Comparing the Canaries: Which island is the best?

In this article, we take a look at the main Canary Islands, comparing their unique qualities and the types of travellers each best suits.

Choosing the best Canary Island isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. With year-round sunshine, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and a shared Spanish heritage, the islands can appear similar at first glance, but spend time on them and their differences quickly become apparent. From the lunar scenery of Lanzarote to the pine‑forested peaks of La Palma, each island has its own personality, pace and appeal.

We’ll explain why a Canaries cruise is one of the most rewarding ways to experience these islands, allowing you to explore multiple islands, appreciate their contrasts, and decide for yourself which one truly feels like the best.

For those who haven’t visited before, the differences between the Canary Islands might not seem so obvious, all offering warm weather, dramatic landscapes and a relaxed way of life. But in actual fact, no two islands are the same. From volcanic vistas and black sand beaches to pine‑forested mountains and lively island capitals, each Canary Island has its own character and strengths.

That’s why there isn’t a single answer to the question “which Canary Island is the best?” The answer to that question depends entirely on what it is you want from your visit. Our cruise holidays to the Canaries mean you can experience as many or as few of the islands as you like, truly discovering the best of each.

Often used as an introduction to the Canary Islands, Tenerife is immensely popular for the sheer variety on offer in one location. The island is home to Mount Teide and Teide National Park, the highest peak in Spain, and features striking landscapes, vast beaches, bustling towns, and rural corners, making it feel like multiple locations, all rolled into one.

The north of the island is greener, with elegant black sand beaches and cultural hot spots like Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s capital. The sunnier south offers variety and choice, whether it's scenery, food, local culture or a day of relaxing by the sea, the south has it in abundance, without feeling overwhelming.

Because it offers so many different sides of the Canary Islands in one place, Tenerife is particularly well suited to first‑time visitors, couples with mixed interests and anyone who wants a taste of everything the Canaries have to offer, making it a natural starting point when comparing the islands.

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Gran Canaria balances city culture, beach life and varied landscapes with ease. At its beating heart sits Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a characterful island capital where historic streets, waterfronts and museums sit alongside excellent dining and shopping.

Beyond the bustling city, Gran Canaria offers a diverse mix of experiences, from the sandy beaches to the mountain-top villages. The landscape is ever-changing, and so are your experiences. This variety makes it easy to combine beach relaxation with cultural exploration, without ever feeling as though you have to choose one over the other.

Thanks to this sense of balance, Gran Canaria is particularly well-suited to travellers who enjoy urban energy paired with traditional holiday comforts. It’s a stop-off for those who want a well-rounded Canary Islands experience, offering just enough of everything, all in one place.

With a distinctly different feel to the rest of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is defined by its volcanic landscape and artistic flair. Much of the island's unique character and legacy has been shaped by César Manrique, whose vision helped preserve Lanzarote’s natural beauty while effortlessly blending art, architecture and the environment in a way that still feels both striking and harmonious.

The island’s lava fields, uneven terrain and muted yet beautiful colour palette create a powerful sense of place, while resort areas such as Puerto del Carmen offer a relaxed base for exploring. You won’t find large-scale developments on Lanzarote; instead, they prioritise low-rise buildings, carefully protecting the scenery and leaving the stunning views unspoilt.

For those looking to immerse themselves in art, design, and photography, as well as appreciate the captivating beauty around them, Lanzarote is the ideal choice. Visually dramatic, thoughtfully designed and quietly distinctive.

Known for being the unspoilt gem of the Canary Islands, La Palma, also known as La Isla Bonita, is defined by its dramatic natural landscape. Think deep ravines and volcanic terrain alongside lush, pine-forested mountains, and you’ll get a perfect picture of La Palma. At its heart lies Caldera de Taburiente National Park, a vast crater that offers some of the best walking routes and viewpoints in the archipelago.

Unlike some of the other Canary Islands, La Palma is surprisingly traditional, with a strong sense of local life, while its small towns and villages move at a slower, more authentic pace. The landscape makes it an ideal location for those looking to detach from everyday life.

Because of this, La Palma is the perfect spot for walkers, nature lovers and travellers seeking a quieter, more authentic Canary Island experience. It’s an ideal choice for those who value scenery and substance over nightlife, and who want to experience the Canaries at their most natural and characterful.

One of the least developed and quieter islands, La Gomera is a natural choice for those seeking a slower pace of travel and a genuine escape from the stresses of life. Much of the island is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with steep ravines, ancient laurel forests and dramatic viewpoints creating a landscape that feels worlds away from busier resort islands.

Small towns and villages shape the traditional way of life with a strong emphasis on walking, nature, and simple pleasures, rather than on tourism. Wind your way through forested valleys and rugged coastlines and embrace the island's calm, unspoilt atmosphere.

La Gomera is perfect for nature lovers and travellers who value peace over busyness. It’s an ideal choice for those who want to slow down, disconnect from crowds and experience a quieter, more reflective side of the Canary Islands.

• Tenerife – Best for First Timers & Variety Lovers
• Gran Canaria – Best for City Life, Beaches & Balance
• Lanzarote – Best for Art, Design & Volcanic Landscapes
• La Palma – Best for Nature, Walking & Authenticity
• La Gomera – Best for Slow Travel & Escaping the Crowds

Just choosing one of the Canary Islands can mean missing out on what makes the archipelago so special. Each island has its own landscapes, unique cultures and way of life, which is why cruising the Canaries is one of the most rewarding ways to explore everything the archipelago has to offer.

For travellers unsure which of the Canary Islands suits them best, cruising removes the pressure of choosing just one. It provides the freedom to explore, compare and discover favourites along the way, making it an ideal option for first‑time visitors and repeat travellers alike. Rather than asking which island is the best before you go, a cruise allows you to experience several and decide for yourself.

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So, which Canary Island is the best? As this comparison shows, there’s no single island that reigns supreme. Each of the Canaries offers something distinct, whether that’s the variety of Tenerife, the balance of Gran Canaria, the artistic landscapes of Lanzarote, or the unspoilt nature and slower pace found on islands like La Palma and La Gomera. There doesn’t need to be the “best” Canary Island; on a Canary Islands cruise, you get to experience them all!