Free Canary Islands Travel Guide & Mobile App

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Canary Islands
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Explore Spain’s Canary Islands for volcanic parks, Atlantic beaches, island cuisine, historic towns, forested trails and exceptional stargazing.

The Canary Islands form Spain’s Atlantic archipelago, lying off the north-western coast of Africa and shaped by volcanic activity, ocean currents and centuries of maritime exchange. Each island has a distinct physical character. Tenerife rises to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, while Lanzarote is defined by dark lava fields and low, sculptural volcanic forms. Gran Canaria combines a densely developed south coast with rugged interior mountains, Fuerteventura is known for broad beaches and wind-shaped landscapes, and La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro offer forested summits, steep ravines and quieter rural communities.
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The islands’ climates vary considerably by altitude, exposure and season. Coastal resorts are generally warm and dry, but the north-facing slopes of Tenerife and Gran Canaria can be cloudier and greener, while La Palma and La Gomera support laurel forests that survived from a much older subtropical ecosystem. In the highlands, temperatures can be considerably cooler than at sea level, particularly around Teide and the central mountains. This geographical variety makes the archipelago more than a beach destination: walking, stargazing, diving, cycling, surfing and whale watching are all important parts of the visitor experience.
Towns and cities reveal the islands’ layered history. Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria are cosmopolitan ports with museums, markets and significant historic quarters. San Cristóbal de La Laguna preserves a planned colonial townscape, while La Orotava, Arucas, Teguise, Betancuria, Santa Cruz de La Palma and San Sebastián de La Gomera retain different expressions of Canarian architecture. Whitewashed villages, wooden balconies, volcanic stone, courtyards and churches sit alongside modern apartment districts and purpose-built coastal resorts.
Canarian culture reflects Indigenous Guanche and other pre-Hispanic societies, Spanish settlement, Atlantic trade and ongoing connections with Latin America and Africa. Traditional music, wrestling, festivals and crafts remain visible alongside contemporary art and design. Food is grounded in island produce: papas arrugadas with mojo, gofio, fresh fish, local cheeses, tropical fruit and wines from volcanic soils. On the coast, tourism is central to the economy, but agriculture, fishing, renewable energy and local community life continue to shape the islands beyond the main resort belts.
Planning requires an archipelago-wide perspective. The islands are not interchangeable, and travelling between them can take time despite their proximity on a map. Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer the broadest transport networks and urban facilities; Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are particularly accessible for volcanic scenery and beaches; La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro reward visitors who value walking, landscape and slower-paced travel. Combining islands is possible, but a focused itinerary usually allows a more respectful and rewarding understanding of each one.

When is the best time to visit Canary Islands?

Best: May–July · 23–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January2125
February2120
March2215
April2310
May (best)235
June (best)251
July (best)270
August281
September2710
October2520
November2325
December2130

Getting to and around Canary Islands

How to get there

The Canary Islands are served by several international airports, with Tenerife South, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura handling many direct European services; Tenerife North, La Palma and other island airports provide additional domestic and regional connections. Flight availability varies by season and island. Mainland Spain is linked by air and, for some routes, by long-distance ferry services, although sea travel is considerably slower. Inter-island ferries connect several islands, while smaller airports provide useful links between the more distant islands. Check whether your arrival airport is on the same island as your accommodation, as Tenerife and Gran Canaria each have two principal airports in different parts of the island.

Transportation

Buses are the main public transport on the islands and are practical in towns and between many larger settlements, though rural services can be less frequent. Hire cars are useful for exploring volcanic parks, mountain villages, beaches and trailheads that are not well served by buses; roads can be narrow, steep or winding in upland areas. Taxis are widely available in urban and resort zones. Inter-island ferries are important for routes between nearby islands, while domestic flights save time on longer crossings. Walking is central to rural travel, but visitors should check trail conditions and avoid assuming that a short-looking mountain route will be easy.

