4 Must-Visit Places in the Canaries this Summer
The Canary Islands are the perfect summer holiday destination thanks to their sunny, warm climate and abundance of beaches. They’ve long been a favourite holiday destination for the Irish, and most are now a short direct flight away. If you want to treat the family to a trip to the Canaries in 2025, check out our guide on the archipelago’s top destinations.
Tenerife, the largest island of the Canaries
The biggest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a go-to choice for families and couples looking for a beach holiday. Tenerife holidays offer plenty of all-inclusive hotels within walking distance of stunning beaches.
The island is home to Mount Teide, the world’s third-largest volcano. It’s Spain’s highest point of elevation and sits in the heart of Teide National Park. The park offers hiking paths for all abilities and makes a great stop for a road trip with the kids if you rent a car. The capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has an urban feel, with street art and impressive buildings like the Auditorio de Tenerife.
Fuerteventura, the watersport hotspot
Fuerteventura is your best choice if you want to relax on white and golden sand beaches. Beaches like Sotavento and the El Cotillo area are hotspots for water sports, with perfect conditions for surfing, windsurfing, and kite surfing.
Take a ferry trip from Corralejo to Isla de Lobos, a small, pristine island with scenic hiking trails and a charming village. The Ajuy Caves are a national monument, consisting of sedimentary substrates that developed between 100 and 150 million years ago. There you’ll find a fossilised dune and hidden views of the ocean.
Gran Canaria, the adventurous terrain of the Canaries
Gran Canaria’s mountainous landscapes create unique microclimates, from the baking sun of the Maspalomas Dunes to the cloudy streets of Las Palmas on the north coast. The island’s capital features an interesting mix of historic charm and modern amenities, with museums and galleries in the Vegueta Old Town and a vibrant nightlife.
Head to Roque Nublo for great photo opportunities. The towering volcanic rock formation is one of the island’s best-known symbols and is a relatively easy hike for families with kids. Bandama Caldera also boasts incredible scenery, where you can spot old vineyard buildings and structures from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote is celebrated for César Manrique’s architecture, blending the island’s natural beauty with buildings like Palm Grove House at Haria. Jameos del Agua, built into a volcanic grotto, has an otherworldly feel, with atmospheric lighting in a peaceful subterranean lagoon.
The island is also a winemaking destination, and its Malvasia wine grapes get their distinct taste from the volcanic terrain. After visiting Timanfaya National Park, connoisseurs will love the island’s wine-tasting tours. For a laid-back trip to the beach, visit Playa Blanca’s golden sands and lively marina.
Follow the rest of the Spain series
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- CABO DE GATA NATIONAL PARK IN SPAIN
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- 48 HOURS IN GIRONA
- DALI MUSEUM IN FIGUERES IN SPAIN
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- SECRETS OF THE NASRID PALACES
- VISITING ALHAMBRA, SPAIN’S MOST VISITED SITE
- GRANADA IS A MOORISH DREAM
- 1 WEEK ANDALUSIA ROAD TRIP IN SPAIN
RESPONSIBLE TRAVELING-BECAUSE I CARE
