Holidays to the Canary Islands

As in the UK, the weather in the Canary Islands is variable. But whichever island you are on and whenever you are on it you can expect it to be a lot warmer and drier than at home.

They may be little more than a four-hour flight away, but the islands enjoy a sub-tropical climate that makes them great for a holiday at any time of the year.

Winter temperatures are mild enough to sunbathe on Christmas Day with maybe six or seven hours of sun and the thermometer nudging 22 degrees. Although the Atlantic may be warm enough for a dip the temperature will be much lower on the hills and mountains where, sometimes, it snows.

In the summer it rarely gets uncomfortably hot. The sun can shine for up to 10 hours a day, but maximum temperatures are usually between 25 and 30 degrees Centigrade.  Between May and September, it rarely rains on the coast.

The average annual rainfall for the Canary Islands is less than 150mm a year. London has almost four times as much. It may rain in Tenerife for 14 days a year but London has more than 100 wet days. Micro-climates mean some islands have wetter and drier areas.

Car hire:  Road networks are good on the Canary Islands and car hire is popular and widely available.  Drivers must be over 21 and should carry with them in the car picture ID (like a driving licence or passport) and the car hire document. Drive on the right.

Taxis: They operate on all five islands and fares are regulated. Most drivers speak English so you can discuss the fare before you travel. Expect fares to climb if your journey takes you outside the town or resort you are in. Flag a cab, go to a rank or book by phone (your hotel will help).

Buses:  Reliable and regular bus services run on all five islands. The routes, timetables and fares are available on-line and in English for some islands. Discounts can usually be obtained for multiple journeys.

Ferries:  Hydrofoils and ferries link all the islands.

There is a very wide variety of private spas on offer in the Canary Islands. New treatments, a world away from the traditional head massage and manicure, make full use of the many natural resources found in the region. Read our guide to some of the best spas in the Canary Islands.