Island hopping in the Canary Islands: the complete guide
Hop from coast to coast across Spain’s Atlantic jewels
Island hopping in the Canary Islands is an adventure like no other. One day you’re hiking through volcanic craters, the next you’re swimming off a black-sand beach or wandering through colorful old towns. Each island has its own personality, and the thrill is in discovering them all.
In this complete 2025 guide to Canary Islands island hopping, you’ll find suggested routes, ferry connections, and practical tips to help you plan your adventure. Start planning your adventure today and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper, with no hidden fees.
- Canary Islands ferry travel information
- Island hopping in the Canaries
- Best island-hopping itineraries in the Canary Islands
- FAQs
- Travel tips
The beautiful coast of Tenerife, perfect for swimming or surfing
Canary Islands travel information
The Spanish Canaries are located in the Atlantic Ocean, opposite Morocco. There are a total of 8 major islands, and many more smaller islands and islets to explore. The smallest of the Canary Islands is La Graciosa, while the largest island is Tenerife. The archipelago has 2 capitals: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas in Gran Canaria.
Here are the 8 major islands of the Canary archipelago:
- Tenerife
- Lanzarote
- Fuerteventura
- El Hierro
- Gran Canaria
- La Palma
- La Gomera
- La Graciosa (administratively dependent on Lanzarote)
Tip: one of the best times to visit the Canary Islands is in February, when the famous Carnival of Santa Cruz takes place.
The breathtaking volcanic landscape and coast of El Hierro
How many days do you need in the Canary Islands?
We recommend spending at least 1 week in the Canary Islands, so you can make the most of your stay and fully soak in the culture and extraordinary landscapes. Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria are perfect for a longer vacation too. In case you wish to take a short vacation break in the Canaries, you can stay in one of the smaller islands, like La Graciosa, El Hierro, La Palma, or La Gomera.
The Spanish archipelago is a diverse destination with many options for an unforgetable holiday break. If you want to fully experience the local culture and to visit many impressive landscapes, you can travel by ferry between the islands.
Your island-hopping adventure in the Canary Islands can last from just 1 day to a whole summer!
Why they are called the Canary Islands
The name “Canary Islands” derives from the Latin phrase canariae insulae, which literally means “islands of dogs”, The island group owes its name to the dog breeds found on the islands since ancient times.
As for the yellow canaries, you might spot a few of them around, but they have no connection to the name of the archipelago.
Tip: want to bring your doggo along on your Canarian adventure? Learn how to travel by ferry in Spain with your pet.
Canarian hound enjoying a sunny day on the beach in Lanzarote
Island hopping in the Canaries
Traveling by ferry in the Canary Islands is easy. There are frequent ferry crossings between all the islands. You can catch a ferry throughout the year, and go island hopping in the Canaries with one of the following ferry companies:
How to travel between the Canary Islands
You can travel between the islands in the Canary archipelgo by ferry or plane, thanks to:
- 8 major airports connecting all the islands with frequent daily departures by 2 airlines: Binter and Canaryfly
- More than 16 large ports serving a variety of routes between the Canaries
On Ferryhopper, we recommend the ferry as the best option to travel between the Canary Islands for 3 reasons:
- Travelling by ferry between the islands is usually cheaper than the plane.
- Ferry crossings are more frequent than flight departures, and, when it comes to larger islands with multiple ports, you get to choose among different arrival points depending on your travel plans. For example, from the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you can catch a ferry to either Agaete or Las Palmas in Gran Canaria.
- Even though the flights are shorter, during the ferry trip you can admire amazing sea views and island landscapes, and even get to see dolphins and other beautiful creatures.
Note that the main transport hubs of the Canary Islands are Tenerife and Gran Canaria. From these two islands, you can travel by ferry to the whole archipelago.
Ferry routes in the Canary Islands
There are several routes to choose from when it comes to traveling between the Canary Islands. Have a look at some of the most popular ferry connections in the Canaries and find info about schedules, duration and prices:
- From Gran Canaria to Fuerteventura: there are up to 5 daily ferries from Gran Canaria to Fuerteventura. Tickets start at around €55, and the journey duration ranges from 2 hours (arrival in Morro Jable port) to 7 hours (arrival in Puerto del Rosario port).
