradise': The problem with tourism in the Canary Islands

Protesters have taken increasingly extreme measures, with one group going on an "indefinite" hunger strike.

News reporter @jos_franks

Saturday 27 April 2024 08:44, UK

A wave of demonstrations have swept the Canary Islands as locals protested against a tourism model they say has plundered the environment, priced them out of housing and forced them into precarious work.

The seven main Canary Islands are home to 2.2 million people - and welcomed almost 14 million international visitors in 2023, up 13% from the previous year.

The protests were not aimed at individual tourists, activists say, but at the governments that have created a system that skews so much in favour of investors at the expense of local communities.

The tourism industry accounts for 35% of gross domestic product (GDP) in the Canary Islands and local residents who spoke to Sky News agree the islands can't survive without tourism.

But they are also questioning whether local communities and the environment can survive if things stay the way they are.

What's the problem? Tourism is a 'cash cow' - but not for locals

If you're looking for what's behind the wave of protests, you need to look back decades, Sharon Backhouse tells Sky News.

Along with her Canarian husband, she owns GeoTenerife, which runs science field trips and training camps in the Canary Islands and conducts research into sustainable tourism.

The tourism model in the Canary Islands hasn't been updated since before the tourism boom of the 1980s, when the islands were "trying desperately" to attract investment, she explains.

The answer back then was a model that was "incredibly generous" to investors, who only pay 4% tax and can send the profits earned in the Canaries back to the firm's home country, Ms Backhouse explains.

But the model hasn't changed.

That's created a situation where "more and more of these giant, all inclusive resort hotels" are being built, and the proceeds of this "incredible cash cow" aren't shared equitably with the local population, she says.

"It is absurd to have a system where so much money is in the hands of a very few extremely powerful groups, and is then funnelled away from the Canary Islands," she says.

"We're seeing really low salaries, zero-hour contracts and awful working conditions in some of these hotels."

Ms Backhouse was at the 20 April protest in Tenerife and says she has "never seen anything like it" in terms of Canarians being united for a single cause.

'My misery, your paradise'

Earlier this year there was a spate of graffiti in Tenerife.

Andy Ward, director of Tenerife Estate Agents, tells Sky News the media coverage of a smattering of "tourists go home" graffiti has been "100x greater than the on-the-ground reality", where there is little visible animosity.

But there was one spray-painted message that sums up the gulf between Canary Islands residents and the tourists who flock there: "My misery, your paradise".

More than a third of the population of the Canary Islands - nearly 800,000 people - are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, according to a recent report from the environmental group Ecologists in Action.

The average wage for restaurant staff and cleaners is between €1,050 and €1,300 a month, Mr Ward says, while the cost of renting an apartment can be almost as much.

'Shanty towns' in the shadow of luxury

One of the main issues is the dearth of affordable or social housing, Mr Ward says.

"The governments here have completely neglected this need, instead selling land for more hotels and selling land for luxury villas and high-end apartments, which locals are unable to afford."

What has caused anger is property managers renting out properties to tourists that are "completely inappropriate and inadequate", such as small apartments in residential buildings.

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The regulations on short-term lets "are a complete mess and a mish-mash", he says. Landlords aren’t incentivised to let their properties long-term because they must sign up to long leases, and if tenants default on the rent it can take 18 months to evict them.

His views are echoed by Kris Jones, a British citizen who was born in Tenerife, taking over the bar his parents owned in Playa de la Americas, the Drunk’n Duck.

Many hotel employees are forced to live in the multiple motorhome sites that have popped up around the south of the island because they can’t afford anything else, he says.

"Shanty towns" is what Ms Backhouse calls them, built in the shadow of "uber luxury hotels".

Mr Jones questions why planning permission has been granted to hotels without ensuring their employees will be able to live nearby.

He says the idea the island's population hates foreign visitors is "utter garbage".

He stresses that the protests were against the government - not tourists.

