The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, known for their diverse landscapes, subtropical climate, and rich culture. They are also a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors every year. But how much do you know about the islands? Which ones are the biggest and what makes them unique? In this article, we will explore the 10 biggest Canary Islands, their history, geography, attractions, and more. We will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Canary Islands, so you can plan your next trip with confidence.

Tenerife: The Largest and Most Populous Island

Tenerife is the largest and most populous island in the Canary Islands, with an area of 2034 km² and a population of around 900,000 people. It is also the most visited island, with over 6 million tourists in 2019.

Tenerife is famous for its natural beauty, especially Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain and the third-largest volcano in the world. Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covers most of the island’s central area and offers stunning views, hiking trails, and wildlife.

Tenerife also has a variety of beaches, from golden sand to black volcanic sand, as well as resorts, water parks, golf courses, and cultural attractions. Some of the most popular places to visit are:

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital city and a vibrant hub of commerce, culture, and entertainment.
La Laguna, a historical city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its colonial architecture and university.

Puerto de la Cruz, a coastal town and a tourist hotspot, with a charming old town, botanical gardens, and Loro Parque, a zoo and aquarium.
Los Cristianos, a lively resort town and a ferry port, with a long beach, a promenade, and a variety of shops, bars, and restaurants.
Masca, a picturesque village and a hiking destination, located in a remote valley in the Teno Mountains.

Fuerteventura: The Second-Largest and the Oldest Island

Fuerteventura is the second-largest island in the Canary Islands, with an area of 1660 km² and a population of around 116,000 people. It is also the oldest island, dating back 20 million years.

Fuerteventura is renowned for its beaches, which are among the best in the Canary Islands and Europe. The island has over 150 km of coastline, with white sand, turquoise water, and ideal conditions for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.

Fuerteventura also has a desert-like landscape, with arid plains, volcanic hills, and sand dunes. The island’s natural beauty and biodiversity are protected by several natural parks, such as:

Corralejo Natural Park, a large area of sand dunes and beaches, home to many bird species and endemic plants.
Jandia Natural Park, a mountainous region in the south of the island, with the highest peak, Pico de la Zarza, and the longest beach, Cofete.
Lobos Island Natural Park, a small island off the north coast of Fuerteventura, accessible by boat, with a lighthouse, a salt marsh, and a variety of flora and fauna.

Fuerteventura also has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its proximity to Africa and its history of conquest and colonization. Some of the most interesting places to visit are:

Betancuria, the former capital and the oldest town on the island, with a museum, a church, and a convent.
Antigua, a traditional village and a center of handicrafts, with a windmill, a cheese museum, and a craft fair.

La Oliva, a historical town and the seat of the island’s government, with a colonial house, a church, and an art center.

Gran Canaria: The Third-Largest and the Most Diverse Island

Gran Canaria is the third-largest island in the Canary Islands, with an area of 1560 km² and a population of around 850,000 people. It is also the most diverse island, with a variety of climates, landscapes, and cultures.

Gran Canaria is often called a “miniature continent” because of its different microclimates, ranging from subtropical to alpine. The island has a circular shape, with a mountainous center and a coastal plain. The island’s geography and climate create different ecosystems, such as:

The north, which is green and humid, with forests, ravines, and cliffs.
The south, which is dry and sunny, with beaches, dunes, and resorts.
The center, which is high and cold, with peaks, craters, and pine woods.

Gran Canaria also has a diverse culture, influenced by its indigenous, European, African, and American roots. The island has a rich history, art, and gastronomy, as well as a lively nightlife and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Some of the most popular places to visit are:

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital city and the largest city in the Canary Islands, with a historical quarter, a cathedral, a museum, and a beach.
Maspalomas, a tourist resort and a natural reserve, with a lighthouse, a palm oasis, and a sand dune system.

Teror, a religious town and a pilgrimage site, with a basilica, a market, and a typical architecture.
Tejeda, a mountain village and a scenic spot, with a viewpoint, a rock formation, and an almond festival.
Arucas, a colonial town and a center of rum production, with a church, a factory, and a botanical garden.

