How to Get to the Canaries?
The Canaries are an archipelago of seven main islands. They are located in the Atlantic Ocean, northwest of the African coast. They form an autonomous community of Spain. To reach the archipelago, you must cross the Atlantic Ocean by plane or ferry.
The Canaries are an archipelago of seven main islands. They are located in the Atlantic Ocean, northwest of the African coast. They form an autonomous community of Spain. To reach the archipelago, you must cross the Atlantic Ocean by plane or ferry.
By Air
The Canaries enjoy excellent air connections with virtually every major European city, with flights taking approximately five hours. All seven main islands of the Canaries have their own airport.
The international airports of Gran Canaria, Tenerife South, Lanzarote South, and Fuerteventura are the busiest. There are numerous daily inter-island flights between these airports, as well as connections to the other islands via the airports of Tenerife North, El Hierro, La Palma, and La Gomera.
Travellers therefore have several options:
- Tenerife North and South airports (TFN and TFS)
- Gran Canaria airport (LPA)
- Lanzarote Guasimeta airport (ACE)
- La Palma airport (SPC)
- Fuerteventura airport (FUE)
From France, a direct flight takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes (with connections, allow a minimum of 6 hours), with the two countries separated by 2,765 km as the crow flies (Paris/Gran Canaria). Airlines typically offer daily flights to the archipelago.
By Sea
The more adventurous travellers may also opt for a voyage by sea. Maritime companies offer weekly ferry services to travellers. The journey of approximately 1,000 km between Spain and the Canaries takes around thirty hours.
This alternative is considerably more expensive than flying. However, it remains the only option if you wish to bring your vehicle.
Practical Information
A passport is always necessary, except for citizens of the European Union, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, or a member state of the European Economic Area. In these cases, a national identity card is sufficient (minors must also present parental authorisation and a photocopy of their parents' identity cards). Nationals of the European Union do not need to apply for a visa to travel to the Canaries.
Be sure to keep a photocopy of each important document. This will make it easier to complete formalities should you lose them. Finally, always carry some cash on hand, while remaining vigilant against pickpockets.
