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The Canary Islands broke all previous tourist records last year and welcomed an incredible one 14.1 million visitors.
And it’s easy to understand why. From beautiful beaches to breathtaking landscapes, this beautiful archipelago is packed with charm.
Despite this, very few American travelers choose to visit the Canary Islands.
Here’s why these lesser-known Spanish islands are currently breaking all tourist records:
Sunshine all year round
The Canary Islands are an archipelago consisting of seven islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. Gran Canaria is the largest island and only 4 of these attract tourists. They are Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
The two most popular islands in 2023 were Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
Although officially part of Spain, the Canary Islands are actually just off the coast of North Africa. At their nearest point, the Canary Islands are only 100 kilometers (62 miles) from mainland Africa.
This means that they have the best climate of all European holiday destinations all year round. The Canary Islands enjoy more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, and it rarely rains on any of the islands.
The coldest month of the year is February, but the average daily temperature is still around 20°C (68 F), and during the warmest month of August the average daily temperature is around 28°C (82.4 F).
This means that if you are looking for a winter sun holiday, the Canary Islands are a good choice.
Various landscapes
The Canary Islands are close together and it is easy to travel between them, either by domestic flight or by ferry between the islands. The ferry is usually the most convenient and cheapest option, especially if you rent a car to get around.
For example, the ferry ride from Fuerteventura to Lanzarote takes less than an hour and costs just 18 euros ($20) per person.
Despite this proximity, each Canary Island has its own personalities and landscapes. This means you can visit them again and again and have a completely different holiday experience each time.
You can enjoy lush, green forests or vast Sahara-style desert landscapes. Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria are classified as semi-deserts, and the sand dunes here are spread for miles.
The Canary Islands are best known for their volcanic landscapes, which are often punctuated by moon-like craters. For the best volcanic views, visit Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote. This is an extremely beautiful national park thanks to its rugged terrain, incredible volcanic views and absence of plant life.
But each of the Canary Islands has its own volcanoes and these attract hikers, cyclists and nature lovers from all over the world.
World class beaches
Thanks to their rich volcanic base, the Canary Islands are home to both golden and black sand beaches. But each has its charms, and the islands are known for their world-class beaches.
Some of the best beaches in the Canary Islands include Playa de Papagayo in Lanzarote and the better known Playa de Maspalomas in the south of Gran Canaria. It’s worth noting that this is a clothing-optional beach.
Perhaps the most unique beach in the Canary Islands is Playa el Mejillon on Fuerteventura, better known as Popcorn Beach. Instead of being covered in sand, this beach is covered in fossils of white algae that look like little pieces of puffy, delicious popcorn.
When you’ve had enough of sunbathing and enjoying the beautiful views, you can go into the water.
The Canary Islands are a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. From March to September they offer some of the world’s best conditions for windsurfing. Tenerife is the best island if this is your sport. During the winter months, surfers visit the islands for their powerful waves and huge swells.
Corralejo on Fuerteventura is often called the Hawaii of Europe, thanks to the quality of its surf. As a result, the whole town has an incredible, laid-back surfing atmosphere that makes for an excellent vacation spot.
Canarian culture
It would be impossible to talk about the Canary Islands without discussing Canarian culture. The people who live on the islands are incredibly warm and welcoming to visitors. They are also proud of their heritage and want to share it.
The Belmaco Archaeological Park on Las Palmas is the best place to learn about the first settlers on the islands more than 2,000 years ago. If you prefer architectural charm, the historic city center of La Laguna in Tenerife has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its culture and beauty.
Given the small size of the islands, they also have a surprisingly large number of fascinating museums. These are small but perfectly formed and each is dedicated to special elements of life in the Canary Islands.
But perhaps the best way to get to know life in the Canary Islands is to spend time with the Canarian people. Eat at local restaurants, visit local markets and immerse yourself in the lives of the people here.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
