Canary Islands Archives, Helpful Posts, & Travel Tips - Nick's Travel Tips https://nickstraveltips.com/category/my-trips-tips/europe/spain/canary-islands/ Travel Easier & Smarter Thu, 22 Jul 2021 19:37:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://nickstraveltips.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cropped-93f60bd8-e026-45be-b656-d39126854cb2_200x200-32x32.png Canary Islands Archives, Helpful Posts, & Travel Tips - Nick's Travel Tips https://nickstraveltips.com/category/my-trips-tips/europe/spain/canary-islands/ 32 32 Your Unique 3-Day Itinerary for the Canary Islands https://nickstraveltips.com/your-unique-3-day-itinerary-for-the-canary-islands/ https://nickstraveltips.com/your-unique-3-day-itinerary-for-the-canary-islands/#respond Tue, 16 Feb 2021 17:14:47 +0000 https://nickstraveltips.com/?p=834 I believe it’s important for you to stay close to your rental for at least your first day. For the first day of your itinerary for the Canary Islands, make a quick breakfast and walk down to the beach. Return in the early afternoon to maybe shower then go out to grab lunch and wander into the desert. Pack with plenty of water or grab a frozen cocktail to sip on while you walk through the desert. I walked from Playa De Maspalomas back to my rental in Playa del Ingles, which was a long walk but well worth it. After dinner, take a trip to Yumbo Centrum for a little taste of the nightlife. Since I was staying in Maspalomas, Mount Teide might as well have been on the other side of the world. Moreover, I booked my trip through a third party company (Okgrancanaria), to avoid logistical complications. This was the longest day I had during my stay in the Canary Islands but it was worth the trip. The ferry from Las Palmas to Santa Cruz de Tenerife was about 2 hours, so make sure you get up early and leave late to make the most of your […]

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Day 1 Itinerary for the Canary Islands: Maspalomas Desert & Playa del Ingles

I believe it’s important for you to stay close to your rental for at least your first day. For the first day of your itinerary for the Canary Islands, make a quick breakfast and walk down to the beach. Return in the early afternoon to maybe shower then go out to grab lunch and wander into the desert. Pack with plenty of water or grab a frozen cocktail to sip on while you walk through the desert. I walked from Playa De Maspalomas back to my rental in Playa del Ingles, which was a long walk but well worth it. After dinner, take a trip to Yumbo Centrum for a little taste of the nightlife.

Day 2: Mount Teide & Tenerife

Since I was staying in Maspalomas, Mount Teide might as well have been on the other side of the world. Moreover, I booked my trip through a third party company (Okgrancanaria), to avoid logistical complications. This was the longest day I had during my stay in the Canary Islands but it was worth the trip. The ferry from Las Palmas to Santa Cruz de Tenerife was about 2 hours, so make sure you get up early and leave late to make the most of your day if you’re not staying on Tenerife. A rental car would be the best solution for this trip, but my travel guide took us to different lookouts of Teide. Unfortunately, this tour did not take us to the summit. Finally, the last part of our trip was at a little town in Tenerife named La Orotova.

Day 3: Roque Nublo

This day should be more relaxing, especially since it will be the last day before you leave the Canary Islands after your 3 days stay. Take a bus or your rental car to the parking lot below Roque Nublo after an early breakfast. Once finished, return to Maspalomas and rest on the beach in the afternoon or wander around the various shopping malls. Get a nice dinner and enjoy the last night in this beautiful place while you realize you’ll have to come back.

Remember if you would like to learn more about any of the places included in my Sights & Attractions for the Canary Islands, then you can visit my all-inclusive guide for free here!

