Island hopping on a long stay is easy: frequent ferries connect neighbouring islands, and inter-island flights link all seven airports in under an hour. Ferries are best for nearby islands and taking a car; flights are best for longer distances.
Ferries vs flights
| Ferries | Flights | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Neighbouring islands | Longer hops, saving time |
| Taking a car | Yes, on many routes | No |
| Main operators | Fred. Olsen Express, Naviera Armas and smaller lines | Binter and Canaryfly |
| Travel experience | Sea views, more luggage | Fast, small aircraft |
Popular routes for long-stayers
- Los Cristianos (Tenerife) to San Sebastián (La Gomera): a classic day trip.
- Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) to Corralejo (Fuerteventura): a short crossing.
- Santa Cruz (Tenerife) to Agaete (Gran Canaria).
- Flights from Tenerife or Gran Canaria to La Palma or El Hierro.
Tips
- Check whether your hire car contract allows ferries.
- Book ferries early on holiday weekends.
- Consider sea conditions in winter; crossings can be rough.
- Island hopping does not affect your 90/180 days: all islands are in Schengen.
Our verdict
Make one island trip a month part of your winter. See Best Canary Island to Spend the Winter.