Picking The Perfect Canary Island: Which One Is The Best For You?

Tenerife is the largest Canary Island and a popular destination attracting millions of people yearly. The island has something for everyone, from natural wonders to stunning beaches and cultural attractions to historic sites. 

Let’s look at some of the most popular things to do in Tenerife:

Walk Up Mount Teide 

One of the top attractions in Tenerife is Mount Teide, a fantastic spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The views are sensational from the 3,700-meter peak—but you can take a cable car to the summit if you don’t fancy the hike. 

Siam Park 

Siam ParkLink opens in a new tab is a Thai-themed water park in Tenerife and one of the island’s most loved attractions. You’ll find various water slides, a rather addictive wave pool (it’s hard to stop anticipating the next big wave), and a charming lazy river in this great park. It’s a superb spot for the entire family. 

The Masca Valley 

The Masca Valley, located northwest of the island, is a superb valley range with some of Europe’s best scenery. You can hike through the cliffs and villages when you visit the valley, making it ideal for adventurous travelers. 

Playa de las Teresitas

The most popular beach in Tenerife is Playa de las Teresitas because of its gorgeous white sand and clear sea. However, what sets this beach apart is how this volcanic island imported the pristine sand from the nearby Sahara Desert. It’s truly stunning. 

All in all, Tenerife is an excellent destination if you love the outdoors but where Tenerife really shines is in its variety of hiking activities. This island also has a superb history with various UNESCO World Heritage Sites and being a very popular tourist destination, it’s a great choice if you want endless options when it comes to accommodation, food and nightlife. While it certainly caters to all, Tenerife might be a family vacation favorite.

Gran Canaria is an excellent Canary Island for people of all interests. Combining stunning natural landscapes, exquisite beaches, and quaint towns, Gran Canaria is a superb outdoor destination for anyone trying to escape the hustle.

Here are some of the top things to do in Gran Canaria: 

The Sand Dunes of Maspalomas

One of the premier attractions in Gran Canaria is the Sand Dunes of Maspalomas. The attraction features 400 hectares of golden dunes, an exotic and enchanting landscape for northern Europeans. 

Roque Nublo 

If you’re looking for stunning views, you’ll struggle to find a better option than Roque Nublo. These rock formations are some of the most iconic landmarks in Gran Canaria—and hiking to the top is a worthy excursions. 

Vegueta in Las Palmas

Do you love history? If so, look no further than Vegueta in Las Palmas, a charming neighborhood spanning through the oldest part of the city. You’ll find historic buildings, including the Casa de Colón and the Canarian Museum. 

Playa de Maspalomas

The most iconic beach in Gran Canaria is Playa de Maspalomas. It’s a fantastic spot to relax and enjoy the sun. However, it also offers many watersport activities, including windsurfing and kiteboarding. 

Playa de las Canteras

The most beautiful beach in Gran Canaria is Playa de las Canteras. Situated in Las Palmas, you’ll find clear waters and golden sand with a brilliant relaxing atmosphere and sunbathing spots, right in this charming city. 

Gran Canaria is fantastic if you want a great beach vacation but wouldn’t mind a charming city break as well. Although there are great beaches in all of the Canary Islands, many feel Gran Canaria has the most scenic and pleasant beaches. Gran Canaria is a great destination for all age groups and has a superb nightlife, but with its variety of relaxed beaches and the charming city, this might be a senior citizen’s favorite island.

Fuerteventura is another fantastic Canary Island for visiting beaches, hiking, and adventures. However, Fuerteventura is extra special if you’re interested in outdoor activities. The island has some of Europe’s best watersport conditions; it’s also superb for cycling and hiking with its constant breeze and lovely scenery. 

 Here are the best attractions in Fuerteventura:

Corralejo Natural Park

The Corralejo Natural Park is a protected natural reserve in the Northern part of Fuerteventura, offering excellent white beaches and a long stretch of impressive sand dunes. Situated by the town of Corralejo, this reserve is only accessible on foot so bring good shoes, your bathing suit, a towel, sunscreen and some sustenance because you're not going to want to leave. 

Playa de Cofete 

Although Fuerteventura is home to many world-class beaches, the most popular and iconic beach is Playa de Cofete. Situated on the island’s south coast, Playa de Cofete has wild and rugged beaches stretching for miles. 

Ajuy Caves

One of the island’s most loved natural wonders is the Ajuy Caves, home to stunning limestone caves and unusual black sand beaches. Volcanic rock formed the caves, leaving a unique and picturesque appearance. 

Betancuria Rural Park

One of the top hikes on the island is Betancuria Rural Park. You’ll find this hike near the gorgeous town of Betancuria; it has some of the most stunning scenery on the island and many varied landscapes. 

Corralejo Beach

Corralejo Beach, situated north of the island, is the best beach for outdoor activities. You can enjoy surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and more. There are many instructors near the beach if you’re new to watersports. 

Caleta de Fuste

Caleta de Fuste is the largest town in the municipality of Antigua on the west coast of Fuerteventura. Known as an amazing destination for any type of water sport, it excels when it comes to diving, offering travelers some of the most enchanting underwater landscapes and marine life available. After diving with the dolphins and turtles, be sure to book your tee time at one of the Canary Islands' best golf coursesLink opens in a new tab, just outside of town.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous break on a calmer island, you’ll love Fuerteventura. The island offers many superb outdoor activities alongside scenery, hikes, and volcanic activity. It’s the better option for a quieter vacation with outdoor adventure. While the extreme sports are obviously optional, Fuerteventura might be a favorite for the younger, more adrenaline-seeking traveler.

If you’re looking for a fantastic break at any time of the year, the Canary Islands—regardless of the island—won’t disappoint. 

Although there are differences between the islands, they remain similar in one sense: They’re all remarkably beautiful, outdoorsy, and the weather is nearly always, perfect. 

What more can you ask for on a winter break?