How to island hop in the Canary Islands

05.11.2024 - 15:51 / lonelyplanet.com

Nov 5, 2024 • 6 min read

Isabella is one of the writers on the  new Canary Islands guidebook , spending weeks researching on-the-ground. 

Scattered in the Atlantic around 1400km (870 miles) southwest from mainland Spain, the eight beautifully different Canary Islands require some effort to reach. Once here though, getting around this sun-washed, lava-sculpted joy of an archipelago is a breeze thanks to its reliable local bus and ferry networks, its array of handy interisland flight routes and its long-established tourism infrastructure. 

When planning a trip to the Canaries, many people pick just one island to focus on, but hopping between them is perfectly possible too – and a wonderful way to discover how richly varied the archipelago is. For active souls, hiking and biking trails thread between remote villages and lively cities, offering the chance to travel around entirely vehicle-free. No matter how you choose to explore, glimpses of jagged peaks above the clouds, eerily misty laurel forests, sparkling volcanic-sand beaches and other spectacular lunar-like landscapes are guaranteed. 

All seven of the main Canary Islands have extensive, dependable public bus networks that travelers can easily tap into, from quick hops down the beach with a local crowd to more remote services linking small mountain villages. Here the bus is known as la guagua, though people will still understand if you ask about el autobús (which is what it’s called in mainland Spain). 

In general, the islands’ bus systems are designed primarily for local communities, which means schedules are often more limited on weekends, for example. So the key is to plan ahead and factor in a bit of flexibility. Each island has its own main bus company, including TITSA on Tenerife and Global on Gran Canaria. Most of these publish routes and schedules online. Keep in mind that the most popular bus routes – such as from Tenerife’s South Airport to the island capital Santa Cruz – often fill up quickly, so it’s best to arrive with plenty of time.

Single tickets are usually most useful and can generally be paid for directly on the bus. Some islands also now offer multiday bus passes for tourists, providing a slight discount per journey, which you’ll need to prebuy at a bus station or online/via an app. 

Tip: Most bus companies in the Canaries accept card payments, but not all, so it’s worth carrying some cash to cover tickets if necessary. 

Hiring a car is the most convenient way to explore the islands on your own time, with the freedom to make stops in offbeat destinations, escape the crowds between must-see attractions and maximize each day of your trip. Many of the Canaries’ most enchanting accommodation spots – such as converted mansions and