Best attractions in Canary Islands

The Canary Islands offer a broad range of attractions, from high volcanic summits and lava fields to beaches, forests and historic towns. Teide National Park on Tenerife centres on a high-altitude volcanic landscape, while Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote presents a remarkably coherent field of recent volcanic cones and dark terrain. Gran Canaria’s central mountains and ravines contrast with its developed southern coast, and Fuerteventura combines long sandy shores with dry interior landscapes. La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro are particularly suited to walking, scenic drives and nature-based travel, with laurel forests, deep valleys and viewpoints shaped by steep island terrain. Museums and archaeological sites such as Cueva Pintada in Gran Canaria interpret pre-Hispanic society, while historic quarters in La Laguna, La Orotava, Teguise and Santa Cruz de La Palma provide architecture and cultural history. Beaches support swimming, surfing, windsurfing and diving where conditions permit, and marine excursions offer opportunities to observe whales, dolphins and seabirds. The islands also have botanical gardens, art institutions, family attractions and observatories, although access and conditions vary considerably between islands.

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Best landmarks in Canary Islands

Mount Teide is the archipelago’s most recognisable natural landmark and dominates Tenerife’s interior from its high volcanic plateau, although access to the summit and upper elevations is regulated. Lanzarote’s Timanfaya landscape is another defining sight, with broad fields of lava and volcanic cones that reflect eruptions in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. On Gran Canaria, the Roque Nublo monolith has become an emblem of the island’s mountainous centre, while the Maspalomas dunes form a distinctive coastal landscape in the south. La Gomera’s Garajonay mountains mark the survival of ancient laurel forest, and La Palma’s Caldera de Taburiente is a major geological feature surrounded by steep volcanic terrain. Historic landmarks include the colonial streets and buildings of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, the balconies and churches of La Orotava, Vegueta’s early urban fabric in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and the waterfront fortifications of Santa Cruz de La Palma. These places express the islands’ combined geological, maritime and cultural identity rather than a single architectural style.

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Explore Canary Islands on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Canary Islands

Canarian food is defined by straightforward island produce and strong links to the Atlantic. Papas arrugadas, small potatoes boiled in salted water and served with mojo sauces, are a familiar staple, while gofio, a toasted cereal flour, appears in dishes ranging from breakfasts to desserts. Fresh fish and seafood are important in coastal communities, and goat’s cheese is especially associated with Fuerteventura and other islands. Look for local stews, grilled meats, wrinkled potatoes, seasonal fruit and breads made with island grains, alongside wines from Tenerife, Lanzarote, La Palma and other volcanic growing areas. In towns and villages, traditional cafés, family restaurants and taverns often provide a more distinctly Canarian meal than resort buffets. Farmers’ markets are useful for fruit, cheese, sweets and preserves, while larger cities offer contemporary restaurants influenced by mainland Spain, Latin America and wider Atlantic cuisine. Dining times broadly follow Spanish patterns, though resort areas often serve food throughout the day for international visitors.

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Best bars in Canary Islands

Evening life varies sharply between the islands and between resort and residential areas. In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, visitors will find a wider range of cocktail bars, live music, theatres and late venues, while university populations and cultural programmes add variety at certain times of year. Resort areas in southern Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura have bars, entertainment venues and clubs aimed at international visitors, though their character is concentrated rather than representative of the whole archipelago. In smaller towns and on La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro, nightlife is more likely to centre on local bars, cafés, restaurants, festivals and occasional live music. Traditional establishments may serve Canarian wine, beer and simple food, and some villages remain quiet after dinner. Visitors should distinguish seasonal entertainment from permanent local nightlife and check current arrangements rather than relying on old listings.

