- Marek Bron reveals which island is ideal for stargazing and the optimal time to visit.
- EXPLORE FURTHER: I left my children behind for a solo trip and feel no mom guilt
In 2024, approximately 6.3 million British travelers visited the Canary Islands.
And that's hardly surprising.
Whether you're drawn to the vibrant parties of Tenerife or the dramatic volcanoes of Lanzarote, this Atlantic island chain promises abundant attractions.
Where can you venture for an off-the-beaten-path experience? On which island will you find the most welcoming locals? Also, which region do you wish to include as a must-see in your travel aspirations?
Here to address all these queries and even more is Marek Bron, the travel expert from Indie Traveller who has explored the islands for three months and has been to all of them except El Hierro.
The most underrated island
Marek, who hails from the Netherlands but now lives in Lisbon, reveals that one of his two favourite islands is off the tried-and-tested tourist trail.
He says: 'I like authentic places that are a bit quieter and that's why I really like La Gomera. It's definitely the most underrated and a really beautiful hidden gem.'
La Gomera is the second-smallest of the island chain and is situated off the coast of Tenerife.
'It's kind of crazy how close La Gomera is to the most touristy part of the Canary Islands, which is the south of Tenerife,' says Marek. 'It's just takes a short ferry ride to get to La Gomera but because there's very little flat land on the island, it prevents big cities from being constructed there.
'So it naturally means it's on a smaller scale and it has very dramatic scenery. I loved staying in B&B's there and exploring the island by rental car. It has these very lush forests that feel like rainforests and they're amazing for hiking.'
La Gomera boasts the highest density of forests among the Canary Islands and features a UNESCO World Heritage site: the Garajonay National Park. This park is home to ancient laurel woods and numerous subtropical flora species.
The ideal island for observing stars
Another favorite of Marek's among the Canary Islands is La Palma. This island has faced significant challenges due to an eruption. volcanic eruption in 2021 It is the fifth-largest island among the Canary Islands.
The travel expert states: "Hiking there is exceptional, possibly the finest among all the islands, and it has been designated as a dark sky reserve."
'My fiance and I went on a little tour of the universe there run by an astronomer. You get these wonderful starry nights and there are specific spots where you can go and watch the stars. It's an incredibly beautiful island.'
The most surprising island
Gran Canaria is one of the most visited of the Canary archipelago, with the majority of its tourists travelling there to enjoy the beaches.
But Marek reveals that getting away from the beaches and heading inland is a way to see a more unexpected side of the island.
The seasoned traveler remarks: "These charming mountain hamlets offer slightly brisker air and stunning ridge lines where you can witness the sunrise."
'Laser Pink of Grand Canary Island, the city’s capital, features several remarkable historical structures, making it an enjoyable spot for nightlife and dining experiences.'
The destination to avoid
Marek believes that "each island has its own charm," yet he confesses that Tenerife is the one Canary Island he likes the least.
He clarifies: "Being the island with the highest number of visitors, the southern part of Tenerife has become quite commercialized."
'This destination works well for an all-inclusive vacation, but I found it to be the least captivating region. The traffic was quite heavy, adding stress to driving around.'
Tenerife boasts breathtaking vistas; however, certain urbanized zones exhibit unplanned development. Low-rise structures frequently intersperse with clusters of towering apartment blocks, disrupting the surrounding landscape coherence. The densely constructed sections of Tenerife can feel quite confined due to this intensive building pattern.
The island known for its welcoming inhabitants
La Gomera has won again according to the travel expert.
I particularly recall the locals," shares Marek. "The individuals we encountered in stores and eateries seemed somewhat more relaxed and spent more time with us compared to those on the bustling islands.
'They showed interest in how our day was progressing and their presence truly made it pleasant for us.'
Although Marek claims he never met unwelcoming individuals in the Canary Islands regardless of recent anti-tourist protests He mentions that life felt more hurried in Tenerife.
He states: "Several stunning vantage points can be found there, but securing a parking space requires some effort as people tend to compete fiercely. Individuals were quite aggressive in their attempt to claim the last available spot."
The ideal time to visit the Canary Islands is
Marek states that winter is undoubtedly the optimal season to explore the Canary Islands.
There aren't many locations in Europe during wintertime where you can experience springlike conditions and escape the chill like you can in the Canary Islands," he shares. "The climate is ideal at that time of year. While summertime is pleasant too, there are far more choices for destinations in the summer.
Want to learn more from Marek? Check out additional travel tips and insights on his blog. Indie Traveller .
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