Lanzarote: The Fourth-Largest and the Most Volcanic Island

Lanzarote is the fourth-largest island in the Canary Islands, with an area of 846 km² and a population of around 152,000 people. It is also the most volcanic island, with more than 300 volcanoes and a lunar landscape.

Lanzarote is famous for its dramatic scenery, created by the eruptions of the 18th and 19th centuries. The island has a black and red color palette, with lava fields, craters, and caves. The island’s volcanism and geology are showcased by several natural attractions, such as:

Timanfaya National Park, a vast area of volcanic terrain, where you can see geysers, fumaroles, and lava flows.

Cueva de los Verdes, a lava tube and a natural wonder, where you can explore an underground gallery, a concert hall, and a secret lagoon.
Jameos del Agua, a volcanic cave and a cultural center, where you can admire a lake, a garden, a museum, and a restaurant.

Lanzarote also has a unique culture, influenced by its isolation, its environment, and its artist, Cesar Manrique. The island has a harmonious blend of nature and art, with many works and projects by Manrique, such as:

Mirador del Rio, a viewpoint and a masterpiece, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the island and the sea.
Jardin de Cactus, a garden and a museum, where you can see more than 10,000 cacti from around the world.
Fundacion Cesar Manrique, a foundation and a museum, where you can visit Manrique’s house, studio, and collection.

Lanzarote also has a variety of beaches, from white sand to black pebbles, as well as villages, wineries, and markets. Some of the most popular places to visit are:

Arrecife, the capital city and a port town, with a castle, a church, and a lagoon.
Teguise, the former capital and the oldest town on the island, with a fortress, a convent, and a market.

Playa Blanca, a tourist resort and a fishing village, with a marina, a promenade, and a ferry to Fuerteventura.
Haria, a rural village and a valley of palms, with a cemetery, a craft center, and a market.
La Geria, a wine region and a protected area, with a unique cultivation method, a museum, and a tasting.

La Palma: The Fifth-Largest and the Greenest Island

La Palma is the fifth-largest island in the Canary Islands, with an area of 708 km² and a population of around 81,000 people. It is also the greenest island, with lush vegetation, abundant water, and a mild climate.

La Palma is known for its natural beauty, especially its forests, waterfalls, and springs. The island has a biosphere reserve status, with more than 40% of its territory protected by natural parks, such as:

Caldera de Taburiente National Park, a huge crater and a geological wonder, with a river, a waterfall, and a pine forest.
Los Tilos Forest Park, a laurel forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a visitor center, a hiking trail, and a spring.
Cumbre Vieja Natural Park, a volcanic ridge and a scenic area, with a lighthouse, a salt pan, and a dragon tree.

La Palma also has a diverse culture, influenced by its indigenous, European, and American origins. The island has a rich folklore, gastronomy, and astronomy, as well as a friendly and hospitable people. Some of the most popular places to visit are:

Santa Cruz de la Palma, the capital city and a historical town, with a port, a castle, a museum, and a carnival.
Los Llanos de Aridane, the largest city and a commercial center, with a square, a church, a market, and a mural.

San Andres y Sauces, a coastal town and a banana plantation, with a beach, a pool, a museum, and a rum factory.
El Paso, a rural town and a center of silk production, with a museum, a workshop, and a festival.
Tazacorte, a fishing village and a sunny spot, with a harbor, a beach, a museum, and a whale watching tour.

La Gomera: The Sixth-Largest and the Most Isolated Island

La Gomera is the sixth-largest island in the Canary Islands, with an area of 370 km² and a population of around 22,000 people. It is also the most isolated island, with a rugged terrain, a steep coast, and a remote location.

La Gomera is famous for its natural beauty, especially its ancient forest, Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a dense vegetation, a unique flora and fauna, and a mystical atmosphere.

La Gomera also has a unique culture, influenced by its isolation, its environment, and its whistling language, Silbo Gomero, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, with a complex system of sounds and codes, used to communicate across long distances.

