How to choose the right Canary Island for a romantic break? Depending on whether you’re dreaming of deserted beaches, breathtaking volcanic landscapes, laurel forest hikes or gourmet seaside dining, the ideal island for your couple won’t be the same. Each offers its own identity, a different atmosphere.
We’ve visited the archipelago many times, and here is our island-by-island analysis to help you find the right destination for your couple. And if you want a more general comparison of the islands: see our article.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our opinion: which Canary island is best for couples?
This is not a universal classification. The best island for your couple depends above all on what you’re looking for together. A couple looking for absolute tranquility will not have the same expectations as a duo of adventurers or gastronomy enthusiasts. Here’s our reading by profile, based on our many stays in the archipelago.
- Lanzarote: for couples attracted by unique volcanic landscapes, an intimate atmosphere and characterful adults-only hotels. The island offers a complete change of scenery without sacrificing comfort.
See the best adults-only hotels in Lanzarote - Gran Canaria: for couples who want to combine everything: beach in the morning, gastronomy in the evening, culture, hiking and desert dunes on excursions. The most versatile island in the archipelago.
See the best adults-only hotels in Gran Canaria - Tenerife: for couples in search of the grandiose. The Teide, the cliffs of Los Gigantes, water parks, star-studded dinners…
View the best adults-only hotels in Tenerife - El Hierro: for couples who shun the crowds and seek the edge of the world. UNESCO biosphere reserve, natural pools, exceptional diving and total silence. A confidential island for true nature lovers.
Where to stay in El Hierro - La Palma: for lovers of unspoilt nature, silence and exceptional starry skies. Île Belle is ideal for couples who enjoy walking, contemplation and authenticity.
- Fuerteventura: for couples who put the beach at the heart of their holiday. Natural lagoons, white sand, turquoise waters and water sports for two make up an ideal program.
View the best adults-only hotels in Fuerteventura - La Gomera: for adventurous couples who prefer primary forest hiking to crowded beaches.
Best romantic and adults-only hotels in the Canaries
The archipelago has a well-developed adults-only offer, particularly in Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. You’ll find both small, intimate boutique hotels and large all-inclusive resorts, depending on whether you prefer personalized service or a wealth of facilities.
Here are some of our favorites:
Hotel CalaLanzarote (Lanzarote)
Why stay at Hotel La Cala Lanzarote
This hotel was one of our favorites in Lanzarote.
One of its greatest assets is the magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean, with the castillo in the foreground.
We particularly appreciated the large outdoor swimming pool and the cocooning atmosphere: the decor is uncluttered and gives pride of place to the magnificent landscape. We were immediately soothed when we arrived!
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Marina de Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
- Price range: 5 stars
- Magnificent lagoon-style pool with a direct view of the sea and the castillo
- All-inclusive available: no, but half-board possible
- Other amenities: well-equipped gym, spa with thermal pool
- Parking: easy, public and free
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
Hotel INNSide Fuerteventura (Costa Calma)
Why stay there?
We loved our stay at the INNSide hotel in Costa Calma and highly recommend it. It offers an unforgettable experience thanks to its enchanting bohemian chic decor. The peacefulness of this establishment adds a touch of serenity to your stay, allowing you to relax to the full. The buffet restaurant is of an excellent standard, with a wide variety of tasty dishes.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: secluded south of Costa Calma, Fuerteventura
- Price range: 4 stars
- Adults-only: yes
- Other amenities: spa, gym, solarium, restaurant, bike rental
- Full-length infinity pool. We loved sitting in the water and admiring the unobstructed view.
- Access to the immense Sotavento de Jandia beach. But you have to walk a bit to get to the water, as the beach is very large.
- Parking: on site, free of charge
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
Hotel Corales Beach (Tenerife)
Why stay there?
With its bright, contemporary architecture, Hotel Corales Beach stands out from other Costa Adeje establishments. Nestling to the north of the resort at La Caleta, it enjoys a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere. This haven of peace offers exceptional services, such as a mindfulness massage in your accommodation’s private pool, or a floating breakfast based on local produce.
