Where to stay in Canary Islands

Hotels

There is a large selection of hotels, self-catering apartments and holiday homes in all categories with 3-star and (increasingly) 4-star becoming the norm. There are also many new 5-star hotels, particularly in Tenerife. Hotels and apartments in the large resorts tend to be block-booked by package tour operators. There are state-run paradores (tourist inns) on La Palma, La Gomera and Tenerife. Pensiones (guest houses), which just provide bed and board are not so easy to find, particularly in tourist zones. There are a small but increasing number of places that offer turismo rural (rural tourism) in the islands' interiors, typically staying in renovated older properties set in rural locations.

Camping

This didn’t used to be a popular option in the Canaries, but now designated campsites are becoming more widely available. Fuerteventura is now open to camping around the La Olivia area, but you will need to pay a deposit of around €60, to ensure that campers take proper care of the environment. La Gomera forbids ‘wild camping’, but there is one designated location in El Cedro, La Vista - an area popular with hikers. A lot of campsites provide free pitches but you need to apply for a permit at least a week in advance. See specific camping sections for contact information.

Other accomodation

There are a number of youth hostels throughout the Canary Islands. Hostelworld has listings.