The Canary Islands are one of Spain's most underrated treasures, and honestly, they deserve way more attention than they get. Here's why they should be on your radar 🌴
The Weather Is Exceptional — Year Round ☀️
The Canaries sit off the northwest coast of Africa, which means they enjoy a mild, spring-like climate every single month of the year. Average temperatures hover between 20–28°C (68–82°F). No real off-season here — this is a genuine 365-day destination.
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Seven Islands, Seven Completely Different Experiences 🗺️
This is what most people don't realize. The islands are wildly different from each other:
- Tenerife — dramatic volcanic landscapes, Spain's highest peak (Mount Teide), and buzzing nightlife
- Lanzarote — otherworldly lunar terrain, UNESCO-protected biosphere, incredible wine region
- Gran Canaria — massive sand dunes at Maspalomas, a cosmopolitan capital in Las Palmas, lush interior mountains
- La Palma — one of the world's best stargazing destinations 🌟, dense laurel forests, seriously off-the-beaten-path
- Fuerteventura — endless white sand beaches and world-class windsurfing
- La Gomera — tiny, lush, and almost entirely unspoiled
- El Hierro — Europe's most remote island, completely solar-powered and utterly peaceful
✈️ Points tip: From Madrid, Iberia flights can be found for as little as 5,000 Avios points each way.
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Two Weeks on Gran Canaria — Here's What It's Actually Like
I spent two weeks based in Las Palmas, the island's capital, and it exceeded every expectation.
Las Palmas 🌊
Las Palmas is a city nestled between two bays, with miles of boardwalk hugging the coastline. What makes it special is how the sea transforms throughout the day — the same bay where surfers catch waves in the morning becomes a calm, shallow playground by afternoon, where you can swim alongside fish and pick your way across rocks as the tide shifts. It's genuinely spectacular to watch.
The boardwalk is lined with cafes, and morning yoga on the beach is a regular thing. The vibe is relaxed without being sleepy. 🧘
Just 15 minutes south by bus is the old town — cobblestone streets, shaded promenades, and plenty of spots to sit and people-watch. We did a three-hour walking tour that covered the neighborhood in real depth and was absolutely worth it. 🚶
Getting Around 🚌
The bus system known as the Guaguas on Gran Canaria is excellent and genuinely affordable — it should get far more credit than it does. That said, for maximum flexibility, renting a car opens up the island considerably.
There are plenty of Airbnb rentals in Las Palmas that are affordable and just a few blocks from the beach.
Day Trip: Teror 🍯
The mountain town of Teror, known as the spiritual heart of the island, makes for a wonderful day trip by bus. Wander the streets, visit the main basilica, stop for lunch, and before you leave pick up some local honey and fresh-baked goods from one of the small shops. Be sure to check out the beautiful Canarian wood balconies.
Sunday is market day where the town fills up with fresh produce. Simple, unhurried, and very Gran Canaria.
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Day Trip: Maspalomas Dunes + Mogán 🏜️
Heading south to the Maspalomas sand dunes is a must. It's a longer journey — a few hours from Las Palmas — but the dunes are free to enter and completely worth the trip. My strong recommendation: time your visit for just before sunset. The light on the dunes at that hour is something else entirely. 🌅
If you rent a car for this one, make a stop in Mogán on the way — a small seaside town with flower-draped streets that's well worth an hour or two of your afternoon. There are plenty of resorts in the south though not many US brands of hotels where you can use points and miles. But you can use flexible points in the travel portal. You can also use the "erase" tool with Capital One points.
Hot tip: take lots of before and after photos of your rental car. We hear there are a lot of "damage" claims made against renters here. Remember to use a credit card like your Chase Sapphire Reserve with rental car insurance to make this purchase.
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