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Best nightclubs in Canary Islands

Evening life varies sharply between the islands and between resort and residential areas. In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, visitors will find a wider range of cocktail bars, live music, theatres and late venues, while university populations and cultural programmes add variety at certain times of year. Resort areas in southern Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura have bars, entertainment venues and clubs aimed at international visitors, though their character is concentrated rather than representative of the whole archipelago. In smaller towns and on La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro, nightlife is more likely to centre on local bars, cafés, restaurants, festivals and occasional live music. Traditional establishments may serve Canarian wine, beer and simple food, and some villages remain quiet after dinner. Visitors should distinguish seasonal entertainment from permanent local nightlife and check current arrangements rather than relying on old listings.

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Best shops in Canary Islands

Shopping in the Canary Islands ranges from urban high streets and department stores to village markets, craft workshops and produce stalls. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife offer the broadest selection of fashion, books, design, food shops and independent retailers, while resort areas have strong concentrations of visitor-oriented stores. Historic towns such as Teguise, La Orotava, La Laguna and Santa Cruz de La Palma are better suited to browsing small shops, galleries and craft outlets. Regional purchases may include island cheese, mojo, gofio, sweets, local wine and preserves, though food products should be packed according to airline and destination rules. Pottery, woven goods, woodwork and jewellery can be found in craft centres and markets, but quality and provenance vary, so ask where an item was made. Weekly markets differ by municipality and season; check locally for current days and locations rather than assuming that a market operates daily.

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Canary Islands essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the euro (EUR), as in mainland Spain. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets, restaurants, transport hubs and larger attractions, although small cafés, rural businesses, market stalls and some taxis may prefer cash. Carry a modest amount of euros for remote villages, public toilets, small purchases and situations involving poor mobile coverage. ATMs are common in towns and resorts, but fees and exchange rates can vary when using cards issued outside the euro area.
Safety
The islands are generally well established for international tourism, but ordinary precautions remain sensible in busy resorts, transport hubs and beaches. Take particular care with sun exposure, dehydration and strong Atlantic currents, and follow lifeguard instructions rather than swimming at unguarded or rough beaches. Volcanic and mountain terrain can involve loose rock, steep drops, heat and sudden changes in visibility. Check official conditions before hiking, obey closures and use marked routes. When driving, allow extra time on winding roads and do not stop in unsafe places to take photographs.
Emergency Situations
Call 112 for police, fire or ambulance emergencies throughout Spain, including the Canary Islands; operators can handle urgent calls in several languages. Give the island, municipality, road, trail or landmark as precisely as possible, particularly in rural terrain where location can be difficult to identify. Coastguard and mountain-rescue responses are coordinated through the emergency system. For non-urgent medical care, ask accommodation staff or a local health service for the appropriate centre, and carry travel insurance details and essential medication information.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect trail closures, protected habitats, private land and no-entry signs, and take all rubbish away from natural areas. Do dress appropriately when entering churches or other religious buildings, especially outside resort areas. Do allow time for meals and greet staff politely in smaller establishments rather than treating villages as extensions of a resort. Do not remove volcanic rocks, plants or archaeological material. Avoid driving or parking on fragile dunes and lava fields, and do not assume that every beach is safe for swimming merely because the weather is sunny. Tipping is discretionary rather than compulsory, though rounding up or leaving a modest amount for good service is usual.
Local Tips
Treat each island as a separate destination with its own weather, food traditions and transport rhythm. The north-facing slopes of several islands are often cloudier and greener than southern resort areas, while high mountain zones can be cold even in warm months. Local markets are useful places to see island cheeses, fruit, vegetables, bread and prepared foods, but market days vary by municipality. If you plan to visit a protected volcanic or forest area, check access arrangements before travelling, since weather, fire risk and conservation measures can affect roads and trails.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHola[OH-lah]
GoodbyeAdiós[ah-DYOS]
YesSí[SEE]
NoNo[NO]
Please/You're welcomePor favor / De nada[por fah-BOR / de NAH-dah]
Thank youGracias[GRAH-syahs]
Excuse me/SorryPerdón[per-DON]
How are you?¿Cómo estás?[KOH-moh es-TAS]
Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?[BYEN. ee TOO?]
Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?[AH-blas een-GLES?]
I don't understandNo entiendo[NO en-TYEN-doh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor[meh goos-tah-RIA ver el meh-NOO, por fah-BOR]
I don't eat meatNo como carne[NO KOH-mo KAR-neh]
Cheers!¡Salud![sah-LOOD]
I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor[meh goos-tah-RIA pah-GAR, por fah-BOR]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!¡Ayuda![ah-YOO-dah]
Go away!¡Vete![VEH-teh]
Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía![YAH-mah ah lah poh-lee-SEE-ah]
Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor![YAH-mah ah oon dok-TOR]
I'm lostEstoy perdido/a[es-TOY per-DI-doh/dah]
I'm illEstoy enfermo/a[es-TOY en-FER-mo/mah]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...[meh goos-tah-RIA kom-PRAR]
I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando[SO-lo es-TOY mee-RAN-doh]
How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?[KWAN-toh KWES-tah?]
That's too expensiveEso es muy caro[EH-so es MOO-ee KAH-roh]
Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?[PWEH-des bah-HAR el PREH-syo?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?¿Qué hora es?[KEH OH-rah es?]
It's one o'clockEs la una[es lah OO-nah]
Half past (10)Y media (10)[ee MEH-diah (diez)]
MorningMañana[mah-NYAH-nah]
AfternoonTarde[TAR-deh]
EveningNoche[NOH-cheh]
YesterdayAyer[ah-YER]
TodayHoy[OY]
TomorrowMañana[mah-NYAH-nah]
1Uno[OO-no]
2Dos[DOS]
3Tres[TRES]
4Cuatro[KWAT-roh]
5Cinco[SEEN-koh]
6Seis[SAYS]
7Siete[SYEH-teh]
8Ocho[OH-choh]
9Nueve[NWEH-veh]
10Diez[DYEZ]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está un/una...?[DON-deh es-TAH oon/OO-nah...?]
What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?[KWAL es lah dee-rek-SYON?]
Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?[PWEH-des mos-TRAR-meh (en el MAH-pah)?]
When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo llega el próximo (autobús)?[KWAN-doh YEH-gah el PROK-see-mo (ow-toh-BOOS)?]
A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ....)[oon bee-YET-eh (ah ....)]

