Comparisons
Tenerife or Lanzarote? Choosing your Canary Islands winter sun
Two of the UK's favourite winter sun islands compared: beaches, scenery, family days out, nightlife and the best areas to stay.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
- Choose Tenerife for variety: Mount Teide, big water parks, lively resorts and green northern valleys.
- Choose Lanzarote for a calmer, low-rise island with golden beaches, volcanic landscapes and César Manrique's art.
- Both have daytime highs of around 21–23°C in winter, about four hours' flight from the UK, with no time difference.
| Flight from London | About 4–4.5 hours |
|---|---|
| Winter temperature | About 21–23°C |
| Time difference | None |
| Best for families | Tenerife (water parks) or Lanzarote (calm beaches) |
| Best for scenery | Tenerife (Teide) and Lanzarote (Timanfaya) |
Tenerife: the island with everything
Tenerife is the biggest of the Canary Islands. The south, around Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas, is the sunniest, with large hotels, beaches and nightlife. The north is greener and more traditional, with Puerto de la Cruz and the UNESCO-listed old town of La Laguna.
In the middle rises Mount Teide, Spain's highest mountain. A cable car climbs most of the way; walking to the summit itself needs a permit booked in advance, and some trails now charge a fee. Teide's clear skies also make it one of the best places in Europe for stargazing.
Tenerife with children
Siam Park is one of Europe's best water parks, and Loro Parque has animal shows and a large penguin enclosure. Boat trips from Los Cristianos often spot pilot whales and dolphins.
Lanzarote: volcanoes and calm
Lanzarote feels different: whitewashed low-rise villages, black lava fields and vineyards growing in volcanic ash at La Geria. The artist César Manrique shaped much of the island's look, and his creations, such as the Jameos del Agua caves, the Mirador del Río viewpoint and the Cactus Garden, are highlights.
In Timanfaya National Park, the "Fire Mountains", you tour a landscape formed by eruptions in the 1730s. The best beaches are the golden Papagayo coves near Playa Blanca.
Where to stay
- Tenerife: Costa Adeje for upmarket resorts and families; Los Cristianos for a town feel; Playa de las Américas for nightlife; Puerto de la Cruz for a traditional, greener base.
- Lanzarote: Playa Blanca for beaches and families; Puerto del Carmen for the most restaurants and bars; Costa Teguise for watersports and a quieter stay.
When to go
Both islands are warm all year. Winter, from November to March, is the main season for UK visitors, with the highest prices over Christmas, New Year and February half-term. The sea is cooler than the Mediterranean in summer, at about 19°C in winter and 23°C in late summer, and both islands can be breezy, especially Lanzarote.
Frequently asked questions
Which is warmer in winter, Tenerife or Lanzarote?
They are very similar, with daytime highs of around 21–23°C. Southern Tenerife is usually the sunniest and most sheltered part of either island.
Is Tenerife or Lanzarote better for families?
Tenerife has more attractions, such as Siam Park and Loro Parque. Lanzarote is quieter with calm beaches, which suits young children.
Do you need a permit to climb Mount Teide?
Yes, walking the final path to the summit requires a permit booked in advance, and some national park trails now charge a fee. The cable car does not need a permit.
