The Canary Islands are one of Europe’s easiest, safest, and most visitor-friendly destinations. Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach holiday, an island-hopping adventure, or a family trip, knowing a few practical travel tips will help you make the most of your time. This guide covers health and safety, money and payments, transportation, cultural etiquette, emergency contacts, and other essential advice for a smooth and worry-free journey.
Health & Safety Essentials
The Canary Islands consistently rank among the safest regions in Spain. Violent crime is extremely rare, and most areas feel comfortable to explore both day and night. Tourist zones are well-policed and equipped with modern emergency services.
General Safety Advice
- Petty theft is uncommon but can occur in crowded tourist spots—keep valuables concealed and avoid leaving bags unattended.
- Use official taxis or licensed transportation services, especially at night.
- Follow beach flag warnings—currents can be strong on open Atlantic beaches such as those in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.
- Stick to marked hiking trails, particularly in volcanic areas and high-altitude national parks.
Healthcare & Medical Facilities
The Canary Islands have excellent healthcare standards, with modern hospitals, English-speaking medical staff, and well-equipped emergency centers on the main islands.
- Emergency Number: 112 (Police / Fire / Medical)
- Pharmacies: Marked with a green cross; many offer late-night or 24-hour service.
- EHIC/GHIC card: EU/UK travelers can access public healthcare at reduced cost.
- Private clinics: Widely available in major resorts and city centers.
On more remote islands like La Gomera or El Hierro, facilities may be smaller but are supported by helicopter transfer to Tenerife or Gran Canaria when needed.
Sun Protection & Heat Safety
With more than 300 sunny days per year, UV levels in the Canary Islands can be very strong—even in winter. Sunburn and dehydration are the most common health issues for visitors.
- Use SPF 30–50 sunscreen and reapply every 2–3 hours, especially after swimming.
- Wear a hat, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day—carry a reusable bottle on hikes.
- Avoid the midday sun between 12:00–15:00 during summer months.
Beach & Ocean Safety
The Atlantic Ocean around the islands is beautiful but can be powerful, especially on exposed beaches in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. Always check beach flags before swimming:
- Green flag: Safe to swim.
- Yellow flag: Caution—moderate waves or currents.
- Red flag: Dangerous conditions—do not enter the water.
Most popular beaches have lifeguards, and many feature zones designated for surfing, snorkeling, and family swimming. For detailed suggestions, see our dedicated guide to the best shores in Beaches in the Canary Islands.
Money & Payments
The Canary Islands use the Euro (€). Prices are generally lower than mainland Spain, particularly for fuel, groceries, and some consumer goods. Card payments are accepted almost everywhere, and cash is mainly needed for small local purchases.
Cash, Cards & ATMs
- Visa, Mastercard, and most contactless cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels.
- ATMs are plentiful in cities and tourist resorts—avoid “independent” machines that charge high withdrawal fees.
- Carry a small amount of cash for markets, small cafés, beach bars, and rural villages.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is not mandatory but always appreciated for good service:
- Restaurants: around 5–10% of the bill if service was good.
- Cafés/Bars: round up to the nearest Euro.
- Taxis: rounding up is enough—larger tips are not expected.
Taxes & Duty-Free Shopping
The Canary Islands have a special tax regime (IGIC), which often makes electronics, cosmetics, and alcohol cheaper than in mainland Spain. Duty-free shopping is available at all major airports. For practical money advice, see also Canary Islands Money.
Transportation Tips
Getting around the Canary Islands is straightforward thanks to modern roads, reliable airports, and affordable public transportation. Each island is well connected by ferries, buses, and short domestic flights.
Getting Around Each Island
- Car rental is the most flexible option—roads are generally well maintained and clearly signposted.
- Public buses (GUAGUA) are affordable and link major towns and tourist hubs.
- Taxi services are regulated and metered—look for official taxi ranks in towns and at airports.
Major Airports in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are served by several modern international airports, with frequent flights from mainland Spain and many European cities. The busiest hubs are:
- Tenerife South (TFS): Main holiday airport for Tenerife and popular beach resorts in the south.
- Tenerife North (TFN): Focused on inter-island and mainland Spanish flights, convenient for Santa Cruz and La Laguna.
- Gran Canaria Airport (LPA): A major regional hub with connections across Europe and to other islands.
- Lanzarote Airport (ACE): Gateway to Arrecife and the island’s main resort areas.
- Fuerteventura Airport (FUE): Serves the island’s long beach resorts and surf towns.
- La Palma (SPC), La Gomera (GMZ) & El Hierro (VDE): Smaller airports with frequent inter-island flights.
All major airports offer car rental desks, regulated taxi ranks, duty-free shops and basic services such as cafés and ATMs. For a more detailed overview of each airport and inter-island flight options, visit our dedicated Canary Islands Airports guide.
Inter-Island Travel
- Ferries connect Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, and El Hierro; booking in advance is recommended in high season.
- Binter Canarias and Canaryfly operate frequent, short flights between islands.
- Travel times range from about 25 minutes by plane (Tenerife–Gran Canaria) to a few hours by ferry.
Driving Tips
- Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
- Mountain roads may be narrow and winding—allow extra time and drive carefully.
- Parking in city centers is often controlled by blue zones; check signs before leaving your car.
- Fuel prices are lower than in mainland Spain, making road trips an affordable option.
Cultural Etiquette & Local Advice
Language Basics
Spanish is the official language, but English and German are widely spoken in major resorts. Learning a few simple phrases will always be appreciated:
- Hola: Hello
- Gracias: Thank you
- Por favor: Please
- Buenos dĂas: Good morning
Local Customs
- Canarians are relaxed and friendly—greet people politely and be patient with slower, island-style service.
- Dinner time is late by northern European standards (20:00–22:00 is normal).
- Beachwear belongs on the beach—cover shoulders and wear proper clothing in towns, churches, and restaurants.
To discover traditional dishes and where to try them, don’t miss our dedicated guide to Canary Islands Restaurants.
Food & Water Safety
- Tap water is safe for brushing teeth and general use, though many visitors prefer bottled water for drinking.
- Seafood is usually fresh and high quality—choose busy restaurants with a good turnover.
- Markets and street stalls are generally safe; simply wash fruits before eating.
Emergency Numbers & Useful Contacts
Keep these numbers handy during your trip:
| Service | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| General Emergency (Police / Fire / Ambulance) | 112 |
| Red Cross (Cruz Roja) | 922 28 44 94 |
| Tourist Information Helpline | 902 102 112 |
| Pharmacy Directory (Farmacias de Guardia) | +34 928 22 34 56 |
Additional Tips
Electricity & Voltage
The Canary Islands use 230V / 50Hz with standard European Type F plugs. Most modern chargers and devices are compatible; bring an adapter if your home country uses different sockets.
Internet & SIM Cards
- 4G and 5G coverage is excellent across the main islands.
- Local SIM cards from Vodafone, Orange, and Movistar are widely available in malls and phone shops.
- eSIM options are offered by several international providers and can be activated before you arrive.
Responsible Travel Tips
- Respect wildlife and protected areas, especially in volcanic parks and fragile dune systems.
- Stay on marked hiking trails to prevent erosion and protect native plants.
- Follow local recycling rules—bins are color coded for glass, paper, plastics, and general waste.
With these essential travel tips, you’ll be fully prepared to explore the Canary Islands with confidence. For more detailed trip planning, check our main Canary Islands Travel Guide, plus dedicated articles on Beaches, Attractions, and the best Places to Stay.