History of Canary Islands

Pre-Hispanic Island Societies

Before Castilian conquest, the islands were inhabited by distinct Indigenous communities, commonly grouped under names such as Guanches in Tenerife, although identities and lifeways varied from island to island. These societies practised herding, farming, fishing and craft production, adapting to sharply different volcanic environments. Cave dwellings, rock art, burial sites and archaeological collections preserve evidence of these cultures, though much knowledge was later filtered through European accounts. Sites such as the Cueva Pintada archaeological park on Gran Canaria and other island museums help explain the social organisation, beliefs and material culture of the archipelago before Spanish rule.

Castilian Conquest, Fourteenth to Fifteenth Centuries

European contact increased during the later medieval period as merchants, sailors and missionaries reached the Atlantic islands. The Castilian conquest unfolded unevenly from the fifteenth century, involving warfare, alliances, enslavement and the incorporation of the islands into the Spanish Crown. Tenerife, Gran Canaria and La Palma were among the last major islands to be conquered. The process caused profound demographic and cultural disruption for Indigenous communities, while European settlement introduced new institutions, languages, religions and landholding patterns that shaped the islands for centuries.

Sugar, Wine and Atlantic Trade

After conquest, plantation agriculture and maritime commerce connected the Canary Islands to European, African and American markets. Sugar was an important early export, relying heavily on coerced labour, while wine later became especially significant. Ports including Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Santa Cruz de La Palma served ships crossing the Atlantic, and island merchants participated in networks linking Spain, the Caribbean and the Americas. This commercial role brought wealth to selected towns and families, leaving churches, manor houses, port architecture and historic street plans as visible reminders of the islands’ place in Atlantic history.