La Gomera also has a variety of beaches, from black sand to pebbles, as well as villages, monuments, and trails. Some of the most popular places to visit are:

San Sebastian de la Gomera, the capital city and a historical port, with a tower, a church, a museum, and a ferry to Tenerife.
Valle Gran Rey, a tourist resort and a valley of palms, with a beach, a lagoon, a hippie community, and a sunset.

Vallehermoso, a rural town and a valley of flowers, with a dam, a rock, a park, and a pottery center.
Agulo, a picturesque village and a balcony of views, with a church, a convent, a museum, and a viewpoint.
Hermigua, a coastal town and a banana plantation, with a beach, a pool, a museum, and a monastery.

El Hierro: The Seventh-Largest and the Smallest Island

El Hierro is the seventh-largest and the smallest island in the Canary Islands, with an area of 268 km² and a population of around 11,000 people. It is also the most western and the most southern island, with a remote and tranquil atmosphere.

El Hierro is known for its natural beauty, especially its underwater world, El Hierro Marine Reserve, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with a rich marine life, a clear water, and a diving paradise.

El Hierro also has a sustainable culture, influenced by its renewable energy, its organic farming, and its slow tourism. The island has a self-sufficient and eco-friendly lifestyle, with a wind farm, a hydroelectric plant, and a green label.

El Hierro also has a variety of landscapes, from volcanic to green, as well as villages, monuments, and routes. Some of the most popular places to visit are:

Valverde, the capital city and a mountain town, with a church, a museum, a market, and a viewpoint.
El Pinar, a rural village and a pine forest, with a church, a cheese factory, a festival, and a volcano.

La Restinga, a fishing village and a diving center, with a harbor, a beach, a restaurant, and a marine reserve.
Frontera, a coastal town and a valley of views, with a church, a winery, a market, and a natural pool.
Sabinosa, a traditional village and a juniper forest, with a church, a spring, a museum, and a lighthouse.

La Graciosa: The Eighth-Largest and the Newest Island

La Graciosa is the eighth-largest and the newest island in the Canary Islands, with an area of 29 km² and a population of around 700 people. It is also the most northern and the most unspoiled island, with a pristine and peaceful environment.

La Graciosa is famous for its natural beauty, especially its beaches, which are among the most beautiful and secluded in the Canary Islands. The island has a golden sand, a turquoise water, and a desert-like landscape. The island’s natural beauty and tranquility are protected by the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park, the largest marine reserve in Europe, with a rich biodiversity and a fragile ecosystem.

La Graciosa also has a simple culture, influenced by its fishing tradition, its volcanic origin, and its car-free policy. The island has a relaxed and friendly lifestyle, with a few roads, a few vehicles, and a few facilities.

La Graciosa also has a variety of activities, from hiking to sailing, as well as villages, monuments, and routes. Some of the most popular places to visit are:

Caleta de Sebo, the main village and a port town, with a church, a museum, a market, and a ferry to Lanzarote.
Pedro Barba, a small village and a holiday resort, with a beach, a chapel, a cemetery, and a viewpoint.

Playa de las Conchas, a stunning beach and a surfing spot, with a sand, a sea, a mountain, and a sunset.
Montaña Amarilla, a volcanic cone and a hiking destination, with a crater, a cliff, a cove, and a view.
Isla de Alegranza, a small island and a nature reserve, accessible by boat, with a lighthouse, a volcano, a beach, and a bird colony.

Lobos Island: The Ninth-Largest and the Flattest Island

Lobos Island is the ninth-largest and the flattest island in the Canary Islands, with an area of 4.5 km² and a population of around 10 people. It is also the closest and the most accessible island, with a short and frequent ferry ride from Fuerteventura.

Lobos Island is famous for its natural beauty, especially its lagoon, El Puertito, a turquoise and shallow water, with a sandy bottom and a rich marine life. The island has a calm and clear water, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. The island’s natural beauty and wildlife are protected by the Lobos Island Natural Park, a part of the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park, with a variety of flora and fauna, such as seabirds, lizards, and seals.