- From Lanzarote to La Graciosa: the Lanzarote - La Graciosa ferry route is available with 18 daily crossings on average. It takes 25 minutes to reach La Graciosa and tickets are at €16.
- From Tenerife to La Gomera: the Tenerife - La Gomera ferry connection is normally served 6 times daily. The journey duration is usually 50 minutes and tickets start at around €43.
- From Lanzarote to Fuerteventura: ferries from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura are in operation with over 20 daily crossings. The cheapest ferry tickets to Fuerteventura (Corralejo) are at around €20. The trip takes around 25-35 minutes.
Have a look here for more information about ferry schedules in Spain in 2025.
Tip: you can easily get to the Canary Islands by ferry from mainland Spain, with regular departures from Huelva and Cádiz. You can find out more in our guide on mainland Spain - Tenerife ferry schedules.
The Naviera Armas ferry on the route from Tenerife to Fuerteventura
Best island-hopping itineraries in the Canary Islands
With regular connection ferry routes that are served year-round with both conventional and high-speed vessels, it is easy and straightforward to explore the Canary Islands, whether you’re visiting for a short time or on a multi-week vacation.
Here are some of out top island-hopping suggestions:
Day trip island-hopping in the Canary Islands
The Canary island group is great for short island-hopping trips, as there are frequent ferry crossings connecting neighboring islands and islets. Two of the best short trips are: Lanzarote - Fuerteventura and Lanzarote - La Graciosa.
Lanzarote - Fuerteventura island hopping
For a single-day island-hopping excursion, you can't got wrong with a quick visit to Fuerteventura from Lanzarote. Before setting sail, we highly recommend a visit to the national park of Timanfaya, where you can admire impressive lunar-like hills and go for a quick swim at one of the magical beaches in the south, such as Papagayo.
Breathtaking volcano at the Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote
There are many ferries from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura, with regular departure from the port of Playa Blanca on the southern coast of the island. There are over 20 daily crossings from Playa Blanca to the port of Corralejo in Fuerteventura. The journey is really short, just 25-35 minutes, which makes it ideal for island hopping, while tickets on the Lanzarote - Fuerteventura ferries start at around €20.
Once you arrive at Corralejo, there is a stunning beach at a stone's throw from the port, where you can cool down with a quick dip. From the port, you can be in the Corralejo Natural Park in 10 minutes by car. There, you can wander through the impressive sand dunes and take in the impressive ocean views.
Continue your trip by visiting the capital town, Puerto del Rosario. Make sure you check out the local markets and catch your breath with a coffee and snack at one of the cafes in town. If you have your swimwear with you, we recommend heading to the beach of Castillo in Caleta de Fuste.
Next up, you can head on a scenic drive towards Natural Park of Jandía on the southern side of the island, where green hills, rocky beaches and sand dunes await.
Come lunch time, make your way inland and to the village of Antigua, where you can try delicious papas arrugadas and majorero cheese. Explore the island’s towns and villages, such as La Oliva and Lajares, before driving north to the famous Fuerteventura Popcorn Beach. After you have seen the amazing popcorn-like rhodoliths, you should make your way back to Corralejo in time for the last ferry at 20:00.
Tip: if you decide to stay on the northern part of the island, you can catch a boat from Corralejo to the islet of Lobos, a destination of great natural beauty, just 15 minutes away from Fuerteventura.
Extra tip: surfers are in for a treat, as Fuerteventura has some of the most epic surf spots in the Canaries, such as the Bubble.
The Morro Jable lighthouse on the Jandía peninsula in Fuerteventura
Lanzarote - La Graciosa island hopping
For something a bit more relaxed in the Canaries, you can plan a trip from Lanzarote to La Graciosa! The two islands are very close with many daily ferry connections, making it an ideal island-hopping adventure. Ticket prices start at €16 one-way and the route is served by Líneas Romero and Biosfera Express.
Your journey begins in the port of Órzola, where you catch the Lanzarote to La Graciosa ferry. The earliest departures are usually scheduled between 08:00 and 08:30 and the trip lasts just 25 minutes. One of the first things you will notice once you reach La Graciosa, is just how quiet and unspoiled it is, compared to the other Canary Islands.
