Just off the northwest coast of Africa, right by Morocco, this Spanish archipelago boasts dazzling beaches, dramatic landscapes and a rich blend of cultural influences. Its seven islands hold a world of wonders from volcanic terrain to white-sand beaches. Still undiscovered by North American tourists, the islands have a relaxed international vibe, perfect for vacation.
No more California dreamin’—here are seven reasons you’ll soon be dreaming of the Canary Islands instead.
1. Eternal Sunshine of the Canary Kind
These Islands aren’t nicknamed the “Islands of Eternal Spring” for nothing. The Canary Islands offer warm weather year-round, rarely dipping below 68°F, even in January or February, and then only at higher elevations. In July and August, temperatures hover in the eighties, softened by a refreshing coastal breeze in most areas. Come September and October, arguably the best time to visit, things cool down to a balmy mid-70s, which makes for great sunbathing and hiking without extreme heat.
2. Volcanic Splendor
The volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands are nothing short of otherworldly. Sculpted by millions of years of eruptions and lava flows, the archipelago is a dramatic showcase of craters, calderas, lava tubes and basalt cliffs. Each island has its own unique geological story. Some, like Tenerife’s, are full of ancient peaks while others, like La Palma, shot lava fountains hundreds of feet in the air as recently as 2021, adding new layers of history.
3. Diverse Outdoor Adventures
From hiking Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, in Teide National Park, through lunar-like lava fields on Tenerife to diving El Hierro’s crystal clear marine reserves brimming with sea life, the islands serve up thrills in every direction. Lanzarote’s fierce trade winds are perfect for windsurfing or sandboarding down black volcanic dunes, while Gran Canaria’s varied terrain offers epic cycling routes through pine forests and cliffside roads. La Palma ups the adrenaline with sea-kayaking and bike rides through volcanic pseudo craters. And when the sun sets, the stargazing on La Palma or Tenerife rivals any planetarium.
4. Food and Wine Worth Traveling For
The local cuisine of the Canary Islands is as vibrant and diverse as the landscapes themselves, offering a delicious fusion of Spanish tradition, African influence and Latin American flair. Start with the beloved papas arrugadas, perfectly salted “wrinkled potatoes” boiled in seawater and served with mojo, fiery red or garlicky green sauces that pack a flavorful punch and accompany nearly every meal. Fresh seafood is a daily staple, pulled straight from Atlantic waters and island cheeses, particularly from Fuerteventura and La Palma, are often smoked rich and handmade, served with local honey or fig jam. And then there’s the wine—oh the wine! Grown in volcanic soils on terraced hillsides, Canary Island wines are complex, mineral-rich and wildly underrated.
5. Authentic Cultural Experiences
The Canary Islands are bursting with cultural richness that goes far beyond beaches and sunshine. Festivals like Carnaval light up the streets with music parades and flamboyant costumes, while artisan markets and folk performances offer a glimpse into island traditions year-round. The islands’ heritage blends Spanish colonial influence with the legacy of the indigenous Guanche and Bimbache peoples, whose presence still echoes through archaeological sites, farming techniques and local legends. Museums like the Museo Canario and the Museum of Nature and Archaeology showcase this deep history, while historic towns such as La Laguna in Tenerife, now a World Heritage Site, bring the past to life with colonial architecture and cobbled streets.
6. Eco-Tourism and Sustainability
The Canary Islands are increasingly committed to sustainable tourism, blending their natural beauty with thoughtful environmental stewardship. Across the archipelago, eco-hotels and lodges are rising in popularity—designed with renewable energy sources, water conservation systems and locally sourced materials that minimize environmental impact without sacrificing comfort. Recycling programs and sustainable waste management are being adopted in both urban centers and rural communities, while marine reserves and national parks are fiercely protected to safeguard fragile ecosystems and endemic species. Islands like La Palma and El Hierro are at the forefront of this green movement, with El Hierro aiming to become the first island in the world powered entirely by renewable energy, thanks to its innovative hydro-wind hybrid plant. La Palma, meanwhile, promotes low-impact travel through well-maintained hiking trails, stargazing tourism and community-based eco-initiatives that benefit both locals and the land.
7. Easy Access and Affordability
With direct flights from major European cities—including London, Madrid, Berlin and Amsterdam—the Canary Islands are remarkably accessible, often requiring just a few short hours in the air to reach this subtropical paradise. Frequent routes operated by both full-service and low-cost carriers make it easy to find affordable fares year-round, and the islands’ visa-free access for EU and Schengen travelers adds to the convenience. Once you land, a wide range of accommodations awaits, from sleek luxury resorts with oceanfront pools and world-class spas to cozy rural casas and budget-friendly guesthouses tucked into charming mountain villages. Whether you’re looking for indulgence or simplicity, there’s an option for every travel style and budget. Getting around is equally hassle-free thanks to a well-developed network of public buses, affordable car rentals and domestic flights linking all seven main islands. Inter-island ferries provide a scenic and efficient way to explore beyond your home base, making multi-island itineraries easy to plan. The Canaries offer all the ease and infrastructure of a major destination, without the crowds or chaos.
Ready to Go?
The Canary Islands are more than just a beach destination. With dramatic scenery, welcoming culture and activities for every kind of traveler, they offer a diversity of landscapes and experiences distinct from those in Spain. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a solo adventure or a group vacation, there's never been a better time to explore this Atlantic jewel.
Backroads' Canary Islands Multi-Adventure Tour brings together hiking, biking, kayaking and cultural immersion in a way that captures the islands’ raw, rugged beauty while allowing plenty of space to unwind in style.