Practical information
- City: Costa Adeje, La Caleta, Tenerife
- Price range: 5 stars,
- Restaurants, including 2 with Michelin stars,
- Other amenities: gym, wellness center, exclusive access to Tenerife golf courses…
- The facility boasts several pools, including a superb panoramic one. Comfortable deckchairs let you sit by the water and enjoy the view.
- Parking: yes, private and chargeable.
- See prices, photos and availability – and book now!
Hotel Faro, Lopesan Collection (Gran Canaria)
Why stay there?
Hotel Faro is at the foot of the Maspalomas Lighthouse and Playa de Maspalomas. Like us, you’ll appreciate the spectacular view of the monument and the bay. Our elegantly designed room had all the hallmarks of a prestigious hotel. We appreciated the subdued lighting and wood panelling. The balcony and its panorama were also a real plus.
Practical information
- City: Maspalomas / meloneras, Gran Canaria seafront
- Price range: 5 stars.
- 3 restaurants, including a rooftop
- Family rooms: no
- Facilities: PRM access and facilities, gym, swimming pools, golf course access, terraces, restaurants, bar
- 1 swimming pool at the foot of the lighthouse
- 1 rooftop pool (access at extra cost)
- Private pay parking lot
- See prices, photos and availability – and book now!
Hotel Barceló Teguise Beach (Lanzarote)
Why stay at the Barcelo Teguise Beach hotel?
It’s impossible to beat the Barcelo hotel’s location in the heart of the city.
This is an elegant hotel with 2 beautiful pools that immediately charmed us. They are ideal for those who love to swim.
Our room was spacious with a sitting area. We had a beautiful terrace with jacuzzi and sea view. A great way to unwind at the end of a day exploring Lanzarote!
Practical information
- District: center of Costa Teguise, Lanzarote
- Price range: 4 stars
- All-inclusive available: no, half-board only
- 1 large outdoor pool with loungers in the water at the end. Beautiful inner courtyard
- 1 full-length infinity pool with sea view
- Between the beaches of Playa de las Cucharas (the main one) and Playa del Jablillo. Very easy to access.
- Other facilities: fitness room, spa
- Parking: no parking, and it can be difficult to park nearby.
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
Best beaches for couples in the Canaries
Not all Canary beaches are equally suitable for a romantic break.
El Hierro, La Gomera and La Palma have very limited beach facilities.
Here are some of our favorite beaches for a couple’s stroll. But if the beach is an essential criterion for you, check out our article: best Canary Island for beaches
1. Playa de las Conchas (La Graciosa)
We place Playa de las Conchas at the top of our selection for couples, and that’s no coincidence. This beach of pristine white sand, accessible on foot from the village of Caleta del Sebo in around 40 minutes, offers a panorama of purity rare in the archipelago. The waters here are not recommended for bathing due to the currents, but the view is more than enough: two volcanoes frame the bay, the water takes on all shades of turquoise and the horizon is clear all the way to Lanzarote. There are no facilities, no shops, no crowds. Only the wind accompanies the walk. It’s the kind of place you talk about long after you’ve returned.
2. Playa el Medano (Tenerife)
A popular destination for its ideal wind conditions, Playa del Médano is a renowned spot for water sports. With its fine sand and shallow waters, it’s ideal for families and thrill-seekers alike. We loved the stunning view of Montaña Roja. It’s a beach that invites relaxation and contemplation.
3. Playa de Sotavento (Fuerteventura)
Playa de Sotavento, on the Jandía peninsula, is a double beach: at low tide, a shallow lagoon forms between the sandbar and the coast, creating calm turquoise waters ideal for children. We were impressed by the size of the site and the quality of the sand. It’s also the site of the Windsurfing and Kitesurfing World Championships, giving it a special atmosphere in summer.
4. Playa de Papagayo (Lanzarote)
Playa de Papagayo and its neighboring coves form one of the Canaries’ most photographed coastal ensembles. Golden sands, translucent waters and volcanic tuff cliffs make for a stunning backdrop. We enjoyed moving from one cove to another depending on the wind direction.
