Which Is the Nicest Canary Island to Visit? Discover Your Perfect Island Escape

Why Choosing the Right Island Makes All the Difference

The Canary Islands offer a dreamlike setting for any type of traveller.
Golden beaches, volcanic landscapes, lush forests, charming towns—all within a few hours’ flight from mainland Europe.

But not all islands are the same.

Choosing the right one will define your entire experience.

• Do you want endless beaches and turquoise waters?
  • Are you craving adventure among volcanoes and mountains?
  • Or perhaps you seek a relaxed, authentic vibe far from crowds?

Each island has its own personality—and in this guide, you’ll discover which one truly matches yours.

Tip: If you dream of exploring freely, discovering hidden gems and waking up to a new view every morning, travelling by campervan is one of the best ways to experience the Canary Islands.

Quick Overview: What Makes Each Island Unique

Before diving deeper, here’s a quick glance at what each island has to offer:

In short…

• Tenerife has it all: beaches, mountains, forests, and lively cities.
  • Gran Canaria is perfect if you want a mix of urban fun and natural wonders.
  • Lanzarote captivates with its volcanic landscapes and artistic soul.
  • Fuerteventura is a paradise for beach and surf lovers.
  • La Palma invites you to immerse yourself in pure, untouched nature.
  • El Hierro and La Gomera offer a glimpse into a quieter, slower world.

Tenerife – The Most Complete Island for All Tastes

If you can only visit one Canary Island, Tenerife should be at the top of your list.
Why? Because it offers a mini-world of contrasts in a single place.

Best for: Adventurers, Nature Lovers, and Families

Tenerife is home to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak and one of the world’s largest volcanoes.
Its varied landscapes shift dramatically—from lunar-like deserts to dense subtropical forests, from bustling towns to tiny mountain villages frozen in time.

Highlights not to miss:

• Mount Teide National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect for hiking and stargazing.
• Anaga Rural Park: Mysterious laurel forests ideal for trekking.
• Los Gigantes Cliffs: Spectacular viewpoints and whale-watching tours.
• Beaches: From the golden sands of Las Teresitas to the dramatic black beaches of Playa Jardín.

Tenerife by Campervan: The Ultimate Freedom

Exploring Tenerife by campervan unlocks a whole new level of adventure.
You can wake up next to a volcanic beach, have breakfast above the clouds at Teide, and watch the sunset in a secret cove—all in a single day.

Experience tip: Renting a campervan from local specialists like AJJ Vans ensures you enjoy a smooth, authentic journey with insider recommendations to discover hidden gems off the tourist trail.

Lanzarote – For Landscape Lovers and Design Fans

If you are fascinated by raw, volcanic landscapes and innovative architecture, Lanzarote will steal your heart.

Best for: Art Enthusiasts, Nature Seekers, and Calm Explorers

Lanzarote is like stepping onto another planet, where volcanoes, lava fields and whitewashed villages blend seamlessly thanks to the legacy of artist César Manrique.

Highlights you shouldn’t miss:

• Timanfaya National Park: Explore a sea of lava and experience geothermal demonstrations.
• Jameos del Agua: A stunning volcanic cave transformed into an underground paradise.
• Cueva de los Verdes: A magical labyrinth of lava tunnels.
• Papagayo Beaches: Pristine coves with turquoise waters.

Atmosphere:
Tranquil, artistic, and deeply connected to nature.

Good to know: Lanzarote’s compact size makes it perfect for a road trip or campervan adventure, hopping from one breathtaking landscape to another.

Fuerteventura – The Windy Paradise for Beach and Surf Addicts

If your idea of paradise is endless beaches and the sound of crashing waves, Fuerteventura is calling.

Best for: Beach Lovers, Surfers, and Freedom Seekers

With its over 150 kilometres of beaches, Fuerteventura offers some of the longest and most spectacular stretches of sand in Europe.

Top spots to explore:

• Corralejo Dunes Natural Park: Miles of golden dunes merging with crystal-clear waters.
• Cofete Beach: Wild, dramatic, and beautifully isolated.
• El Cotillo: A chilled town perfect for sunsets and seafood.

Atmosphere:
Relaxed, spacious, and perfect for disconnecting.

Campervan tip: Park by the beach and wake up to the sound of the ocean—Fuerteventura is ideal for wild camping lovers (in designated areas).

Gran Canaria – A Miniature Continent for Urban & Nature Lovers

Gran Canaria offers an impressive microcosm of landscapes: bustling cities, peaceful villages, dunes, and misty mountains.

Best for: Those Who Want a Bit of Everything

Gran Canaria is perfect if you want a vibrant city life combined with stunning natural escapes.

Must-see highlights:

• Las Palmas: A lively city with beaches, culture, and shopping.
• Maspalomas Dunes: A surreal desert landscape right by the sea.
• Roque Nublo: An iconic monolith surrounded by spectacular hiking trails.

Atmosphere:
Cosmopolitan and dynamic, yet nature is never far away.

Pro tip: In a campervan, you can explore the coast by day and escape to the cool pine forests of the interior by night.

La Palma – Tranquility, Forests, and Starry Skies

Nicknamed “La Isla Bonita,” La Palma offers pure, untouched beauty.

Best for: Hikers, Stargazers, and Nature Addicts

La Palma is one of the greenest Canary Islands, famous for its dramatic landscapes and clear night skies.

Highlights to fall in love with:

• Caldera de Taburiente National Park: Crater-like valleys and lush forests.
• Ruta de los Volcanes: One of the most spectacular trekking routes in the islands.
• Roque de los Muchachos Observatory: A world-class site for stargazing.

Atmosphere:
Serene, wild, and incredibly inspiring.

Note: Perfect for travellers who want to escape crowds and immerse themselves in nature.

El Hierro, La Gomera & Other Hidden Jewels

If you dream of a completely off-the-beaten-path adventure, the smaller islands will enchant you.

Best for: True Explorers and Eco-Conscious Travellers

• El Hierro: The island of sustainability, with dramatic cliffs and unspoiled nature.
• La Gomera: A green paradise ideal for hiking, home to Garajonay National Park.

Atmosphere:
Slow, authentic, and deeply connected to local traditions.

How to Choose the Best Canary Island for You

To make it even easier, here’s a quick matching guide based on what you’re looking for:

Bonus: Why Tenerife Is the Most Versatile Choice

While each island has its own magic, Tenerife stands out for its unmatched diversity.

• Sunbathe on a black sand beach in the morning.
• Climb a volcano in the afternoon.
• Explore ancient forests by sunset.
• Dine in vibrant cities by night.

And when you travel by campervan, Tenerife truly becomes your playground.

Explore at your own rhythm, uncover hidden treasures, and live unforgettable adventures with AJJ Vans, your perfect companion on wheels.

Final Thoughts: Let the Island Choose You

The truth is, every Canary Island has something special to offer.
It’s not just about choosing the “nicest”—it’s about finding the one that feels right for you.

Adventure, relaxation, nature, or culture—your perfect island escape awaits.

🌟 Ready to start your adventure?
Discover Tenerife and the Canary Islands in the most authentic way—with the freedom of a campervan journey.