Two Canary Island gems. Endless beaches versus Spain's highest peak—which island paradise calls to you?
VS
⚡ Quick Answer
Choose Tenerife if you want Mount Teide (Spain's highest peak), more dramatic volcanic landscapes, better hiking trails, whale watching, larger resort infrastructure, more family attractions (Siam Park, Loro Parque), and stunning black sand beaches. Choose Gran Canaria if you prefer the famous Maspalomas sand dunes, better golden beaches, a more compact island, livelier LGBT+ scene (Playa del Inglés), easier exploration, more authentic Canarian towns, and slightly better year-round weather. Tenerife wins for nature and activities; Gran Canaria wins for beaches and convenience. Both offer excellent winter sun, world-class resorts, and year-round warmth.
📊 At a Glance
Category
🏝️ Gran Canaria
🌋 Tenerife
Best Beaches
Golden sand, Maspalomas dunes WINNER
Black volcanic sand, fewer options
Natural Landscapes
Diverse, compact
Mount Teide, dramatic volcanic ICONIC
Size
Smaller, easier to explore COMPACT
Larger, more spread out
Resort Options
Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas
More varied, larger selection MORE CHOICE
Activities
Good variety
Hiking, whale watching, parks WINNER
Weather
Slightly warmer/drier BEST
Excellent, microclimates
Nightlife
Playa del Inglés (lively) PARTY
Varied, family-oriented
Families
Good options
Siam Park, Loro Parque BEST
LGBT+ Scene
Yumbo Centre, very welcoming WINNER
Present but smaller
Authenticity
Good balance BETTER
More touristy in south
Cost
Similar
Similar TIE
💰 Cost Comparison: Budget Breakdown
Both islands are similarly priced, with costs varying more by resort than by island. Tenerife has slightly more budget options due to larger size, while Gran Canaria can be marginally cheaper for accommodation in some areas.
🏝️ Gran Canaria
€70
Per Day (Mid-Range)
Hotel/Apartment€35-50
Meals (3x/day)€20-30
Activities€10-20
Transport€5-10
🌋 Tenerife
€70
Per Day (Mid-Range)
Hotel/Apartment€35-50
Meals (3x/day)€20-30
Activities€10-20
Transport€5-10
Specific Cost Examples
🏝️ Gran Canaria Costs
Beach restaurant meal: €8-15
Coffee/cerveza: €1.50-3
All-inclusive resort: €50-120/night
Dune buggy tour: €80-120
Camel safari: €20-30
Bus to Las Palmas: €4-6
Boat trip: €25-45
🌋 Tenerife Costs
Beach restaurant meal: €8-15
Coffee/cerveza: €1.50-3
All-inclusive resort: €50-120/night
Siam Park entry: €38-42
Mount Teide cable car: €27-38
Whale watching tour: €25-50
Loro Parque: €38-42
💡 Money-Saving Tip
Book all-inclusive packages from UK/Europe for the best value—often cheaper than booking separately. Both islands have excellent supermarkets (Mercadona, HiperDino) for self-catering. Avoid tourist-trap restaurants on the promenades; walk one street inland for 30-40% savings.
🏖️ Beaches & Coastal Beauty
Gran Canaria wins decisively for beach quality and variety. It offers stunning golden sand beaches and the famous Maspalomas dunes. Tenerife's beaches are mostly black volcanic sand with fewer natural options, though they're dramatic and unique.
🏝️ Gran Canaria Beaches
Maspalomas Beach: 6km golden sand, iconic dunes
Playa del Inglés: Wide, golden, family-friendly
Amadores Beach: Protected cove, calm waters
Puerto de Mogán: "Little Venice," charming
Las Canteras (Las Palmas): Urban beach, 3km
Anfi del Mar: White imported sand, luxury
Predominantly golden sand beaches
More sheltered, calmer waters
🌋 Tenerife Beaches
Playa de las Teresitas: Imported golden sand, scenic
Playa Jardín: Black sand, Puerto de la Cruz
El Bollullo: Natural black sand, secluded
Los Gigantes: Dramatic cliffs, black sand
Playa de Las Américas: Artificial, touristy
Costa Adeje: Mix of natural and artificial
Mostly black volcanic sand (unique but hot!)