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]]> https://nickstraveltips.com/your-unique-3-day-itinerary-for-the-canary-islands/feed/ 0 Where to Stay & The Best Location in the Canary Islands https://nickstraveltips.com/where-to-stay-the-best-location-in-the-canary-islands/ https://nickstraveltips.com/where-to-stay-the-best-location-in-the-canary-islands/#respond Mon, 15 Feb 2021 22:52:42 +0000 https://nickstraveltips.com/?p=826 Before going to the Canary Islands you must make a decision about where to stay because there is a wide range of options. Above, I posted a map of the seven islands above and will describe each one so you can find the one that works best for you! Each island has different altitudes, landscapes, and biodiversity, so the activities greatly vary. This archipelago is one of the most unique in the world because each island has a different climate despite its close proximity. Also, remember you can always come back! I stayed at an Airbnb near Hiperdino Express Hamburgo, a convenience store in the area. The Airbnb was perfect for two people. It had a balcony, kitchen, shower, and was part of a larger apartment building like the one seen in the photo. There was also a pool included with the property but I did not use it at all. I strongly recommend weighing your options in the Canary Islands as many places will be more resort-like and thus cost much more money. There are different areas with different price ranges and more cost-effective apartments like the one I stayed in. Remember if you would like to learn more […]

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Where to Stay in the Canary Islands

Before going to the Canary Islands you must make a decision about where to stay because there is a wide range of options. Above, I posted a map of the seven islands above and will describe each one so you can find the one that works best for you! Each island has different altitudes, landscapes, and biodiversity, so the activities greatly vary. This archipelago is one of the most unique in the world because each island has a different climate despite its close proximity. Also, remember you can always come back!

Which Island Should you Visit?

The Most Popular Destinations

Tenerife is the most popular destination in the Canary Islands and also the largest island. Moreover, the southern part contains mostly resorts for tourists while the center is home to Teide National Park, with Mount Teide reigning over the wildlife. In the north, you can find the lovely capital of Santa Cruz de Tenerife which often has less tourists. Come here if you’d like a more resort-style life with less focus on the surrounding environments.

Gran Canaria is the other most popular destination for tourists. I chose to stay in my Airbnb here because of its’ scenic landscape and beaches without a crowd. Similar to Tenerife, it has a touristy southern coast with the historic capital of Las Palmas in the North. In the middle, you can find many national parks along with the famous Roque Nueblo. Gran Canaria is where you want to stay in the Canary Islands if you’re looking for more relaxation, but still want the option of a nightlife similar to Tenerife.

Lanzarote is largely a volcanic landscape with small settlements containing unique architecture with a white-sand beach resort in the south. Furthermore, there are plenty of wineries, similar to those near Mount Vesuvius in Italy, say that their mineral heavy dirt gives the wine a better and unique taste. Here you will find the beautiful Timanfaya National Park for your activities.

For Untouched Nature & Small Resorts

Fuerteventura is one of the least developed of the Canary Islands. It is closest to the African Coast, giving it a unique desert-like ecosystem. There are various volcanoes to climb, large beaches, and some resorts in the North.

La Palma is known as the beautiful island and was deemed a UNESCO biosphere reserve because of its’ landscape. You can walk around and shift from a rainforest to desert ecosystems in minutes. If you’re a serious nature buff and into hiking, then La Palma is a must-visit.

Off the Beaten Path

Now to one of the less-traveled islands, La Gomera basically only offers hiking but also has a unique landscape with well-marked paths. There are many local wineries but it’s not very inhabited.

By far the hardest to get to and least developed, El Hierro offers some of the most untouched landscape. Here, you will find robust diving, solitude, and pure nature. There are many cliffs, twisting roads, and volcanic lava fields.

Hotel/Airbnb Recommendations for Barcelona

The Airbnb I stayed in, Hosted by Alessandro

I stayed at an Airbnb near Hiperdino Express Hamburgo, a convenience store in the area. The Airbnb was perfect for two people. It had a balcony, kitchen, shower, and was part of a larger apartment building like the one seen in the photo. There was also a pool included with the property but I did not use it at all. I strongly recommend weighing your options in the Canary Islands as many places will be more resort-like and thus cost much more money. There are different areas with different price ranges and more cost-effective apartments like the one I stayed in.

Remember if you would like to learn more about any of the places included in my guide for where to stay in the Canary Islands, then you can visit my all-inclusive guide for free here!

