The Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are an autonomous part of Spain.  The archipelago has seven main islands:  El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, La Palma, Lanzarote, and Tenerife, as well as many smaller islets, The islands lie approximately 1,000 km (620miles) south of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain), and 116 km (72 miles) from the nearest point of the northwest coast of Africa.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR THE CANARY ISLANDS
Find out about European Travel Insurance.

The islands are volcanic and their unique location in the Atlantic Ocean has produced some interesting geology and flora, producing a very unusual landscape unlike any other found in Europe or Africa. The volcano on Tenerife (Mt. Teide) is the highest mountain in Spain and also the third largest volcano on earth.
 
The Canary Islands enjoy a wonderful year-round climate, which makes them a popular destination for winter sun-seekers and beach lovers from Europe.   Many of the beaches have black sand – which is due to the islands’ volcanic origins.  In some places the beaches have imported golden sand (if you are fussy about this, check before you book!)

Beach life and relaxation is a major draw for most visitors.  If you plan to swim in the sea always observe warning flags. 

The scenery is spectacular and hiking is very popular in the mountains and national parks of the Canary Islands. If you plan to do some hiking make sure you are properly prepared in case of bad weather, and obtain advice or use a trekking company. Check that your travel insurance provides cover for mountain rescue and all your planned activities.

The Canary Islands offer plenty for those seeking outdoor activities, including golf, mountaineering, surfing and scuba diving.  If you plan to drive while in the Canary Islands take the time to read up on the rules of the road before setting off.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO - THE CANARY ISLANDS
Useful travel advice from the Foreign & Commonweath Office for travel to The Canary Islands. Click Here

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website provides updated and important travel advice and information as part of their ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign (see FCO link above). British consular services in the Canary Islands provide assistance with several matters, including referrals to English-speaking translators and lawyers.  This is important for those thinking of purchasing a time-share or other property in Spain. 

The British Consulate in Tenerife covers El Hierro, La Gomera, La Palma and Tenerife.  The Consulate in Las Palmas covers Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote. 

If you are thinking of getting married in the Canary Islands, the FCO website also offers advice regarding who to contact and how to obtain permission.

A wide choice of holiday rental apartments and villas are available in Lanzarote.  http://www.holidayvillasinlanzarote.co.uk/ Choose from rural or beach settings, including Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise.

Canary Islands Tourism

http://www.turismodecanarias.com/canary-islands-spain/

The Canary Islands are Spanish and therefore also part of the EU.  Those who are eligible for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can use this in the Canary Islands to access free emergency medical care.  The EHIC should not be used as a substitute for travel insurance, however, as it does not provide cover for anything else, including: ongoing care, non-urgent care, medical repatriation, lost luggage, cancellation & curtailment, and many other potentially costly travel-related problems.

Disclaimer: While we have tried to ensure the information in this Travel Guide is correct we do not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy, or the content of external links.

Inclusion in this Travel Guide does not guarantee travel insurance is available in any country at any given time. Travel Insurance is not available in countries where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) have issued an advisory against travel.

You are strongly advised to visit the FCO website for updated travel information and general travel advice before you travel.