How to Travel Between the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands, with their stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and unique microclimates, are a paradise for travelers. Whether you want to explore volcanic terrains, lush forests, or sandy beaches, island hopping is one of the best ways to experience the archipelago. With seven main islands to explore, knowing the best ways to travel between them is essential. Here's a guide to help you navigate inter-island travel in the Canaries.

Inter-Island Flights: Fast, Efficient, and Widely Accessible

Flying between the Canary Islands is seamless, thanks to frequent services by regional airlines like Binter Canarias and CanaryFly. These airlines connect all major islands with fast and efficient flights that allow you to maximize your time exploring instead of traveling.

Pros of Inter-Island Flights

Reliability: Flight schedules are consistent, and modern aircraft ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience.
Speed: Inter-island flights are by far the quickest way to get around. For instance, flying from Tenerife to Gran Canaria takes just 30 minutes, compared to 2.5–3 hours on a ferry. Flights between islands like Gran Canaria and Lanzarote or Fuerteventura are equally short, making flying ideal for travelers on tight schedules.
Frequent Departures: Major routes have multiple daily flights, offering plenty of flexibility for last-minute plans or same-day returns.
Comfort: Planes provide a smooth, weather-independent ride, which is especially advantageous during the winter months when rough seas can disrupt ferry schedules.
Access to Remote Islands: Islands like El Hierro and La Palma are best reached by plane, as ferries to these destinations are infrequent and time-consuming.

Cons of Inter-Island Flights

Higher Costs: Flights are generally more expensive, with one-way tickets ranging from €40 to €90, depending on the route and booking timing.
Luggage Restrictions: Airlines have stricter baggage policies than ferries, and there are additional fees for extra luggage or sports equipment.
Airport Commute: Airports often add transit time and cost.
Less Adventurous: You'll miss out on the ocean views and the leisurely pace of ferry travel.
La Graciosa: This small island, with a population of only 700, is accessible only by ferry from Lanzarote as it does not have an airport.

Tips for traveling by Inter-Island Flight:

Availability: Inter-island flights are available year-round, with high-frequency routes like Tenerife to Gran Canaria operating multiple times daily. Some routes may have fewer flights in the off-season, so booking in advance is advisable for less-trafficked islands like El Hierro or La Gomera.
Flight Times: Most flights between islands are under an hour, and some, like Tenerife to Gran Canaria, are as short as 30 minutes. Even the longest flights, such as Fuerteventura to La Palma with a stopover, rarely exceed 90 minutes.
Flexible schedules: Inter-island flights tend to be frequent, but checking flight schedules ahead will ensure plenty of options.
Small airports: Many islands, like La Gomera and El Hierro, have smaller airports with fewer facilities, so plan accordingly.

Ferries: A Scenic and Leisurely Journey

Ferries connect all the main islands in the Canary chain, making them an option for travelers who prefer a slower, scenic journey. Several ferry companies operate routes between the islands, including Fred Olsen Express, Naviera Armas, Lineas Romero, and Biosfera Express.

Pros of Traveling by Ferry

Cost-Effective: Ferry tickets are generally more affordable than flights, with prices starting at around €15 for short routes. Round-trip discounts can make it even cheaper.
Baggage Allowance: Most ferries have generous baggage policies, making them ideal for traveling with large luggage or sports equipment.
Scenic Views: The ferry ride offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and the islands, giving you a unique perspective of the archipelago.
Eco-Friendlier Option: Ferries typically have a smaller carbon footprint than flights, making them a more sustainable travel choice.
Vehicle Transport: Ferries allow you to bring your car, motorbike, or bicycle, providing flexibility for exploring your next destination.

Cons of Traveling by Ferry

Travel Time: Ferries are significantly slower than planes, with journeys ranging from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the route. For instance, Tenerife to Gran Canaria takes about 2.5–3 hours, while Tenerife to Lanzarote can take 6–8 hours, depending on sea conditions.
Weather Dependency: Rough seas can lead to delays or cancellations, particularly in winter when the Atlantic is choppier.
Seasonal Operation: Check the ferry schedules as not all ferries operate year-round and sometimes in the winter season they can change schedules to only a few times a week.
Limited Comfort: Although modern ferries offer amenities like cafes, Wi-Fi, and lounges, longer routes can still be less comfortable than a quick flight.

Tips for Ferry Travel:

Availability: Ferry routes operate year-round, with frequent services between popular islands like Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote. However, less-traveled routes, such as those to La Gomera, El Hierro, or La Graciosa, may have fewer sailings, especially in off-peak seasons. Rough seas can also lead to delays or cancellations.
Book in advance: Ferries can fill up quickly, especially in high season, so it's a good idea to secure your tickets early.
Car Rentals: If you plan on driving across multiple islands, you can take your rental car on most ferries. Be sure to check with the rental companies as there are often fees for taking a car between islands and you likely have to return the car to the island it was originally rented on.

Whether you opt for the speedy inter-island flight or the scenic ferry ride, traveling between the Canary Islands is an adventure in itself. Each island offers a unique experience, and with so many connections available, island-hopping has never been easier. Customize your journey to match your schedule, budget, and sense of adventure! Our most popular island hopping itineraries include Best of Tenerife & La Gomera, Canary 3-Island Tour, Canary Island Family Adventure, and The Best of the Canary Islands.