Canary Islands from the Northeast US: Easier Than You Think, with Endless Adventures Awaiting!
Curated By
Danielle Mutovic
Curator’s statement
Tenerife and Gran Canaria, two of the eight main islands of the Spanish Canary archipelago, offer visitors natural beauty, vibrant culture and a relaxed atmosphere that appeals to all travelers. The ease of direct service from the NYC area to Tenerife South makes this remarkable destination accessible from the US, eliminating days-long travel and connecting flights. In Southern Tenerife, you can explore the dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches, while Gran Canaria enchants with its famous dunes and seaside promenades. Together, these regions create an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of the Canaries and leaves tourists wanting to return to explore more.
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Where to stay in Canary Islands, Spain
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Things to do in Canary Islands, Spain
Tenerife
Teide National Park - Home to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its volcanic landscape features unique rock formations, lava flows and scenic trails offering breathtaking views. TIP - Book tickets in advance to skip the lines.
Golf - Tenerife offers world-class golf courses set against stunning backdrops of volcanic landscapes and ocean views, attracting players of all skill levels. With a mild year-round climate, the island provides ideal conditions for golfing, making it a premier destination for enthusiasts. TIP - Check out Golf Costa Adeje and Golf Las Americas at twilight for reduced rates and sunset views.
Los Gigantes Cliffs — The Los Gigantes Cliffs in Tenerife are towering rock formations that rise up to 800 meters above the ocean, offering dramatic views along the island’s western coast. These sheer cliffs are a popular attraction for boat tours, where visitors can admire their grandeur and spot marine life in the surrounding waters.
Drago Milenario — The Drago Milenario, located in Icod de los Vinos, Tenerife, is an ancient dragon tree believed to be over 1,000 years old. It is one of the island's most iconic natural landmarks. Its impressive size and unique, umbrella-like canopy make it a popular attraction, symbolizing Tenerife's rich natural heritage.
Swim in Natural Pools — Volcanic rock formations create calm areas to enjoy the Atlantic waters. Popular spots like Garachico's rock pools and Charco del Viento provide scenic locations for a swim amid coastal landscapes. TIP - Be sure to check the tides. High tides and rough seas can be dangerous.
Cueva Del Viento — Visitors can explore this intricate lava tube system and learn about the unique geological formations and ecosystems that thrive within the cave formed thousands of years ago. TIP - Book a guided tour to guarantee entrance.
Beaches & Surfing — Tenerife has a diverse range of beaches, from golden sands to volcanic black shores, making it a popular destination for sunbathing and water sports. The island is also renowned for surfing, with spots like Playa de las Américas and El Médano offering excellent waves and conditions for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Gran Canaria
Maspalomas Dunes — Located on the southern coast of Gran Canaria, is a natural reserve characterized by sandy hills that stretch along the coastline. This unique ecosystem is home to diverse wildlife and offers visitors a picturesque landscape for walking, sunbathing and enjoying breathtaking sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean. TIP - Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and hot sand.
Puerto De Mogan — Often referred to as “Little Venice,” this fishing village known for its canals, colorful buildings and vibrant flowers has a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches, fresh seafood restaurants and a picturesque marina.
El Bufadera De La Garita - Ocean waves forcefully entering rocket terrain create spectacular water spouts. This dramatic phenomenon is best viewed during high tide and offers an impressive display of nature’s power, attracting locals and tourists to witness its breathtaking eruptions. TIP - Visit during high-tide for the most impressive spouts.
Amadores Beach — Renowned for its soft white sand and turquoise waters, this beach features a promenade lined with restaurants and bars, offering a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs.
Day trips
Many of the sites on the islands can be seen in a few hours to an entire day.
Want to visit more than one island on your trip, even if you are only staying for a week? No Problem! Binter Canarias offers multiple commuter flights per day, so you can hop islands mid-vacation or visit a city just for the day! Thirty minutes on a twin-engine turboprop gets you to your next city with ease! Booking even just a week out can cost only 20 Euro, a great way to see more than one island, as each has its own energy.
Places to eat & drink in Canary Islands, Spain
Tenerife:
Txoko - Contemporary Spanish cuisine with Tapas and Large plates for the table. A perfect sharing meal.
El Mirador - This restaurant focuses on fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, especially seafood. It is the perfect place for a relaxing lunch or dinner with a view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Flo’s Tenerife — Healthy/Fresh - Casual atmosphere with many options, including wraps, salads and tapas to satisfy everyone.
La Palma/Maspalomas:
Gran Italia Gelateria — This charming gelateria offers a delicious selection of homemade Italian gelato, perfect for cooling off after a day in the sun.
El Churrasco — Specializes in grilled meats (ordered by the kilo) and offers a cozy ambiance. Diners can enjoy a variety of dishes, including tender steaks and flavorful side options, all paired with an extensive wine selection.
Maximilians - a classic Italian restaurant known for its authentic pasta and pizza and stunning views of the Maspalomas lighthouse and ocean.
Cafe de Paris — This lively café is famous for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse menu, which includes everything from breakfast options to delightful pastries and hearty meals.
Del Faro cafes and bars — Located near the lighthouse, this area features a variety of restaurants and bars that offer a casual dining experience with beautiful sea views. It’s a great place to enjoy a drink, light bites and watch the sunset after a day of exploring.
Need to know
The Canaries are at the same latitude as Orlando, so when considering visiting, think of central Florida at that time of year.
Before 2024 (and still in the off-season), it was typical to need a connecting flight through a major European hub to get to Tenerife or any of the islands. United Airlines has changed this with three weekly direct flights from Newark, NJ, to Tenerife South, continuing through at least March 2025. The quick seven-hour flight over the Atlantic eliminates days-long travel for US visitors.
Yumbo Centrum is just a short cab ride from Meloneras and Maspalomas. By day, this multi-level mall buzzes with shops, restaurants and bars. But when the sun sets, it transforms into a vibrant hub, where lively bars and clubs offer a welcoming and inclusive nightlife that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, keeping the fun going well into the morning.
The MB, a Michelin-starred restaurant at the Ritz Carlton, Abama, offers a Stargazing Experience. Guests have a meal on the beach with a professional guide pointing out the stars and constellations in the clear sky.
There are so many more places to discover on the islands that are very accessible, but if you only have the opportunity to visit for a short time, Southern Tenerife and Gran Canaria have so much to offer.
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Travel Advisor
Danielle Mutovic
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Canary Islands, Spain. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Tammy Kiefer's guide, Exploring Heaven on Earth: Best Adventure Activities in the Canary Islands.