33+ Most Asked Tourist Questions Answered
Based on extensive research of travel forums and tourist experiences, this guide addresses every question you'll need answered for the perfect Canary Islands vacation.
Thousands of tourists visit the Canary Islands each year with remarkably similar questions. Island selection dominates 80% of forum discussions, followed by transportation logistics and weather planning. This comprehensive guide addresses the most frequently asked questions based on extensive research across travel forums, tourism websites, and traveler experiences, helping you plan the perfect Canary Islands vacation.
The most important decisions for your Canary Islands adventure
This question appears in virtually every forum discussion about the Canary Islands. The answer depends on your travel style and interests:
First-time visitors and families. Diverse landscapes, Mount Teide National Park, excellent tourism infrastructure. South = sunshine, North = culture.
Variety seekers. Las Palmas urban culture, dramatic dunes, LGBTQ+ friendly Maspalomas. A continent in miniature.
Culture enthusiasts. Volcanic landscapes, César Manrique art, sophisticated wine culture. More refined, less crowded.
Beach lovers and wind sports. Pristine coastlines, consistent trade winds, surfing and kitesurfing paradise.
Smaller islands: La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro cater to nature lovers seeking hiking, stargazing, and authentic experiences away from mass tourism.
Absolutely! Many tourists successfully visit 2-3 islands in 7-14 days. Popular combinations include:
Tenerife + La Gomera
Easy ferry access
Lanzarote + Fuerteventura
25-minute ferry
Gran Canaria + Tenerife
Flights or ferry
Everything you need to know about moving between and around the islands
💡 Pro Tip: Most tourists choose ferries for convenience and cost-effectiveness, especially when traveling with families or planning to explore multiple islands with a rental car. But don't underestimate the sea.
Yes, renting a car is highly recommended!
Essential for exploring beyond resort areas, hiking, visiting small towns, and discovering hidden beaches.
📖 Read our comprehensive car rental guide for detailed information about renting and driving in the Canary Islands.
Bus networks (called "guaguas"!) connect major towns on each island for €1-10 per journey. Services run at least hourly on main routes but can be infrequent to remote areas. Most useful for airport transfers and city-to-city travel rather than exploring attractions.
🚌 Check our detailed public transport guide for schedules, routes, and tips for using public transport across all islands.
Climate information and essential sun protection advice
The Canary Islands enjoy year-round sunshine with minimal seasonal variation!
March-May & September-November
Perfect temperatures (20-25°C), less wind, fewer crowds
December-February
Excellent winter sun escape (18-22°C), occasional rain, stronger winds
June-August
Warmest weather (25-30°C), peak crowds, highest prices
18-22°C
Occasional rain, trade winds
20-25°C
Perfect conditions
25-30°C
Hottest & busiest
22-27°C
Excellent weather
Guaranteed sunshine year-round due to trade wind patterns. Almost no rain. More touristy but reliable weather.
Authentic culture, more clouds, occasional rain. 3-5°C cooler than south. Spanish recommended.
UV radiation is extremely high year-round!
UV index regularly reaches 8-11 (very high to extreme), even in winter. Sunburn can occur within 15-20 minutes without protection.
Check real-time UV radiation levels
Detailed weather & UV predictions
⛰️ High Altitude Warning: Mount Teide and other high areas have even more intense UV radiation due to thinner atmosphere.
See real-time conditions before heading out across all islands.
View Webcams Canary IslandsAccurate hourly forecasts, UV index, wind conditions, and precipitation.
Visit MeteoblueEverything you need to know about expenses and value for money
€50-75
Per person per day
Basic accommodation, local food,
budget activities
€75-150
Per person per day
Comfortable hotels, regular restaurant
meals
€150+
Per person per day
High-end resorts, fine dining, premium
experiences
Three courses with drink
Local restaurant
Tourist area dining
High-end experience
💡 Money-saving tip: Groceries cost €5-10 per person per day for self-catering, a significant saving for families.
Tipping isn't at all mandatory but appreciated:
Restaurant Service
5-10% for good service
Taxi Fares
Round up the fare
Hotel Staff
€1-2 for exceptional service
Must-do experiences and family-friendly options
The most questioned attraction! Cable car requires advance booking (especially April-October). Summit permits need separate reservation. Don't leave belongings of value in the car!
Top activity across multiple islands. Boat tours depart from most southern ports.
Fuerteventura offers the best overall beaches. Tenerife provides variety including black volcanic sand.
La Palma's Roque de los Muchachos, La Gomera's Garajonay National Park, diverse trails on all islands.
Most attractions welcome families!
Most vibrant nightlife, especially Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos. Clubs, bars, live music.
Good nightlife in Las Palmas and Maspalomas. Very LGBTQ+ friendly scene especially in the South.
More sophisticated evening entertainment. Wine bars, cultural events, quieter scene.
Focus on quiet bars and local experiences rather than clubs.
Language, internet, culture, and mass tourism considerations
Widespread in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and major attractions. Younger staff typically speak excellent English.
Greatly enhance your experience for authentic restaurants and local interactions. Canarian dialect is highly intelligible.
📱 Digital Help: Translation apps work well for restaurant menus and basic communication in remote areas where English is less common.
Mobile and internet speeds are actually faster than most of Europe!
Almost everywhere has excellent 5G coverage through the three main providers.
Excellent 5G coverage
Reliable nationwide
Fast & affordable
• WiFi widely available in hotels, restaurants, and cafes
• Public WiFi exists in major towns
• Data roaming within EU is free for EU citizens
• Local SIM cards are inexpensive and provide excellent high-speed coverage even in remote areas
It is becoming a significant issue.
The Canary Islands receive over 10% more tourists each year, creating serious challenges.
Local residents being priced out of traditional neighborhoods as short-term rentals and tourist accommodations take over.
Average local salary is only €1,200 per month gross, making it increasingly difficult for Canarians to afford housing.
Tourist questions about the Canary Islands follow remarkably consistent patterns across nationalities and travel styles. Island selection remains the primary concern, followed by transportation logistics, weather expectations, and budget planning.
Armed with answers to these frequently asked questions, you can focus on the exciting aspects of planning your Canary Islands adventure rather than worrying about logistics and unknowns. The islands' excellent tourism infrastructure, year-round accessibility, diverse offerings, and safety record explain why they consistently rank among Europe's top vacation destinations.
Check out our specialized guides for detailed information on specific topics: