Solo Travel Guide to the Canary Islands
There are several different Canary Islands, with each one having a distinct personality. If you want to visit but are unsure where to go, check out this guide to the Canary Islands.
The Canary Islands are these nature abundant, beautiful islands located only a few hours flight from mainland Europe. They stay fairly warm all year round, so they’re a very popular destination to escape the winter in Europe.
Are the Canary Islands part of Spain?
The Canary Islands or, ‘Islas Canarias’, are part of Spain, although very separated. While people speak Spanish there, the accent is very different from mainland Spain (some people compare it to a Cuban or Venezuelan accent). Typical Spanish food is still abundant, but you’ll find other, more specific Canarian varieties.
Where are the Canary Islands located?
The Canary Islands are located off the coast of Morocco to the west. For this reason, they tend to stay fairly warm all year round.
What is solo travel like in the Canary Islands?
Although many families and couples travel to the Canary Islands, it’s still easy and pretty common to travel solo.
You may not always be able to find a bustling hostel with daily activities, but there are many people coming to the Canary Islands to surf or travel alone. If you’re traveling solo, rent a moped or a car to discover each island more in depth.
Is it safe to solo travel in the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands are very safe. As a woman, I never felt unsafe walking home at night, no matter what time.
The only thing I would say to watch out for is when you’re drinking and going out to bars alone. Be careful, watch your drink and your valuables, and you should be fine!
Guide to the Canary Islands: The bigger islands
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is one of the biggest islands in the Canaries, with a bustling capital city and a variety of landscapes.
In the northwest you will find forest and mountainous terrain. In the south, the natural beaches and dunes of Maspalomas. Gran Canaria has such a vast variety of terrain that there’s something for everyone!
I found Gran Canaria to have more of a chill, kind of hippy vibe than some of the other islands. There were many other solo travelers, and I was able to find people to split a car with me, although the island has pretty great public transportation.
Where to stay in Gran Canaria for solo travelers
In Las Palmas – HiTide House
In the center of the city and right by the beach with seaside views
On top of the mountain – Mountain Hostel Finca La Isa
For a more rural and outdoorsy experience in Gran Canaria
Best time to visit Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is fairly moderate all year round, although in winter and early spring you may find quite a bit of wind and rain in the north. In the south at Maspalomas though, it is mostly sunshine all year round so you’re free to have the variety! I would recommend late spring or early/late autumn as the best time to visit Gran Canaria.
Tenerife
Tenerife is also another one of the biggest islands and consequently has a lot of variety too.
In the south, you’ll find a bit more commercial and touristy, although still plenty of hidden gems. Personally, I love the south (Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas) because there’s great restaurants and always something to do, plus close proximity to everything! Also in the south, you can find El Médano, which is a small fishing village popular for windsurfing and for digital nomads.
The north is hilly with many national parks and the main city of Puerto de la Cruz. Still touristy, but also a bit more local. I especially love the black sand beaches of Playa de Benijo and the village vibes at Garachico.
The center of the island holds the volcano of El Teide, surrounded by lava fields and an amazing national park and forest. Perfect for exploring the island of Tenerife by motorcycle or by car.
Finally, the town of Santa Cruz is the biggest city in all the islands if you need some shopping or nightlife.
You could spend ages hiking and exploring various beaches and natural pools in Tenerife.
As a solo traveler, I find Tenerife to be the easiest to find accommodation and make friends, simply because it’s so big! The island is also well connected by public transport, so you don’t always need to rent something, unless of course you want to do some exploring on your own!
Where to stay in Tenerife for solo travelers
In the south (Costa Adeje) – Endless Summer Hostel
Easy walking distance to the city and different beaches
El Médano – Casa Grande Surf Hostel
Great for surfing and/or windsurfing
In the north – Puerto Nest Hostel
Right outside the city of Puerto de la Cruz
Best time to visit Tenerife
Tenerife is probably the hottest island, so you can really visit it all year round! I would avoid the summer though, as the crowds, especially in the south, get a bit crazy!
Lanzarote
Lanzarote is an island famous for surfing and windsurfing, but still holds so much more!
Lanzarote is a a bit smaller and more quiet than Tenerife and Gran Canaria. It’s a very volcanic island, with some parts making you feel like you’re on the moon! The island is mostly desert like, with many craters and cool rock formations. You’ll find some amazing beaches, such as Papagayo in the national park, and can visit all the small villages around or go wine tasting.
You will likely need to rent a car or a motorbike to explore the island, as public transport can be a bit dodgy depending where you’re staying. However, the rentals are super cheap here!
The northern part of the island is great for surfing and kite surfing, whereas the south is a bit more commercial and holds the biggest town: Arrecife (meaning coral reef in Spanish!)
I made some friends at my hostel as a solo traveler, although most people are coming for surf lessons!
Where to stay in Lanzarote for solo travelers
In the south – La Casita de Arrecife
Inside the biggest city of Lanzarote with easy access to the beach
For surfing – Surf House Famara
A hostel and surf school in the north
Best time to visit Lanzarote
Lanzarote is very windy so if you’re not surfing, you may want to wait closer to the summer months to visit. The sun makes the whole island hot, but the wind will make you want to cover up.
The south of the island is less windy, so you’ll have more luck with chilling on the beach there. For surfers and kite surfers, spring and fall are great times to visit.
Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is the second biggest island of the Canary Islands. It’s fairly flat and desert like, with so many world class beaches to explore. Fuerteventura is also a favorite for water sports, like surfing and kite surfing, and there are many things to do in Corralejo, the biggest city on the island.
Where to stay in Fuerteventura for solo travelers
For surfing – Wellenkind Surf School
Hostel and surf school in the southern part of the island
Inside Corralejo – Kaktus Beach House
Basic hostel in the city center and near the beach
Best time to visit Fuerteventura
Late spring and early summer are great times to enjoy the sunshine before the island gets too hot for the high season.
What are the smaller islands?
La Graciosa
Right off the coast of Lanzarote, this small island is a haven for sailboats, with pristine white beaches and turquoise blue water.
La Gomera
La Gomera is a smaller island, very close to Tenerife and very popular for day trips! However, most people only explore the island on a day tour, and they’re sorely missing out! La Gomera is mountainous and heavily forested, making for great hikes and road trips.
El Hierro
El Hierro is the smallest Canary Island, but no less beautiful! It’s a bit further from the rest of the islands but still well worth visiting if you have the time!
La Palma
La Palma is another beautiful island, the furthest north, that offers amazing nature– even being recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve! There is an airport on La Palma so it’s a bit easier to reach than the other small islands. Visit the island yourself to discover how it got its nickname “Isla Bonita“.
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