Lobos Island also has a historical culture, influenced by its fishing past, its pirate attacks, and its lighthouse keepers. The island has a few ruins, a few buildings, and a few stories.

Lobos Island also has a variety of landscapes, from sandy to rocky, as well as trails, viewpoints, and beaches. Some of the most popular places to visit are:

El Puertito, the main village and a lagoon, with a pier, a restaurant, a house, and a boat.
Faro de Martiño, a lighthouse and a museum, with a tower, a keeper’s house, a history, and a view.

Caldera de la Montana, a volcanic crater and a hiking destination, with a summit, a path, a flora, and a panorama.
Playa de la Concha, a beautiful beach and a relaxing spot, with a sand, a sea, a dune, and a breeze.
Playa de la Caleta, a secluded beach and a nudist area, with a sand, a sea, a rock, and a privacy.

Montaña Clara: The Tenth-Largest and the Smallest Island

Montaña Clara is the tenth-largest and the smallest island in the Canary Islands, with an area of 1.33 km² and a population of zero people. It is also the most remote and the most restricted island, with a difficult and limited access by boat.

Montaña Clara is famous for its natural beauty, especially its bird colony, Montaña Clara Special Protection Area, a part of the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park, with a large population of seabirds, such as shearwaters, petrels, and gulls. The island has a rocky and barren landscape, with a peak, a cliff, and a cave. The island’s natural beauty and wildlife are protected by the Spanish government, which declared it a nature reserve in 1986.

Montaña Clara also has a historical culture, influenced by its fishing past, its pirate attacks, and its lighthouse project. The island has a few ruins, a few stories, and a few mysteries.

Montaña Clara also has a variety of activities, from birdwatching to sailing, as well as views, sunsets, and stars. Some of the most popular places to visit are:

Montaña Clara, the highest point and the only peak on the island, with a height of 256 meters, a view of the other islands, and a bird colony.

Punta del Faro, the eastern tip and the most exposed area on the island, with a cliff, a cave, and a lighthouse project that was never completed.
Playa de la Arena, the only beach and the most accessible area on the island, with a sand, a sea, and a boat.

Conclusion

The Canary Islands are a diverse and fascinating archipelago, with a variety of sizes, shapes, and features. Each island has its own history, geography, attractions, and culture, making them unique and appealing. Whether you are looking for nature, adventure, culture, or relaxation, you will find something to suit your taste and budget in the Canary Islands. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Canary Islands, and their answers:

FAQ

Q: How many islands are there in the Canary Islands?
A: There are eight main islands and several smaller islands in the Canary Islands. The eight main islands are Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Graciosa. The smaller islands include Lobos Island, Montaña Clara, Alegranza, Roque del Este, Roque del Oeste, and Graciosa.
Q: Which is the best island to visit in the Canary Islands?

A: There is no definitive answer to this question, as each island has its own charm and attractions. However, some of the most popular islands among tourists are Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, as they offer a variety of activities, facilities, and landscapes. La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Graciosa are less crowded and more natural, ideal for those who seek tranquility and authenticity.
Q: What is the best time to visit the Canary Islands?
A: The Canary Islands have a subtropical climate, with mild temperatures and sunny days throughout the year. However, the best time to visit the Canary Islands depends on your preferences and plans. Generally, the peak season is from December to March, when the weather is warmer and drier, and the islands are more lively and festive. The low season is from June to September, when the weather is cooler and wetter, and the islands are more quiet and relaxed. The shoulder season is from April to May and from October to November, when the weather is pleasant and moderate, and the islands are less crowded and cheaper.

Q: How to get to the Canary Islands?
A: The Canary Islands are well connected by air and sea, with regular flights and ferries from mainland Spain and other European countries. The main airports are in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, and the main ports are in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arrecife, and Puerto del Rosario. You can also travel between the islands by plane or by boat, with several local airlines and ferry companies.
Q: What are the main attractions in the Canary Islands?