More dramatic coastal scenery
Winner: Gran Canaria for better quality golden beaches and the spectacular Maspalomas dunes. Tenerife's black sand beaches are interesting but can get extremely hot and lack the classic beach paradise feel.
🌊 Beach Reality Check
Gran Canaria's south coast is nearly all excellent beaches. Tenerife's best natural beach (Las Teresitas) is in the north, far from southern resorts. Many Tenerife "beaches" near resorts are artificial with imported sand. For pure beach holidays, Gran Canaria is the clear choice.
🏔️ Landscapes & Natural Beauty
Tenerife dominates for dramatic natural landscapes, crowned by Mount Teide—Spain's highest peak at 3,718m. The volcanic terrain is spectacular. Gran Canaria is more diverse for its size but less dramatic overall.
🏝️ Gran Canaria Nature
Maspalomas Dunes: Sahara-like sand sea
Roque Nublo: Iconic rock formation, 1,813m
Pico de las Nieves: Highest point, 1,949m
Bandama Caldera: Volcanic crater
Pine forests: Interior mountains
Barranco de Guayadeque: Dramatic ravine
"Miniature continent" - diverse microclimates
Compact, easier to see variety in one day
🌋 Tenerife Nature
Mount Teide: 3,718m, UNESCO World Heritage
Teide National Park: Lunar volcanic landscapes
Masca Valley: Stunning gorge hike
Anaga Mountains: Ancient laurel forests
Los Gigantes Cliffs: 600m vertical drops
Corona Forestal: Vast pine forest
More dramatic and varied terrain
Superior hiking opportunities
Winner: Tenerife for sheer dramatic impact. Mount Teide alone is worth the trip—it's absolutely spectacular. Gran Canaria is beautiful and diverse but can't match Teide's wow factor.
🎯 Activities & Things to Do
🏝️ Gran Canaria Activities
Beach time: Best beaches in Canaries
Dune exploration: Maspalomas reserve
Las Palmas: Historic Vegueta district
Puerto de Mogán: Charming fishing village
Palmitos Park: Botanical garden, birds
Hiking: Roque Nublo, various trails
Water sports: Surfing, diving, sailing
Shopping: Yumbo Centre
🌋 Tenerife Activities
Mount Teide: Cable car, hiking, stargazing
Siam Park: World's best water park
Loro Parque: Zoo, killer whales, parrots
Whale watching: Year-round, excellent
Masca hike: Spectacular gorge trail
Anaga forests: Ancient laurel hiking
La Laguna: UNESCO historic town
Diving: Good sites, calm waters
Winner: Tenerife for variety and quality of activities. Siam Park and Loro Parque are world-class attractions. Mount Teide offers unmatched hiking and views. Whale watching is exceptional.
👨👩👧👦 Best for Families
Tenerife wins hands-down for families with children. Siam Park (consistently rated world's best water park) and Loro Parque are outstanding. Jungle Park adds even more options. Gran Canaria has beaches and Palmitos Park but far fewer major attractions for kids.
🌡️ Weather & Climate
Both islands enjoy exceptional year-round weather, but Gran Canaria edges ahead with slightly warmer, drier, and more consistent conditions. Both have microclimates with the south being warmest and driest.
🏝️ Gran Canaria Climate
Year-round: 18-26°C (64-79°F)
Summer: 24-28°C (75-82°F), hot and sunny
Winter: 18-22°C (64-72°F), mild
Rainfall: Very low in south
Best time: Year-round, excellent always
320+ days of sunshine annually
South coast nearly always perfect
🌋 Tenerife Climate
Year-round: 17-25°C (63-77°F)
Summer: 23-28°C (73-82°F), warm
Winter: 17-21°C (63-70°F), mild
Rainfall: Low in south, wetter north
Best time: Year-round
More microclimates (cooler north)
Teide can be cold/snowy in winter
Winner: Gran Canaria marginally for slightly warmer and more consistent weather. The difference is minimal—both islands have outstanding climates that make them perfect year-round destinations.
🏨 Resorts & Where to Stay
🏝️ Gran Canaria Resorts
Playa del Inglés: Lively, LGBT+ hub, nightlife
Maspalomas: Upscale, family-friendly, dunes
Puerto Rico: Sheltered bay, families
Puerto de Mogán: Quiet, romantic, charming
San Agustín: Quieter, older crowd
Las Palmas: City life, authentic, urban beach
More compact resort area
Easier to move between resorts
🌋 Tenerife Resorts
Playa de las Américas: Lively, nightlife, young crowds
Costa Adeje: Upscale, quieter, better beaches
Los Cristianos: Family-friendly, marina
Puerto de la Cruz: Traditional, north coast, older appeal
Los Gigantes: Dramatic cliffs, quieter
Golf del Sur: Golf-focused, quieter
More varied resort styles
Larger distances between areas
Winner: Tenerife for more varied resort options and better range of accommodation types. Gran Canaria's resorts are more concentrated, which can be an advantage for exploration.
🎉 Nightlife & Entertainment
🏝️ Gran Canaria Nightlife
Yumbo Centre: Europe's premier LGBT+ complex
Playa del Inglés: Bars, clubs, late nights
Kasbah: Popular nightclub
Beach clubs: Day-to-night venues
More concentrated party scene
LGBT+ friendliest in Canaries
Lively but not overwhelming
🌋 Tenerife Nightlife
Veronicas Strip: Playa de las Américas, intense
Costa Adeje: More sophisticated bars
Puerto de la Cruz: Traditional bars
Hard Rock Hotel: Live music venue
More spread out nightlife
Range from family to party hard
Veronicas can be rowdy (UK tourists)
Winner: Gran Canaria for a more welcoming, inclusive party scene. Playa del Inglés and the Yumbo Centre offer excellent nightlife without being as aggressive as Tenerife's Veronicas Strip.
🚗 Size & Getting Around
🏝️ Gran Canaria Transport
Size: 1,560 km² (smaller)
Driving: 45 mins coast to coast
Buses: Excellent "guagua" network
Car rental: Easy, not essential
More compact = easier exploration
Can see whole island in a day
Less driving time to attractions
🌋 Tenerife Transport
Size: 2,034 km² (larger)
Driving: 90 mins across, winding roads
Buses: Good TITSA network
Car rental: Highly recommended
More spread out attractions
Need more time to explore fully
Mountain roads can be slow/winding
Winner: Gran Canaria for convenience. Its smaller size makes it easier to explore everything without feeling rushed. You can see contrasting landscapes in a single day trip.
🏛️ Authenticity & Local Culture
Both islands have authentic towns away from resorts, but Gran Canaria maintains better cultural balance due to Las Palmas—a real working city of 380,000. Tenerife's south is heavily developed for tourism.
🏝️ Gran Canaria Culture
Las Palmas: Real city, Vegueta old town
Teror: Beautiful traditional town
Agaete: Authentic coastal village
Mountain villages: Traditional Canarian life
Better balance tourism/authenticity
Locals live alongside tourists
🌋 Tenerife Culture
La Laguna: UNESCO World Heritage, university town
Garachico: Historic port town
La Orotava: Colonial architecture
Candelaria: Religious pilgrimage site
South heavily developed for tourism
North more authentic
Winner: Gran Canaria slightly for easier access to authentic local life, especially via Las Palmas which functions as a genuine Canarian capital.
⚖️ Pros & Cons Summary
🏝️ Gran Canaria Pros
Best beaches in the Canary Islands
Spectacular Maspalomas sand dunes
More compact, easier to explore
Slightly better/warmer weather
Excellent LGBT+ scene (Yumbo Centre)
Great nightlife in Playa del Inglés
Las Palmas offers authentic city life
Less driving time between attractions
🏝️ Gran Canaria Cons
Fewer major attractions than Tenerife
Not as dramatic scenery (no Teide)
Limited family-specific attractions
Smaller overall variety
Can feel smaller after a week
Less impressive hiking
🌋 Tenerife Pros
Mount Teide (spectacular, unmissable)
World-class family attractions (Siam Park, Loro Parque)
Better hiking opportunities
Excellent whale watching
More varied resort options
Dramatic volcanic landscapes
Larger, more to explore
Better for active holidays
🌋 Tenerife Cons
Mostly black sand beaches (hot, less appealing)
Fewer natural golden beaches
Larger, requires more driving
Veronicas Strip can be rowdy
South coast heavily developed
More spread out attractions
Slightly cooler/more variable weather
Winding mountain roads
🏆 The Final Verdict
Two Canary Island paradises serving different travelers:
Choose 🏝️ Gran Canaria If:
✓ You want the best beaches (golden sand)
✓ The Maspalomas dunes are a priority
✓ You prefer a compact island
✓ You're part of the LGBT+ community
✓ You want slightly better weather
✓ You prefer easier exploration
✓ Beach relaxation over activities
✓ You want authentic city life nearby
Choose 🌋 Tenerife If:
✓ Mount Teide is a must-see
✓ You're traveling with children
✓ You want world-class water parks
✓ Hiking is a priority
✓ You love dramatic landscapes
✓ Whale watching appeals to you
✓ You want more resort variety
✓ You prefer an active holiday
Honest Take: For pure beach holidays and relaxation, Gran Canaria wins with superior golden beaches and the spectacular Maspalomas dunes. For families, nature lovers, and active travelers, Tenerife delivers with Mount Teide, world-class theme parks, and better activities. Both offer excellent year-round weather and resorts—your choice depends on whether you prioritize beaches (Gran Canaria) or attractions and nature (Tenerife). Can't go wrong either way!
