Canary Islands are beloved by Brits for their all-year-round sun and while many thousands of us visit every year, a new survey has revealed holidaymakers’ favourite Canaries resorts
If you’re looking for a serene getaway from the chaos of daily life, a destination that’s not too crowded and offers a peaceful atmosphere is ideal. For many Brits, a spot with warm sunny weather is a top priority, making the Canary Islands an excellent choice for a holiday any time of the year.
But not all Canary Island resorts are created equal. A recent survey by Which? has revealed the top-rated Canary Islands resorts, with a hidden gem in Gran Canaria taking the top spot.
Puerto de Mogán emerged as the best resort, scoring an impressive 90 per cent based on member reviews. The survey evaluated eight key criteria, including beach quality, scenery, food and drink, accommodation, and value for money.
Puerto de Mogán’s charming marina, picturesque white-washed houses, and maze-like old town won over visitors’ hearts, earning it a five-star rating for accommodation and four-star ratings for food and drink, scenery, and value for money – a feat no other resort in the survey achieved.
This “peaceful, beautiful place” also received three stars for its tranquil atmosphere. Following suit with top marks is Playa Blanca, crowned the highest-rated in Lanzarote with a 77 per cent thumbs-up, reports the Manchester Evening News.
This southern gem promises laid-back charm – folks raved about its “child-friendly” vibe and “easy going” atmosphere. In third place at 75 per cent, Costa Adeje in Tenerife, Costa Teguise of Lanzarote, and Las Palmas in Gran Canaria stole the show.
Costa Adeje boasted swanky five-star digs, with holidaymakers waxing lyrical about the “fantastic” beachside stays. Yet, it’s not all glitz – the resort scooped up three stars for shopping, views, and grub.
Costa Teguise meanwhile, won hearts with “friendly” locals, earning four stars for places to lay your head and three across the beach, scenery, munchies, value, and quietness. A thrilled tourist said: “We like that it’s not the main attraction in Lanzarote. It offers plenty of dining and drinking options without being overpriced.”
For the city-slickers cum beach bums, Las Palmas in Gran Canaria hits sweet by melding urban buzz with oceanside zen. Dubbed as “a city first and a tourist destination second,” Las Palmas snagged three stars across attractions, bang for buck, foodie spots, vistas, and tranquillity.
At the bottom of the list was Maspalomas in Gran Canaria, Caleta de Fuste/Costa Caleta in Fuerteventura and Playa del Ingles in Gran Canaria. Whilst Playa del Ingles scored a mere two stars across value for money and scenery, earning a total of 61 per cent, Caleta de Fuste/Costa Caleta managed to gain one star for tourist attractions, but attained a slightly higher percentage score of 63 per cent.
Survey respondents suggested that the Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria, had become a victim of its own success, with some criticising the resort as “too busy, too full of British tat and not relaxing”. It was also one of the destinations that saw protests against overtourism in 2024.
One reviewer on Tripadvisor stated: “Nice town but drinks so overpriced for basically lemonade, lime and ice (mojito) but the thing that completely ruins this place is the beach massagers. Please say NO or ignore them. Scammers will give rubbish, sandy five minute massage where they touch you inappropriately then ask to massage your child. The police should NOT let them on the beach. Protect tourist visitors to your country.”
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, recommended: “The Canaries are beloved by Brits for their all-year round sun and while many thousands of us visit every year, our research suggests holidaymakers prefer the quieter resorts to the package holiday fly and flop hotspots.
“Protests this year showed some locals are very angry about the negative impacts of mass tourism. Choosing a less popular resort that topped our survey will help alleviate those pressures and lead to a better holiday. Look for ways to support the local economy – for example by choosing family-run hotels, bars and restaurants over multi-national chains and holiday lets.”
Resorts ranked best to worst:
1. Puerto de Mogan, Gran Canaria
2. Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
3. Costa Adeje, Tenerife
4. Costa Teguise, Lanzarote
5. Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
6. Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote
7. Playa de Santiago, La Gomera
8. Puerto de la cruz, Tenerife
9. Corralejo, Fuerteventura
10. Playa de las Americas, Tenerife
11. Golf del sur, Tenerife
12. Los Cristianos, Tenerife
13. Maspalomas, Gran Canaria
14. Caleta de Fuste/Costa Caleta, Fuerteventura
15. Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria
