Off the sunny coast of North Africa, the Canary Islands—part of Spain—draw in sun-worshippers and outdoor adventurers in equal numbers. It's an incredible place for swimming, diving, soaking up the rays, and hiking through gorgeous and diverse landscapes. Many of the best things to do in the Canary Islands are on the larger islands--namely Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote. Popular activities include sailing to sea to spot whales and dolphins, canyoning, and camel riding.
The best time to visit the Canary Islands is in summer, when the weather is balmy and ideal for ocean swims. However, this time of year is usually pretty crowded. August, in particular, draws in masses of sun-seeking vacationers from the UK and the European mainland. If swimming isn’t your priority, you can strike a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds by visiting in spring or fall.
The easiest way to get around in the Canary Islands is by renting a car or relying on taxis. Bus service is also reliable, particularly in major hubs. If you plan to visit multiple islands, you can either fly between them or take ferries. All of the islands have airports and ferry terminals, and both Tenerife and Gran Canaria are ferry hubs, with service to all of the other islands.
For a quintessentially Canarian dining experience, head to Restaurante La Casona del Vino, housed in an unassuming whitewashed building, just north of Candelaria’s Playa de Punta Larga on Tenerife. Inside, you’ll find a rustic-chic dining room with wooden tables and chairs and vaguely maritime decor. While the interiors set the mood, it’s the food that draws back regular—La Casona del Vino serves up everything from papas arrugadas (a Canarian preparation of boiled potatoes) to rabbit paella.
