The Perfect Moment to Experience the Canary Islands

If you're seeking sun, beach, and a lively atmosphere with lots of family or friend-friendly activities, summer is ideal. Keep in mind, though, that demand peaks during these months, so it’s wise to book in advance—not just flights and accommodation but also excursions and guided visits. Need some ideas? Consider guided tours through national parks like Teide National Park in Tenerife or Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote; water sports activities like diving, surfing, sailing, or kayaking; hiking or cycling trails; or star safaris and stargazing from scenic viewpoints.

Hotels often reach full occupancy in spring and summer. Personalizing your stay can truly transform your trip, setting you apart as a traveler and helping you feel at home—while still enjoying all the comfort and service provided by the Canary Islands’ best accommodations. Look for accommodation that offers something extra, a unique touch that makes a difference.

Here’s a recommendation: JOIA Salomé by Iberostar. This superior category adults-only resort, committed to sustainability, is located on the beachfront of Costa Adeje. All rooms are suites with ocean views. Butler service, two gyms with personal trainers, and tailored spa treatments make your stay as extraordinary as your vacation deserves to be. You won’t want to leave!

Spring and summer are among the best times to visit the Canary Islands—but also the busiest. It’s everyone’s responsibility to care for the islands’ ecosystems and approach nature respectfully. Start with small actions, such as packing sustainably: besides sunscreen, swimsuits, and comfortable clothes, include other items that can help reduce your carbon footprint while on holiday including reusable water bottles, fabric bags in various sizes, and hygiene and cosmetic products in solid formats to reduce plastic. The remarkable biodiversity of the Canary Islands will thank you.

Do you recall the scene in the movie “Broken Embraces,” where the characters embrace on a deserted beach? It was filmed in Lanzarote. If you’d like to recreate a similar moment and escape from crowded places, an alternative during the high season is to explore lesser-known or nearly secret corners of the islands. Traveling to the Canaries at this time can transform your perspective. You’ll feel as though you’re on another planet, discovering hidden coves, trails winding around volcanic slopes, lost cliffs, and remote landscapes resembling Mars or the Moon.

Not every cultural activity involves spending hours within museum walls. In places like the Canary Islands, art often steps outside and merges with the natural environment. A prime example is the work of Lanzarote-born architect César Manrique. Visit his Foundation—a house museum you’ve likely seen on social media—as well as Jameos del Agua and the Cactus Garden during summer, the perfect season for exploring Lanzarote outdoors. Manrique’s distinctive style is also evident at Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park, a five-star beachfront resort he designed, perfectly combining style and comfort.

Besides summer, consider booking holidays and long weekends to visit the Canary Islands during special events like Christmas or Tenerife’s Carnival, when streets and beaches fill with color, music, and non-stop excitement. You’ll find a livelier atmosphere compared to quieter weekdays or periods without festivities, which offer more peace and intimacy. Both options have their perks—it all depends on the getaway experience you’re looking for.

Deals on hotels and flights increase significantly in autumn and winter. If you’re unsure when to visit Tenerife, Lanzarote, or Fuerteventura as a couple, this might be the perfect opportunity. Your vision of a romantic, relaxing beach getaway probably includes leisurely strolls by the sea, beautiful sunsets, breathtaking landscapes, and more tranquility compared to other times of the year. Stay at Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace, a five-star all-inclusive hotel, where time seems to stand still among white sands and palm trees, providing a sense of privacy and calm you won’t soon forget.

Gastronomic experiences are especially delightful in autumn and winter (and throughout the rest of the year too, though these months feel particularly intimate—especially if you opt for guided culinary tours with fewer crowds). You simply can’t visit the Canary Islands without trying local cuisine. Explore Tenerife’s authentic “guachinches,” visit plantations for protected-origin bananas, and enjoy leisurely dinners featuring local favorites like papas arrugás with mojo picón, artisanal cheeses, and volcanic wines.

Continue your sensory escape by consciously slowing down. Autumn and winter naturally invite mindful travel—as the seasons change, your body and mind can also slow down, helping you stay present. This period is also ideal for solo travel: traveling alone in the autumn and winter will show you that this truly is the best time to connect deeply with yourself and the present moment in the Canary Islands.

Another way to experience the Canaries during your next holiday? Flip the calendar and enjoy their eternal spring—in autumn or winter—while teleworking. Become a digital nomad for a week (or longer) and combine the pleasure of travel with periods of deep focus and productivity. You’ll likely feel far more creative and less stressed compared to working in an office. Take everything you need to create a mobile workspace by the beach, including your laptop or tablet with protective covers to prevent sand damage.

When should you visit Tenerife? We’ve already mentioned its famous Carnival between February and March—perfect for a trip with friends. Summer is excellent for families traveling with kids, coinciding with school holidays. Depending on the region, you'll find either a livelier or more family-friendly atmosphere. Sunny Costa Adeje in the south offers some of Tenerife’s best beaches, such as Playa del Duque, Playa de Fañabé, and Playa de Torviscas. The north coast is ideal for surfing, especially during windier winter months. Book a hotel open year-round and enjoy Tenerife your way.

When deciding when to visit Fuerteventura, consider that its incredible beaches attract water-sports lovers year-round, even in the low season. Besides enjoying nature, explore charming towns like Corralejo or Puerto del Rosario, or visit one of its 22 fascinating volcanic sites such as Calderón Hondo or Volcán de Gairía. These beachfront hotels in Fuerteventura complete your experience, providing relaxation between adventures.

The best time to visit Lanzarote is... all year round! Dynamic activities around its beaches and natural pools, combined with complete relaxation, await you under clear skies and mild temperatures no matter the date. After sunset, Lanzarote evenings offer either lively nightlife or quiet cultural events like the Visual Music Festival at Jameos del Agua caves. Now that you know when to visit, book your hotel in Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, or Tenerife—their timeless magic awaits!