10 prevalent myths about the Canary Islands

Even if you haven't visited the renowned Spanish hotspot of the Canary Islands, you may be unaware of several widespread misconceptions about this destination.

This archipelago offers much more than just Tenerife, its most famous island, and is richer in experiences than just nightlife and all-inclusive packages.

Contrary to popular belief, the Canary Islands are an amazing destination filled with cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and a vibrant food and wine scene. And let’s not forget the year-round sunshine and delightful weather.

Continue reading to discover why this destination is frequently misperceived and why you should embrace this stunning group of volcanic islands. You might find yourself planning your next getaway here.

The Canary Islands consist solely of Tenerife.

The archipelago consists of seven main islands, and their charm extends far beyond the largest and most well-known island, Tenerife. Don't limit your perception of these beautiful islands to just the most famous one.

Below is a list ranking the main islands from largest to smallest, along with reasons to visit each one:

If you're uncertain about which island to explore, check out TPG's article on how to choose the right Canary Island for you, showcasing the highlights of each island and the types of travelers they suit best.

It's important to mention that the Canary Islands encompass the small island of La Graciosa, which can be visited on a day trip or overnight stay from Lanzarote. Additionally, there are several islets scattered throughout the archipelago, including Isla de Lobos, Roque del Oeste, Alegranza, Roque del Este, and Montana Clara.

They can be cheesy

Like any destination, certain areas of the Canary Islands may indeed have a cheesy vibe. Some resort towns across the islands feature high-rise, cookie-cutter hotels, budget party hostels, and all-inclusive resorts that appeal to visitors looking to party around the clock.

Nonetheless, those represent just a few specific spots. With a bit of research, you can easily discover more authentic areas on each island. There are also upscale resorts that maintain a refined atmosphere. For instance, The Ritz-Carlton, Abama on Tenerife is a prime example.

Six of the seven primary Canary Islands are known for their wine production, and vino tourism offers a sophisticated and delightful way to immerse yourself in the islands' culture and cuisine.

Speaking of culinary delights, the Canaries boast a variety of unique gastronomic offerings that you won’t find elsewhere. This includes the delicious mojo picon sauce, which is often generously served over potatoes, as well as the popular cheeses produced on the islands.

Indeed, for those eager to blend cultural experiences and gastronomy with beach outings and hiking, Lanzarote is gradually transforming into a more upscale destination for those seeking sophistication.

Lanzarote is the nearest of the Canary Islands to Africa, situated just over 80 miles away. With its idyllic beaches and unique volcanic terrain, the island also boasts a growing wine tourism sector, along with remarkable art and architecture from the renowned artist César Manrique.

They're solely for partygoers and retirees

Nightlife enthusiasts will love Tenerife's Playa de las Americas and Gran Canaria's Playa del Ingles. However, within each island, there are various regions to discover, each offering a unique vacation experience for different types of travelers, including areas suited for more mature visitors. There’s truly something for everyone.

The beaches have black sand and aren't very appealing

It’s true: Some beaches in the Canary Islands feature volcanic black sand.

However, many beaches in the Canaries boast golden or fine white sand. For beach enthusiasts, Fuerteventura is a must-visit, featuring beaches like El Cotillo, Sotavento, and Flag with their Caribbean-like white sand. Don't miss one of Europe's wildest beaches, El Cofete, nestled among cratered volcanic peaks—it's truly a treasure.

The golden shores of Papagayo Beach on Lanzarote and Las Teresitas on Tenerife provide a refreshing contrast to the black sand. For a unique experience with golden sands, visit the dunes of Maspalomas on Gran Canaria, where the undulating sandy hills may remind you of the Sahara until you catch sight of the azure sea.

They're quite touristy

Indeed, the Canary Islands attract a steady stream of visitors throughout the year—particularly from other European nations that experience less sunshine.

In the bustling pre-pandemic era of 2019, Tenerife welcomed over 6 million tourists, while Fuerteventura received around 2 million. Smaller islands like El Hierro, La Palma, or La Gomera typically host only a few hundred thousand visitors annually. This does not account for the decline in visitor numbers during 2020 and beyond due to COVID-19 restrictions, which have now largely been lifted.

