9 Mistakes People Make When Visiting the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands is made up of 8 main islands, each of which has its own set of idyllic beaches, picturesque landmarks, and excellent hotels. While island-hopping is a great way to explore the archipelago, choosing the right island as your base can be challenging. It all depends on the type of holiday you're looking for.

Fuerteventura is great for those who enjoy golden beaches and thrilling water sports, while Tenerife is known for its vibrant nightlife, world-class golf courses, and upmarket resorts. If you love hiking, El Hierro, Lanzarote, and La Gomera boast miles of trails through lush rainforests and volcanic mountains.

The beaches of the Canaries are among the safest in the world – over 60 stretches of sand have received the coveted Blue Flag award. Lifeguards often patrol the beaches, so everyone can safely enjoy the ocean.

It’s always a good idea to watch out for the colour of beach flags along the coastline. Red indicates strong currents unfit for swimming, while yellow means moderate surf or currents. Green flags indicate calm conditions, but good to exercise caution when swimming. When purple flags are posted, it means there are sightings of jellyfish, stingrays, and sharks in the water. 

Avoid drinking, smoking, or vaping in public spaces – either on the streets or on the beach. It’s prohibited across all the Canary Islands. You could face a hefty fine if caught.

Instead, look for any bar, restaurant or cafe that has quiet outdoor seating with designated smoking areas. Only at such spaces will you be able to enjoy a drink and have a smoke while enjoying Spain’s beautiful weather.

Most of the main islands in the Canaries are simply too large to explore without a motorised vehicle. While there are local buses on each island, it’s relatively challenging to get around on them, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

The best way to get around the Canary Islands is to rent a car or motorcycle, though we prefer the former for added safety. Not only can you save waiting time, but you also have the freedom of exploring the islands at your own pace.

Timeshare scams are common across the world, including the Canary Islands. Vendors approach unsuspecting visitors with a scratch-off ticket that promises heavily discounted stays at a popular resort. A rule of thumb: if an offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

The Canary Islands is known for its sunny weather, even during the winter months (December–February). While the average daytime temperature is 24°C year-round, certain parts of the archipelago can get rather windy and chilly.

It’s a good idea to pack for unexpected weather conditions, so bring a light jacket, covered shoes, and scarves. You might not need them for the beach, but these are essential if you’re planning to hike the Canaries’ mountains and national parks.

Like everywhere around the world, petty crime is common in areas frequented by tourists. The Canary Islands is no exception, especially on Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote – basically the main islands in the archipelago. 

Avoid getting pickpocketed by storing valuables in your hotel’s safety deposit box. If you’re out and about, always keep your passport and wallet close.

The Canary Islands is volcanic in origin, which means many of its beaches feature jet-black sand. There are also several volcanoes across the islands, including Mount Teide in Tenerife and Cumbre Vieja in La Palma.

However, the Spanish archipelago boasts plenty of natural wonders, including pristine beaches with fine, golden sand. Fuerteventura boasts 10 Blue Flag beaches, including La Concha and Corralejo Viejo. There’s even a Sahara-like sand dune in Gran Canaria, called the Maspalomas Dunes.

Stargazing is often overlooked by many first-time visitors to the Canary Islands. The archipelago has exceptionally clear night skies, with plenty of vantage points for you to marvel at constellations.

La Palma and Tenerife are among the best islands to enjoy a night of stargazing. Must-visits include the Teide Observatory on Mount Teide and Roque de los Muchachos Observatory at the edge of the Taburiente National Park. Both venues have professional astronomists who can teach you how to use their gigantic telescopes.