Traveling Between the Canary Islands: A Comprehensive Guide for English Speakers
The Canary Islands, an archipelago of volcanic islands off the coast of northwestern Africa, offer a captivating blend of stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse activities. Whether you’re seeking sun-drenched beaches, dramatic volcanic peaks, or verdant laurel forests, the islands provide an unforgettable travel experience.
Navigating between the islands is a seamless part of exploring the Canary Islands. Two primary modes of transportation connect the islands: ferries and airplanes.
Traveling by Airplane
Each main island, except La Graciosa, has an airport. Tenerife, however, is an exception with two airports: Tenerife Norte Airport (Los Rodeos) and Tenerife Sur Airport (Reina Sofía).
Tenerife Norte Airport operates during daytime hours, while Tenerife Sur Airport remains open 24/7, making it one of Spain’s busiest passenger airports. Both airports handle domestic, international, and regional flights.
Two primary airlines operate inter-island flights:
and
Binter Canarias, with its extensive network and frequent connections, often offers flights with a complimentary local chocolate bar, [link 3] “TIRMA,” during the cooler months. Canaryfly generally competes on price, ensuring affordable options.
For routes to La Graciosa, a combination of airplane and ferry is necessary. Occasionally, larger airlines may offer regional flights, but this is not the norm.
Ferry Travel in the Canary Islands: A Comprehensive Guide
Limited Ferry Operators: Choosing Your Service
Navigating the Canary Islands by ferry involves a select group of operators. The availability of companies may vary depending on the islands and specific routes. For instance, smaller operators handle the La Graciosa-Lanzarote route.
Booking with Tour Intermediator: Seamless and Cost-Effective
If you wish to book your ferry tickets with [link 4 ] Fred Olsen for inter-island travel, Inter Turística can assist you in managing the process. The ticket price remains the same as on Fred Olsen’s website. The only difference is that Tour Intermediator, as a travel intermediary, receives a small commission for each booking. This commission does not affect your ticket price and helps Inter Turística sustain their services in providing free travel information.
Ferry Features: Comfort, Amenities, and Convenience
Ferry journeys in the Canary Islands typically involve catamarans, with sizes varying according to the route. These ferries offer comfortable seating, often with VIP options for enhanced comfort. Additionally, they provide cafeterias, restrooms,and souvenir shops. Children’s play areas, pet-friendly zones, and outdoor spaces to enjoy the sea breeze are common features. On some routes, you can even bring along your vehicle (bicycle, motorcycle, or car).
Whale Watching Opportunities: A Serendipitous Encounter
While enjoying the ferry ride, keep an eye out for the possibility of spotting whales. If you’re fortunate enough to encounter these majestic creatures, you’ll witness a truly unforgettable spectacle. If you’re determined to witness whales, consider booking a dedicated whale-watching [link 5 ] excursion for a more focused experience.
Exploring Each Island
Once you’ve reached your chosen island, various transportation options await to help you explore its unique landscapes and attractions. It will depend on your travel style, physical fitness, and the island’s unique characteristics. Here are some options to consider:
- La Graciosa: Due to its small size, La Graciosa is ideally explored on foot.
- Lanzarote and Fuerteventura: These islands’ flat terrains make them ideal for cycling adventures. For those seeking a challenging hike, Tenerife’s high altitudes offer an excellent opportunity to boost red blood cell production.
- Public Buses: Public buses, locally known as “guaguas,” provide a convenient and affordable way to travel within each island.
- Tour Companies: Intermediary companies like Tazirga offer organized tours and transportation services.
- Taxis: Taxis are readily available in major towns and tourist areas.
- Car Rentals: Renting a car provides flexibility and independence for exploring the islands at your own pace.
Choosing Eco-Friendly Options
When selecting your transportation mode, consider the environmental impact of each option. Walking, cycling, and public buses are generally the most eco-friendly choices.
Tazirga: Your Personalized Transportation Partner
In Tenerife, Tazirga offers private 8-seater transportation services to take you from your accommodation to your chosen route. If your group is larger or you require transportation on another island or from a port or airport, Tazirga can also assist you. [link 7] Contact us to discuss your needs and preferences.
Unveiling the Treasures of Each Island
Each Canary Island offers a distinct array of experiences and attractions. Explore our list of experiences to discover curated routes and recommendations for each island.
- La Gomera: Immerse yourself in lush forests, charming villages, and the Garajaney National Park.
- Fuerteventura: Indulge in water sports, explore the island’s volcanic landscapes, and relax on its pristine beaches.
- Gran Canaria: Discover a diverse landscape of mountains, dunes, and immerse yourself in its vibrant cultural heritage.
The Canary Islands, with their well-connected transportation networks, diverse experiences, and breathtaking landscapes,offer an unforgettable island-hopping adventure. Whether you choose to explore by air, sea, or land, each island unveils its unique charm and treasures. Plan your Canary Islands itinerary, embrace the spirit of adventure, and discover the wonders that await.
We can also arrange personalized island-hopping excursions tailored to your group’s interests and preferences.
Traveling between the Canary Islands, Island Hopping, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, Ferry, Flights,Transportation, Activities, Things to Do
