There's a lot more to the Canary Islands than the sun, sand and fun of the big beach resort towns. These seven Spanish islands boast rich and fascinating histories, with heritage architecture, cultural festivals and fabulous regional cuisine, all set against dramatic volcanic landscapes. Most of our Gurus’ recommendations for the best places to stay in the Canary Islands seek to look beyond the bustling beach resorts, and instead to highlight charming B&Bs, rural escapes and family-friendly boutique hotels by the ocean. Expect superb style and a very warm welcome, whichever island you choose to visit.

Some of our Canary Islands collections:

• 16 of the Best Hotels on the Canary Islands for Families
• 10 of the Best Beach Hotels on the Canary Islands
• 10 of the Best Luxury Hotels in the Canary Islands
• 13 of the Best Rural Hotels on the Canary Islands
• 10 of the Best Hotels in the Canary Islands for Walking Holidays
• 7 Great Guesthouses and B&Bs in the Canary Islands

The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is famed for is sensational seaside resorts, many of which are clustered along the island’s western coast. Venture north for smaller, more off-the-beaten-track hotels in little villages, some of which offer easy access to the striking Teide National Park, home to the tallest mountain in Spain. Little La Gomera, which can be reached by ferry from Tenerife, is studded with banana plantations and laurel forests, perfect for keen explorers.

Lanzarote and Gran Canaria have long welcomed package holidaymakers, but times are changing and a burgeoning crop of characterful new hotels await on these islands, too. Discover dazzling landscapes on foot or by bicycle, or enjoy a lively city break to Gran Canaria’s La Palma, the seventh largest city in Spain. For big beaches and a laid-back atmosphere, look to Fuerteventura — also a UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve. Finally, lush La Palma promises a restorative escape, whilst cliff-lined El Hierro will delight those looking to truly get away from it all. Our guide to the best places to stay in Canary Islands awaits!

The Best Places to Stay in the Canary Islands

For Heritage Charm

• Hotel Rural Mahoh is a traditonal 19th-century Canarian house with big four poster beds and exposed stone walls in atmospheric guest rooms. Ideal for heritage buffs, it offers a tranquil rural escape and a real sense of old Fuerteventura. There's a wonderful restaurant, too.
• Casa del Embajador, a former diplomat’s residence in Lanzarote's Playa Blanca, has 12 simple yet charming rooms with terracotta-tiled floors and blue or white-painted walls. With restaurants, shops and two beaches within walking distance, it's a lovely base for relaxed couples who might prefer not to hire a car. The sea-facing terrace is wonderful.
• Hotel San Roque is a heritage property in Tenerife’s seaside Garachico. A red-painted 18th-century mansion, this elegant 20 bedroom hotel now has a superb courtyard pool and a characterful interiors with warm blue-green walls. The best rooms are spread across two levels, connected by a wooden spiral staircase. Beautiful and romantic.

For a Beach Break

• Jardin Tecina is an impressive 460-room clifftop beach resort in La Gomera's bustling Playa de Santiago. Active families will adore the extensive facilities, including watersports, tennis courts, a golf course, swimming pools and beach volley ball. A seaside beach resort experience, suitable for guests of all ages.
• The Volcan in Lanzarote, built to resemble a classic white-washed village, is a chic seaside resort overlooking Marina Rubicón. Expect no fewer than five pools, squash courts, a gym, a rejuvenating spa and a fun kids club with plenty of activities for little ones. It's brilliant for family-friendly holidays at the coast. Five star style.
• The Ritz-Carlton Abama is a spectacular Moorish-inspired resort with Atlantic Ocean views in Tenerife. Beautiful rooms and suites promise elegant five-star style, and guests can savour terrific cuisine in ten restaurants, unwind at the deluxe spa, or hone their skills on the championship golf course.

For Romance

• Avanti Boutique Hotel in Fuerteventura opened in 1969 as the only hotel on the beach in Corralejo. Following a substantial renovation, its 14 romantic blue-and-white guest rooms now have a light, relaxed feel, with striking sea views. The best rooms have private terraces, but the hotel's big draw is its lovely roof terrace, perfect for sipping sundowners. The excellent restaurant serves fresh seafood & local produce.
• Villa Vik is a two-storey 1970s villa with characterful interiors in Lanzarote's Arrecife. The 14 individually decorated rooms and suites — the best of which have hot tubs on private terraces — will delight couples, who share access to a refreshing swimming pool and an acclaimed restaurant. Adults only and ideal for romantic breaks or intimate weddings.
• Hacienda de Abajo is a gorgeous 17th-century plantation house in the Tazacorte area of La Palma. A careful restoration has preserved period features in 32 sumptuous guest rooms, perfect for a memorable romantic escape. Lush gardens, a refreshing swimming pool and an excellent restaurant complete the picture.
• La Hacienda del Buen Suceso is a wonderfully elegant escape in Gran Canaria, set within 50 hectares of banana trees. A traditional hacienda with an ochre-painted exterior and arched walkways, this is a charming and romantic hotel. The 18 rooms and suites boast original features, the barn has been converted into a relaxed restaurant, and there's a swimming pool and spa. Lovely and peaceful.