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]]> https://nickstraveltips.com/where-to-stay-the-best-location-in-the-canary-islands/feed/ 0 Where to Eat – The Best Restaurants in the Canary Islands (Maspalomas) https://nickstraveltips.com/where-to-eat-the-best-restaurants-in-the-canary-islands-maspalomas/ https://nickstraveltips.com/where-to-eat-the-best-restaurants-in-the-canary-islands-maspalomas/#respond Fri, 12 Feb 2021 15:49:55 +0000 https://nickstraveltips.com/?p=829 Please note that this list for the best restaurants in the Canary Islands is limited to Maspalomas, Gran Canaria. I highly recommend you visit this area if possible. Remember if you would like to learn more about any of the places included in my best budget tips for the Canary Islands, then you can visit my all-inclusive guide for free here!

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Please note that this list for the best restaurants in the Canary Islands is limited to Maspalomas, Gran Canaria. I highly recommend you visit this area if possible.

Remember if you would like to learn more about any of the places included in my best budget tips for the Canary Islands, then you can visit my all-inclusive guide for free here!

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]]> https://nickstraveltips.com/where-to-eat-the-best-restaurants-in-the-canary-islands-maspalomas/feed/ 0 The Best Budget & Spending Tips for the Canary Islands https://nickstraveltips.com/the-best-budget-spending-tips-for-the-canary-islands/ https://nickstraveltips.com/the-best-budget-spending-tips-for-the-canary-islands/#respond Thu, 11 Feb 2021 18:06:35 +0000 https://nickstraveltips.com/?p=824 $100 USD round-trip flight from Barcelona to Gran Canaria $247 USD for a 5-night stay at an Airbnb (Late May) $20 USD for public transport tickets (Including airport transfer) $250 USD for food & drink $71.50 USD for an excursion to Tenerife $688.50 USD TOTAL for a 5-night stay in Maspalomas, Canary Islands & flight from Barcelona airport Budgeting in the Canary Islands can be hard because each location/island is very different. However, you will find yourself doing a lot of outdoors activities, which ends up saving a lot of money Get an Airbnb with a kitchen and buy some groceries so you can make your own breakfast in the mornings, prep snacks for the middle of the day on the beach Find a balance between excursions and time on the beach or national parks Don’t cheap out on the food in the Canary Islands! There will be many touristy restaurants, especially in Maspalomas, but spend a little more money to get much better food Remember if you would like to learn more about any of the places included in my best budget tips for the Canary Islands, then you can visit my all-inclusive guide for free here!

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Currency used in the Canary Islands
Euro

Barcelona uses the Euro, which is currently exchanged at $1.20 USD for 1 Euro. So it’s not that much more expensive, but keep in mind that you’re always spending 10% more. This might not seem like a huge difference but a 40 euro meal turns into a $48 meal. The Canary Islands is below in terms of spending costs. Look below for some of my best budget tips for Barcelona.

My Budget for the Canary Islands

  • $100 USD round-trip flight from Barcelona to Gran Canaria
  • $247 USD for a 5-night stay at an Airbnb (Late May)
  • $20 USD for public transport tickets (Including airport transfer)
  • $250 USD for food & drink
  • $71.50 USD for an excursion to Tenerife
  • $688.50 USD TOTAL for a 5-night stay in Maspalomas, Canary Islands & flight from Barcelona airport

The Best Budget Tips & How to Spend Money in the Canary Islands

  • Budgeting in the Canary Islands can be hard because each location/island is very different. However, you will find yourself doing a lot of outdoors activities, which ends up saving a lot of money
  • Get an Airbnb with a kitchen and buy some groceries so you can make your own breakfast in the mornings, prep snacks for the middle of the day on the beach
  • Find a balance between excursions and time on the beach or national parks
  • Don’t cheap out on the food in the Canary Islands! There will be many touristy restaurants, especially in Maspalomas, but spend a little more money to get much better food

Remember if you would like to learn more about any of the places included in my best budget tips for the Canary Islands, then you can visit my all-inclusive guide for free here!

