The 7 Canary Islands: Which Are The Largest & Smallest?

A Journey Through Time and Nature

The Canary Islands are a testament to the raw power of nature and the resilience of culture. Each island boasts its own distinct microclimate. This allows you to travel from desert-like dunes to misty cloud forests in a single day. The geographical diversity of the Canaries has fostered a unique environment. Here, endemic species thrive and traditional lifestyles remain intertwined with the land.

Visitors here can explore historic colonial towns with their iconic wooden balconies,. You can also taste local delicacies like 'papas arrugadas' with mojo sauce. If you are a stargazer then this is the place for you. Witness the incredible astronomical clarity that has made these islands a global hub for star observation.

Traditional Canarian village street with flowers

Explore The 7 Canary Islands

The Canaries or Las Islas Canarias in Spanish are largely volcanic in composition. As a result, many of the beaches have black sand. There are plenty of magnificent beaches here which are one of the biggest attractions for tourists. Tenerife is the largest and most popular for tourism. Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote also attract millions of visitors each year. Please use the links below to quickly move to your island of interest.

Tenerife

The largest and most populous island, known for Mount Teide and vibrant tourism.

Gran Canaria

A continent in miniature, famous for its sand dunes, mountains, and beaches.

Lanzarote

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its volcanic landscapes and César Manrique's art.

Fuerteventura

Renowned for its long sandy beaches, ideal for windsurfing and relaxation.

La Palma

The 'Isla Bonita', famous for its stunning volcanic crater, forests, and clear night skies.

La Gomera

A hiker's paradise with ancient laurel forests and dramatic ravines.

El Hierro

The smallest and westernmost island, a UNESCO Biosphere and Geopark.

So Where Did The Canaries Name Come From?

The Canaries name does not come from the pretty birds but from Latin. Insula Canaria or “Gran Canaria” is actually a reference to Dogs. The Island Of Dogs to be precise may be a result of the huge seals in Roman times. While nobody is sure, this theory seems to be the most credible.

Another of the many names of the Canaries is the “Fortunate Isles”. This is certainly the case in Greek mythology. The ancient Greeks would often say the Fortunate Isles are a paradise with no winter. This is a reference to the superb weather and endless summer here.

map location

Population & Landmass

The Canaries have a population of 2.2 million permanent inhabitants and cover an area of 7,500 km². This area accounts for around 1.5% of the countries landmass. In total there are 17 autonomous regions of Spain with these islands ranking as the 13th biggest.

Capital Cities

The Canaries are unusual given the fact they have two capital cities. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife share the capital city status. As you may have worked out, Las Palmas is a big city in Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz is a major city in the north of Tenerife.

Climate

The Canaries are unusual given the fact they have two capital cities. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife share the capital city status. As you may have worked out, Las Palmas is a big city in Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz is a major city in the north of Tenerife.

Flag of the Canary Islands

Tenerife (Largest Canary Island)

The largest and most diverse of the Canary Islands. Tenerife is dominated by the majestic Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak. It offers a striking contrast between arid volcanic landscapes and lush northern forests. There are also plenty of popular tourist resorts, attractions and super nightlife.

Population:

Approx. 930,000

Landmass:

2,034 km²

Capital City:

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Closest Airport:

Tenerife North (TFN), Tenerife South (TFS)