Canary Islands
Canary Islands Holidays
Plan sunshine-filled escapes to Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and beyond with BFM Travels. Compare inspiration for beach breaks, family resorts, adults-only stays and winter sun getaways, then continue to our Travel Planner to shape your perfect trip.
Holiday Guide
Why the Canary Islands stay popular year round
The Canary Islands remain one of the most reliable holiday choices for UK travellers because they combine short-to-medium haul convenience with a warm climate, varied scenery and a wide choice of accommodation. Whether you want a fly-and-flop beach week, a family resort with pools and entertainment, a stylish adults-only escape or a more active break with hiking, surfing and island-hopping, the Canaries offer a strong mix of value and variety. For many travellers, they are the go-to answer for winter sun, but they are just as appealing in spring, summer and autumn thanks to dependable weather and a broad range of resorts.
Each island has its own personality. Tenerife is often the best all-rounder, with lively resorts in the south, family favourites, luxury hotels and easy access to Mount Teide and traditional towns. Gran Canaria blends golden beaches, cosmopolitan city breaks in Las Palmas and scenic inland villages, making it ideal for travellers who want more than a resort-only stay. Lanzarote feels distinctive and stylish, with volcanic landscapes, whitewashed architecture and a calmer atmosphere that suits couples and repeat visitors. Fuerteventura is a favourite for long sandy beaches, water sports and a more laid-back pace, while smaller islands such as La Palma and La Gomera appeal to travellers seeking nature, walking and a quieter experience.
For UK holidaymakers, the Canary Islands deliver one of the easiest ways to enjoy sunshine, sea views and flexible holiday styles without travelling long haul.
BFM Travels
When planning Canary Islands holidays, it helps to think about the type of trip you want first. Families often prioritise beachfront hotels, kids’ clubs, splash pools and easy transfers. Couples may prefer boutique stays, adults-only resorts, marina areas and sunset dining. Groups might look for spacious apartments, nightlife access and flexible board options. If your focus is relaxation, all-inclusive resorts can simplify budgeting. If you prefer freedom, self-catering or bed-and-breakfast stays can work well, especially if you want to explore local restaurants and beaches. BFM Travels is designed to help you compare ideas across holidays, hotels, flights and travel deals, so you can narrow down the right island and the right style of stay before booking with a trusted partner.
Hotel Search
Hotels widget placeholder
This section is reserved for a future affiliate hotels widget. It can later be replaced with a live hotel search, date selectors, guest controls, map results or featured property listings for the Canary Islands.
Suggested future fields
Destination, travel dates, guests, board basis, star rating and flexible stay length.
Suggested future filters
Family friendly, adults only, beachfront, all inclusive, spa hotels, villas and budget-friendly stays.
Best islands for different holiday styles
Tenerife suits first-time visitors, mixed-age groups and travellers who want the broadest choice of resorts, attractions and hotel styles. Gran Canaria is ideal if you want beaches plus city energy, shopping and day trips inland. Lanzarote is a strong choice for couples, stylish stays and a more design-led island feel. Fuerteventura appeals to beach lovers, surfers and anyone who values space, sand and a slower rhythm. If you want something quieter and greener, consider using our Travel Planner to explore alternatives and combine your holiday ideas with the right travel extras, including travel insurance, car hire and airport parking.
Canary Islands holiday FAQs
Helpful answers for travellers comparing islands, seasons and hotel options.
When is the best time to visit the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands are a year-round destination, but they are especially popular with UK travellers in autumn and winter when reliable sunshine is harder to find closer to home. Spring and early summer are also excellent for warm weather without peak-season crowds in some resorts.
Which Canary Island is best for families?
Tenerife and Gran Canaria are often the easiest choices for families because they offer a wide range of family-friendly resorts, pools, entertainment and convenient flight options. The best fit depends on your budget, preferred resort style and whether you want a lively or quieter base.
Are the Canary Islands good for adults-only holidays?
Yes. Lanzarote, Tenerife and Gran Canaria all have strong adults-only and couples-focused hotel options, from stylish boutique stays to larger premium resorts with spas, sea views and all-inclusive packages.
Do I need a hotel or a package holiday?
That depends on how you like to travel. A package holiday can be convenient if you want flights and accommodation combined, while booking a hotel separately may suit travellers who want more flexibility. You can compare options across our Holidays, Hotels and Flights pages.
Can I plan a Canary Islands trip with extras included?
Absolutely. Many travellers combine their stay with car hire, travel insurance and airport parking. Our BFM Travel Planner is a useful starting point for shaping the full trip.
What type of hotel works best for a winter sun break?
For winter sun, many UK travellers look for beachfront or resort-style hotels with heated pools, outdoor dining areas and easy access to promenades, beaches or marina districts. Adults-only, all-inclusive and premium half-board stays are especially popular for a more relaxed escape.