Looking for a new destination for your next trip ? The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago off the coast of Africa and each one has its own charm and personality. But with so many islands to choose from, how do you decide which is the best for you? 

While there isn’t really a ranking, because it all depends on what you are looking for and what you like doing with your free time, here’s a helpful guide to help you make your choice.

Fuerteventura – Best for Laid-Back Vibes, Beaches & Watersports

Fuerteventura is my favorite island in the Canaries. It’s calm, sunny and has a very chill vibe about it. The energy there is relaxed, the people are very friendly but do their own thing and the beaches are magnificent. 

Fuerteventura is a great island for: 

• Families: there are lots of family-friendly things to do, with animal parks, gentle beaches, and scenic drives.
• Water sports lovers: it’s a major hub for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, whether you’re a pro or a total beginner. My husband had wingfoil lessons there and loved it. The beaches in Fuerteventura are also great for relaxing.
• Wellness types: healthy cafés, smoothie bars, yoga retreats and space to breathe.

We rented a car and explored the island from our base in El Cotillo. It’s an easy, open island to navigate — great for exploring small towns, local restaurants, or just pulling over when the view gets too good. Highly recommend it if you want sunshine and serenity without boredom.

Tenerife – A Great All-Rounder

Tenerife is the most popular island for good reason. It balances beaches, nightlife, hiking, and local culture, with options for every kind of traveler.

Best for:

• First-timers to the Canaries
• Couples or groups with mixed interests
• Those wanting both mountains and beach days

Climb Mount Teide (Spain’s highest peak), relax in the resort towns of Costa Adeje or Playa de las Américas, or explore charming villages in the north.

Gran Canaria – Best for Variety & Local Culture

Gran Canaria is like a continent in miniature. In just an hour’s drive you’ll pass from desert dunes to pine forests to dramatic cliffs.

Great for:

• Travelers who want to mix beach and city life
• Foodies and culture lovers
• Winter sun without the tourist overload

Las Palmas, the capital, has a vibrant local feel. Inland villages like Teror and Tejeda are perfect for a day trip or a more off-the-beaten-track stay.

Lanzarote – Best for Art, Design & Volcanic Landscapes

Lanzarote has a rugged beauty that feels different from the rest. Its volcanic terrain is dramatic and unforgettable, and thanks to artist César Manrique, the island’s architecture and public spaces are gorgeous.

Perfect for:

• Art and design lovers
• Eco-conscious travelers
• Couples or solo travelers seeking a peaceful trip

You’ll find lava fields, black sand beaches, and otherworldly caves, but also beautifully curated spaces like Jameos del Agua and Cactus Garden.

La Palma – Best for Stargazing & Hiking

Nicknamed La Isla Bonita (the pretty island), La Palma is green, steep, and spectacular. It’s less developed than the bigger islands, and it’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Great for:

• Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts
• Astronomy fans (the stargazing here is world-famous)
• Those wanting total peace and quiet

There’s little nightlife here — it’s all about the mountains, forests, and constellations.

La Gomera – Best for Escaping the Crowds

La Gomera is small but wild, with lush ravines, deep forests, and coastal villages. You’ll need to take a ferry from Tenerife to get there, which keeps it blissfully low on crowds.

Ideal for:

• Experienced hikers
• Nature lovers
• People looking for total disconnection

The Garajonay National Park is a misty, fairytale-like forest that feels like a world away.

So… Which One Should You Choose?

Canary Island	Best For
Fuerteventura	Chill beach vibes, families, watersports
Tenerife	All-rounder: beaches, mountains, nightlife
Gran Canaria	Variety, culture, diverse landscapes
Lanzarote	Design, volcanoes, peaceful stays
La Palma	Stargazing, hiking, remote beauty
La Gomera	Escaping the tourist path, nature immersion