"It's nothing to do with the behaviour of British tourists, and isn't even part of the agenda at all," he tells Sky News.

Hunger strike to stop hotels

Protesters say they are having to take increasingly drastic actions to have their voices heard.

Subsequently six members of Canarias Se Agota - which translates to the Canary Islands Are Exhausted - have been on hunger strike since 11 April.

As well as demanding a halt to new tourism developments and a limit to the number of visitors, the campaigners want to stop the development of two luxury resorts in Tenerife.

Both developments faced legal hurdles on environmental grounds that had paused construction, but stop work orders were lifted earlier this year.

Campaigners maintain the developments breach environmental laws - claims the developers deny - and have committed to continuing the hunger strike until the government intervenes, despite some strikers needing hospital treatment.

The hunger strikers, who have not been named, were among fellow protesters on the streets of Tenerife on 20 April.

A spokesperson for the campaign said: "If anything happens to any of our comrades... you (Fernando Clavijo - president of the Canary Islands) will have to face the fury of the people."

The strikers met with the Canary Islands president on 23 April, but their demands were rejected.

Representatives of the strikers said on 26 April the "medical condition of the six is deteriorating, but they are determined to continue" until their demands are met.

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Protesters are also demanding "access to respectable housing", an "eco-tax" and "immediate measures to put an end to the raw sewage discharges into the sea".

Salvar La Tejita, an environmental organisation which helped organise the mass protest, says: "It is vital to clarify that these protests are not against the tourists or tourism in general, but are against the political class, administrations, hotel chains, and constructors who are jointly responsible for the unsustainable circumstances which Tenerife is now in.

"This platform is not in any way responsible for the graffiti messages 'Tourists Go Home' which have been sprayed in and around many tourist resorts.

The environmental cost of tourism

The Canary Islands are a "biodiversity jewel in the Atlantic", Ms Backhouse says - but they haven't been fully protected or valued.

Politicians in the past have said the development of the controversial resorts can't be stopped "just because of a weed", she says.

"These aren't just weeds. What they're actually doing is interfering with an ecosystem which will have difficulty surviving if you plonk a resort right in the middle of it."

The building of these resorts has an environmental costs as "beautiful landscapes are cemented over", Ms Backhouse says - and the cost only mounts once they open.

"The problem with these resorts is that we just don't have enough resources in terms of water, what happens to all the rubbish, how is it all recycled.

"Locals are feeling disenfranchised from their spaces because it all becomes tourist territory.

"Towns and villages that locals grew up in or would go on holiday in suddenly are completely unrecognisable."

What solutions are on the table?

One of the proposals is a tourist tax which would be invested in protecting the environment.

Ms Backhouse says the hotel industry is against it and the government is nervous about it - but GeoTenerife's research indicates it wouldn't put tourists off.

"I think the reality is very few people will cancel their holiday because they have to pay a little bit of money that goes towards protecting the landscapes they're coming to see."

Hoteliers have proposed instead putting up IGIC, which is similar to VAT, but Ms Backhouse says that isn't welcomed by campaigners "because again, that just puts the onus on the locals to prop up the system".

A tourist tax is one part of the answer to protect the environment, but it doesn't answer the question of job insecurity and unaffordable housing.

Ms Backhouse says it is encouraging to see solutions proposed, but "it's going to take something far more wide-ranging to put this train on a more sustainable track".

Impending crackdown on holiday homes

A draft law is expected to be passed this year which would ban newly built properties from becoming short-term rentals and toughen up the rules for existing properties.

It comes as official figures show the number of rental beds on the island reached 220,409 in March this year - an increase of more than 40,000 from the same point in 2023.

Canaries regional tourism chief Jessica de Leon told the Reuters news agency that enforcement support for the islands' 35 inspectors is key to the success of the new rules.

"We are going to empower [the police] so that they can act when fraudulent behaviour is detected in homes," she said, adding that the plan could involve 1,300 people, which would include all of the islands' police forces.

