Which of these Spanish Canary Islands should you visit?

A Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean near northwestern Africa, the Canary Islands have year-round sunshine and a spring climate. And while both of the islands have beautiful beaches, delectable food, and are designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, each is unique. Lanzarote is relaxed and laid back, and part of the island covered in volcanic ash. Gran Canaria is geographically diverse; the south side has desert landscapes and sand dunes, while the center of the island is mountainous.

Deciding where to go ultimately depends on your mood and goals, and each is worth visiting on its own. Read on to decide which island is best suited for you and your ideal trip. And, if you have the time, visit both; Binter Airlines offers 45-minute flights between the two islands.

(The ultimate guide to your Canary Islands adventure)

Lanzarote

Lanzarote has a barren and volcanic landscape. The easternmost Canary Island, Lanzarote's landscape has been shaped by six years of continuous eruptions from 1730 to 1736 and again in 1824, which wiped out many villages. High rises or highways don't exist. Houses are mostly uniform across the island, painted white with blue trim if they're on the coast or green trim if they're inland, keeping homes cool and a contrasting look in the arid landscape. 

Day 1

To understand the island, you have to know about César Manrique. An artist and activist who designed many places throughout the island, Manrique also helped preserve his beloved island from overdevelopment. In the 1960s and 1970s, Manrique had the foresight to know that as the island opened to tourism, it could quickly become over-touristed if laws and protocols weren't in place. You can visit the home that he constructed on five volcanic bubbles that he made into rooms, highlighting his creativity, architectural style, and letting the landscape guide his designs that now serve as the César Manrique Foundation. Lanzarote wouldn't be the same without him. After, have lunch at Erizo Macaronesian Restaurant with local produce, cured meats, and cheeses from their farm, Finca de Uga. 

Head to Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort on the southern end of the island and lounge by one of the many pools, swim at Playa Dorada or walk along the promenade. Dine on-site at Isla de Lobos Restaurant and enjoy views of a neighboring Canary island, Fuerteventura. 

Day 2

Start the morning off with a visit to Timanfaya National Park by taking a guided bus tour—the only way to experience this park—that explains the history and makes several stops along the way. Then, head to the north of the island to visit Cueva de los Verdes, designed by Manrique and his friend and collaborator Jesús Soto. Walk in a lava tunnel that is around 5 miles long (8 kilometers), though only about a half-mile (1 kiolmeter) is open to the public on a guided tour. Stop at the Jardin de Cactus, a quarry-turned garden designed by Manrique, that showcases the diversity of cactus species—there are over 4,500 cactus specimens across five continents growing here. If you're feeling hungry, grab a bite at the casual cafe and try its signature dish, nopal cactus mini burgers.

Day 3

Begin the day in La Geria, the wine region, where around 30 wineries grow grapes in volcanic ash in mini craters or hoyos to protect the vines from the Atlantic Ocean trade winds. Visit Vega de Yuco, a family-run organic winery that pairs their red, white and rose wines with artisanal chocolate. After, go to Casa-Museo del Campesino, honoring the agricultural heritage of the island and the creation of Manrique. Take a class on how to make mojo picón, a traditional paprika red sauce to accompany a classic Canarian dish, papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes), or take a class on the traditional braiding technique that uses dried palm tree leaves to make hats. 

Head outside the capital city of Arrecife for a lunch with ocean views at Islote de Fermina—a restaurant originally designed by Manrique but only recently opened. Enjoy the sunset while overlooking the salt flats at Mirador de Las Salinas Restaurant.

(The ultimate Canary Islands itinerary: 48 hours in Northern Lanzarote)

Gran Canaria

A far cry from the volcanic landscape of Lanzarote, Gran Canaria is aptly called a "mini continent" for its diverse geography of lush vegetation, peaks and valleys, numerous ravines, and desert. La Palma, the capital city, has colonial architecture and a layer of fog often hovers, which locals lovingly call la panza del burro, or donkey's belly. Named a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2005, the island is an ideal spot for nature lovers, visiting small towns, and astrotourism. 

Day 1

Stroll through the historic quarter of Vegueta in the capital and pass by the colonial mansion, now Casa de Colón.

Leave the city behind for a scenic and winding drive, traversing villages nestled along ravines before reaching the mountain village of Tejeda. Soak in the pool at Parador de Cruz de Tejeda with panoramic views; on a clear day, you can see Mount Teide, the tallest mountain peak in Spain. Time your stay when the Parador offers stargazing nights.

Day 2

Start the morning in Gáldar, a town that was once one of the island's ancient kingdoms before Gran Canaria was conquered. Pass by the town hall building to observe one of the oldest dragon trees on the island. Then, take a tour of a 200-year-old farm that grows oranges, grapes, and coffee in a deep valley at Finca La Laja and a small winery, Bodega Los Berrazales.

Get another perspective and see the island from the ocean by taking a boat from Agaete to Pasito Blanco. Enjoy a meal at La Punta Yacht Club in the Pasito Blanco marina and order the fish of the day or a creamy rice dish. Stay the night at Seaside Palm Beach.  

Day 3

Take a walk on the beach, enjoy the salty sea air, and admire the Maspalomas Dunes from afar—walking on them is strictly prohibited—before heading to Telde, one of the oldest cities in Gran Canaria. Stroll the San Juan and San Francisco neighborhoods, famous for their whitewashed houses. Then, don't miss Señorío de Cabrera, a small vineyard run by Agustín Cabrera and Felisa Vega.

What to know

How do I combine these trips for one grand Canary Island adventure?

Lanzarote and Gran Canaria are easily connected by 45-minute flights with regular departures on Binter Airlines. Once on the islands, rent a car to get around at your leisure and reach more out-of-the-way places and beaches. 

When to go

The weather in the Canary Islands is mild year-round, with locals calling it an "eternal spring." Time your visit with local fiestas, such as San Juan, on June 23. Towns host bonfires after dark, including in Haria on Lanzarote.

(How Lanzarote's volcanic landscape has inspired generations of Canary Islanders)