For Families and Groups

• Hotel el Mondalón is a traditional finca with 10 renovated bedrooms in Gran Canaria. Airy and chic spaces have wooden ceilings, white-washed walls and warm red tones. The largest rooms offer space for families, who will also appreciate the heated pool and pretty gardens. Great value for outdoorsy family holidays.
• Barcelo Castillo Beach Resort is an extensive beach resort with modern rooms and suites offering flexible options for families. The big draw is the plethora of activities, ranging from sailing to tennis and fishing, as well as the kids club and the popular evening entertainment. A lively holiday base for the whole family in Fuerteventura's Caleta de Fuste.
• Finca Malvasia is a stylish guesthouse in the heart of Lanzarote. Featuring Marimekko fabrics, crisp sheets and walk-in showers, the four cottages and laid-back guest rooms are brilliant for groups or longer-stay guests. The friendly owners will happily share their top tips and help with booking island excursions.
• Parador de La Palma will delight families and groups with its vast manicured gardens, large swimming pool and excellent regional restaurant, as well as its multiple events spaces. A typical white-walled Canarian building, the hotel has generous rooms with wooden balconies and expansive island views. Take the little ones to the beach or stroll into town to explore.
• Hotel Botanico is a five-star spa hotel set on a hillside overlooking Tenerife’s Puerto de la Cruz and the ocean beyond. Elegant rooms and suites have private balconies — the best have hot tubs. The Oriental Spa Garden is a delight, there are multiple dining options and little ones will adore the kids club. A luxurious break for the whole family.

FOR AN ADULTS-ONLY RESORT

• Secrets Bahía Real Resort & Spa is superb seaside resort in Corralejo on Fuerteventura with indulgent suites, six fantastic restaurants, a 3000-metre-square spa and a glamorous sense of style. Five star bliss for adults only, it's a terrific beachfront choice for those seeking all the facilities and amenities of a luxury resort.
• Lani's Suites de Luxe is a sophisticated seaside hotel in Lanzarote with swish contemporary suites. White-on-white interiors feel fresh and stylish, and make the dazzling sea views all the more striking. A luxurious adults-only spot with delicious Mediterranean cuisine and direct access to the beach.
• Bohemia Suites & Spa is a funky, ultra-modern oasis overlooking the ocean on Gran Canaria’s southern coast. Rooms and suites are clad in warm, earthy tones, with lots of red and orange. Adults-only, the hotel has a lively bar, two excellent restaurants and a soothing spa. Life centres around the swimming pool, and the vibe is appealingly convivial and romantic.
• Royal Hideaway Corales Beach is a grown-up seaside hotel in Tenerife with white-on-white interiors and a real sense of contemporary style. Adult-only, this is a top spot for a Costa Adeje honeymoon or wellness break, complete with an infinity pool, rejuvenating spa and dazzling rooftop restaurant. Gorgeous.

For a Rural Escape

• La Casona del Patio, set between the Teno Mountains and the Chinyero Nature Reserve in Tenerife, promises a comfortable rural escape. The seafood restaurant is excellent, the 20 bedrooms are very inviting, and there are hikes aplenty right on your doorstep. A country gem.
• Hotel Rural Ibo Alfaro is a tranquil and traditional 19th-century manor house offering superb views of the Hermigua Valley in La Gomera. This affordable guesthouse's 17 charming rooms each boast antique pieces, period features and verdant panoramas. A perfect base for days enjoying hiking and mountain biking.
• Buenavista Country Suites offers two superb suites with whitewashed walls and gorgeous art pieces in La Asomada. Family-run and very peaceful, it's a top B&B spot for romantic couples in Lanzarote. The mountain views are magical, as is the sense of seclusion.
• Eco Finca De Arrieta is a fabulously friendly eco-retreat in Lanzarote, made up of a collection of yurts and villas set within mango, banana and lime groves. Just 300 metres from a sandy beach, it's a favourite for trips with friends and family. Collect eggs from the hens for breakfast with the little ones, who will also love the play area and sunken trampoline.
• Hotel Rural Las Calas in Gran Canaria, has just six guest rooms. Intimate and tranquil, it's an idyllic mountain retreat for romantics and outdoorsy travellers. Explore quiet trails on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, before kicking back on shaded terraces or in laid-back rooms with exposed stone walls. A charming, timeless little haven.

For a Remote Clifftop Hideaway

• Hotel Balneario Pozo de la Salud is a superb spa retreat set atop a dramatic cliff edge on the western coast of El Hierro. Hide away in absolute bliss, with a sauna, hot tub, Turkish bath and marvellous massages. The 22 guestrooms are modern and comfortable, perfect for unwinding after days of hiking and diving.
• Parador de El Hierro is an enchanting seaside hotel on the eastern side of the island, where you'll find 45 attractive rooms and suites, many with private balconies and panoramic Atlantic Ocean views. The restaurant specialises in mouth-watering regional cuisine, and the feel is laid-back and romantic.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Each of the Canary Islands have their own airports — Tenerife, the largest of the islands, has two. For La Gomera, consider flying into Tenerife's much larger airport, and taking a 35-minute ferry across to the island.
• It's wonderful to explore your Canary Island destination with the freedom of your own transport. Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Sunny and warm for much of the year, the Canary Islands are particularly popular during the summer months and school holidays. Travel outside these times for fewer crowds, better room rates and a more tranquil experience.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of the best places to stay in the Balearic Islands.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Spain.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.