From Tenerife to Fuerteventura, Lanzarote to Gran Canaria, La Palma and La Gomera – there are several Canary Islands to choose from and they all offer different things.
One Tui travel agent, Jack French, has spent the last three years booking hundreds of trips to the popular region.
‘People often talk about the Canary Islands as if they’re all identical, but in reality each island has a completely different feel,’ says Jack.
The Brit-favourite holiday destination is particularly loved for its year-round good weather, short flight times and variety of resorts.
The Canary Islands have something to suit everyone – whether its a family break with multiple generations or a couples getaway.
‘My top tip across all the Canaries is to not be afraid to explore the islands. There’s so much beauty to be found if you go looking for it,’ Jack adds.
The experienced travel agent reveals his advice on finding the right Canary Island for you, and what each one offers.
Tui travel agent Jack French has booked hundreds of trips to the Canary Islands for holidaymakers
Tenerife – the best all-rounder
The largest and most populous island, Tenerife is also the spot that Jack takes the most bookings for.
He puts the popularity down to the island’s ‘variety’ – with it boasting a range of beaches and attractions all relatively nearby.
‘Tenerife is the island I book the most because there’s so much variety,’ Jack explains. ‘You can combine beaches, scenery, local towns and family attractions all in one place.’
Earlier this year, Tenerife was named the most popular island destination for 2026, according to search analysis by Travel Supermarket.
Over the past year, the Canary island saw an impressive 50 per cent increase in interest.
It’s perhaps not surprising, as the sunny spot boasts high temperatures when the UK starts to drop and has expansive coastlines to enjoy.
The sunny destination reaches highs of around 21°C in January and February, and high 20s in the summer months.
It placed fifth in Good To Go Travel Insurance’s recent top destinations for winter sun rankings.
The travel agent recommends Tenerife for its ‘variety’ of landscapes and attractions
As for attractions, Jack recommends Siam Park and explains: ‘Siam Park is often described as one of the best waterparks in the world, and it’s one of those spots that my customers rave to me about when they get home.
‘It’s got a bit of everything with those big adrenaline drop slides as well as kid-friendly water playgrounds.’
‘Even couples without children enjoy it,’ Jack adds. ‘There are calmer areas like the lazy rivers, so it’s not just about thrills.’
The holiday expert also urges travellers to visit Teide National Park and says, ‘The volcanic scenery surprises people. It feels completely different to the coast and really shows another side of the island.’
There are plenty of local eateries serving up authentic cuisine too, and Jack recommends going to small restaurants, ‘away from the busiest promenades’ for ‘some of the best meals’.
He says, ‘Fresh fish and papas arrugadas [a traditional boiled potato style Canarian dish] don’t necessarily sound fancy, but they’re often the meals customers remember most.
‘For something more authentic, northern towns and villages like La Orotava give a great sense of everyday Canarian life.’
Gran Canaria – best for value and families
Meanwhile, Gran Canaria is ‘diverse’ and has great beaches to enjoy
Another popular island, Gran Canaria, often ‘surprises a lot of people’ according to Jack – but he recommends it for families due to its big hotels with splash parks and big entertainment stages.
‘Families come for the beach, but end up loving how diverse the island feels,’ Jack adds.
Like Tenerife, the island gets sunshine all year round and in the summer months can be between 25°C to 30°C.
The travel agent recommends seeing the sand dunes in Maspalomas and says, ‘The sand dunes of Maspalomas are one of Gran Canaria’s highlights.
‘Early morning or sunset is best – it feels incredibly calm and doesn’t look like Europe at all.’
Despite being popular and often busy with tourists, there are hidden gems to check out too.
‘Heading inland is a real eye?opener,’ Jack explains. ‘Mountain villages and winding roads to beautiful viewpoints show a completely different side of the island.’
Jack recommends going to Gran Canaria’s ‘Little Venice’ as well as visiting Puerto de Mogan by boat.
He adds, ‘The town got its nickname because of the canal, the blue-and-yellow-trimmed white cottages, and iron balconies that are filled with flowers.’
Lanzarote – best for scenery and calm
Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes are perfect for exploring and Jack says a trip there can be quite ‘laid back’
Known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, Lanzarote boasts impress places to explore as well as stunning beaches for relaxation – and Jack says it’s the perfect place for those looking to switch off.
‘Lanzarote is ideal for people who want a quieter, more laid?back holiday,’ says Jack. ‘It’s much more about scenery and atmosphere than ticking off attractions.
‘For couples, the appeal is the calm. It’s perfect for coastal walks and long lunches.’
The travel agent recommends holidaymakers visit the Timanfaya National Park, which he says is suitable for a range of ages.
Jack explains, ‘Timanfaya National Park has a volcanic landscape that gives the island so much personality and is very accessible even with children.’
‘Simple dining’ on the island is done ‘really well’ according to the Spanish expert.
He says, ‘Small seafront restaurants serving fresh local food are where the island shines – long lunches by the sea are definitely part of the Lanzarote experience!’
Fuerteventura – best for active holidays
Fuerteventure has countless sandy beaches and is more ‘unspoilt’ than other islands
Compared to other islands, Fuerteventura feels more ‘unspoilt’ and ‘much more open’.
Fuerteventura has countless beaches and Jack says they are ‘the gem of the island’. He adds, ‘They stretch for miles and rarely feel crowded, even in busy periods.’
He adds: ‘For families, especially those with teens, it works brilliantly because there’s always something to do without parents having to plan every day.
‘It’s ideal for active families and couples who love sports and being outdoors, with the likes of mountain biking, volleyball and trampolining all forming part of the activity list.’
“For couples, it’s about choice,” he adds. “You can join in with fitness classes and activities or relax in quieter areas and enjoy easy evenings.”
Many of the travel agent’s customers enjoy ‘long coastal walks at sunrise or sunset’ which he says ‘are a favourite’.
‘They all say it’s incredibly relaxing, and lovely to see the island before it wakes up,’ Jack