5. Playa del Maspalomas (Gran Canaria)
It’s hard not to love Maspalomas beach: a huge expanse of sand where everyone can find a little spot or take a long walk with their fingers in the sand. You’ve got 6km to enjoy! The beach starts at the famous Maspalomas lighthouse and continues along the magnificent sand dunes.
Best activities for couples in the Canaries
Beyond the beach and the hotel, the Canaries offer a range of activities particularly well suited to couples. We have selected five of them, tried and tested on our various trips to the archipelago.
1. Dolphin and whale excursions
Watching dolphins and pilot whales in their natural habitat is one of the most memorable experiences a couple can have in the Canaries. Boat trips are
- from Puerto del Carmen or Playa Blanca on Lanzarote – see options
- from Los Gigantes or Costa Adeje in Tenerife – see options
- from Puerto Mogán in Gran Canaria – see options
- from Morro Jablle and Corralejo in Fuerteventura – see options
- In La Palma – see options
They enable us to get close to these animals in a busy migration corridor. We have taken part in several of these excursions and can confirm that the encounters are frequent and often impressive. Some operators offer catamaran trips with swimming, meals and drinks included, making it a full day out.
We’ve made 4 outings so far and we’ve always seen dolphins and/or whales.
2. Excursions under the stars
Stargazing is one of the most unexpected and memorable activities a couple can experience in the Canary Islands. The archipelago benefits from strict regulations against light pollution, and several islands offer some of the best viewing conditions in Europe.
- La Palma is the absolute reference: its night sky is ranked among the purest in the world, and the Roque de los Muchachos, at an altitude of 2,426m, is home to one of the most important astronomical observatories on the planet – see options
- El Hierro, a light pollution-free biosphere reserve, offers similar conditions from its heights.
- In Tenerife, the Parque Nacional del Teide also offers guided night-time outings at the foot of the volcano, in a setting of breathtaking beauty – see options
- In Gran Canaria it’s a little less developed, but you still have a few options
We recommend booking this type of outing in advance, as places are limited, and bringing warm clothing: even in summer, temperatures drop rapidly at altitude.
3. Hiking in nature parks
The Canaries are an exceptional hiking destination, and several itineraries lend themselves particularly well to couples.
- Tenerife’s Parc Nacional del Teide offers trails for all abilities, from walks at the foot of the volcano to more demanding climbs.
- In Gran Canaria, you can hike on the dunes, in the canyons, in the mountains… the choice is yours!
- On La Gomera, the laurel forest of the Parque Nacional de Garajonay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers shady trails in an almost mysterious setting. The same goes for El Hierro
- La Palma offers hikes that take you into another world
- In Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, you’ll also find short hikes. But these islands have lower relief.
4. Diving and snorkeling
The waters of the Canaries are among the clearest in the Atlantic, and the seabed is full of surprises for curious couples.
- The La Restinga Marine Reserve in El Hierro is considered one of the most remarkable in Spain: sea turtles, rays, moray eels and schools of colorful fish populate the exceptionally clear waters.
- In Lanzarote, Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen is one of the archipelago’s best dive sites for beginners and advanced divers alike.
- For snorkeling, Fuerteventura’s El Cotillo lagoons and Lanzarote’s Papagayo coves offer ideal conditions with their shallow, calm waters. First dives are available on most islands from the age of 12.
5. Seaside dinners
The Canaries have a far more developed gastronomic scene than is often imagined.
- Gran Canaria offers our favorite culinary discoveries with gastronomic re-inventions of local products. See our selection of restaurants
- Tenerife also offers great diversity with more top-level international cuisine options – See our restaurant selection
- Lanzarote offers us the most pleasant and romantic dining environments – See our selection of restaurants
- In Fuerteventura, we enjoyed culinary surprises without being ostentatious – See our selection of restaurants
- El Hierro and La Gomera have some interesting restaurants. but as the islands are less developed, there’s less choice.
Best sunsets in the Canaries for a romantic moment
The sunsets in the Canaries are among the most beautiful we’ve ever seen. The archipelago’s Atlantic position, combined with the diversity of its relief, offers twilight panoramas found nowhere else in Europe. Here are just a few of the sites we recommend for this special moment for two.
