Luxury Canary Islands Holidays

Spanish culture; African landscapes

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands have been a popular option for holidaymakers since the 1960s. This volcanic Spanish island chain sits off the coast of Morocco and has been shaped by the influence of North African and European settlers and centuries of Atlantic trade. All seven islands boast dramatic scenery, with black and white sand beaches, vast sand dunes and rugged rock formations.

Tenerife is the largest in the archipelago and boasts azure blue seas, pretty beaches and charming towns. The capital, Santa Cruz, is a cosmopolitan centre with a thriving arts scene and is a popular spot for couples. There’s a range of family resorts on the coast. To the west is Lanzarote, which is home to the extraordinary lunar landscape of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Timanfaya National Park. The European Space Agency trains astronauts for future Mars missions here.

Gran Canaria is the southernmost point of the chain and offers some exceptional seaside resorts which edge onto warm Atlantic waters. Its main town, Las Palmas, is known for its brightly painted houses and fine cathedral.

a woman standing in front of a mirror posing for the camera

Your plans, our expertise

Start planning your Sovereign holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

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Destinations in Canary Islands

Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is the second-biggest island in the Canaries, stretching from sand-swept Corralejo in the north to wild Jandia Natural Park in the south. A jagged volcanic landscape lies in-between.

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Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria stars some of the best-loved beach resorts in Spain, from lively Playa del Ingles to the Sahara-style dunes of Maspalomas. The gorge-scored interior, meanwhile, is ideal for afternoon walks.

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Beach de Santiago in Puerto de Santiago city, Atlantic Ocean coast, Beach de Santiago in Los Gigantes, Tenerife, Canary island, Spain

La Gomera

La Gomera might be one of the smallest Canary Islands, but it’s also one of the most scenic. Bright white villages spring up between volcanic black-sand beaches, mountains and valleys.

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Lanzarote

Lanzarote is the most easterly island in the Canaries. It balances gold-sand beach resorts like Playa Blanca with UNESCO-listed national parks and volcanic cave systems.

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Tenerife

Tenerife is full of surprises, looping beach resorts like Los Cristianos around the towering moonscape of Mount Teide National Park. Head north and you’ll find culture-filled towns and vineyard-striped hills.

Find out more about Tenerife

Enjoy the best of Spain with our mini destination guide. Find out more about Spain and our favourite hotels by clicking here.

Luxury holidays in the Canary Islands

Holidays in the Canary Islands are about relaxation. Here you can feel the stresses of home drift away on the warm Atlantic breeze. Relax beside the pool, wander in charming villages or enjoy a world class spa treatment. You’ll find excellent options for eating and drinking in most major resorts; from hearty local fare to international cuisines.

Sovereign has been a leader in crafting bespoke luxury holidays for close to five decades. We offer complimentary lounge access at most major UK airports and a dedicated service from our Personal Travel Planners.

Tenerife’s five star JOIA Salomé by Iberostar is located near Costa Adeje on the west coast. Its attractive grounds overlook the ocean and feature a range of bars and restaurants. On Lanzarote, the Princess Yaiza Suite Hotel is a dreamy jumble of domes and minarets in Playa Blanca. It’s child friendly and offers an excellent spa service, as well as several dining options by the sea.

Canary Islands All Inclusive

See Canary Islands All Inclusive Hotels

Flight Information

Around 4 hours 15 minutes from the UK.

When to go

The Canaries are a true year-round holiday destination. Being so close to Africa, you get steady average temperatures that stick in the high teens and early 20s throughout winter, climbing steadily to a mid-30s peak in July and August. The heat is tempered by winds, particularly in Lanzarote, which takes the edge of summer humidity but can make evenings feel cooler.

Visa Information

Currently visas are not required for UK citizens travelling to Spain.

Tipping

Restaurant bills include a service charge by law in Spain, so whether you choose to tip further is up to you. If you enjoyed the meal and service, it is customary to leave 5-10%. Hotel porters and maids will appreciate a small tip, and while taxi drivers don’t require a tip, it’s common to round up the fare.

Introduction to languages

The official language of Spain is Spanish. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.