Tenerife or Lanzarote: which popular Canary Island is best for you?
Holidaymakers have been visiting the Canary Islands* for more than a century, and with the archipelago's year-round sunshine, glorious sandy beaches, laid-back vibes, stunning scenery and delectable food, it's easy to see why the islands are more popular than ever.
But which of the eight islands do you choose? Luckily, our resident Canaries specialist is here to help, this time weighing up the beautifully volcanic Tenerife and Lanzarote.
Getting there: whichever you choose, don't miss the latest deals to the Canary Islands with TUI*, which offers holidays to both Tenerife* and Lanzarote* from airports across the UK.
Beaches & resorts
Both islands have long-established resorts, and there are plenty of options for all travel types. In Tenerife, Playa de las Americas* is hugely popular thanks to some great beaches and vibrant nightlife, and although it may be a little tacky in parts, it has plenty of amenities.
Just up the coast on the Costa Adeje* and you'll find the higher-end hotels and sprawling resort complexes with several five-star big-hitters such as Bahia del Duque. Puerto de la Cruz* on the north coast is a slightly more subdued but no less exciting spot.
For something a little different, try the small port town of Garachico. It has some historic boutique hotels and natural sea pools close by.
Lanzarote's big three resorts are showy Puerto del Carmen* with its plentiful bars and restaurants, southerly Playa Blanca* where you can catch regular ferries to neighbouring Fuerteventura and visit the stunning beaches of Papagayo, and finally the fun Costa Teguise* with its long beaches and promenade.
You'll find lots to do in each, as they are set up for holiday makers. For quieter spots, opt for the cute fishing port of Arrieta, or try the surfer's paradise of Famara.
Eating out
Tenerife has always been known as the most gastronomic of the islands, but it's been facing stiff competition in recent years, particularly from Lanzarote and Gran Canaria*. That said, it still packs a punch in the food and drink stakes.
At the top end, you'll find Michelin Star restaurants such as Nub, where husband and wife team Andrea and Fernanda fuse food from their respective homelands of Italy and Chile.
If you're visiting in September and October, you're in luck, as you'll come across many pop-up restaurants in the north of the island. Known as guachinches, these rustic canteens were originally a way for vineyards to sell their wine alongside typical Canarian food: simply grilled meat, salty potatoes and stews. They are incredibly good value for money and a real slice of Tenerife's history and culture.
It's wine that has led Lanzarote* to up its gourmet offering over the last decade or so. Wine here is famous thanks to the way the vines are grown in deep volcanic pits.
Head to La Geria to see them. The island has a popular annual food festival each November called Saborea Lanzarote, where chefs come from all over to show their culinary creations.
For a taste of the island in food and wine, try Bodega de Santiago in Yaiza. Its dishes are a twist on the classic Canarian, and its wine list is extensive and packed with local bottles. Try to snag a table outside under its famous Ficus tree.
Out & about
While both islands have well-established resorts, you'll likely want to venture out and see the scenery, landscape and explore the smaller towns and villages that dot the mountains, plains, and valleys of the islands.
Car is the easiest way to get around, and hiring one is inexpensive and easy, but opt for a local company such as Cicar to aid the islands' economy. Buses are also frequent and good value, and there are impressive route networks on both islands.
You'll spot the Lanzarote landscape as you land, its mostly dark volcanic soil sprinkled with pretty whitewashed buildings. Since the 1970s, the island has had strict building regulations, which means that all properties are low-lying and painted white.
It gives the island a magical and incredibly beautiful aspect. You may want to go on the architecture trail of famous local artist Cesar Manrique, whose building creations are all across the island. Try stopping by Teguise (the old capital) on a Sunday for the market, where you'll find handicrafts and food.
If Lanzarote is pretty, then Tenerife is majestic. Its soaring peaks, including El Teide, the highest mountain in Spain and the world's third tallest volcano, actually deserve the word breathtaking, as does the surrounding landscape, where you'll find sky-high pine trees instead of swaying palms.
For a spot of culture, take a wander around historic La Laguna, its grid layout was used as the blueprint for many towns and cities in South America, including Havana in Cuba. The architecture is handsome, and there are some superb restaurants and cafés to while away the hours and people-watch.
Family fun
Volcanoes are cool. And there is no shortage of tectonic treats for children of all ages to enjoy. A trip on the solar-powered cable car to the top of El Teide is a must, but remember to pack a jumper as you'll be high above the cloud level.
Up in the national park, there are also plenty of stargazing opportunities even with the naked eye, as there is so little light pollution. Adventure's to be had at Forestal Park, where you'll get to walk, zipline and swing through the trees Tarzan-style.
Back down at the coast, there are plentiful watersports and activities at all the main resorts. You might want to book onto an organised whale watching tour. The strait between Tenerife and La Gomera* is a cetacean superhighway, and you'll likely spot dolphins too and the odd turtle. Choose a sustainable and approved operator to ensure both the habitat and marine life are respected.
While Lanzarote might not have giant peaks, it does have the remains of the 18th-century eruption in the form of Timanfaya National Park.
Children will love seeing the cool lava formations and watching as water poured into a bore hole rises moments later as steam, or see the restaurant cooking meat on a grill using the natural geothermal heat.
Alternatively, take to the water with a boat trip to Fuerteventura or the eighth official Canary Island, La Graciosa. Ferries run regularly and are inexpensive.
Compare weather
Use the graphs below to compare the weather in both destinations. Find out more about the climate in Tenerife and the climate in Lanzarote as well as conditions across the region in our complete guide to the climate in the Canary Islands.
Lanzarote vs Tenerife
- Maximum daytime temperature
- Hours of sunshine
- Days with some rainfall
- Monthly rainfall
- Sea temperature
Maximum daytime temperature (°C)
Hours of sunshine per day
Days with some rainfall
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Sea temperature (°C)
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