Kick off your expedition with a visit to the majestic beaches of La Graciosa, . Beyond building sand castles and splashing in sea, there many places to try snorkeling and diving to discover the wonders beneath the waves. If you'd rather stay dry, you can rent a bike go cycling or lace up your hiking boots and check out the islands's trails and hills, before finding your very own spot to enjoy the sunset.
Although La Graciosa is a car-free island and relatively easy to get around on foot or bike, there are a number of taxis that can get you around the island on a jeep safari. These 4x4 vehicles are ideal for visiting some of the harder to rach spots of La Graciosa, such as the such as the beach at Las Conchas and Amarilla Mountain.
In any case, one of the best way to cap off your visit to La Graciosa is with boat tour around its coast, where you may catch a glimpse of dolphins playing in the waves in this magical part of the Atlantic Ocean. If you have enough time, you can also grab an ice cream at the port, before you catching the last ferry back to Lanzarote which is usually around 19:00.
Tip: Bring your binoculars and head for La Cocina beach, one of the most popular dolphin-watching spots in La Graciosa.
The unspoilt beach of La Cocina in La Graciosa
Multi-day island hopping in the Canary Islands
The Canary group consists of many large and small islands, with each bringing something different to the table. Whether you looking for the ideal family-friendly destination with calm beaches and laid-back vibes, to extreme water sports and hiking though volcanic landscapes, the Canary Islands have it all.
The best way to get a real taste of this stunning archipelago is by taking to the seas, so here's our suggestion for an amazing multi-day island hopping trip in the Canary Islands:
La Palma - La Gomera - Tenerife island hopping
For a longer island-hopping adventure that blends hiking, culture, and incredible natural landscapes, we recommend starting your trip in La Palma, continuing to La Gomera, and then crossing over to Tenerife.
Begin your trip on La Isla Bonita, as locals call La Palma. Here you can hike the breathtaking Volcano Route (Ruta de los Volcanes), go scuba diving in Los Cancajos and stroll through the charming old town of Santa Cruz de La Palma. Once you've explored the island, it's time to head to the port of Santa Cruz in La Palma for your first trip. The earliest La Palma - La Gomera ferry usually sets sail around 06:30 and the trip takes a little less than 4 hours.
Hiking among volcanoes on the island of La Palma
Arriving in San Sebastián, on the eastern coast of La Gomera, you’ll find the black-sand beach right next to the port, which is perfect for a refreshing swim before exploring the town. Don’t miss the Torre del Conde Park, one of the most beautiful green spaces in the Canary Islands.
La Gomera is a paradise for adventure seekers, so you won't want to miss the opportunity to visit the Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Roques viewpoint for the stunning ocean views. For a dose of adrenaline, you can hike or cycle the island’s network of trails through untouched landscapes in La Gomera and for a unique experience, you can also go whale-watching and horse-riding!
You’ll need at least 3 days to explore the whole island, before catching the next ferry to Tenerife. There are around 5-6 daily crossings from La Gomera to Tenerife, allowing you a lot of flexibility for planning the next leg of your trip. The most convenient route is to Los Cristianos on Tenerife’s southern coast, with the ride taking less than 1 hour.
Hiking to Alto de Garajonay, the highest point on the island of La Gomera
After the short ferry trip, you arrive in Tenerife, where there are countless things to see and do. Kick off your adventure on to the island with a visit to its stunning beaches, like El Duque, Antequera, and San Marcos.
If you are in exporation mood, pack your hiking shoes and head to the spectacular Teide National Park and the lush Orotava Valley. For a day of family fun, we recommend visiting Siam Water Park, one of the world's best water parks, while golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at one of the island’s scenic courses.
To get real taste of the local way of life in the Canary Islands, head to the Mercado Municipal Nuestra Señora de África in Santa Cruz. This amazing market is filled with cafés, tapas bars and artisan stalls where you can find traditional Canarian products, making it a perfect spot to spend a morning.
You should plan to spend at least 5 days in Tenerife to fully enjoy everything the island has to offer. From there, you can either fly home or continue your journey by ferry to mainland Spain. The Tenerife - Huelva ferries usually take around 33 hours, while the ferries from Tenerife to Cádiz take 37 hours.
