Planning a trip to the Canary Islands? Here are all the important details you need to know from when to visit, to safety and local customs. A little knowledge goes a long way to make sure your trip goes smoothly.

Practical Details

When to Visit? High and Low Seasons

The Canary Islands are a year round destination with two defined peak seasons. The busiest time of year is December to February when tourists from colder northern climates seek out some winter sun. 

A second season in July and August corresponds to summer break where a larger quantity of Spanish travelers from the mainland and the Canary Islands are on the move.  

Best time to travel to the Canary Islands

The Canary islands receive tourists in all seasons thanks to consistently pleasant temperatures and copious sunshine. That said, determining the best time to travel depends more on what you’d like to do. Hiking is generally best during March – May or September – November whereas the best time for specific water sports depends on the sports and your skill level. 

Money Matters 

The official currency of the Canary Islands is the Euro (€).

ATMs are easy to find throughout the islands, although they can be unreliable on the smallest island of La Graciosa. Card payment is widely accepted, however you should always have cash on hand as a back up, especially as you venture outside of heavily touristed centers.

The Canary islands have special tax status, and everyday prices (and salaries!) are generally lower than on mainland Spain. This means your coffee, beer or tank of gas will often cost less than what it would elsewhere in Europe. 

The cost of accommodation is a different story and fluctuates considerably with seasonal demand. The majority of islands cater to a wide range of travelers from budget conscious to all inclusive hotels and luxury travel. Expect smaller islands to have fewer accommodation options than larger islands of Gran Canary, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.

Safety

The Canary islands are among the safest destinations in Euroñe and are welcoming to all types of travelers. As with anywhere, common sense reins supreme to prevent the uncommon occurrence of petty theft or pickpocketing in busy tourist areas. 

The biggest safety risks in the archipelago are usually environmental and visitors should pay close attention to nature and beach/water safety. This means sticking to official hiking trails, wearing sunscreen and respecting local signs and warnings about water conditions. 

Food

In the Canary Islands you will never be too far away from some sort of food establishment, be it a standard bar, restaurant or grocery store. Most visitors will have no problem finding something they enjoy, but individuals with specialized food needs (celiacs, vegans) will find fewer options outside the main tourist hubs. The larger islands have a greater range of both local and international food options as well as more fine-dining experiences than smaller islands. 

Language

Spanish is the official language of the Canary Islands. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and German in some areas where there is a concentrated German presence. 

Visitors who speak Spanish will notice that Canarian Spanish differs from Spanish spoken on the mainland. Most obviously, Canarian Spanish uses ¨ustedes¨ instead of ¨vosotros¨ when speaking about or to groups of people. Locals also drop the ¨th¨ sound often used in the mainland when pronouncing a ¨c¨ or ¨z¨ in favor of an ¨s¨ sound. You’ll also come across vocabulary differing from mainland Spanish such as ¨pelete¨ (cold) or ¨guagua¨ (bus). 

Electricity

The Canary Islands use standard European plug sockets (Type C, E and F) with a 230 volts and 50Hz frequency, similar to most of Europe (with the exception of the UK).

Transport

Taxis, car rental and public transport are your main options to move around the islands efficiently. 

Time Zone

The Canary Islands operate on Western European Time,  the same time zone as Portugal and the UK. The archipelago is one hour behind mainland Spain. 

Visas

Spain is part of the European Union and the Schengen Area. Europeans coming from other Schengen area countries can freely enter without a visa. 

Visitors from outside the Schengen Area may require a visa depending on their nationality. Since Brexit, travelers from the UK must pass through passport control when entering into Spain. 

Cultural Customs

Air Conditioning

Due to the generally mild temperatures and climate in the archipelago, air conditioning is not universal across all accommodations, especially in Airbnb style/self-catering apartment rentals. 

Siesta

Siesta, the traditional midday break, is still part of everyday life in many local communities in the archipelago. Smaller shops outside of tourist hubs will often close sometime between 1:30 – 4:00 or 5:00 PM. Additionally, Sundays tend to be much quieter and you can expect many shops and supermarkets to be closed. 

In the main tourist areas businesses are more likely to stay open continuously throughout the day.  

Meal Timing & Restaurants

Locals will grab breakfast or a mid-morning snack anytime up through 12 PM, lunch anytime between 1:30-3:30 and dinner between 8-10 PM. In tourist areas you can expect to find restaurants accommodating earlier eating habits.

Restaurant service in the Canary Islands is generally more relaxed. Once your food has arrived, the wait staff will usually leave you to enjoy your meal. This means you´ll likely need to politely call wait staff to your table if you’d like to order additional items or ask for a bill.

Tipping

Tipping is always appreciated, but not expected or required. If you received particularly good service, round up the bill or leave a few extra euros at a restaurant. 

Coffee Culture

Coffee breaks are ubiquitous in the Canary Islands. While specialty coffee and complex pour over processes are not widespread, you will find an impressive range of coffee options including the famous barraquito, espresso, cortago, cafe con leche, americano and many more. 

Microclimates

This is the land of sun, but dramatic changes in geography and altitude means the weather and temperatures can vary across short distances. Bring light layers to be prepared for all minor weather changes you may encounter as you adventure. 

Not All of Spain is the Same

Globally, Spain is well known for flamenco, tapas, paella, and bullfighting. None of these traditions come from the Canary Islands. While you can find an emotive flamenco show, or delicious paella in the archipelago, the best way to understand the unique character of the Canary Islands is to seek out local food, entertainment and culture.