Accommodation in the Canary Islands

Overview of the offer

A highly popular tourist destination, the Canary Islands offer a wide range of accommodation to suit almost all budgets and travellers. However, depending on the island and its popularity, the range and capacity of accommodation vary significantly. In tourist-heavy areas, the choice is vast but geared towards mid-to-upper-range options for travellers on organised or semi-organised trips, with few budget options for independent travellers. Elsewhere, such as on El Hierro or La Gomera, or off the beaten track, the choice is more limited or niche, though small, often relatively affordable, options are available. As is often the case on smaller islands, it can be useful to choose a base with your accommodation and explore from there.

Hotels

The hotel scene in the Canary Islands is quite varied, with all types of establishments: from chains to luxury hotels (paradores) or all-inclusive resorts, as well as a few youth hostels and small, family-run guesthouses. Logically, the most tourist-heavy islands, Tenerife or Gran Canaria, offer the widest selection, tailored to the expectations of most visitors—which also means budget-friendly "backpacker" options are scarce. In any case, booking in advance during peak season is recommended to secure the best deals.

Prices vary widely depending on the type of establishment, the island, and the season. At best, you can find basic double rooms in hostels or small guesthouses for around 20–25 €. For a more standard hotel, expect to pay 40–60 €, while higher-end options (like a parador) start at 100–150 € per night. Note that displayed prices often exclude taxes and breakfast.

Special offers and promotions are also common, so it’s worth shopping around before making a choice. Additionally, for those planning a sedentary or beach-focused stay, all-inclusive packages may be worth considering. In some cases, the cost of "flight + hotel" can be almost the same as a standalone flight to the destination.

Camping

The Canary Islands have very few campsites, with just a few on Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Even though they’re equipped—sometimes with mobile homes for rent—the value for money isn’t great compared to other accommodation options. There are also a few basic (and paid) bivouac zones along main hiking trails. Wild camping is prohibited unless you have permission from a private landowner.

Staying with locals

Other options

Rural guesthouses

These are mainly found on La Gomera and La Palma. They’re typically traditional farms converted into tourist accommodation.

Apartments, villas, and more

For family stays or group trips of a certain length, it’s possible to rent bungalows, apartments, or villas in the main tourist areas of the Canary Islands. The price can be comparable to all-inclusive resorts, though rentals offer fewer services and activities but more freedom and tranquillity. Note that, as in other tourist destinations, the "aparthotel" concept is growing in the Canaries—a hybrid between a hotel (for services) and an apartment (with self-catering facilities).

Which accommodation to choose?

When choosing accommodation, the first step is to define the type of trip you’re planning—mostly sedentary or on the move—and which island(s) you want to visit. All-inclusive resorts or apartment/villa rentals can work well in many cases. Otherwise, for budget travellers, those exploring off the beaten track, or those on the move, family-run guesthouses or small hotels are ideal—though they’re not always available in the most tourist-heavy areas.