← The Escape Collection

Spain

Canary Islands

Picture an island holiday with more than one mood: the coast one day, a historic town the next, and no rush to fit both into an afternoon. The Canaries suit travellers who want beach time with a change of scene. Start by choosing one island; Tenerife and Gran Canaria each deserve a holiday of their own.

Golden sand and clear sheltered water at Las Teresitas beach, Tenerife
Las Teresitas, Tenerife · Atlantic Ambience / Pexels

Your island, with another side to it

Why put Canary Islands on your list?

  • Choose between Tenerife and Gran Canaria as distinct starting points.
  • Combine a comfortable coastal base with a separate landscape or town day.
  • Give yourself time to enjoy one island instead of spending the trip in transit.

On Tenerife, turn inland to La Laguna

San Cristóbal de La Laguna offers historic streets, churches and palaces away from the beach. A walk through its old town followed by a tapas stop makes a different kind of island day. This is a Tenerife suggestion: if you choose Gran Canaria, plan your discoveries there rather than assuming the islands are interchangeable.

Where to stay

Tenerife · An island choice for coastal time and a varied landscape.

Gran Canaria · An alternative island for beaches and a mix of city and resort stays.

A little room for discovery

Three days to make your own

Use these as a starting point for part of your stay. Each visit and journey is something to arrange independently.

  1. Day 1

    Arrive on your chosen island and explore close to your base. Find the beach access and a comfortable place for your first evening.

  2. Day 2

    Devote a day to the coast. Check swimming conditions locally and leave space for a long lunch rather than several distant stops.

  3. Day 3

    Pick one inland or town outing on the same island. Check the journey home before setting off, then return for an unhurried evening.

Sunlit dunes at Maspalomas, Gran Canaria
Marcela Střelcová · CC BY-SA 4.0

Getting around

Match flights and arrival transport to the exact island and airport. Use current local bus information or independently arranged transport for day trips. Ferries or flights between islands are separate journeys, not part of this suggested stay.

Before you choose your dates

Winter sun is a travel idea, not a weather guarantee. Coastal and higher-altitude conditions can differ; choose clothing and activities for the place you are actually visiting.

Useful local information

Check current details with the destination’s official visitor information. Our editorial sources were reviewed on 10 October 2026.

Hello Canary Islands · Tenerife ↗

Hello Canary Islands · La Laguna Old Town ↗ · Discovery checked 11 October 2026.

Back to the Escape Collection →
Ask VivienneFind your kind of away