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]]> https://nickstraveltips.com/the-best-budget-spending-tips-for-the-canary-islands/feed/ 0 The Best Public Transportation Tips for the Canary Islands https://nickstraveltips.com/the-best-public-transportation-tips-for-the-canary-islands/ https://nickstraveltips.com/the-best-public-transportation-tips-for-the-canary-islands/#respond Wed, 10 Feb 2021 21:18:46 +0000 https://nickstraveltips.com/?p=820 Canary Islands public transportation system is complicated but one of the simplest/cheapest ways to get around is by bus. Every island in the Canary Islands has a bus service with stops at the main locations. This is how I got to and from the airport in Gran Canaria. Bus service and schedules vary by the island but here is the link that will direct you to all of them. Pictured here is the bus I used in Gran Canaria. The bus from the airport to Maspalomas takes about an hour and a half, tickets will cost 1.40 euro per trip per person. You may also travel around the Canary Islands by boat, taxi, and planes. Bus – Most tickets will be purchased onboard and the fare will vary depending on how far you’re traveling. However, bus services may also accept various travel/tourist cards. Taxi – Can be an extremely expensive way to get around at about $1.50 USD per kilometer, so use wisely. Boat – One of the best ways to get around the Canary Islands through ferry services. Schedule your departure through multiple companies here! Planes – Planes have become a more common way to travel between the Canary […]

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Public Transport

Canary Islands public transportation system is complicated but one of the simplest/cheapest ways to get around is by bus. Every island in the Canary Islands has a bus service with stops at the main locations. This is how I got to and from the airport in Gran Canaria. Bus service and schedules vary by the island but here is the link that will direct you to all of them.

Pictured here is the bus I used in Gran Canaria. The bus from the airport to Maspalomas takes about an hour and a half, tickets will cost 1.40 euro per trip per person.

You may also travel around the Canary Islands by boat, taxi, and planes.

What to Know About Each Type of Public Transport in the Canary Islands

  • Bus – Most tickets will be purchased onboard and the fare will vary depending on how far you’re traveling. However, bus services may also accept various travel/tourist cards.
  • Taxi – Can be an extremely expensive way to get around at about $1.50 USD per kilometer, so use wisely.
  • Boat – One of the best ways to get around the Canary Islands through ferry services. Schedule your departure through multiple companies here!
  • Planes – Planes have become a more common way to travel between the Canary Islands. Flights will be as cheap as $60 USD and will be quick. If you have easy access to an airport, this could be the best way to get between islands.

Approximate Prices for Public Transport in the Canary Islands

  • Bus one-way: 1.40 Euro ($1.70 USD)
  • Taxi: 1.24 Euro/km ($1.50 USD/km)
  • Boat one-way: 50 Euro ($60.66 USD) – Without Car
  • Boat round-trip: 80 Euro ($97.05 USD) – Without Car
  • Plane one-way: 55 Euro ($66.72 USD)
  • Plane round-trip: 100 Euro ($121.32 USD)
  • * NOTE: All prices may vary depending on the island you’re staying on or departing to/from *

Other Useful Tips for Public Transport in the Canary Islands

  • Traveling between islands and municipalities can be expensive/complicated. Try to limit the amount of travel time especially if you have less than a week in the Canary Islands. If you’d really like to see another island in a short stay, then consider doing a day trip/tour.
  • Carry cash around to use for buses
  • The ferry trips will take around 2 hours each way while plane trips will be around 30 minutes
  • Consider renting a car if you’d like to explore the island without reliance on public transport
  • Use Google Maps for basic travel, this page for a guide to the various bus services, Google Flights for plane fares, Direct Ferries for boats, and check your island for their taxi service phone number

Remember if you would like to learn more about any of the places included in my public transportation tips for the Canary Islands, then you can visit my all-inclusive guide for free here!

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]]> https://nickstraveltips.com/the-best-public-transportation-tips-for-the-canary-islands/feed/ 0 What to Do – The Best Sights & attractions of the Canary Islands https://nickstraveltips.com/what-to-do-the-best-sights-attractions-of-the-canary-islands/ https://nickstraveltips.com/what-to-do-the-best-sights-attractions-of-the-canary-islands/#respond Tue, 09 Feb 2021 17:25:36 +0000 https://nickstraveltips.com/?p=832 Remember if you would like to learn more about any of the places included in my Sights & Attractions for the Canary Islands, then you can visit my all-inclusive guide for free here!

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Remember if you would like to learn more about any of the places included in my Sights & Attractions for the Canary Islands, then you can visit my all-inclusive guide for free here!

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