10 days in the Canary Islands in January - which islands to choose?
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Original post
JU
Hi there, We’re planning to visit the Canary Islands for 10 days. We love hiking and nature in general, and beaches too, though they’re less of a priority. I’m thinking of spending 5 days in Tenerife, then heading to another island—I’m torn between Lanzarote and Palma. I just can’t decide. Thanks for your advice! Juliette
AT Attila Globetrotter ·
Hi,

For 10 days, I’d pick two nearby islands that you can easily reach by boat: Tenerife and La Gomera, or Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.

For the beach, you’ve got to like cool water—it’s the Atlantic, and it’s January... Outdoor temperatures are great for hiking, strolling, or eating lunch on a terrace. But for lounging on the beach, I find it’s just okay.

Tenerife is spectacular with its volcano’s caldera. Lanzarote has a completely different vibe. It’s also really nice to explore.

You might find some tips in this travel journal (Tenerife) or in this one (Fuerteventura + Lanzarote).
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BE Bernard09 ·
Hi there, It's always tricky to give advice since it really depends on everyone's tastes, but I'll share our preferences. We've been visiting these islands every winter for about fifteen years, so here are a few insights.

First off, for a 10-day trip, I’d stick to just one island. Trust me, each one has plenty to keep you busy and explore without getting bored. Choosing which one is still tough, though!

Tenerife is, of course, stunning—with a caldera at 2,000 meters and a summit nearly at 4,000. Endless hikes and a incredibly varied coastline. Just watch out for the weather in the northwest, which can be foggy and rainy at times. The south is well protected by Teide. There’s nothing like walking in the snow (a little) in the morning and taking a dip in the ocean in the afternoon during winter. For accommodation, I’d recommend Puerto de Santiago near Los Gigantes.

Gran Canaria is also amazing. The peaks aren’t as high, but the hikes are top-notch. The beaches are gorgeous, and personally, I’d suggest staying around Puerto de Mogán.

La Palma is smaller but has a wild, untamed vibe. The recent volcanic eruption has reshaped the landscapes, and they’re absolutely breathtaking. Lots of hikes around the caldera here too. I’d stay in Tazacorte.

Fuerteventura is really nice too, but it’s much flatter and more mineral. The hikes are mostly along the coast and a few volcanoes, but the views and elevation changes don’t compare to the other islands. That said, it’s our favorite for food. Why not stay in El Cotillo in the northwest? In winter, it lives up to its name—we’ve always found it windy, and its low relief means there aren’t many sheltered spots.

Lanzarote is also great, but I’d say it’s more touristy with lots of cave museums. That’s not to say it’s crowded, but I think it’s better for "visits" than hiking discoveries. Playa Blanca could be a good base. You could take a day trip to La Graciosa—it’s a nice way to take the boat and enjoy a scenic walk.

I think it’s clear that we lean toward nature and the wildest side of things. If you prefer a bit more life, the capitals of each island might suit you better for your stay. As for the water temperature, it’s usually between 20 and 22 degrees in winter—cool, but no colder than Brittany (which I love) in the middle of summer. Personally, I don’t remember a single day without a swim in the dead of winter, except when the ocean is rough. Even then, there are natural pools, and on those days, they’re absolutely stunning. Hope this gives you some ideas. Whatever you choose, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Have a great trip!
JU Juliette2015 ·
thanks!
JU Juliette2015 ·
Thanks. And what do you think about La Gomera?
BE Bernard09 ·
Sorry, but I don’t know it.
HY Hyerois83 Globetrotter ·
La Gomera: a really beautiful island with stunning hikes, but you can explore it pretty quickly. It's easy to visit from Los Cristianos, with plenty of ferries running every day. For a little taste of La Gomera, check out my blog: https://www.escalescroisiere.fr/escale-a-la-gomeragoogle.html and for Tenerife: https://www.escalescroisiere.fr/escale-a-tenerife.html

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