"The first step is to contain the growth, the second is to clean up [existing listings]," said Canaries director of tourism Miguel Rodríguez.

An example of the crackdowns to come occurred on 16 April, when police raided a property in Tenerife after its owner was reported for listing the building's rooftop as a campsite on Airbnb, offering renters tents for €12 (£10) a night.

Read more: Tourist dies after falling into sea in Tenerife Why are university students protesting in the US?

The plans have not proved popular with landlords, who would be forced to comply with the new rules within five years.

"Everything that the government is trying to impose is problematic," says a spokesperson for Ascav, the Canary Islands Vacation Rental Association, adding it is "the most restrictive" legislation of its kind in Europe.

They believe around 95% of the existing holiday homes that abide by current laws will not be able to meet the new criteria, which includes getting consent from local authorities to open, meeting higher energy classification thresholds, having a minimum surface area and more in a long list of "impossible compliance".

"The consequences will be immediate," they warn. "If holiday homes are banned on the islands, visitors who demand this type of accommodation will choose other destinations, Canary Islanders will be even poorer, bars, restaurants, rent a cars, supermarkets, leisure activities, etc. will lose economic activity. Undoubtedly, we all lose."

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Ascav acknowledges "something is going wrong" for the island's economy, but argues it's not down to those providing holiday homes, nor the tourists Canarians "love".

"The message is for our governments, for their passivity, incompetence and lack of planning," they say.

"They are the ones that have allowed that the resources of tourism has not to been shared with the local population. Locals has been excluded because governments preferred permitting to exploit the territory and tourism to the maximum, without any return for the islands and their inhabitants.

"The solution is to listen to ourselves, to listen to our visitors, to listen and protect to the Canary islanders, to integrate, to plan, to be sustainable, to grow with, not at the expense of, to be responsible for the territory and the well-being of its people, to diversify, to ensure the quality of the destination.

"Our problems have to be resolved by politicians, but they lack will and predisposition, that's why we are fed up."

What have politicians said?

The islands' president said the day before the 20 April protests that he felt "proud" the region is a leading Spanish tourism spot, but acknowledged more controls are needed.

"We can't keep looking away. Otherwise, hotels will continue to open without any control," Fernando Clavijo told a news conference.

Two days after the protest, Mr Clavijo posted on X saying: "What happened last Saturday in the streets of Canarias leaves a message that we share. Canarias has to review its model, where we want to go.

"It had to be done during the pandemic, but it is a challenge that we assumed and on which we are already working with the councils, with the city councils and that we must face as a whole in society."

He has called a meeting of island presidents and Canary Island administrators on 30 April in the hope of finding a solution.

Related Topics

• Canary Islands

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Bad news for Brits – Tenerife is slapping holidaymakers with new tourist tax

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Holidaymakers in Tenerife will soon have to pay a new eco tax when visiting famous nature spots on the island.

It comes after tens of thousands of people hit the streets in Tenerife last week to protest against tourism on the island, with UK tourists among the targets of anger.

Now officials have confirmed a new tax on holidaymakers, charged when they visit protected sites like Mount Teide volcano and some other rural parks.

The island council said on Friday that the new tax will kick in from January 1, 2025.

It did not rule out the possibility of adding more sites to the list, El Diario reports.

The island council Cabildo Tenerife said the new charge was necessary to safeguard the protected areas and to help control visitor numbers.

But the exact level of the tax will need parliament’s approval and a study into the proposal is ongoing, the council said.

The tax will apply to visitors at the Teide National Park, Anaga Rural Park and the Teno Park, including the historical Masca village, according to El Diario.

Canary Island protests

Messages in English left on walls and benches in and around Palm Mar during the protests in the southern part of the island included ‘My misery your paradise’ and ‘Average salary in Canary Islands is 1,200 euros’.

