Which is the best Canary island for your holidays?
Ferry 19 Nov 2025
Choosing the best Canary Island is not as simple as it seems. Each island has its own character: some are wilder, others more urban, some are perfect for families and others invite a romantic getaway. There is no single answer to "which is the best Canary Island to visit", but we can help you find the one that best suits you. In this guide you'll see which island to choose if you're travelling as a couple, with children, in December or if you're looking for diving, and how to get there by ferry booking with Kikoto Ferries.
1. What to consider before choosing an island
Before deciding which is the best Canary Island for holidays, take a moment to think about your ideal trip:
- Type of trip: romantic, family, adventure, total relaxation?
- Duration: long weekend, one week, more than 10 days?
- Interests: beach, hiking, volcanic nature, diving, urban atmosphere...
- Time of year: summer, spring or a winter sun escape.
If it's your first time and you're not sure which is the best Canary Island to visit, Tenerife and Gran Canaria are very safe bets: they offer varied landscapes, good transport connections, plenty of services and leisure options for almost any type of traveller.
2. The best Canary Island for couples
When you're looking for the best Canary Island for couples, you'll probably want a special atmosphere, endless sunsets and relaxed plans:
- Lanzarote: unique volcanic landscapes, wineries, white villages and boutique hotels. Ideal for a different kind of getaway with great food and peaceful corners.
- La Palma and La Gomera: smaller, greener islands, perfect for hiking, stunning viewpoints and starry nights.
In general, the best Canary Island for couples will be the one that allows you to disconnect without rushing: charming accommodation, quieter beaches and good restaurants where you can linger over dinner without checking the time.
3. Which is the best Canary Island to visit with children?
When travelling as a family, priorities change: you look for comfort, safety and many leisure options. That's where choosing the best Canary Island to visit with kids becomes important.
Safe beaches, family activities and nature
Tenerife and Gran Canaria stand out because they combine:
- Beaches with services, calm bathing areas and easy access.
- Theme and water parks, zoos and activities designed for children.
- Short, easy trails so the little ones can discover nature without getting tired.
That's why, when someone asks for the best Canary Island to visit with children, these two usually take the lead: they have everything and it's easy to plan each day with a different activity.
Travelling by ferry with kids: comfort and luggage
The ferry is a great ally for families: you can take more luggage, a stroller, toys, a portable cooler and even your car without worrying about baggage limits. Children can move around, look out the window, rest or play. This way, choosing the best Canary Island to visit with kids also means thinking about a comfortable journey, where travelling is part of the experience and not just a formality.
4. Best Canary Island for a complete holiday
If you just want to enjoy yourself without complications, you'll probably wonder which is the best all-round Canary Island for holidays. Here's a quick comparison:
| Island | Trip profile | Ideal for... |
|---|---|---|
| Tenerife | Very complete: beach, mountains, leisure, theme parks | First-time visitors, families, couples |
| Gran Canaria | Mild and varied climate, capital with urban atmosphere | Long and varied holidays |
| Lanzarote | Volcanic landscape, wineries, lots of tranquillity | Couples, travellers looking for something different |
| Fuerteventura | Huge beaches, wind, water sports | Surfers, sea and sand lovers |
If you're still unsure which is the best Canary Island to visit, you can start with Tenerife or Gran Canaria and save the others for future trips.
Combining several islands in one trip
Another option for a perfect holiday is not limiting yourself to one island:
- Tenerife + La Gomera: perfect balance of beach, hiking and tranquillity.
- Gran Canaria + Fuerteventura: ideal combination of beaches, coastal towns and water sports.
This way, you don't have to choose a single best Canary Island for holidays, but create your own tailor-made route.
5. Best Canary Island to visit in December
When the cold approaches, searches for "best Canary Island to visit in December" or "which Canary Island has the best weather in December" increase. In general, the entire archipelago keeps mild temperatures, but some areas are especially blessed by the sun.
Which Canary Island has the best weather in December?
The southern areas of Tenerife and Gran Canaria usually offer very pleasant temperatures and many clear days. That's why many travellers consider these areas as the best Canary Island to visit in December, especially if they want to combine beach walks with some urban atmosphere and Christmas shopping.
Winter sun plans: beaches, hiking and gastronomy
In December you can:
- Enjoy the beach without overwhelming heat.
- Go on gentle hikes and enjoy viewpoints without crowds.
- Taste traditional dishes, stews and local wines with very pleasant weather.
And if you love the sea, you might wonder which is the best Canary Island for diving: Lanzarote, El Hierro or certain areas of Tenerife offer spectacular underwater landscapes year-round.
Tips for booking your ferry during holidays
During long weekends, Christmas or New Year:
- Book your ferry in advance, especially if you're travelling with a car.
- Play with dates and times to find better prices.
- Have passenger and vehicle documentation ready to speed up the purchase.
This way you'll enjoy the best Canary Island to visit in December without last-minute surprises.
6. How to get to the Canary Islands by ferry
Once you've chosen your best Canary Island, it's time to plan how to get there.
Ferry routes to the Canary Islands from Huelva and Cádiz
With Kikoto Ferries you can book your tickets to the Canary Islands departing from two key ports on the mainland:
From these ports you can reach islands such as Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote or Fuerteventura. The ferry is a great option if you're travelling by car, lots of luggage or sports equipment, especially if you're looking for the best Canary Island for diving and want to bring your own gear.
Why book your tickets with Kikoto Ferries
At Kikoto Ferries you can:
- Compare ferry companies, schedules and prices clearly, with no hidden fees.
- Save passenger, vehicle and document details for future bookings.
- Use the "I'm in a hurry" mode to get your tickets in seconds.
You just need to decide which is the best Canary Island for your next trip... and let Kikoto Ferries make booking your ferry the easiest part of the adventure.
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