Know before you go : Canary Islands Edition

In this article, I’ll make an overview of everything useful to know before going to Canary Islands, including some travel tips.

You’ll find : 

The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the northwest coast of Africa. They consist of eight main islands, including Lanzarote, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura.

The capital cities are Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which share the status of co-capital of the Canary Islands. Lanzarote’s main city is Arrecife, located on the island’s east coast.

Known for their volcanic scenery, stunning beaches, and natural pools, the Canary Islands offer a wide variety of landscapes.

As of 2024, the Canary Islands cover approximately 7500 km² and have a population of around 2.2 million people.

The best time to visit the Canary Islands, especially Lanzarote, is during the shoulder seasons, so either from March to June or from September to November. The temperatures are pleasant, typically ranging from 20°C to 27°C, and that way you also avoid the summer crowds.

Note that there is quite often some wind on the islands, so it won’t feel as hot as it actually is, especially once the sun sets.

When we visited in June, the weather was great for exploring Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes and beaches, even though the wind was really strong sometimes. But on the bright side, the island was not crowded at all !

The currency in the Canary Islands is the Euro, as they are part of Spain.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the country, but I recommend withdrawing money just in case, for parking or local markets for example. For cash withdrawals, it’s best to use Banca March ATMs to avoid fees.

The Canary Islands are generally more affordable than mainland Spain. A meal at a casual restaurant costs around €10-15 per person, while traditional eateries in smaller towns may be even cheaper.

However, plan a budget for the different entrance fees as there are many and they all cost at least 10€.

For accommodation, expect to pay between €50 and €90 per night for two people in mid-range hotels or charming guesthouses, with higher prices in popular tourist areas. We opted for a van, that way we could combine the accommodation and car expenses, plus it is a really great island for road tripping.

Clothing: Even in summer, bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, especially due to the frequent wind. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially if you plan to hike in volcanic landscapes. One of the best Canary Islands travel tips I could give is definitely to bring a windbreaker.

Sun Protection: The Canary Islands have strong sun exposure, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.

Adapter: The Canary Islands use Type C and F power outlets, like mainland Spain and most of Europe. Travelers from outside Europe may need a plug adapter. A power bank is also useful for long days of exploring.

There’s a lot to bring back from the Canary Islands!

Traditional Items: You can bring back many locally produced Aloe Vera products, volcanic stone jewellery or traditional Canarian knives (navajas). Other traditional souvenir include handmade pottery, woven baskets…

Food & Drinks: Consider bringing back wines from Lanzarote’s La Geria region, as well as a bottle of Canarian rum or honey rum (Ron Miel). Other great food souvenirs include mojo sauce (red or green), gofio (a toasted flour used in many Canarian dishes), local cheeses like queso majorero from Fuerteventura, and banana-based products.

The official language of the Canary Islands is Spanish, but you can manage with English if needed.

Here are a few Spanish phrases that might come in handy:

Hello: Hola [OH-lah]

Thank you: Gracias [GRAH-syahs]

You’re welcome: De nada [Deh NAH-dah]

I (don’t) understand: (No) entiendo [(NO) ehn-TYEHN-doh]

Sorry: Lo siento [loh SYEN-toh]

My name is…: Me llamo… [Meh YAH-moh]

Yes / No: Sí / No [SEE / NOH]

If you’re traveling to the Canary Islands from Europe, most mobile plans include internet and calls without additional charges due to EU roaming agreements.

However, if you need a local SIM card, providers like Movistar, Vodafone, or Orange offer affordable options, starting at around €10, available at airports and local stores.

Regarding transportation, if you want to explore the islands’ beaches, volcanoes, and national parks, I recommend renting a van or a car at the airport. Make sure to check the rental requirements, as a credit card is often needed.

There’s a lot of things to see in the Canary Islands ! You can go hiking volcanic landscapes, discover the stunning beaches or natural pools …You won’t be bored a second !

Here’s a list of the best things to do in the Canary Islands:

• Lanzarote : Timanfaya National Park, La Geria, Jameos del Agua & Cueva de los Verdes, Mirador del Río, Los Hervideros & Charco Verde, Papagayo Beaches
• Tenerife: Teide National Park, Anaga Rural Park, La Laguna, Los Gigantes Cliffs, Masca Village
• Gran Canaria : Dunas de Maspalomas, Roque Nublo, Teror & Tejeda, Las Canteras Beach
• Fuerteventura : Corralejo Natural Park, Cofete Beach, El Cotillo

That’s it for my Canary Islands travel tips !

I have also made a detailed post about the ultimate one week itinerary in Lanzarote, and another one about a four days itinerary in Tenerife.