In an apparent UK backlash, a response left in English on a wall next to a ‘Tourists go home’ message said: ‘F**k off, we pay your wages.’

Chanting and whistling, protesters waved placards emblazoned with slogans reading ‘The Canary Islands are not up for sale!’ and ‘Respect my home’.

The Spanish islands off the coast of North Africa are an ever-popular destination among Brits hoping to escape the cold on the mainland.

One demonstrator said: ‘It’s not a message against the tourist, but against a tourism model that doesn’t benefit this land and needs to be changed.’

Protests also took place in the other islands in the archipelago, including Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, with support demos scheduled for the Spanish mainland in cities like Malaga and Madrid as well as London and Berlin.

The Canary Islands protests were organised under the slogan ‘Canarias Tiene Un Limite’ which in English translates as ‘The Canary Islands have a limit.”

The backdrop to the demos is an ongoing hunger strike six men and women began on April 11 outside a church in the northern Tenerife town of La Laguna.

Speaking ahead of the start of today’s demonstrations, a spokesman for protest platform Canarias Se Agota, which the hunger strikers are affiliated to, said: ‘Today, April 20, marks the 10th day of the hunger strike.

‘Today we cannot forget these people who are putting their lives at risk for our Earth.

‘Their determination inspires, their bravery moves us, their sacrifice reminds us that this struggle is everyone’s and for everyone.

‘We are writing a new chapter in the history of our islands, a chapter marked by the unwavering perseverance of those who bravely defend our home.

‘Today the Canary Islands will scream and fight, and tomorrow it will continue to do so.’

Protest groups including Canarias Se Agota, which in English translates literally as ‘The Canary Islands are Exhausted’, want the authorities to paralyse two tourist projects including one which involves the construction of a five-star hotel by one of Tenerife’s last virgin beaches.

They are also seeking a commitment from regional politicians to change the tourist model and protect islands like Tenerife from the worst excesses of mass tourism, including sea pollution, traffic gridlock and lack of cheap affordable housing linked to the pushing-up of property prices because of Airbnb-style holiday lets.

Other demands include the protection of natural spaces, a tourist tax and better working conditions for hotel cleaners, who joined today’s protest in Santa Cruz as they insisted to local press: ‘We are not slaves.’

The archipelago of 2.2 million people was visited by nearly 14 million foreign tourists in 2023, up 13% from the previous year, according to official data.

Authorities in the islands are concerned about the impact on locals.

A draft law expected to pass this year toughening the rules on short lets follows complaints from residents priced out of the housing market.

Canary Islands president Fernando Clavijo said on Friday he felt ‘proud’ that the region was a leading Spanish tourist destination, but acknowledged that more controls were needed as the sector continues to grow.

‘We can’t keep looking away. Otherwise, hotels will continue to open without any control,’ he told a press conference. 

In the Gran Canaria capital Las Palmas, marchers carried banners in Spanish which said: ‘It’s not phobia, it’s love for my land.’

A woman protestor held up another which said: ‘Fourteen million tourists a year but 36 per cent of Canarians at risk of poverty.’

One of the other banners exhibited by protestors said: ‘The Canary Islands government is an estate agency.’

Another said: ‘With so much Airbnb where are we going to live?’

Paula Rincon told local press: ‘It pains me that Canarians cannot afford to live in their own neighbourhoods.’

Insisting the current tourism model led to ‘more people paying lower prices and badly-built hotels that destroyed beaches and protected areas’ she added: ‘I don’t know why we aspire to so many numbers when this doesn’t filter down to the rest of the population.

‘The current system doesn’t benefit us, it impoverishes us.’

The protests in the Canary Islands are mostly taking place away from the main tourist areas, which in Tenerife and Gran Canaria are in the south of the islands.

Some British holidaymakers have shown their support for the issues raised by the islanders but others have accused them of biting the hand that feeds them.

The Canary Islands’ tourism minister Jessica de Leon urged British holidaymakers not to cancel their holidays ahead of today’s demos.

