Cheap Holidays to Canary Islands

All you need to know about holidays to Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a group of volcanic islands that belong to Spain and lie off the coast of Morocco in the Atlantic Ocean. They are known for their year-round spring-like climate, which makes holidays to the Canary Islands great for both summer heat and winter sun.

The most popular islands for a Canary Islands holiday are Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria, which all offer their own individual mix of beaches, nightlife and attractions. That means that it's super simple to get a holiday here with just the right level of activities for you on your doorstep. And all without breaking the bank thanks to year-round offers on cheap Canary Island holidays.

And it's easy to branch out in the Canary Islands for a holiday with a difference too, away from the package holiday crowds and resorts packed with sunbathers and revellers. A holiday on the less touristy La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro will put you amidst some of the most beautiful scenery in this island chain. Rugged landscapes, lush valleys and unspoilt local culture abound, although expect the amenities to be much more rustic. Visit for one of the many festivals in 2013 or 2014 to really soak up life in the Canary Islands.

How to get to the Canary Islands

There are numerous budget and lowcost airlines that offer flights to the Canary Islands which means that there are plenty of cheap holidays available too! Flights are available from all over the UK, all nonstop into your final destination with a flying time of around four hours or a little over, depending on where you depart from, meaning that you can be basking in the sunshine in next to no time.

An easy way to arrange your holiday to Canary Islands is to book a package holiday. There are plenty available, and transfers can be included too, either free or for a very reasonable rate, and it's a good idea to take advantage of this if you're after an easy life and a holiday with minimal travelling around.

You could also easily tailor-make your own trip by booking flights to the Canaries and then Canary Islands hotels separately. Remember you'll need to arrange travel between the two though!

Where to go in the Canary Islands

Tenerife has the most lively resort and best nightlife of all the islands with resorts like Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas landing the way. Here you will find fantastic beach holidays in Canary Islands as well as theme parks, the dramatic landscape of Mount Teide which has been compared to the moon, and spectacular coastal features too such as the soaring Los Gigantes. You can even check out some potentially ancient pyramids at Guimar, although opinions are divided on what they might actually mean!

Fuerteventura is where you will find the most beautiful sandy beaches in this archipelago and watersports fans flock to them for kitesurfing and windsurfing holidays, thanks to a slightly windier climate. If you're after sunbathing and relaxing here make sure you read up on the beaches, as some are more sheltered and these are the ones you need! A day trip to Baku Water Park or Natural Park Jandia and snorkelling with dolphins are all popular things to do here.

Lanzarote is the best place for a Canary Islands if you want the make the most of the dramatic landscape in this part of the world. Parque Nacional de Timanfaya boasts a volcanic landscape featuring blue and black lava flows and some of the island's three hundred dormant volcano cones, whilst the lookout point at Mirador del Rio is simply breathtaking. In fact, a visit to any of Cesar Manrique's attractions, such as the Foundation or Jameos del Agua is a treat. Beach lovers will also not be disappointed with some beautiful bays here in Lanzarote, including some with black sand, which gets pretty hot!

Gran Canaria is a good destination for culture vultures who want some sunshine and relaxation thrown in too. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is where you will find a range of fascinating buildings and museums as well as an intriguing old town dotted with cobbled streets. There is also plenty of fun on offer with several water parks and family activities too, such as Aqualand, Palmitos Park and Crocodile Park. And definitely take some time to explore the Maspalomas Sand Dunes, whether you do it by quad bike, camel or on foot is up to you!