- Lanzarote:
Famara beach with surfers,
El Golfo and its green lagoon - Fuerteventura:
Corralejo with the island of Lobos in the background,
El Cotillo, feet in the lagoons - Tenerife:
Playa des Duque or playa del Medano by the sea
If not the teide park for something different - Gran Canaria:
The Maspalomas dunes, a must-see! - La Palma:
Roque de los Muchachos, La Palma’s highest point at 2,426m above sea level - El Hierro:
The lava field near La Restinga
The entire La Frontera waterfront - La Gomera:
Playa Valle Gran Rey
Lanzarote as a couple
In our opinion, Lanzarote is the Canary Island that offers the most successful combination of total change of scenery and tourist comfort for couples. Its volcanic landscapes, shaped by the eruptions of the 18th century, create a unique setting in the archipelago: fields of black lava, red volcanoes, vines cultivated in ash… It’s an island that surprises and fascinates at every turn.
The island is not large, which makes it easy to organize a holiday without spending too much time in the car: in one week, you can do a complete tour, alternating beach and discovery without effort. What’s more, the island’s architecture, marked by the work of local artist César Manrique, offers an original cultural thread to follow as a couple: Jameos del Agua, Jardín de Cactus, Mirador del Río… so many sites that combine art and nature.
Our 3 favorite moments for a couple:
- Sunset on Famara beach
- Hiking around the Monte Cuervo volcano
- Outing to the island of La Graciosa
- At the same time, the hotel infrastructure offers a well-developed, high-quality adults-only offering. Best adults-only hotels in Lanzarote
- Our selection of the best attractions in Lanzarote
Fuerteventura as a couple
Fuerteventura is the Canary Island for couples for whom the beach is at the heart of their holiday. With over 150km of coastline, natural lagoons with turquoise waters and sand of a rare whiteness, it’s a picture-postcard setting that’s not always so accessible from Europe.
The low tourist density outside the major resorts means that you can still find deserted beaches just a few kilometers from the resorts. The island has few mountains and enjoys some of the most generous sunshine in the archipelago, making it a viable destination almost all year round. For couples who love water sports, windsurfing and kitesurfing are practiced in ideal conditions at El Cotillo and Sotavento, two world-renowned sites.
Our 3 favorite moments for a couple:
- El Pared and Ajuy cliffs
- The Jandia lagoon
- Betancuria and the surrounding mountains
- Best adults-only hotels in Fuerteventura
- Our selection of the best attractions in Fuerteventura
Tenerife as a couple
Tenerife is the Canary Island with the widest range of experiences for couples. It’s also the largest and most populous of the archipelago, which translates into a highly developed tourist infrastructure: gourmet restaurants, upscale adults-only hotels, spectacular natural parks and a varied coastline. But also more people!
We consider Tenerife to be the ideal island for couples in search of the grandiose: the Teide, the cliffs of Los Gigantes and the laurel forests of Anaga create scenery on a scale found nowhere else in the archipelago. And it’s also for couples who love water parks! The south of the island also enjoys almost constant sunshine, even in winter, making it a year-round destination.
Our 3 favorite moments for a couple:
- Discover Teide Park
- The contrast with the Anaga forest
- Historic towns: La Orotava, Garachico…
- Best adults-only hotels in Tenerife
- Our selection of the best attractions in Tenerife
Gran Canaria as a couple
Gran Canaria is the archipelago’s most versatile island for couples who want to combine beach, culture and nature excursions. The interior reveals deep gorges, hilltop villages, pine forests and mountain landscapes that you’d never suspect from the beach. We particularly appreciate its ability to satisfy a wide range of expectations in a single stay.
Gran Canaria appeals to couples not only for its diversity, but also for the quality of its gastronomic offering. Las Palmas’ restaurant scene has grown considerably in recent years, and now boasts several European-class addresses. We recommend spending at least a day in the capital, exploring the historic Vegueta district, strolling along Playa de Las Canteras and dining on a terrace overlooking the ocean.