Canary Islands regional president Fernando Clavijo initially admitted he was worried tourists might be put off coming to the area, before softening his message last week and describing the April 20 protests as an opportunity to ‘revise’ the current tourism model.

Jorge Marichal, president of regional hotel association ASHOTEL, has claimed tourists were ringing establishments to ask whether it was safe to come.

He has also insisted ‘non-regulated’ holiday lets are a big problem and the reason there is less control than there should be on the numbers of tourists in places like Tenerife.

Protest platform Canarias Se Agota has insisted it has nothing to do with the graffiti that has appeared in parts of Tenerife over recent weeks – and has accused regional politicians of blaming them of tourism-phobia as part of a ‘dirty tricks’ campaign.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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Mass protests in Canary Islands decry overtourism

Tens of thousands of demonstrators hit the streets of Spain's Canary Islands on Saturday to demand changes to the model of mass tourism they say is overwhelming the Atlantic archipelago.

Rallying under the slogan "The Canary Islands have a limit", demonstrators began protesting at midday (1100 GMT), with flag-waving crowds packing the streets of the main towns across all of the archipelago's seven islands.

An estimated 57,000 people joined the protests, Spanish media reports said, citing the central government's representative in the islands.

Chanting and whistling, they waved a sea of placards and banners emblazoned with slogans like "The Canary Islands are not up for sale!" or "A moratorium on tourism" while others simply said: "Respect my home".

The protests were called by some 20 social and environmental groups who say tourist overcrowding perpetuates an economic model that harms local residents and damages the environment.

They want the authorities to limit the number of visitors and have proposed introducing an eco tax to protect the environment, a moratorium on tourism and to clamp down on the sale of properties to non-residents.

"We are not against tourism," one woman demonstrator called Rosario Correo told Spain's TVE public television.

"We're asking that they change this model that allows for unlimited growth of tourism."

Last year, 16 million people visited the Canary Islands, more than seven times its population of some 2.2 million, which the collective says is unsustainable for the archipelago's limited resources.

- 'Invaded' -

"We're tired of the overcrowding, of low salaries, of not having houses to live in and seeing our land bought by foreigners because they have the money to buy our grandparents' land that we can't afford," 59-year-old teacher Nieves Rodrigues Rivera told AFPTV.

And the constant influx of visitors was exacerbating the housing crisis by pushing up rents, said 22-year-old student Antonio Samuel Diaz Garcia.

"We're seeing holiday homes invading our villages which pushes rents up and makes it increasingly difficult for young people like us to leave home," he told AFPTV.

"We're also seeing tourism destroy the biodiversity here."

Large crowd of protesters also held parallel rallies of support in Madrid and Barcelona, public television said.

Anti-tourism protests have multiplied in recent months across Spain, the world's second-most visited country, prompting authorities to try to reconcile the interests of locals and a lucrative sector that accounts for 12.8 percent of Spain's economy.

The islands, which lie off the northwestern coast of Africa, are known for their volcanic landscapes and year-round sunshine attracting millions of visitors every year, with four in 10 residents working in tourism -- a sector which accounts for 36 percent of the islands' GDP.

Before the pandemic brought the global travel industry to its knees in 2020, overtourism protest movements were already active in Spain, notably in Barcelona.

After travel restrictions were lifted, tourism surged with Spain welcoming a record 85.1 million visitors last year.

vid-hmw/rox

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Thousands protest against over-tourism in Spain’s Canary Islands

Demonstrators say mass tourism is overwhelming the Atlantic archipelago.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators have hit the streets of Spain’s Canary Islands to demand changes to the model of mass tourism they say is overwhelming the Atlantic archipelago.

An estimated 57,000 people joined the protests, which began at midday (11:00 GMT) on Saturday, Spanish media reports said, citing the central government’s representative in the islands.

