Gran Canaria vs Lanzarote: which Canary Island is best?

Both Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are beautiful Canary Islands, but they have their unique features that set them apart from each other. Choosing between the two islands depends on your holiday preferences and what you are looking for.

We spent three weeks on each island, both in November, and both as remote working holidays. So we went expecting a similar experience on both, and were pleasantly surprised by just how different these two Spanish, volcanic islands are.

What’s good about Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria is known for its sandy beaches, buzzing nightlife, and a vast range of activities that cater to all ages. The island has a diverse landscape, from the desert-like dunes of Maspalomas to the lush green mountains in the centre. 

Gran Canaria is the third-largest island in the Canaries and has accommodation options to suit all budgets. From luxurious resorts to budget-friendly apartments, you can find a perfect place to stay for any group. 

Gran Canaria is also known for its theme parks, water parks, and bustling towns like Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas, which are perfect for party-goers and families alike. We spent three weeks remote working in Maspalomas and, while it’s not our usual kind of holiday destination, we loved being able to head to the beach every afternoon and hit the restaurants, bars, and drag clubs at night.

On the weekends, we loved exploring the mountains, view points, hiking trails, and traditional Spanish towns dotted around the island.

Find out more about our three weeks in Gran Canaria here.

by @tomokas

What’s good about Lanzarote?

Lanzarote is a quieter, more laid-back island than Gran Canaria. It is ideal for those who want to relax and escape from the city and kick back in the sun. The island is famous for its volcanic landscape and otherworldly scenery, such as the Timanfaya National Park and the lava fields of La Geria. It really does feel like you're on Mars or the moon at some points.

The beaches in Lanzarote are beautiful, but there are fewer to choose from than in Gran Canaria. However, Lanzarote’s beaches were quieter and perfect for relaxing and watching the sunset. We spent a lot of time exploring the scenery and hiking in volcanic Lanzarote. And though we stayed just on the edge of Playa Blanca, our accommodation felt quiet and remote.

Find out more about a month in Lanzarote here.

by @tomokas

Which is better, Gran Canaria or Lanzarote?

Our experience in Lanzarote is not typical of a holiday to Playa Blanca as the town was only just reopening to tourists post-Covid. But, we still were able to explore both islands extensively during our visit.

If you want beautiful beaches and a fun party vibe, both Playa Blanca in Lanzarote and Maspalomas in Gran Canaria can offer them up. The beaches in Gran Canaria are easier to get to without transport. But both islands have beautiful coastlines that are worth exploring. In our experience, the nightlife in Gran Canaria was livelier and much more diverse and catered to adults. While Lanzarote is a little classier (though there are a few clubs if you want that vibe, too).

If you want walks and beautiful scenery, you’ll find both of these in Gran Canaria and Lanzarote too. Gran Canaria’s scenery is more diverse. It takes you through pine forests, up mountains, along rugged coastal cliffs, and more. While Lanzarote’s amazing lava fields and volcanoes are breathtaking in their own right.

The weather on both islands was beautiful and mild in November. However in Gran Canaria, we experienced no rain at all in three weeks. Lanzarote was slightly wetter, and also much windier in the evening. However, this wasn’t enough to put us off going out and didn’t affect our beach trips or hikes.

Which Canary Island is best for you?

Best for hikes: Gran Canaria.

Best for beaches: Gran Canaria.

Best for nightlife: Gran Canaria.

Best for families: Gran Canaria.

Best for couples: Lanzarote.

Best for sport: Lanzarote (particularly surfing).

Best for a quiet break: Lanzarote.

Best landscapes: Lanzarote.

Best for weather: both, although we had less wind and rain in Gran Canaria.

In summary, Gran Canaria is ideal for those who love the beach, nightlife, and a variety of activities. Lanzarote is better suited to those who want to escape from the crowds and enjoy nature and outdoor activities. However, both islands offer beautiful scenery, delicious cuisine, and warm weather all year round, making them excellent destinations for a holiday in the sun.