By veering off the usual tourist paths and exploring islands beyond Gran Canaria or Tenerife, or by venturing into less commercialized areas of those islands, you'll discover even more hidden gems. You might even find a secluded beach or two.

A significant number of Spaniards reside in the Canary Islands, making it easy to immerse yourself in Canarian cuisine, culture, and more by spending time in local neighborhoods across the islands. Be sure to try papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes served with the tangy Canarian sauce, mojo picon) and ropa vieja, a meat dish that’s also beloved in Cuba. Fresh seafood is always a great choice, too.

While the capitals of each island may not be secluded, they offer fantastic opportunities to learn about the islands' true essence, escape the crowds, and delve into the local culture and history.

They’re actually quite near the Spanish mainland.

Though the Canary Islands are part of Spain, they are situated closer to Africa. The flight from Madrid, the capital of Spain, takes nearly three hours to reach the islands.

Even with the flight duration, traveling to the islands is relatively affordable, particularly if you have Avios points for reward flights on airlines like Iberia or British Airways.

The weather is consistently warm.

A major attraction of the Canary Islands is their climate. With year-round sunshine and pleasant temperatures, it’s rare to find places in Europe where you can sunbathe in January, adding to the allure of these islands.

However, keep in mind that winter evenings can be quite cool. The islands often experience wind, particularly on Fuerteventura. So, pack layers and a warm jacket for those chilly winter nights. If you’re hiking, especially up Teide volcano, layers are essential since temperatures drop at higher altitudes, and you might even encounter snow near the summit.

That being said, it's important to note that travelers heading to the Spanish islands this summer have been alerted to unprecedented heat.

There's a lack of cultural activities.

The capitals of islands such as Tenerife (Santa Cruz) and Gran Canaria (Las Palmas) offer numerous historical sites and museums to discover. Lanzarote is famous for its wineries and the artistic contributions of César Manrique, a renowned artist, architect, and sculptor.

While local festivals and celebrations were put on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions, many villages, towns, and cities across the islands are once again hosting events. Notably, the Carnival festivities take place every February and are quite thrilling.

While many tourists prefer soaking up the daily sunshine that the Canaries provide, those who enjoy a day at a museum, shopping, or exploring architectural and artistic marvels can certainly do so.

Each island offers a wealth of hiking, cycling, and rock climbing options. For those looking for outdoor adventures beyond sunbathing, water sports like diving and surfing are also fantastic choices.

It's predominantly volcanic rock.

The Canary Islands were shaped by volcanic activity. Therefore, you can expect to see craters, black-sand beaches, and even the volcanoes themselves scattered across the landscape.

The islands offer many other distinctive landscapes to explore. Some notable natural attractions include:

• The laurel forests of Garajonay National Park on La Gomera.
• The lush hills of Barranco de los Hombres on La Palma.
• The terraced mountaintop villages of Masca Valley on Tenerife.
• The undulating sand dunes of Gran Canaria.
• 16 miradores astronomicos (stargazing spots) on La Palma.
• Anaga Natural Park, featuring a tropical microclimate forest on Tenerife.
• The verdant hills of Parque Rural de Doramas on Gran Canaria.

They are exclusively for package holiday travelers.

Many of the smaller islands feature boutique hotels or charming bed-and-breakfasts that provide a peaceful and laid-back vacation atmosphere. Additionally, renting a villa or apartment is a great way to enjoy a more unique, luxurious, or authentically local experience in the Canary Islands.

You can find family-friendly accommodations with children's pools and activities, adults-only wellness retreats, and tranquil guesthouses nestled in mountains or secluded beach coves – every type of lodging is available on the islands.

In summary

While certain areas of the Canaries might come across as cheesy and overrun with tourists, they also boast incredible charm, offering travelers stunning white-sand beaches, verdant forests, rugged mountains, and distinct local traditions, festivals, and cuisine.

Don't let these frequent misconceptions deter you from exploring these sunny Spanish islands. Instead, discover how to create your perfect getaway there.