Puerto de la Cruz has a espectacular coastal setting in Tenerife, the largest and most populous of … [+]
Whether it’s the dramatic cliffs of La Gomera, the expansive banana plantations of Tenerife and La Palma, or the surreal volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote, there’s so much more to discover in the Canary Islands beyond the famous beaches.
Most travelers visiting the Spanish archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa often fly into one of the main islands and spend their time lounging on the beach. While that’s a perfectly acceptable vacation choice, it does mean missing out on the incredible diversity the archipelago has to offer.
The Canary Islands are not just about sun and sand; each island boasts unique landscapes, from lush forests and volcanic terrains to charming small villages untouched by mass tourism. For the adventurous spirit, the islands offer hiking trails, off-road adventures, watersports, local food, and sweet wines.
Exploring the islands is easier than you might think. Efficient ferry services, internal flights, and organized tours make island hopping a breeze, allowing visitors to experience the rich diversity that these volcanic islands offer.
Fly Between The Canary Islands
Because only the five biggest islands accept international flights from Northern Europe, it may surprise visitors to learn that all seven of the principal Canary Islands have airports. This makes hopping between the islands a breeze.
Binter Canarias is a regional airline for the Canary Islands in Spain, offering multiple daily … [+]
Two main companies—Binter and Canaryfly—compete on the routes and in all cases the flying time is less than one hour. Canaryfly is known as the budget alternative but both airlines offer cheap fares if booked in advance.
One quirk to bear in mind when flying is that all domestic air traffic on Tenerife uses Tenerife North Airport, close to the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
However, the majority of international arrivals use Tenerife South, which is closer to the southern resorts such as Playa de Las Americas, popular with holidaymakers from Northern Europe. You’ll need to allow a minimum of 45 minutes for the drive between the two airports.
Canary Island Ferries
Travelling by boat between the islands is usually cheaper than flying and offers a different setting in which it’s much easier to relax and possibly even spot wildlife.
Several different companies run scheduled timetables that connect the islands with roll-on, roll-off car ferries, some of which also carry cargo. Some of the largest islands have more than one port, so be sure to double-check your departure and arrival ports, not just the islands.
Trasmediterránea car, cargo, and passenger ferry leaving La Palma in the Canary Islands.
Departures are frequent and the fares reasonable. Schedules are similar with multiple daily departures on many popular routes, such as between Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
Check the websites of Naviera Armas / Trasmediterránea, Fred Olsen Express, Líneas Romero, and Biosfera Express to discover the best routes and times for your requirements.
There are some differences between the companies. For example, Fred Olsen makes the Tenerife to Gran Canaria crossing in just 80 minutes but uses the Agaete port on the northwest of Gran Canaria. The crossing with Armas takes 100 minutes but arrives in the capital, Las Palmas.
Foot passengers are welcome, and some lines offer connecting bus services to make traveling without a car that bit easier. Remember to factor in the cost of this service or alternative transit when comparing prices.
Passenger only vessels are used by some lines on some of the shorter routes, such as the Fred Olsen trip from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura that takes as little as 25 minutes.
Fred Olsen is one of the Canary Islands ferry companies that offer connecting bus services from the … [+]
Renting a car on the Canary Islands is cheap, so utilizing the car ferry system is a great value way to see multiple islands. Just be sure to specify you’ll be traveling between islands on your rental agreement, as it may make a small impact on your rental price and/or insurance premium.
Day Trip Excursions
If you prefer to base yourself on one island, it’s still possible to enjoy an island hopping experience. Organized tours are available from many islands, departing and returning on the same day.
Many of these are bus tours that utilize the ferry services above, such as Atlantico Excursions’ 10-hour tour of La Gomera from either Puerto de la Cruz or the southern resorts of Tenerife.
It’s also possible to enjoy private yacht tours, although these tend to focus on spotting whales, dolphins, and marine birdlife, rather than traveling between islands.
Cruise Ship
If you’re keen to experience the diversity on offer in the archipelago, consider a Canary Islands cruise.
Many options are available, including 14-night cruises from the U.K. or 7-night fly-cruises that begin and end in Gran Canaria and typically include a different Canarian destination each day. Many British and German cruise lines offer these types of itinerary, often attracting families.