How To Travel Between Canary Islands: The Ultimate Guide

You can hop between the Canary Islands via ferry (cheaper, scenic, €15-100) or flight (faster, €40-90). Ferries connect most islands daily through companies like Naviera Armas and Fred Olsen, while airlines Binter Canarias and CanaryFly offer quick inter-island flights. Travel during May-June or September-October for fewer crowds and better prices. Book early using Ferryhopper for ferries or airline websites for flights. Stick around to discover the perfect island-hopping itinerary for your adventure.

Good To Know

• Ferries offer affordable travel (€15-100+) between islands with five major operators: Naviera Armas, Fred Olsen, Lineas Maritimas Romero, Naviera Nortour, and Biosfera Express.
• Inter-island flights via Binter Canarias and CanaryFly provide faster connections under 1 hour, with Tenerife North serving as the main hub.
• Use Ferryhopper to compare ferry schedules and book tickets, while arriving early and packing light for smooth boarding.
• Book flights early for better rates (€40-90 one-way) and consider the weather when choosing between air and sea transportation.
• Short routes like Lanzarote to Fuerteventura take only 35 minutes by ferry, while longer journeys between distant islands are best done by air.

Navigating the Canary Islands: Map & Layout

When you’re planning to hop between the Canary Islands, getting familiar with the archipelago’s layout will save you time and money. This Spanish territory falls into two neat clusters off Africa’s northwest coast.

The eastern bunch includes Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, plus tiny La Graciosa. Head west and you’ll find Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma. Tenerife’s your biggest island, home to Mount Teide—Spain’s tallest peak. The impressive Teide volcano (3,715m) is also the third tallest volcano on Earth on a volcanic ocean island.

For practical planning, remember the islands span two provinces: Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Each island packs its own personality—volcanic landscapes, beaches, forests, you name it. Exploring these stunning destinations requires careful consideration of transportation options between islands.

Grab a detailed map from tourist offices or download one to your phone. Google Maps works great for plotting day trips once you’ve landed.

When to Island Hop: Best Times of Year

Although the Canaries boast year-round sunshine, timing your island-hopping adventure strategically can save you cash and headaches. The sweet spots for budget-savvy travelers are May-June and September-October, when you’ll enjoy pleasant weather without battling tourist crowds.

Time your Canary Island adventure wisely – shoulder seasons offer sunshine without the crowds or premium prices.

• Spring (except Easter): Perfect for hiking with lush landscapes and reduced hotel rates
• May-June: Low season means cheaper accommodations and more breathing room on ferries
• September-October: Harvest season for wine lovers, still warm enough for beach days
• Avoid mid-December through February: High season brings inflated prices and packed ferries
• Skip July-August: Unless you love sweaty crowds and paying premium rates

Ferry service runs year-round, so you’re never stranded, but your wallet will thank you for traveling in shoulder seasons. February travelers can enjoy the vibrant Carnival of Santa Cruz, a popular cultural event that showcases the islands’ unique heritage. Similar to European capitals, the Canary Islands each have their own distinct cultural identity worth exploring.

Ferry Routes: Services, Companies & Schedules

Moving between the Canary Islands means getting familiar with the ferry network that keeps these Atlantic gems connected. You’ll find five main operators: Naviera Armas, Fred Olsen Express, Lineas Maritimas Romero, Naviera Nortour, and Biosfera Express.

Popular routes like Lanzarote to Fuerteventura run 25 times daily with 35-minute crossings, while Fred Olsen’s high-speed catamarans zip between Tenerife and Gran Canaria in just 80 minutes.

Budget about €15 for short hops like Lanzarote to La Graciosa, €40-60 for medium routes, and €50-100+ for longer journeys. Tenerife serves as the primary hub for many ferry connections, with routes linking it to islands like Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. Much like the historic Split in Croatia, these ferry routes offer breathtaking coastal views during your journey.

Corralejo Port bustles with 223 weekly sailings, making it the network’s busiest hub. During summer, frequencies increase, so book early to snag seats among the 1,193 weekly sailings system-wide.

Air Travel Options: Inter-Island Flights

For travelers seeking the quickest way around the Canaries, island-hopping by air is your best bet. Binter Canarias and CanaryFly zip between all major islands in under an hour, with ATR 72 twin-turboprops handling most routes.

When flying between islands, keep these handy tips in mind:

• Tenerife North Airport serves as the main hub for island-hopping (but closes at night, unlike 24/7 Tenerife South)
• Both airlines run frequent daily flights, giving you plenty of scheduling wiggle room
• Direct connections from Tenerife and Gran Canaria reach all other islands
• You’ll get the most bang for your buck with fierce competition keeping fares reasonable
• Don’t miss Binter’s complimentary local TIRMA chocolates during winter months!

La Graciosa’s the only odd duck – you’ll need air travel plus a boat ride to reach it. With flight times as short as 30 minutes between major islands like Tenerife and Gran Canaria, you’ll save significant time compared to ferry travel. Unlike Dalmatian islands in Croatia, the Canaries require more planning due to greater distances between islands.

Budget Considerations: Comparing Transportation Costs

When planning your Canary Islands expedition, transportation costs can make or break your budget. Ferries typically offer cheaper options than flights, with the Lobos to Corralejo route being a steal at just $32.

Meanwhile, flights will set you back €40-90 for a one-way ticket.

You’ll save a pretty penny by booking ferry tickets early and snagging round-trip discounts.

If you’re island-hopping for weeks, public transit might be your best bet versus renting a car with gasoline running around $5.84 per gallon.

Don’t forget that prices swing with the seasons—traveling off-peak means more cash for sangria!