The remote beach of Antequera on the northern coast of Tenerife
FAQs
How long are the ferry rides between the Canary Islands?
The journey between the Canary Islands varies, depending on your port of departure and destination, but here are some indicative times:
- Tenerife - La Gomera: 50 min
- Tenerife - Las Palmas: 1 hr 40 min
- Playa Blanca - Corralejo : 25 min
- Órzola (Lanzarote) - La Graciosa: 25 min
- Morro Jable - Las Palmas: 2 hr
- El Hierro - Los Cristianos: 2 hr 20 min
- Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) - Arrecife: 5 hr
- La Palma - Tenerife: 2 hr 30 min
Can I bring a car on Canary Island ferries?
Yes, you can travel with your car, motorbike, or campervan on most inter-island ferries in the Canary Islands. This is especially convenient if you want to explore remote beaches, hiking trails, or villages that aren’t easily reached by public transport.
Keep in mind that La Graciosa is a car-free island and only local service vehicles are permitted, so visitors cannot bring cars. Instead, you get around on foot, by bike, or with authorized taxis.
How do I get around the Canary Islands?
There are several options for your transportation in the Canary Islands:
- Bus: there are no trains on the Canary Islands, but there are buses services available on all islands, operated by several companies. Buses usually run regularly and are probably the cheapest transportation option.
- Car: renting or bring your car is your best option if you wish to head off the beaten path and explore at your pace. A car or jeep is also the most convient way to get around the mountainous regions on the islands.
- Taxi: there are taxis available on every island which are easy to find, with many towns having taxi ranks. Prices are normally quite reasonable and may be fixed, depending on your destination.
- Bike: cycling can be one of the most exciting ways to discover the Canaries' stunning landscapes, especially in the winter season, and you can easily rent a bike in every island. Note that the rides in the mountains can be challenging.
Do I need a passport to travel between the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands are a part of Spain, so if you are an EU citizen, you do not need a passport, a national ID card is enough. Non-EU travelers will need to have a valid passport when boarding the ferry.
What are the best islands to visit for a first-time island hopper in the Canaries?
If it’s your first time island-hopping in the Canaries, then Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote should be high up on your list. These islands have regular ferry connections and plenty of amenities, making them great for families as well, even for a Christmas holiday or a longer winter escape.
From Tenerife, you can easily hop to La Gomera or La Palma, while Lanzarote has excellent connections to Fuerteventura. For more inspiration and detailed information on what you can expect, check out our complete guide to the Canary Islands.
What is the best time to visit the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands are a great holiday destination all year round, with the shoulder seasons offering the best balance of warm weather and lighter crowds. For more details, check out our month-by-month breakdown of the best time to visit the Canary Islands and our list of the best things to do in the Canary Islands all year round.
Useful tips about island hopping in the Canary Islands
Here are some useful travel tips about island hopping in the Canary Islands:
- Consider bring your car or renting for your trip. While public transport works well on most islands, having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to reach hidden beaches, mountain trails, and villages at your own pace.
- Make sure your pack proper hiking shoes. Island hopping in the Canaries is all about exploring nature, from volcanic landscapes to rugged hilltops, and you’ll want to be comfortable on long walks.
- It is generally warm in the summer and mild in the winter, but for more details on the climate so you know how (and what) to pack, take a look at our handy guide on the weather in the Canaries.
- Day trips in the Canary Islands are a great option if you’re short on time. If you’re hopping over to a neighboring island just for the day, be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as exploring will definitely work up your appetite.
- Plan your route with your return journey in mind. A smart tip is to arrange your flights home from the final island on your itinerary, which saves you time and avoids unnecessary backtracking.
- Most of the islands have multiple ports. By arranging to stay near the port of departure, you will minimize travel time.
- For more ideas and information on available routes, prices, and companies, check out our guide in schedules in the Canaries for 2025.
Book island hopping tickets for the Canary Islands online
With Ferryhopper, planning your island-hopping adventure in the Canaries is simple and straightforward. Visualize and plan your journey between the Canary islands in our Map of ferries, compare routes and companies at a glance, and book your ferry tickets in just a few clicks!
Latest article
-
Travel guide from Bulgaria to the Greek islands by car
September 17, 2025