Piracy, Fortifications and Maritime Defence

The islands’ position on Atlantic routes made them vulnerable to raids and rival imperial powers. Coastal towns developed defensive walls, castles and fortified towers, while ports became strategically important stopping points for long-distance shipping. Attacks on settlements such as Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de La Palma reinforced the importance of harbour defences. Surviving fortifications, including Castillo de la Luz in Las Palmas and Castillo de la Real Fuerza in Santa Cruz de La Palma, illustrate how commerce and military security were closely linked in the early modern archipelago.

Nineteenth-Century Ports and Agricultural Change

During the nineteenth century, the Canary Islands’ economy shifted as new port arrangements and export crops altered the balance between islands and towns. Cochineal, grown for its red dye, briefly prospered before synthetic dyes reduced its importance; bananas, tomatoes and other produce later became major exports. Improvements to harbours strengthened the commercial role of Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, while migration to Cuba, Venezuela and other parts of Latin America created enduring family and cultural connections. The period also encouraged urban growth and new civic architecture.

Tourism and Modernisation in the Twentieth Century

Mass tourism transformed the islands from the mid-twentieth century onwards. Improved air travel, road building and resort construction brought large numbers of visitors, especially to southern Tenerife, southern Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. Tourism created employment and infrastructure but also placed pressure on coastlines, water supplies, housing and landscapes. At the same time, the islands developed airports, universities, cultural institutions and stronger regional political structures. Modern Canary Islands society therefore combines an internationally connected service economy with agriculture, fishing, public administration and communities shaped by long-standing island traditions.

Autonomy and Contemporary Canarian Identity

The Canary Islands became an autonomous community of Spain under the constitutional arrangements of the late twentieth century, with its own parliament and government. Contemporary identity draws on local island loyalties, Spanish citizenship, Atlantic connections and renewed interest in Indigenous heritage. Environmental protection has become increasingly important, with extensive areas designated as national parks, biosphere reserves or other protected landscapes. The islands now face the challenges of managing tourism, climate change, water resources and uneven development while preserving distinctive ecosystems and cultural traditions.

Canary Islands in Photos

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Neighbouring regions of Canary Islands

The closest regions to Canary Islands, if you have time for more than one.

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Canary Islands

Discover the Canary Islands with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide offering detailed insights on attractions, landmarks, shops, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • High-quality images and descriptions
  • Local tips and travel advice
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More about the Evendo app

Make the most of your Canary Islands adventure with Evendo. Discover attractions, book experiences, and explore like a local with our comprehensive, free travel guide.

  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
  • Comprehensive maps and contact details
  • History and travel essentials for Canary Islands
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • Curated local tips to experience the islands like a local
  • Completely free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate travel companion for exploring the breathtaking Canary Islands, Spain. Whether you're planning to hike the volcanic landscapes of Tenerife, relax on the golden beaches of Gran Canaria, or dive into the vibrant nightlife of Lanzarote, Evendo has got you covered.

Imagine having a pocket-sized guide that offers detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. From the majestic Teide National Park to the historic streets of La Laguna, our app provides rich descriptions, stunning images, local tips, maps, and contact details to make your trip planning seamless and enjoyable.

Discover culinary delights at renowned restaurants like El Rincón de Juan Carlos in Tenerife or Casa Tagoro in Gran Canaria. Explore cultural landmarks like the Auditorio de Tenerife or the Cueva de los Verdes in Lanzarote. With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and unique experiences directly through the app, eliminating the need for multiple searches and bookings.

Our app also features a comprehensive history of the Canary Islands, essential travel tips, and curated local advice to ensure you experience the islands like a true insider. The 'Near Me' feature allows you to find nearby attractions and amenities, no matter where you are on the islands.

Don't miss out on hidden gems and local favorites. Download Evendo today and unlock the full potential of your Canary Islands adventure.

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