For a long stay, the cheapest Canary Island is usually Gran Canaria if you base yourself in Las Palmas, or Lanzarote if you base yourself in Arrecife, because both offer city rents and local prices. In Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz offers similar value. The smaller western islands can be cheap but often need a car.
Cheapest bases compared
| Base | Island | Why it is good value | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Palmas | Gran Canaria | City rents and prices | Cloudier mornings |
| Arrecife | Lanzarote | Local rents and shops | Not a resort |
| Puerto de la Cruz | Tenerife | Lower rents than the south | Cooler, more cloud |
| Puerto del Rosario | Fuerteventura | Local prices | Little charm |
| Los Llanos de Aridane | La Palma | Rural prices | Car needed |
What makes a long stay cheaper
- Living where locals live rather than in resorts.
- Not needing a car.
- Booking three months or more.
- Arriving after Christmas.
Our verdict
For value and convenience, Las Palmas is hard to beat. See our budgets by island.