Our 3 favorite moments for a couple:
- Maspalomas dunes at sunset
- The village of Aguïmes
- Nublo Rock (but now access is more limited)
- Best adults-only hotels in Gran Canaria
- Our selection of the best attractions in Gran Canaria
El Hierro as a couple
El Hierro is the smallest and most isolated of the Canary Islands. Listed as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, it attracts couples who resolutely shun the crowds and seek an experience of unspoilt nature that is less and less easy to find in the archipelago. There are no large sandy beaches on the island, but natural pools carved out of volcanic rock offer bathing areas of absolute tranquility. El Hierro is an island for patient, curious couples who love silence.
Ancient laurel forests, recent lava fields, vertical cliffs, cultivated vineyards on the side of a volcano. We recommend it to couples looking for a complete change of scenery, and who don’t need the hustle and bustle or extensive hotel infrastructure to feel at home. Scuba diving is exceptional.
Our 3 favorite moments for a couple:
- Roque Bonanza and the Playas bay, quiet and beautiful
- The Llania forest
- La Restinga lava field
- Where to stay in El Hierro
- Our selection of the best attractions in El Hierro
La Palma for couples
La Palma, nicknamed the Isle of Beauty, is a nature destination par excellence. It’s perfect for couples looking for peace and quiet, raw scenic beauty and a break from the usual tourist hustle and bustle. Its night sky, ranked among the purest in the world, makes it a unique destination for astronomy-loving couples. The island is green, mountainous and little visited, with a modest but adequate tourist infrastructure.
La Palma is the Canary Island that offers the most striking contrast with the archipelago’s classic tourist model. There are no long sandy beaches, no imposing resorts, no water parks. We recommend it to couples who enjoy hiking, nature photography and authentic surroundings.
Our 3 favorite moments for a couple:
- Ruta de los Volcanes
- Stargazing
- Porís de Candelaria, the cave where pirates hide
La Gomera as a couple
La Gomera is a secret island, little known to tourists visiting the Canaries for the first time. Its Parque Nacional de Garajonay laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, makes it one of Europe’s most outstanding hiking destinations. It’s an island for adventurous couples, ready to accept more modest hotel comforts in exchange for unspoilt nature and an isolation hard to find elsewhere in the archipelago.
The island is round, steep and criss-crossed by ravines that slope down to the sea. We were struck by the silence and peace that reign here, even at the height of the season. Valle Gran Rey, on the west coast, is the island’s liveliest village and a good base for couples: small black sand beaches, quality restaurants, local markets and easy access to hiking trails.
Our 3 favorite moments for a couple:
- Mirador los Roques
- the magic of the forest
- my colorful houses
Canaries for honeymooners
The Canaries are a serious honeymoon destination, accessible from Europe. The mild year-round climate, the diversity of the islands and the quality of the upscale hotel offer make it a credible alternative to long-haul destinations, without the jet lag and fatigue of a long flight.
As we’ve said throughout this article, depending on the type of honeymoon you’re looking for, one of the islands will suit you best
- variety between culture, architecture and nature: Gran Canaria
- elegance and change of scenery: Lanzarote
- Calm and diving: El Hierro
- Grandiose and full of activities: Tenerife
- Quiet hiking: La Gomera
- Authenticity: La Palma
- Beach and water sports: Fuerteventura
Practical advice
When to visit the Canaries
The Canaries enjoy a mild climate all year round, making them a great all-season destination for couples. For a romantic getaway, we recommend the months of May, June, September and October: temperatures are pleasant (between 22 and 27°C), the sea is warm, beaches are less crowded than in July and August, and hotels often offer better rates.
Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura enjoy almost constant sunshine even in December and January, making them ideal destinations for escaping the European cold for two. July and August are still passable, but the beaches and parks are very busy, which detracts from the romantic atmosphere.
Getting around the Canaries
A rental car is the most suitable means of transport for a couple in the Canaries. It gives you the freedom to reach secluded beaches, explore the hinterland and organize your days at your own pace, without depending on bus schedules. We recommend booking in advance, especially in high season, to get a good rate and a suitable vehicle. The larger islands also have reliable and inexpensive public bus networks, but they are less convenient for reaching more remote natural sites.
DISCOVER THE Canary Islands
