Tenerife or Lanzarote: which Canary Island should you pick?
Sun, beaches, volcanoes - the choice is yours!The Canary Islands are a dream for travelers chasing sun and adventure, but when it comes to choosing between Tenerife and Lanzarote, things can get tricky. Tenerife is big, bold, and buzzing with energy, while Lanzarote is wild, arty, and refreshingly laid-back.
Both promise unforgettable beaches and bucket loads of charm, but which island is actually the right one? Lucky for you, in this guide, we break it all down step-by-step to help you decide whether to visit Tenerife or Lanzarote:
- Beaches & coastline
- Nature & outdoor activities
- Food, culture & nightlife
- Towns & villages
- Family vacations
- So, which one should you choose?
The debate is not as thorny a subject as you may think
Beaches & coastline in Tenerife and Lanzarote
One of the first things that comes to mind when thinking about the Canary Islands is the beaches, and for good reason. Simply put, you’ll find that idyllic spot to stretch under the sun, dramatic coastlines that inspire, and much more on both Lanzarote and Tenerife, but there are some differences to keep in mind.
In Tenerife, you can expect a striking mix of golden and volcanic beaches. On the southern coast, there are plenty of family-friendly resorts, as well as livelier spots such as Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos, perfect if you’re looking for comfort, sunbeds, and plenty of water sports. Tenerife also has some of the best wheel-chair accessible beaches in Spain, such as Playa Las Vistas. In contrast, the beaches like Playa Jardín and Playa de Benijo in the north of Tenerife are a bit wilder, with stronger winds, black sands, and crashing waves. This is where you’ll find some of the best surf spots in the Canary Islands, such as Martiánez and El Socorro.
The beaches in Lanzarote, on the other hand, are a bit quieter and more about the raw, natural feel. In fact, many beaches are only reached by small roads or trails, making them ideal if you prefer to escape the crowds. The most famous beach on the island is Papagayo: a sheltered cove on the southern shores with white sands and crystal-clear, calm waters that are perfect for relaxing, swimming and splashing in the waves. For a dash of adrenaline to your beach escape, head towards spots like Famara and Costa Teguise for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. If diving is your thing, then plan a visit to Museo Atlántico, an underwater museum that is easily one of the finest little-known treasures of the Canaries.
Papagayo beach in Lanzote is pure beach bliss
Nature & outdoor activities in Lanzarote and Tenerife
The Canary Islands are a paradise for nature lovers, so whether you opt for Tenerife or Lanzarote, both deliver unforgettable outdoor experiences. From towering volcanoes and lush trails to surreal lava fields and beyond, each island is guaranteed to amaze you.
Some of the most diverse terrain in the Canary Islands can be found in Tenerife, with plenty of opportunities for whale watching, paragliding, diving, and even stargazing under some of Europe’s clearest skies. The star attraction is the Mount Teide National Park, a UNESCO site where you will find Spain’s highest peak. Whether you bring your hiking boots, take the cable car or cycle up Teide, the views across the island and out to sea are nothing short of spectacular. Beyond Teide, Tenerife’s natural playground includes the Anaga Rural Park in the north and Masca Valley on the eastern side.
In Lanzarote, nature takes on a more surreal and artistic form. The volcanic Timanfaya National Park is an easy highlight, where vast lava fields and fiery craters look like something from another planet. The island’s unique character is also shaped by artist César Manrique, whose creations, like Jameos del Agua and the Mirador del Río viewpoint, give an artistic flair to the raw volcanic setting. Add in the Cueva de los Verdes lava caves and the scenic cycling or hiking routes through vineyards and volcanic plains, and you get an island that feels wild yet deeply harmonious.
Tip: take a look at our guide on the best outdoor activities in the Canary Islands for action-packed vacations!
The snow-capped Mount Teide awaits!
Tenerife and Lanzarote's food, culture & nightlife
Culture runs deep in the Canary Islands, and it comes alive through food, festivals, and nightlife. Tenerife dazzles with world-famous celebrations and buzzing evenings, while Lanzarote charms with its artistic soul, local cuisine, and laid-back vibe after dark.
Tenerife is renowned for its Carnival of Santa Cruz, one of the most popular festivals in the Canaries that rivals Rio in size and color, and for its lively calendar of local fiestas and Romerías throughout the year. As for the food, the island’s gastronomy ranges from traditional papas arrugadas with mojo sauces to fresh seafood and innovative fine dining, making it a great destination for foodies. And when the sun goes down, resorts in the south like Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje come alive with clubs, pubs, and beach bars, while Santa Cruz offers a cosmopolitan mix of live music and cultural venues.
Lanzarote, on the other hand, has a cultural identity deeply shaped by the artist César Manrique, whose influence is visible in its architecture, art centers, and integration of nature into daily life. The island’s food scene is more intimate but no less appealing, with fresh fish, artisanal cheeses, and the unique Malvasía wines grown on volcanic soil. Festivals like the Fiesta de San Ginés in Arrecife are a great opportunity to get a glimpse of local traditions, but if you are after something more laid-back, there are plenty of cozy beach bars and sunset lounges for a relaxed evening under the stars.
Good to know: for an idea of the type of dishes you can look forward to, check out our guide on the cuisine in the Canary Islands.
Don't forget to try gofio escaldado, a porridge from toasted grain flour and hot broth
Tenerife vs Lanzarote: towns & villages
Beyond their beaches and landscapes, Tenerife and Lanzarote are defined by their towns and villages. You will find vibrant cities and UNESCO heritage sites alongside whitewashed hamlets and fishing ports, but each island has its own twist.