The average daily transportation cost per person is approximately $63, which adds up quickly when visiting multiple islands.

Consider vehicle-sharing with fellow travelers or look into package deals that bundle your transport and lodging for extra savings.

Like its Spanish mainland counterpart Malaga, the Canary Islands offer beach town vibes but with their own unique volcanic landscapes.

Single-Day Island Excursions: What’s Possible

With your budget intact, let’s explore what you can actually see in a single day. Island-hopping doesn’t always require overnight stays – plenty of day-trip options exist for the savvy traveler.

• Catch an early ferry from Gran Canaria to Fuerteventura (with 5 daily crossings) and be back by evening.
• Hop from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to La Gomera in under an hour – perfect for hiking Garajonay National Park.
• Join organized boat tours with included meals and snorkeling gear (no lodging needed!).
• Fly between major islands in under 30 minutes when time matters more than money.
• Visit uninhabited islets like Lobos Island from Fuerteventura for a truly unique experience.

Various excursion options allow you to explore neighboring islands while departing and returning on the same day without the hassle of overnight arrangements.

For travelers wanting a taste of the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands offer experiences similar to Balearic Islands with their own distinct volcanic landscapes.

Remember to factor in port/airport transfer times and check weather forecasts – rough seas can derail even the best-laid plans.

Week-Long Itinerary Suggestions

Planning a week in the Canaries lets you truly soak up the islands’ diverse personalities instead of just skimming the surface. With seven days to play with, you’ve got options galore.

Nature lovers should check out the La Palma-El Hierro-La Gomera circuit. Start with Caldera de Taburiente’s trails, catch some stars at Roque de los Muchachos, then ferry to El Hierro for coastal swims. Cap it off with La Gomera’s ancient laurel forests. Alternatively, explore the Western Canary Islands with a 7-day itinerary covering four scenic islands including Tenerife and La Palma.

Beach bums and volcano buffs might prefer the Eastern Islands route through Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Ride camels on Corralejo Dunes, hop over to tiny Lobos Island, then ferry to Lanzarote for Timanfaya’s otherworldly landscapes and local vineyards. For those extending their Spanish adventure, the mainland city of Malaga’s beaches offers a perfect complement to the volcanic shores of the Canaries.

For a mixed bag, try Tenerife-La Gomera-Lanzarote, hitting rainforests, national parks, and lava tubes.

Transportation for Travelers With Limited Mobility

Although exploring the Canary Islands with mobility limitations might seem formidable, you’ll find a surprising number of accessible transportation options across the archipelago. Most islands have adapted their services to accommodate various mobility needs without breaking the bank.

Mobility challenges? The Canary Islands offer accessible options that won’t drain your travel budget.

Here’s what’s available to help you get around:

• Public buses on Tenerife (TITSA) and Lanzarote (Intercity Bus) come equipped with ramps
• The “Guagua Amarilla” in Gran Canaria serves folks with severe mobility issues (book ahead!)
• Adapted taxis wait at most cruise terminals and airports
• Beach wheelchairs are available at popular spots like Los Cristianos
• All eight Canary airports offer free assistance for passengers with reduced mobility

Don’t let limited mobility stop your island-hopping adventure—the Canaries have made real strides in accessibility. Many travelers find the accessibility options here rival those at popular European destinations like Lake Balaton in Hungary. Private car hire companies throughout the archipelago offer adapted vehicles for travelers who prefer independent travel between attractions.

Local Transportation on Each Island

Now that we’ve covered accessible options, let’s look at how you’ll get around on each specific island. The locals call buses “guaguas,” and they connect most major spots across all islands.

On Tenerife, you’ll find the most robust system with Titsa’s 140+ bus routes and convenient trams in the cities.

Gran Canaria offers solid coverage through the Global bus company.

Lanzarote’s network is smaller but hits major tourist areas.

The smaller islands (La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma, and Fuerteventura) have more limited schedules, especially on weekends.

You’ll save money with travel cards on frequent routes.

If buses aren’t cutting it, consider renting a car or motorbike – often worth the splurge for reaching those hidden beaches and mountain villages the buses don’t serve. While the Canary Islands are generally affordable for transportation, popular tourist areas like Ibiza tend to have higher travel costs during peak season. On most islands, you can use Pidetaxi app to order taxis when public transportation isn’t available.

Booking Tips & Resources for Seamless Travel

When it comes to booking your island-hopping adventures, securing the right transportation can make or break your Canarian vacation. Locals know the ropes, and you should too! Book flights early—especially with Binter Canarias, CanaryFly, or Air Europa—since residents snap up seats quick as lightning. You’ll appreciate the streamlined experience as security procedures are minimal for inter-island flights.

For penny-pinchers, ferries are your best bet. Fred. Olsen and Naviera Armas won’t empty your wallet like flights might. Tenerife offers relatively budget-friendly options compared to other European destinations, making island-hopping more accessible.

• Check Ferryhopper for comparing ferry options and best deals
• Keep your ID handy—you’ll need it for all inter-island travel
• Consider the weather when booking ferries (they’re more affected than flights)
• Show up early at airports—you might hop on an earlier flight
• Pack light to avoid hassles with luggage restrictions

The Sum Up

Now that you’re armed with all the island-hopping know-how, you’ll navigate the Canaries like a local! Remember, about 85% of inter-island travelers choose ferries over flights for the scenic views and wallet-friendly prices. Whether you’re catching the morning boat to Tenerife or hopping on a quick flight to Lanzarote, the journey between these beautiful islands is half the fun. Safe travels and happy exploring!