Gran Canaria or Tenerife: which one is best for you?

The two capital islands of the Canary archipelago have a lot in common: spectacular beaches, incredible landscapes, and a wide range of leisure activities to offer. Ιf you are planning your holidays in the Canary Islands, you may be wondering which one is better: Tenerife of Gran Canaria?

Keep on reading to discover the highlights of Tenerife and Gran Canaria and figure out which one suits you best. And once you pick your favorite island, you can book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper in just a few steps!

Dreamy sunset at Maspalomas beach and lighthouse in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria vs Tenerife: the Canary debate

With 300 days of sunshine per year, the two most popular Canary islands keep attracting thousands of visitors, and especially in the winter months when the weather there remains warm. So, you decided to finally travel there and you are probably asking yourself: Tenerife or Gran Canaria in December (or November / February)?

Tenerife and Gran Canaria might be similar when it comes to their landscapes, climate and size, but they do have notable differences. Compare the two islands and discover the special experiences, flavors, and attractions each one has to offer: 

• City life and towns
• Beaches
• Outdoor experiences
• Culture and entertainment

City life and towns

With around 1 million inhabitants, Tenerife is the largest island in the Canaries and hosts several cities and towns. Its lively capital, Santa Cruz, stands out for its architecture and modern amenities and is the place to experience the island’s city life at its best. As for the colonial city of San Cristóbal de la Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it will steal your heart with its colorful mansions and charming streets of the historic center.

Tenerife also boasts numerous enchanting villages and towns, such as La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, or Masca.

One of the gems of Gran Canaria is its capital, the multicultural and cosmopolitan Las Palmas, which is the largest city in the archipelago. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a modern city full of beautiful squares, bars and restaurants, food and flea markets, and exciting museums. We recommend exploring the city's lively neighborhoods, and especially Vegueta, Las Palmas’ oldest district and home to its most important historic buildings.

If you feel like getting away from the capital, head to Teror to admire the traditional Canarian architecture, the beautiful mountain village of Tejeda, or the coastal Gáldar hosting archeological treasures.

The charming paved streets and colorful buildings of La Laguna in Tenerife

Beaches

Tenerife is an island with a diverse coast and beaches for every taste. The south is generally more busy, hosting resorts, beach clubs and water-sports facilities, while the north side has a more untamed scenery. You can find iconic volcanic beaches with black sand, such as Playa Jardin in Puerto de la Cruz, Benijo and San Marcos. Then again, if you are a fan of golden-sand beaches, you can opt for Las Vistas or El Duque, both with great amenities.

If you are traveling with children or are a windsurfing enthusiast, we strongly recommend El Médano beach. Moreover, Tenerife is one of the best islands in Spain for people with disabilities, and you can find numerous beaches with wheelchair access, such as El Camisón.

Gran Canaria is well-known for its amazing sand dunes and stunning long beaches spread from north to south. The south side of the island has warmer weather, and it is where you can find the most popular beaches with golden sand and calm waters, nearby resorts and top-notch visitor amenities. On the other hand, if you prefer a more wild and tranquil landscape, you can head to the beaches in the north and the west.

The city beach of Las Palmas, Las Canteras, has been actually called "the best urban beach in the world" by Tripadvisor. The unique Sahara-style dunes of the magical Maspalomas beach are definitely a must-visit, while the resort beach of Playa del Inglés is a perfect pick for fun-seeking families.

Useful info: Las Palmas is one of the favorite cities among digital nomads in the Canaries, as it has the beach nearby and all necessary amenities. There is a large international community, with events and activities every day. Tenerife is also ideal for digital nomads, who usually prefer the south of the island, where there are many beaches and the weather is always nice.

Exciting desert vibe at the sandy Playa del Inglés beach

Outdoor activities

Tenerife is a true paradise for nature enthusiasts, offering a wide range of outdoor activities all year round. The island’s highlight is definitely Teide National Park, which hosts Mount Teide volcano (its summit is the highest peak in Spain!). Embark on an adventure along its incredible hiking routes and admire pine forests, layers of ancient lava flows and stunning views.

Other amazing outdoor attractions in Tenerife include the Barranco del Infierno ravine, with a hiking trail leading to the highest waterfall on the island, and the Anaga Rural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve covered with ancient laurel forests.

As for Gran Canaria, it’s no wonder it’s often called the “miniature continent”; the stunning island is characterized by extreme geological diversity. From the pristine forests of Tamadaba Natural Park to the otherworldly sand dunes of Maspalomas, the island has amazing beaches, mountains, valleys, and ravines, making it a top destination for hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching lovers.

Explore Nublo Rural Park, home to the landmark Roque Nublo volcanic rock, hike along the trails of the Fataga ravine, and plan a day trip to the vast and verdant Guayadeque valley.

The breathtaking peak of Mount Teide covered in snow

Culture and entertainment

Both Tenerife and Gran Canaria have a rich cultural heritage, but they each showcase a different aspect of Canarian tradition and entertainment.

Tenerife is, of course, famous for the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, one of the biggest carnivals worldwide. Its massive celebrations include grand parades, colorful costumes and lively music, and the city transforms into a carnival dreamland.

The center of Tenerife’s cultural life is actually San Cristóbal de la Laguna, home to fascinating museums, art galleries, and historic architecture. The island also hosts numerous music and art festivals throughout the year, including the Mueca International Street Art Festival and the Tenerife Music Festival in Santa Cruz.

Gran Canaria’s culture scene is a bit more laid-back but just as engaging. In Las Palmas’ historic Vegueta district, you can visit the famous Casa de Colón museum (House of Columbus) and explore Canary history. Gran Canaria is also a vibrant nightlife hub, with Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés being the main party hotspots, and Las Palmas offering a more laid-back atmosphere.

One of the most lively festivities on the island is the Fiesta de la Rama in Agaete (4th of August) honoring the Virgin of the Snows; locals dance in the streets to the rhythm of the music waving branches in the air. If you love live music, don’t miss the WOMAD Festival (World of Music, Arts and Dance) taking place in Las Palmas every November.

Tip: discover the top 6 festivals in the Canary Islands on Ferryhopper.

The futuristic Auditorio de Tenerife, an architectural symbol of Santa Cruz

So, which is better: Tenerife or Gran Canaria?

Both islands have a lot to offer, but in the end it's all about the type of vacation you are looking for.

If you want to just relax on the beach, we recommend planning your holidays in Gran Canaria, as it has amazing beaches to swim safely and sunny weather all year round. On the other hand, if you prefer hiking in the forest,Tenerife certainly has a lot to offer. 

Although Santa Cruz de Tenerife is also big, if you are looking for a vacation with lots of events or a cosmopolitan city full of life, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the place for you. However, for people looking for tranquility and small but very authentic towns, Tenerife is your go-to destination.

But why choose if you can visit both? The islands are just 1 hour 30 minutes (or even less) away from each other and are connected with 10 or more daily ferry crossings. Find out everything you need to know about ferries from Gran Canaria to Tenerife and Tenerife - Gran Canaria ferries and plan your Canary island-hopping trip in no time!

Plus: check out all active Canary Islands ferries for 2025 and find out which other islands you can visit.