Over the years, the Canary Islands have become a favorite trip for the British. It’s a beautiful substitution for the unfamiliar, cold, and windy climate. The beautiful volcanic landscapes and the serene, turquoise waters provide a great landscape with a lifestyle where there is a perfect blend between activity and relaxation.
There is always more to know, like local geography, arrangements, and more. Knowing this ahead of time could improve the chances of making the visit intercept with the challenges of the visit as smoothly as the weather.
What Makes the Canary Islands Attractable for Britons?
For the range of selections a traveler could get, opportunities like the Islands are rare. The climate is perfect no matter the season, the temperature is roughly the same all year with an average of 22 degrees. This is a great temptation to the Brits without jet lag and out of reach of long distance flights.
- A flight from London to Tenerife or Gran Canaria is a bit more than 4 hours. Even better, you can be sipping a coffee in London wearing a jumper, and 4 hours later, be lounging on a beach in Tenerife.
- Tenerife is also equally diverse in landscapes. You have the mountains, dunes, and even the villages to explore in the UK if the villages and coast have too much hustle.
- If hiking in Teide National park, surfing in Fuerteventura, or exploring the lava tunnels in Lanzarote is too active, you have a bit of a relaxing paradise to explore on any of the islands.
What to Do Before Traveling
Before the sunscreen and holiday clothes comes the boring travel part. It is also part of the holiday.
- Passport Validity: For a short holiday, there is no need for a British citizen to get a visa, but there is a need to get your passport checked to see if it is ok and valid for the duration of the trip.
- Accommodation Booking: Booking accommodation is much better done early for every holiday as it saves you a ton of money, especially if it is winter or if there are kids holidays. This is especially important for the holidays as the centre is full of tourists. Reserve it.
- Car Rentals and Transfers: Planning for airport transfers and car rentals beforehand is convenient, especially if you intend to venture beyond the resort areas.
- Travel Insurance (essential): It is also important to check out tips for choosing travel insurance for the Canary Islands, as this step can save you a lot of hassles.
A good travel insurance plan should include coverage for medical emergencies and costs, trip interruption, and any of the high-risk activities you intend to do, such as diving and hiking.
You should also keep in mind that although there is high-quality healthcare in the Canary Islands, there is no longer the same healthcare access for the British travelers as there once was due to the EHIC, so travel insurance is a necessity.
Canary Islands Geography and Climate
The Canary Islands comprise seven main islands – Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro – each with its own personality.
- Tenerife, the largest, combines beaches, nightlife, and Mount Teide’s snow-capped volcano.
- Gran Canaria offers everything from desert dunes in Maspalomas to lush mountain villages inland.
- Lanzarote is famous for its surreal lava fields and whitewashed architecture.
- Fuerteventura is a haven for windsurfers.
- La Palma and La Gomera are quieter, greener, and ideal for hiking.
- El Hierro is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve beloved by divers.
Canaries have multiple climates which means weather patterns of the same island can change drastically. Tenerife is an example of this with its cooler and wetter northern region and sunnier southern region. Don't forget to bring a light jacket; paradise can still have chilly evenings.
Health and Safety
The Canary Islands are among the safest places one can visit in Europe. However, there are a few things to consider to make your stay even more comfortable.
- Sun Safety: Because of the islands' close proximity to the equator, the sun is very strong, so a high SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and maintaining hydration are a must.
- Water: Although the locals prefer bottled water, the tap water is safe to drink.
- Hiking Safety: If you are going to hike or explore areas that are remote, please inform someone of your route and have enough water with you, volcanic terrain can be very challenging.
- Emergency Contact: In an emergency, calling the number 112 will connect you to police, fire, and medical services.
- Healthcare: Public hospitals provide good care, but private hospitals will likely require you to pay them first, which is why good travel insurance is important. Pharmacies (called “farmacias”) are easy to find and can help with minor health issues.
Getting Around and Transportation on the Islands
Inter-Island Travel
Moving from island to island is simple and convenient due to the network of inter-island flights and ferries.
- The airlines Binter Canarias and Canaryfly take less than an hour to cross the archipelago.
- For those who prefer a more picturesque route, ferries operate between the closer islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
On-Island Travel
- Car Rental (Convenient): Renting a car is the most convenient option to admire the islands. This is particularly the case for the larger ones, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The islands have a good road network, although the mountains have steep and winding roads. Resort towns and tourist centers have ample parking, but in the cities, Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you will have to use a paid parking underground.
- Bus Services (Affordable): TITSA (Tenerife) and Global (Gran Canaria) run safe and low-cost bus services, so you can comfortably get around the islands without a car.
A Laid-Back, Sunny Getaway
The Canary Islands are an extension of Spain, but with a warmer climate. This is a place to take it easy, where every sunset is a masterpiece. Careful and strategic planning will guarantee a carefree stay, so be sure to check the travel documentation, get insurance, study the map, and the surrounding region.
Globetrotting or just relaxing at home, taking time to wind down is essential. Recharge that inner battery. Your experience will certainly be more successful, regardless if you go to Lanzarote, Fuerteventura or a different destination offered by the Canary Islands. No matter if you like to hike, swim, or just take long walks, the climate provides you with every option.