Vacations in the Canary Islands
Off the coast of Morocco, bathed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Canary Islands stand out as must-visit destinations for travelers seeking sunshine in all seasons. Explore the hidden treasures of this Spanish archipelago with us and discover everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable vacation in the Canary Islands!
What to do in the Canary Islands?
Relaxation by the sea, thrilling hikes, captivating cultural discoveries... The Canary Islands offer an infinite array of activities for all visitors. Need inspiration? Here’s a preview of experiences not to be missed during a trip to the Canary Islands:
Exploration of volcanoes and lunar landscapes: The Canary Islands are home to several volcanoes (including some active ones) and equally fascinating landscapes. On the island of Lanzarote, in the Timanfaya National Park, discover a quasi-extraterrestrial territory dotted with volcanic cones and tunnels as well as artificial geysers. In Tenerife’s Teide National Park, take a cable car to the summit of the active volcano and explore the habitat of a unique ecosystem.
Carnival in the Canary Islands: The carnival in the Canary Islands is among the most famous in Europe. From Tenerife to Las Palmas via Arrecife, the streets fill with parades of flamboyant costumes, lively music, and spirited dances. Attend this essential celebration of Canarian culture and join the festivities!
Diving and snorkeling: Colorful fish, sea turtles, mollusks, corals... The crystal-clear waters of the Canary Islands are teeming with life to explore during a scuba dive and/or snorkeling session. Looking for sites rich in biodiversity and wrecks? Head to the islands of Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.
Hiking and outdoor activities: Rich in incredible biodiversity, the Canary Islands are full of treasures for nature and adventure enthusiasts. From the mountain trails of Tenerife to the sand dunes of Maspalomas in Gran Canaria, and the laurel forests of La Gomera, each island offers hiking routes for all levels with spectacular views.
Astrotourism: With minimal light pollution, the Canary Islands are globally renowned for the purity of their skies. On vacation in the Canaries, astronomy enthusiasts can admire the stars from the 7 islands of the archipelago and enjoy an unforgettable view from the Roque de los Muchachos observatory in La Palma.
Which is the most beautiful of the Canary Islands?
The Spanish archipelago is made up of seven main islands: Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro (from largest to smallest). They are all beautiful and worth visiting, but Tenerife, with its imposing Mount Teide, remains the most popular destination. Depending on the length of your stay, you can choose to focus on one island or visit several to form your own opinion!
What is the best time to visit the Canary Islands?
The Canaries enjoy a mild climate all year round, making them an ideal destination at any time. However, for summer temperatures, it’s best to visit between June and October. To enjoy an Indian summer outside of school holidays and at more affordable prices, nothing beats the Canaries in October! Las Palmas, Tenerife, Fuerteventura... Outside temperatures are still around 30 degrees and the sea about 22 degrees!
What is the budget for the Canary Islands?
Is the cost of living high in the Canary Islands ? No. In general, the prices of accommodations, meals, and activities vary depending on the season and the island you visit. While some more touristy spots may be slightly more expensive compared to other European destinations, life in the Canaries remains generally affordable. The Spanish archipelago also offers a range of options for all budgets.
What visa is needed for a trip to the Canary Islands?
As a Spanish archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, the Canary Islands are de facto members of the Schengen area. Therefore, the territory adheres to the short-stay visa policy of this free movement area and requires travelers from certain countries to obtain a Schengen visa.
Are you a citizen of the European Union or the Schengen area (or associated states) ? No visa is required. You can travel to the Canary Islands as well as to all Schengen area countries with a valid national identity card or passport for the duration of your stay.
Are you a citizen of a non-European Union and Schengen area country? Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to travel to the Canary Islands and/or the rest of the Schengen area, even for a short tourist stay. Find out here if your country is on the list of Schengen visa-exempt countries.
How to obtain a Schengen visa?
Need a short-stay Schengen visa ? Visit the website of the Spanish consulate in your country of residence to get the necessary information to start your Schengen visa application. Note: if you wish to visit multiple Schengen area countries, you must specify this in your application.
Once you have obtained your Schengen visa, keep the documents that make up your file, including your insurance certificate covering medical and hospital expenses up to a minimum of 30,000 euros. They may be requested by border police upon entry into the Schengen area.
What insurance do I need for my Schengen visa?
Choose peace of mind when applying for your Schengen visa and when crossing borders with Europ Assistance’s Schengen travel visa insurance.
From 3 euros, Europ Assistance’s Schengen travel visa insurance provides coverage for medical expenses up to 60,000 euros in case of illness or accident, as well as other guarantees in all member states of the Schengen area and the European Union, as well as in the United Kingdom.
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