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Flag-waving crowds packed the streets of the main towns across all of the archipelago’s seven islands, chanting and whistling, and holding placards with slogans like: “The Canary Islands are not up for sale!”; “A moratorium on tourism”; and “Respect my home”.

“It’s not a message against the tourist, but against a tourism model that doesn’t benefit this land and needs to be changed,” one of the protesters told the Reuters news agency during the march in Tenerife’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Smaller marches were held elsewhere in the island group and other Spanish cities, all of them organised by about two dozen environmental organisations ahead of the peak summer holiday season.

The protests were called by some 20 social and environmental groups who say tourist overcrowding perpetuates an economic model that harms local residents and damages the environment.

They want the authorities to limit the number of visitors and have proposed introducing an eco-tax to protect the environment, a moratorium on tourism and a clampdown on the sale of properties to non-residents.

“The authorities must immediately stop this corrupt and destructive model that depletes the resources and makes the economy more precarious. The Canary Islands have limits and people’s patience [does], too,” Antonio Bullon, one of the protest leaders, told Reuters.

‘We can’t keep looking away’

The archipelago of 2.2 million people was visited by nearly 14 million foreign tourists in 2023, up 13 percent from the previous year, according to official data.

Authorities in the islands are concerned about the impact on locals. A draft law expected to pass this year – one that toughens the rules on short lets – follows complaints from residents priced out of the housing market.

Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo said on Friday that he felt “proud” that the region was a leading Spanish tourist destination, but acknowledged that more controls were needed as the sector continues to grow.

“We can’t keep looking away. Otherwise, hotels will continue to open without any control,” he told a press conference.

Anti-tourism protests have multiplied in recent months across Spain, the world’s second-most visited country, prompting authorities to try to reconcile the interests of locals and a lucrative sector that accounts for 12.8 percent of Spain’s economy.

The Canary Islands, which lie off the northwestern coast of Africa, are known for their volcanic landscapes and year-round sunshine attracting millions of visitors every year, with four in 10 residents working in tourism – a sector that accounts for 36 percent of the islands’ gross domestic product (GDP).

Before the coronavirus pandemic brought the global travel industry to its knees in 2020, over-tourism protest movements were already active in Spain, notably in Barcelona.

After travel restrictions were lifted, tourism surged, with Spain welcoming a record 85.1 million visitors last year.

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Fears anti-tourism protests could hit BENIDORM as hotel boss brands holiday homes a ‘virus’ after Canary Islands outrage

• Iona Cleave
• Gerard Couzens
• Published : 10:17, 27 Apr 2024
• Updated : 11:59, 27 Apr 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

FEARS are growing that anti-tourism protests raging across the Canary Islands could hit another Brit holiday hotspot.

Hotel bosses in Benidorm have admitted they are “very worried” by the anger growing amongst island residents but branded holiday homes in Spain a "virus".

Fede Fuster, head of local hotel association HOSBEC, said the demonstrations across the Atlantic archipelago, showed there were serious problems that needed to be addressed.

In a speech in the Costa Blanca resort of Altea, he said: “We watched with concern how people in the Canary Islands protested a few days ago against the ‘negative’ effects of tourism.

“This is serious, it should worry us and occupy our minds. The delicate balance between tourists and residents that we have been able to maintain for decades has been broken.”

Last weekend, huge fury-filled protests were staged across the Canary Islands in a bid to crackdown on cheap tourism and particularly boozy Brits.

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In Tenerife , which saw 15,000 turn up, a hunger strike is still ongoing and a new protest is planned for today in the town of La Laguna.

Fuster fumed that those involved who were pointing the finger at hoteliers were confusing the “righteous for sinners”.

Instead, he launched an attack on the expansion of holiday rental homes by claiming: “The genesis of this virus is called the hotelisation of housing and the digital platforms are its carrier.

“In the last 15 years, this type of accommodation has grown from 4,000 beds to more than 400,000 throughout Spain, far outstripping the supply of regulated accommodation.