A: The Canary Islands have a lot to offer, from natural wonders to cultural treasures. Some of the main attractions in the Canary Islands are:
- Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain and the third-largest volcano in the world, located in Tenerife.
- Timanfaya National Park, a vast area of volcanic terrain, where you can see geysers, fumaroles, and lava flows, located in Lanzarote.
- Maspalomas, a tourist resort and a natural reserve, with a lighthouse, a palm oasis, and a sand dune system, located in Gran Canaria.
- Corralejo Natural Park, a large area of sand dunes and beaches, home to many bird species and endemic plants, located in Fuerteventura.
- Garajonay National Park, a laurel forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a dense vegetation, a unique flora and fauna, and a mystical atmosphere, located in La Gomera.
- Caldera de Taburiente National Park, a huge crater and a geological wonder, with a river, a waterfall, and a pine forest, located in La Palma.
- El Hierro Marine Reserve, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with a rich marine life, a clear water, and a diving paradise, located in El Hierro.
- Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park, the largest marine reserve in Europe, with a variety of flora and fauna, such as seabirds, lizards, and seals, located in La Graciosa, Lobos Island, Montaña Clara, Alegranza, Roque del Este, and Roque del Oeste.

Q: What are the main activities in the Canary Islands?
A: The Canary Islands have a lot to offer, from relaxing to adventurous activities. Some of the main activities in the Canary Islands are:
- Hiking, a great way to explore the diverse landscapes and natural parks of the islands, with many trails and routes for all levels and preferences.
- Surfing, a popular sport and a lifestyle in the islands, with many beaches and spots for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, as well as schools and rentals.
- Diving, a thrilling and rewarding experience in the islands, with many marine reserves and diving centers, where you can see colorful fish, coral reefs, caves, and wrecks.
- Whale watching, a unique and memorable activity in the islands, with many tours and boats, where you can see whales, dolphins, turtles, and other marine animals.
- Stargazing, a magical and educational activity in the islands, with many observatories and guides, where you can see stars, planets, constellations, and meteor showers.
- Shopping, a fun and varied activity in the islands, with many markets, shops, and malls, where you can buy local products, souvenirs, clothes, and electronics.
- Nightlife, a lively and entertaining activity in the islands, with many bars, clubs, and festivals, where you can enjoy music, drinks, dancing, and partying.

Q: What are the main dishes in the Canary Islands?
A: The Canary Islands have a rich and varied gastronomy, influenced by their indigenous, European, African, and American origins. Some of the main dishes in the Canary Islands are:
- Papas arrugadas, boiled potatoes with salt and skin, served with mojo, a sauce made of garlic, oil, vinegar, and spices.
- Gofio, roasted corn or wheat flour, mixed with water, milk, honey, or cheese, used as a staple food or a dessert.
- Sancocho, a stew of salted fish, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and gofio, served with mojo and salad.
- Ropa vieja, a dish of shredded meat, chickpeas, potatoes, tomatoes, and onions, cooked in a broth and seasoned with spices.
- Queso asado, grilled cheese, usually from goat or sheep milk, served with mojo and bread.
- Bienmesabe, a dessert of ground almonds, honey, eggs, and lemon, cooked in a pot and served cold or hot.
Q: What are the main festivals in the Canary Islands?

A: The Canary Islands have a festive and colorful culture, influenced by their Catholic, pagan, and folkloric traditions. Some of the main festivals in the Canary Islands are:
- Carnival, a celebration of music, costumes, and fun, held in February or March, with parades, contests, dances, and parties. The most famous carnivals are in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Puerto de la Cruz.
- Romería, a pilgrimage of religious and cultural character, held throughout the year, with processions, offerings, dances, and food. The most famous romerías are in San Benito Abad, in La Laguna, Tenerife, in July, and in Nuestra Señora de la Peña, in Betancuria, Fuerteventura, in September.
- Corpus Christi, a celebration of the Eucharist and the body of Christ, held in May or June, with carpets, altars, and process

10 Biggest Canary Islands: A Complete Guide for 2024