Isabella is one of the writers of new guide to the Canary Islandsspending weeks researching Tenerife and Lanzarote. Here she shares her best tips for optimizing your budget on your next trip to the sun.
Contrary to Spainthe famous and glamorous Balearic Islands, the Canaries are widely considered a good value destination, with a wealth of reasonably priced accommodation, dining options, sights and activities to tempt budget-conscious travelers. This doesn't make it a restricted destination, and large local events – like Carnival – combined with a double beach holiday season can cause costs to skyrocket.
Planning your trip to the Canary Islands to avoid the peak tourism months is the most obvious way to keep things economical, while still choosing one of the smaller, more offbeat islands, like Isla de la Charme. rural. El Hierrocan also mean lighter expenses.
Efficient public transportation makes traveling around the islands easy on a budget, and meals at many Canarian restaurants are quite affordable by European standards, especially once you move away from the main tourist centers. Many of the archipelago's key attractions can be enjoyed relatively cheaply or completely free, from hiking through moonscapes to splashing in saltwater pools and exploring towns with unique architecture . Here are our tips for making the most of the dazzling Canary Islands without breaking the bank.
Daily costs
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Surf Hostel dormitory: from €20 (US$22)
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Hotel room for two: from €90 (US$99)
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One-bedroom self-catering apartment: varies hugely, perhaps from €50 (US$55)
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Coffee: €1.50-2 (US$1.65-2)
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Ración of cheese with mojos: from €5 (US$5.50)
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Walking tour of the Tourist Office: free
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Glass of wine: €3-6 (US$3.20-6.60)
Traveling by local guagua (bus)
The seven main islands have an excellent and efficient bus system, each operated by a single island-wide company; In Tenerife there is also a convenient tram that connects the capital St. Cruz with the historic town of The Lagoon. With a little advance planning, it's perfectly possible to explore a large part of each island using public transportation. Bus tickets to Tenerife South Airport, for example, cost just €3.20 return. Los Cristianos and €9.35 from/to Santa Cruz with TITSA. Many bus networks also offer multi-day or multi-ride passes that visitors can take advantage of.
That said, if you're traveling in a group and splitting the cost, sometimes it's more cost-effective to rent a car.
Avoid Winter Carnival Festivities
The colorful Canarian Carnival is the liveliest in Spain, but it also drives up accommodation prices when it arrives each February. This is particularly the case in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (where the first carnival takes place) and in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (the second major hub), as people flock to join in the fun.
For a budget-friendly trip, check dates in advance and avoid the most expensive weeks, or head to one of the smaller islands around this time. And if you still want to get a taste of Tenerife's big party, take a look at the wonderful little Carnival House museum in Santa Cruz.
Drink in volcanic landscapes on foot
One of the most exciting things about traveling to the Canaries is the drama of the beautifully varied landscapes, formed over millions of years by a series of volcanic eruptions, from jagged coastlines to curious rock formations and towering peaks emerging above the clouds. Each of the islands has a well-established network of hiking trails suitable for all levels, making explorations on foot arguably the most rewarding way to experience the best of these lunar landscapes – all for free.
For conservation reasons, the trail leading to the high summit of 3,718 m above sea level Teide – the highest mountain in Spain – requires a permit (free), as do several other top hikes in the Canaries (book well in advance).
Refresh yourself in the natural swimming pools
Diving into the Atlantic for a swim is one of the main attractions of the Canaries. There are dazzling ocean pools scattered all over the islands, born from eruptions over the centuries. Some are purely natural formations with a ladder for jumping, while others have been adapted into more “formal” seawater pools, such as the magnificent Bajamar Pools in Tenerife, La Maceta in El Hierro, Punta Mujeres in Lanzarote and The Charcones in Gran Canaria. The good news? They are completely free to use and you will often be joined by a local crowd.
Take advantage of accommodation deals (and peace and quiet) in spring and fall
The Canary Islands have not one, but two peak seasons, with sun-seeking visitors arriving mainly from elsewhere in Europe during the winter months (mid-December to February), and then Canarian holidaymakers during the warmer months of July and especially August. However, plan your Canary Islands adventure in the spring or fall and you can easily benefit from discounts on accommodation and cheaper car rentals while enjoying a quieter scene with fewer crowds. March to May and September to November are also great seasons for hiking in the Canaries, while October is considered the best month for diving.
Local dinner: teleclubs and guachinches
In general, restaurants in the Canary Islands offer good value by European standards, with popular and budget-friendly staples including arrugada dads (boiled potatoes), grilled fish, rich stews and local cheeses with mojo sauces. This is especially true on the smaller, less touristy western islands.
For a memorable local dining experience without breaking the bank, keep an eye out for one guachinche. These rustic, no-frills kitchens popular in northern Tenerife and some western islands are traditionally set up in local homes or gardens during the winter months, serving hearty typical dishes and their own wines (nowadays , some remain open all year round). In Lanzarotelocal teleclubs offer equally down-to-earth settings for simple Canarian cuisine at affordable prices.
Explore museums and galleries during free entry hours
Although the prices of galleries in the Canary Islands are mostly quite reasonable compared to those in Madrid and Barcelona, many of them also offer free entry during dedicated hours, often on weekend afternoons ( check times in advance). The superb Museum of Nature and Archeology in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, for example, is free from 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Look for accommodation far from the coast
On larger islands where beach tourism is important, it is not surprising that coastal accommodation is usually the more expensive choice. Opting for a base away from the beach, such as a small inland village or isolated rural hotel, usually means better value accommodation, often run by local families, communities and operators (rather than large-scale hotel chains). Avoiding the resorts is also a rewarding way to experience a more local side of the Canaries, especially if you visit during a busier season.
Another budget-friendly option is to look for local campsites. Options are limited on most islands, but Tenerife has a great campsite network which you can book for free. With pre-planningit is also possible to camp in the beautiful Caldera de Taburiente National Park in La Palma. You'll need to bring your own camping gear, but sleeping under the Canaries' famous clear skies can be a wonderfully special experience that doesn't cost much.
Take advantage of reduced price tourist passes
Looking for multisight passes for local attractions is a convenient way to cut budgets. The excellent value Pasaporte Turístico d'El Hierro offers entry to the island's seven main museums for just €17.95. In Lanzarote, a common ticket for the must-sees César Manrique Foundation and the most intimate César Manrique House Museum costs €17 (instead of €10 each).
Most museums, galleries, activities and public transport offer discounts to children, students and anyone over 65, as well as some visitors with disabilities. Bring your relevant ID.
Join a free official walking tour or guided hike
Many local tourist offices offer regular, free introductory walking tours of the historic centers of major cities, including The Lagoon and Santa Cruz in Tenerife. Check tourist websites for places you're particularly interested in, as some require advance reservations, or go to the tourist office to see what's on.
The two Lanzarote Timanfaya National Park and that of La Gomera Garajonay National Park – two of the most magical natural spaces in the Canaries – organize free walks in small groups with official guides. Reserve your places well in advance via the Spanish national parks website.
Pick up kitchen supplies at farmers markets
The Canarian gastronomic scene revolves around its fabulous markets, where counters overflow with fresh produce, local cheeses and wines with lively flavors. mojo sauces, sweetened with palm honey and spicy almogrote (a spicy spread).
Many towns have a weekly farmers' market attracting producers from across the island, perfect for stocking up on picnic or cooking ingredients at a good price. Some large cities have well-established fresh produce markets, open all week, including the Moorish-inspired one. Nuestra Señora de África Market in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the lively neighborhood Vegueta Market in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, both with cheap and cheerful market bars where you can grab a bocadillo (filled roll) and a coffee.