In Tenerife, the capital Santa Cruz is a quintessential Canarian port city full of shops, museums, and cultural spaces. Just a short ride away though, you’ll find San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colonial architecture, colorful streets, and a lively student scene. For a taste of local flavor by the sea, make your way to Puerto de la Cruz in the north, but if you are after hotel resorts and a bit of pampering, then head south to Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje.
Lanzarote feels more intimate, with its small capital Arrecife being more about the relaxed local vibes rather than big-city bustle. The historic town of Teguise is one of the island’s highlights, especially on Sundays when its market fills the streets with stalls, food, and music. To get a sense of what island life is like in Lanzarote, plan a visit to villages like Yaiza and Haría where you’ll find whitewashed houses and palm groves. If you work up an appetite on your travels, then plan a stop at fishing villages like El Golfo and Órzola for some of the freshest seafood in the Canaries.
Pro tip: after exploring the north of Lanzarote, you can catch a ferry in Órzola for a quick day trip to La Graciosa.
The village of Haría is on the northern side of Lanzarote.
Family holidays in Lanzarote and Tenerife
Family holidays in the Canary Islands are all about easy beaches, safe swimming, and plenty of activities for kids. Both Tenerife and Lanzarote more than tick those boxes, but as always, the devil is in the details.
For families who want variety and convenience, Tenerife is hard to beat. Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos are well-equipped resort towns with calm beaches and pools with lifeguards. The island also has some of Europe’s best family attractions, including the Siam Park water park and the Loro Parque zoo. Add to that whale-watching boat tours, and the thrilling ride up Mount Teide’s cable car, and you have endless options to keep children of all ages entertained.
Lanzarote, conversely, is better suited for families who are after a more laid-back experience. The beaches at Papagayo are safe and sheltered, while Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise have family-friendly resorts without the crowds of Tenerife. Highlights include the Rancho Texas Park, which combines zoo experiences and water attractions, submarine safaris, and exploring the fascinating lava caves that spark the imagination of children and adults alike.
Good to know: with great weather all-year round, both islands are superb choices for a winter family escape in the Canaries.
Los Gigantes is Tenerife is great for whale-watching
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is warmer, Tenerife or Lanzarote?
The climate in the Canary Islands is mild throughout the year, which means that you are guaranteed excellent conditions any time of the year. There are, however, some subtle differences to keep in mind.
Lanzarote is usually drier and sunnier, thanks to its position closer to the Sahara, with very little rainfall. Tenerife can feel warmer in the south, especially around Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas, but the north of the island is often cooler and cloudier because of the mountains and trade winds.
When is the best time to visit the Canaries?
As the weather is great year-round, you can plan a visit any time, however each season has its own benefits. Visiting in spring is arguably the best time for exploring the outdoors, as nature is in full bloom and the crowds have not yet picked up. Summer brings warmer weather and longer days, so beach lovers will be in heaven. It’s still warm in autumn, but the tourist crowds are thinner, making it perfect for delving into local festivals. Finally, the mild weather means that the winter holidays in the Canaries are a superb escape from the cold.
You can find more details in our comprehensive guide on when is the best month to visit the Canaries.
How do I get to Tenerife and Lanzarote?
One of the best ways to start your holidays is by taking it slow and enjoying the ride there. While there are flights, traveling by ferry to the Canaries from mainland Spain allows you to relax and enjoy the sea view. Additionally, traveling by ferry means that you can bring along your car, motorbike or camper van, so you can really go off the beaten track.
The ferries from Cádiz to Lanzarote run 1-2 per week, all year round, and the journey takes around 27 hours. The Huelva - Tenerife ferry normally sets sail 2-5 times a week and takes about 32 hours for the journey. You can also travel from Cádiz to Tenerife in around 37 hours, by stopping in Lanzarote or Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria.
A spectacular sunset view of Famara beach in Lanzarote
So, which one should you choose?
Both Tenerife and Lanzarote are amazing destinations in the Canaries, but each island shines in its own way. It really depends on what type of experience you are looking for, so to make things easier, let’s recap everything:
- Beaches: for variety and convenience, the beaches of Tenerife are a safe bet. If you’re drawn to wild beauty and fewer crowds though, look no further than the coastline of Lanzarote.
- Outdoors: for variety, high peaks, and lots of adrenaline, Tenerife delivers and then some. If you’re fascinated by volcanic landscapes, art, and unique nature experiences, Lanzarote steals the show.
- Food, culture & nightlife: if grand festivals, buzzing nightlife, and foodie variety are your thing, then Tenerife should top your list. Pick Lanzarote if you prefer artistic vibes, boutique dining, and evenings spent under the stars with a glass of local wine.
- Towns & villages: the towns and cities in Tenerife are larger, livelier, and more diverse, while villages in Lanzarote are smaller, quainter, and steeped in tradition.
- Family holidays: for families who thrive on activities and attractions, Tenerife is hard to beat. For a quieter, more relaxed holiday with outdoor fun, Lanzarote is a better fit.
If you are still finding it hard to decide on one island, then why not visit both? The ferry between Lanzarote and Tenerife takes around 10 hours and includes a stop in Gran Canaria.
In fact, with distances being relatively short, you could easily go island-hopping in the Canaries and discover even more amazing islands in the archipelago.
Ready to decide? Check our Map of ferries to visualize your trip, see all available routes and book ferry tickets in just a few clicks!