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“What used to be residential land is now being hotelised for the benefit of a few who, moreover, operate with the most absolute impunity.

“And those who are suffering the consequences are our neighbours, our employees, our families, and all of us who compete fairly.”

Benidorm has its own British area known as " Little England " and at certain times of the year UK tourists occupy nearly 50 per cent of all hotel beds in the famous Costa Blanca resort.

Fuster also had a dig at the Spanish government for not making tourism “part of its priorities.”

He argued that tourism should be seen as a “source of wealth for society” rather than a threat.

“Tourist destinations are the best showcase for a country that can boast a high standard of living and great potential when it comes to being an example of sustainable planning and development.”

Canarias Se Agota, the organisation behind last Saturday’s demonstrations across the Canary islands, has organised a new march later today in the northern Tenerife town of La Laguna.

Six men and women affiliated to the protest platform - which rallies under the banner of "The Canary Islands have a limit" - are now on the 17th day of their hunger strike.

Supporters who join the march have been asked to bring a suitcase “to show how locals are being ejected from the islands.”

Many are calling on regional president Fernando Clavijo to answer either their demands or resign.

Yesterday, Tenerife paved the way for tourists to be charged to visit the island’s natural spaces including the iconic Teide mountain starting January 1 next year.

Its politicians voted to introduce the eco tax for non-residents following a viability study.

Tenerife, an island long popular with British tourists, has been at the forefront of the protests linked to the type of mass tourism it attracts.

This week, a leading Tenerife politician urged British and Irish tourists looking for cheap sunshine breaks to go elsewhere for their vacations.

Carlos Tarife, deputy mayor for the island capital Santa Cruz, said holidaymakers interested in staying in their all-inclusive hotels should book places like the Dominican Republic instead.

Earlier this month, anti-tourism graffiti popped up all around the island telling Brits to go home.

"My misery is your paradise" and "Average salary in Canary Islands is 1,200 euros" has been seen splashed across walls.

In an apparent UK backlash, a response left in English on a wall next to a "Tourists go home", a message said: “F*** off, we pay your wages".

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The protests organisation, Canarias Se Agota, has insisted it has nothing to do with the graffiti.

In turn, they angrily accused regional politicians of blaming them of tourism-phobia as part of a "dirty tricks" campaign.

Why are locals in Tenerife raging against Brit tourism?

RESIDENTS of the largest Canary Island seem to be at war with UK holidaymakers as they blast visitors with anti-tourism graffiti and emerging local campaigns.

Locals have been fuming that they are "fed-up" with "low quality" Brit tourists who only come for the  cheap beer, burgers and sunbathing .

Now, they are demanding a  tourist  tax, fewer flights to the island and a clampdown on foreigners buying houses.

Some protesters are claiming that their anger is directed at the government rather than tourists as they ask for change.

They claim that  AirBnBs  and other holiday rentals are  driving  up the  cost of living  and that they are sick of the noise, traffic and rubbish that accompany the avalanche of vacationers that visit every year.

Jaime Coello, president of the Telesforo Bravo Foundation, said: "The quality of the tourist product is being destroyed by the investors and the regional government."

Waves of  anti-tourist graffiti has been sprayed across the island  to tell Brits they are not welcome.

Bitter messages outside tourism hotspots read "your paradise, our misery" and "tourists go home".

"Locals are forced to move out and YOU are responsible for that," said a furious printed sign.

Another read: "Tourists go home!"

The brewing chaos coupled with hatred for visitors is now scaring Brit tourists to go on a vacation in Tenerife.

And Jorge Marichal, a hotel chain boss in Tenerife, revealed that  Brits were ringing up out of fear they would not be safe on their holidays to the island .

He said: "One of the problems I am facing is that clients are beginning to call and ask what’s happening here and whether it’s safe."

While the hotel owner said he understands the pain of local people, he added that being "anti-tourist" is not the way to go in.

• Canary Islands