Island hopping in the Canary Islands: how to make it work

Dreaming of discovering the diversity of the Canary Islands and traveling from one island to the next? 

In this guide, you'll learn how to plan your island-hopping adventure in this Spanish paradise. Find out the best ways to reach the islands, the available transportation options, and how to make your stay in the Canary Islands unforgettable. Start your island tour now and experience the charm of each island! 

Why island hopping in the Canary Islands?

The Canary Islands offer an incredible variety: from endless beaches and volcanic landscapes to vibrant cities and charming villages - each island has its own unique character. Island hopping allows you to experience not just one but several of these extraordinary islands during your vacation. Whether you want to explore the largest island, Tenerife, the windy surf destination of Fuerteventura, or Lanzarote's artistic volcanic landscapes, each island is an adventure waiting to happen. 

The best connections between the islands: Ferry or plane? 

When it comes to island hopping in the Canaries, you have two main options: ferries and flights. Both have their advantages—it depends on your preferences and how you want to plan your trip. 

Ferries

Ferries are a fantastic way to explore the islands while enjoying breathtaking views of the sea. There are several ferry companies operating regular connections between the islands. The main providers are Fred.Olsen Express and Naviera Armas.

Connections and prices 

Ferries operate several times daily between the larger islands, such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. Travel times vary: the crossing from Tenerife to Gran Canaria takes about 1,5 hours, while a trip from Tenerife to Lanzarote can take up to 6 hours. Prices start at around 30 Euros per route but can fluctuate depending on the season and booking time. 

Advantages of ferries 

Ferries offer the advantage of bringing a car along. If you plan to visit multiple islands, it can be a good idea to rent a car and take it with you on the ferries. This saves you the hassle of renting a new car on each island and gives you greater flexibility when exploring the islands.

Flights 

A quick and convenient way to travel between the islands is by domestic flights. Binter Canarias and Canaryfly offer daily flights between the larger Canary Islands. The flight time between islands is usually less than an hour, making it ideal if you want to see as much as possible in a short time.

Connections and prices 

Flight connections are available between all the major islands, especially Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. Ticket prices start at around 40 Euros for a one-way trip and increase depending on demand and season. 

Advantages of flights 

Flights are the best option if you want to spend as little time traveling as possible. They also make it easy to reach smaller islands, as some routes are only served by air. 

The best transportation options on the islands 

Once you've arrived on one of the Canary Islands, the next question is: How do you get from A to B? There are several options available: 

Rental Cars 

A rental car is ideal for exploring the islands flexibly and reaching remote locations. Rental cars cost from around 20 Euros per day, depending on the season and provider. 

Public transportation 

Public transportation on the Canaries is reliable and affordable. Each island has a network of buses that connect the main destinations. If you're staying only a few days on an island and focusing on major attractions, buses can be a cost-effective alternative. 

The perfect itinerary for island hopping on the eastern islands

A popular island-hopping route on the eastern Canary Islands is Tenerife – Gran Canaria – Fuerteventura – Lanzarote. These islands offer the perfect mix of culture, beaches, and stunning nature. Here's a sample itinerary with travel options for each island: 

1. Tenerife (4 days)

Start your journey on Tenerife, the largest island of the Canary Islands. Here, you'll find Teide National Park, home to Spain's highest mountain and numerous hiking trails. For your arrival, you can use Tenerife South International Airport or take a ferry from La Gomera or Gran Canaria. Stay in a holiday accomodation near the beaches of Costa Adeje or in the charming town of La Laguna.

2. Gran Canaria (4 days)

From Tenerife, continue your journey to Gran Canaria via ferry or a short flight. The island offers a mix of vibrant city life in Las Palmas, the stunning dunes of Maspalomas, and picturesque mountain villages like Tejeda. Stay in Las Palmas or the southern part of the island, depending on whether you prefer city life or beaches.

3. Fuerteventura (3 days)

Next, head to Fuerteventura, which can be reached via a 2,5-hour ferry ride or a short flight. This flat and windy island is a paradise for surfers and beach lovers. You'll find some of the most beautiful beaches in the Canary Islands here, especially in Corralejo and Jandía. Stay in a holiday accommodation near the dunes of Corralejo to experience the best the island has to offer.

4. Lanzarote (3 days)

Lanzarote is just a 25-minute ferry ride from Fuerteventura, making the transfer especially easy. On Lanzarote, you’ll discover volcanic landscapes, the famous artworks of César Manrique, and unique vineyards. Staying in a holiday accommodation in the north or near Puerto del Carmen gives you the opportunity to explore the nature and culture of this fascinating island.

The perfect itinerary for island hopping on the western islands

A popular island-hopping route in the western Canary Islands includes La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. This route is ideal for those who want to discover the quiet, green heart of the Canaries. The western islands are less developed for tourism and captivate with their natural beauty and tranquility. 

1. La Palma (4 days)

Start your journey on La Palma, also known as the "Isla Bonita." Visit the Roque de los Muchachos, the highest point on the island, and explore the dense laurel forest in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park. Stay in a holiday accommodation in Santa Cruz or Los Llanos to experience the authentic charm of the island.

2. La Gomera (3 days)

From La Palma, you can reach La Gomera either by ferry or flight, often with a stopover in Tenerife. The island is perfect for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Stay in Valle Gran Rey or Hermigua, surrounded by lush landscapes. Explore the Garajonay National Park and the spectacular ravines that make La Gomera a popular destination for nature lovers.

3. El Hierro (3 days)

The journey from La Gomera to El Hierro is easiest via Tenerife. You can first take the ferry from La Gomera to Tenerife (about one hour) and then continue with another ferry or flight to El Hierro. Alternatively, there are seasonal direct flights between La Gomera and El Hierro, though they operate less frequently. 

El Hierro, the smallest and quietest of the Canary Islands, is a paradise for nature lovers and sustainability enthusiasts. With its pristine nature, lava coastlines, and small fishing villages, the island is ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Stay in Valverde or along the coast in La Restinga to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the island. El Hierro is also a popular destination for diving and snorkeling.

Conclusion: How to make your island hopping unforgettable

Island hopping in the Canary Islands gives you the opportunity to experience the diversity of the archipelago up close. Whether you explore the islands by ferry or flight, travel by rental car, or stay in charming holiday accommodation, each island has its own unique highlights. Plan your route and experience the Canaries in all their glory. We're happy to assist you in planning your island hopping adventure!

Contact us and let's create your perfect island holiday together.

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone +34 675 400 700