📅 Sample 7-Day Itineraries
🏝️ Gran Canaria 7 Days
Days 1-3: Playa del Inglés/Maspalomas (beach, dunes, nightlife)
Day 4: Las Palmas (Vegueta, Las Canteras beach)
Day 5: Interior (Roque Nublo, Tejeda, mountain villages)
Day 6: Puerto de Mogán and west coast
Day 7: Beach relaxation or Palmitos Park
🌋 Tenerife 7 Days
Days 1-2: Costa Adeje/Los Cristianos (beach, settle in)
Day 3: Mount Teide National Park (cable car, hiking)
Day 4: Siam Park (all day)
Day 5: Loro Parque and Puerto de la Cruz
Day 6: Masca hike or whale watching
Day 7: Los Gigantes cliffs or La Laguna
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which Canary Island has better beaches, Gran Canaria or Tenerife?
Gran Canaria has significantly better beaches with golden sand, including the spectacular Maspalomas dunes. Tenerife's beaches are predominantly black volcanic sand which can get very hot and lack the classic paradise feel. If beaches are your priority, choose Gran Canaria.
Is Gran Canaria or Tenerife better for families with children?
Tenerife is much better for families. It has world-class attractions like Siam Park (consistently rated the world's best water park), Loro Parque, and Jungle Park. These are far superior to anything Gran Canaria offers. Tenerife wins hands-down for family holidays.
Which island is smaller and easier to explore?
Gran Canaria is smaller (1,560 km² vs 2,034 km²) and significantly easier to explore. You can drive coast to coast in 45 minutes versus 90+ minutes in Tenerife. Gran Canaria's compact size means you can see contrasting landscapes in a single day without excessive driving.
Can I visit both Gran Canaria and Tenerife in one trip?
Yes, but it requires effort. Ferries take 1-2 hours or you can fly (30 minutes). For a combined trip, budget at least 10-14 days minimum—5-7 days per island. Most travelers find it more relaxing to fully experience one island rather than splitting their holiday.
Which island has better weather?
Both have excellent year-round weather, but Gran Canaria is marginally warmer and drier with more consistent conditions. The difference is small—both average 18-26°C year-round with 320+ days of sunshine. You can't go wrong weather-wise with either island.
Is Tenerife or Gran Canaria better for hiking?
Tenerife is significantly better for hiking with Mount Teide, the Masca Valley, and the Anaga laurel forests offering world-class trails. Gran Canaria has good hiking (Roque Nublo, various ravines) but can't match Teide's dramatic volcanic landscapes and variety of trails.
Which Canary Island is better for LGBT+ travelers?
Gran Canaria is the LGBT+ capital of the Canary Islands. Playa del Inglés and the Yumbo Centre form one of Europe's premier LGBT+ destinations with dozens of gay bars, clubs, and hotels. Tenerife has an LGBT+ scene but it's much smaller and less prominent.
Are Gran Canaria and Tenerife similarly priced?
Yes, prices are very similar on both islands, averaging €60-80 per day for mid-range travel. Costs vary more by resort and season than by island. Both offer excellent value for money with similar prices for accommodation, food, and activities.
