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ES The Canary Islands are the perfect destination for those looking to escape the cold winter in Central Europe. With their mild year-round climate, excellent infrastructure, and many options for long-term stays, they offer ideal conditions for winter visitors.
In this post, you will learn everything important about wintering in the Canary Islands – from the climate to medical care and mail forwarding, to the right health insurance. We also offer individual consultation and the opportunity to receive special prices for holiday homes and apartments for your long-term stay.
1. The climate of the Canary Islands: An easy escape from winter
One of the main reasons why so many people choose the Canary Islands for wintering is the mild, spring-like climate. While Central Europe is gray, wet, and cold, you can enjoy temperatures between 18 and 22°C here – even in January. At night, the temperature rarely drops below 15°C.
The southern regions of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura are particularly sunny. La Palma, El Hierro and La Gomera are somewhat greener and more humid. Thanks to the stable weather, you can enjoy the islands year-round – perfect if you want to escape winter.
2. Holiday home or apartment? The best accommodation for your long-term stay
If you want to spend the winter in the Canary Islands, you have various accommodation options. In addition to holiday homes, there is a wide selection of apartments, which are particularly suitable for long-term stays.
Apartments are ideal for solo travelers or couples looking for a central, easy-to-maintain accommodation – often in coastal towns with good infrastructure.
Holiday homes offer more space and privacy. Many are located in quiet areas or directly by the sea.
We help you find the perfect accommodation and can often negotiate attractive special prices with landlords for you. Just reach out – we offer individual consultation!
Holiday accommodations on the Canary Islands
3. Health insurance and medical care in the Canary Islands
Medical care in the Canary Islands is excellent. There are many English-speaking doctors as well as public and private hospitals.
Health insurance for long-term stays:
As an EU citizen, you can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which covers basic care.
For longer stays or more extensive services, private international health insurance is recommended.
Prescriptions and medication:
Many medications are available over the counter in Spain, but some require a Spanish prescription.
Long-term prescriptions are not automatically valid – you often need to have them reissued by a Spanish doctor.
If you regularly need medication, ask your doctor for a medication list translated into English or Spanish.
4. Mail forwarding and communication
If you stay in the Canary Islands for a longer period, you should arrange your mail delivery. There are several options:
Mail forwarding service with post office– your mail is forwarded to your address in the Canary Islands.
Digital scan services – some providers receive your mail, scan it, and forward it digitally.
Friends or family as recipients – they can collect important letters and send them to you as needed.
Internet: The Canary Islands are well-connected, and many apartments and holiday homes offer Wi-Fi. You can either use your tariff’s EU roaming or buy a Spanish prepaid SIM card for affordable calls and mobile internet.
5. Staying longer: Residence Permit and Visa
Stay up to 90 days
As an EU citizen, you can stay in the Canary Islands for up to 90 days without special permission. If you want to stay longer, certain formalities must be considered.
Registration with the Immigration Office (“Extranjería”)
If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you must register with the Spanish immigration office. You will need:
A valid passport or ID card
A Spanish tax number (NIE number)
Proof of health insurance
Possibly proof of sufficient financial means
Address registration (“Empadronamiento”)
After three months, you must register with the local town hall (“Ayuntamiento”) and provide a residential address, even if it is only a secondary residence. After registration, you receive a certificate of residence. This does not yet result in tax liability but serves only to document long-term stays.
Applying for the NIE Number
With the residence certificate, you can apply for an NIE number at the Policía Nacional. This is required for business transactions, such as buying a car or property, and opening a bank account. Alternatively, you can apply for the NIE number through the Spanish embassy.
Residencia: Official primary residence
If you want to live in the Canary Islands permanently or long-term, you must apply for residency (“Residencia”) within the first 90 days. After registration, you receive the “Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión,” a green card confirming your registration as a resident.
For the Residencia application, you need:
A residence in the Canary Islands
An employment contract or self-employment in Spain
Existing health insurance and sufficient funds in your bank account
With Residencia, you should deregister in your country and provide your new address in the Canary Islands.
Tax liability in the Canary Islands
If you register as a resident or live in the Canary Islands for more than 183 days per year, you automatically become a tax resident in Spain.
If you work as a freelancer, you must register with the tax office as an Autónomo/a. Deregistration from your tax office is not required. You inform them of your departure with your last tax return, stating your total annual income, with the tax burden calculated proportionally.
Discover holiday accommodations on the Canary Isalnds
6. Our consultation & special prices for wintering aboard
Finding the right winter accommodation can be challenging – but we are here to help!
✔ Personal consultation – we find the perfect accommodation for you
✔ Special prices for long-term stays – we negotiate exclusive discounts with landlords
✔ Individual support – whether special requests, location, or amenities
Are you planning to spend the winter in the Canary Islands? Contact us now, and we will help you find your perfect home!
Conclusion
The Canary Islands are the ideal destination to escape the cold winter in Central Europe. Whether an apartment or a holiday home – with the right accommodation, good planning, and suitable health insurance, you can enjoy your long-term stay worry-free.
Thanks to our individual consultation and special conditions for winter visitors, we help you make your winter months in the sun as comfortable as possible. Just tell us what you are looking for – we take care of the rest!
Email:
Phone: +34 675 400 700
