Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are an archipelago of seven volcanic islands lying in the Atlantic roughly 100NM off the northwest coast of Africa. Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro each have distinct landscapes and character, from the black lava fields of Lanzarote to the dense forests of La Palma and the towering summit of Mount Teide on Tenerife. Inter-island passages are typically a day's sail, with the northeast trade winds providing reliable downwind conditions for much of the year.

The islands are one of the principal staging areas for Atlantic crossings, with Las Palmas on Gran Canaria serving as the main yachting hub and the traditional departure point for the ARC and other transatlantic rallies. Marina infrastructure is well developed on Gran Canaria and Tenerife, with smaller but serviceable facilities on the remaining islands.

Off the north tip of Lanzarote, the islet of La Graciosa is home to Muséo Atlántico, an underwater sculpture park by artist Jason deCaires Taylor. Montaña Amarilla is a volcanic cone with views over the anchorage and back to Lanzarote. On Lanzarote itself, Parque Nacional de Timanfaya covers the lava fields produced by eruptions between 1730 and 1736, a landscape of coloured craters and geothermally active ground.

On Gran Canaria, Maspalomas Dunes is a protected nature reserve of around 400 hectares at the southern tip of the island, where sand dunes meet a coastal lagoon. Roque Nublo is a 67-metre volcanic rock at the centre of the island with views across the interior.

Parque Nacional del Teide on Tenerife is a UNESCO World Heritage Site centred on Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak at 3,718 metres, with an extensive volcanic landscape of lava flows and rock formations.

On La Gomera, Parque Nacional de Garajonay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting an ancient laurel forest covering much of the island's interior highlands, frequently mist-covered and home to endemic species. Roque Iguala is a volcanic dive site with sponge-covered underwater structures and varied marine life.

On El Hierro, Natural swimming pool La Caleta and Playa de Tacorón are natural coastal swim and snorkel sites with clear water and reef structure. The La Llanía Route is a circular walk through cliff-top terrain and humid forest.

On La Palma, Parque Nacional de la Caldera de Taburiente is a wide volcanic caldera at the centre of the island with steep ridges and pine forest. Los Llanos de Aridane has a well-preserved historic centre with balconied streets.

Wind acceleration zones form between islands producing significantly stronger conditions than the surrounding open water.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Las Palmas ★ 4.7 Gran Canaria A mix of anchoring experiences exists. Reviewers mention good holding with a mud and fine sand bottom, but caution about potential chain issues from rocks. The marina facilities are accessible for a fee, though cleanliness is a concern.
	Playa Francesa, La Graciosa ★ 4.5 Lanzarote Anchorage features good holding and is well protected against prevailing winds. Many visitors experience friendly interactions with park rangers, though no one checks for permits. The scenery is stunning and the water clarity is excellent for anchoring.
	Montana Roja ★ 4.3 Tenerife The anchorage offers solid holding and ample space, providing good protection from northeast winds. Many visitors appreciated the easy access for dinghy landings and the scenic hiking opportunities nearby. Some noted occasional swell, particularly in specific wind conditions.
	Playa Venequera ★ 4.3 Gran Canaria Anchoring conditions are generally favorable with good holding noted in multiple Reviews. The area can experience some rolling swells, particularly in the afternoons. Accessibility to the beach varies, with one end of the beach being less affected by waves.
	Playa de la Gancha ★ 4.3 La Gomera Conditions at the anchorage can include significant gusts from the land. Landing the dinghy may be challenging due to wet conditions. A nearby hike to town is appreciated by visitors.
	Valle del Gran Rey ★ 4.1 La Gomera The anchorage features good holding on sand at depths of 8 to 14 meters. Strong gusts can occur, especially with winds rolling down cliffs. Limited water availability and nearby amenities are mentioned, along with concerns about swells affecting comfort.
	Anfi del Mar ★ 4.1 Gran Canaria The anchorage enjoys good protection from swell with sandy bottoms providing reliable holding. Visitors noted occasional noise during weekends and busy conditions from ferries and water activities. Accessibility to nearby amenities is eased by local restaurants and markets.
	Ensenada de Zapata ou de Antequera ★ 4.0 Tenerife Anchoring is challenging in places with a thin layer of sand over rocky bottoms. Visitors may experience significant gusts, particularly in northerly winds, so ample anchor chain is recommended. Expect a lack of cell reception and a tranquil environment.
	Playa del Pozo ★ 4.0 Lanzarote Anchoring at this site can be challenging due to rocky conditions and potential for anchor entanglement, as multiple visitors reported difficulty retrieving anchors. Protection from northeast winds is excellent, though northwest swell can be an issue. Access to the beach can be hazardous with substantial shore dump.
	Cala de Las Playitas ★ 4.0 Fuerteventura Holding is generally excellent in various conditions, with good shelter noted. Access to a nearby pier allows for easy disembarkation to the town, which features amenities like a grocery store and restaurants. Strong winds can create uncomfortable conditions at times.

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Marinas

	Puerto de Mogan ★ 4.6 Gran Canaria Berth availability requires advance booking, especially in peak season. The marina staff is helpful, and amenities are accessible, yet onboarding can be challenging due to tight fairways. Visitors recommend being prepared for low tide when docked at the wall.
	Marina Santa Cruz TENERIFE - Canaries ★ 4.6 Tenerife Clean and well-managed restrooms are available, with friendly and helpful staff noted by multiple visitors. Proximity to the city enhances the stay, though booking may be challenging due to price discrepancies. Some complaints about noise and smell were also mentioned.
	San Sebastian de La Gomera ★ 4.4 La Gomera The marina features friendly staff and clean facilities. Visitors appreciated the adequate laundry services and included utilities. The surrounding area boasts easy access to local shops and bus transportation, enhancing the overall experience.
	Marina de Las Palmas - Puerto de La Luz ★ 4.3 Gran Canaria Price is a key highlight, with rates considered very affordable by visitors. Dining options and chandleries are conveniently close. Staff interactions can vary, and there are procedural aspects, such as anchoring before checking in.
	Puerto de la Estaca ★ 4.3 El Hierro Puerto de la Estaca features a secure marina with excellent shelter. Notable amenities include hot showers and basic facilities, but the village nearby is very quiet. For provisions, visitors must head to Valverde, approximately 6 km away, with infrequent bus service.

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Boat services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Chandlers

	Nautica El Chopo ★ 5.0 La Palma The shop offers a wide range of items, with a focus on fishing gear. Visitors have reported it as well-stocked and appreciated the friendly, helpful staff. Access to diverse products is noted as a key advantage.
No image	Nautica El Gallego - Chandlery ★ 5.0 Gran Canaria The chandlery is well equipped, featuring a friendly staff. Reviews highlight the organized arrangement and overall positive experience of visitors. It operates regularly and seems to be a reliable resource for supplies.
	Nordest ★ 5.0 Tenerife Rigging services are offered at Nordest with the owner demonstrating dedication to sourcing materials promptly. The owner is multilingual and often working off-site, encouraging contact via WhatsApp to confirm shop hours. Availability has been noted consistently across Reviews.
	SH Duarte ★ 5.0 Lanzarote An impressive selection of marine supplies is available, with good prices compared to mail order. Visitors have noted helpful staff and an extensive stock, even behind the shelves. Overall efficiency and pricing appear favorable based on multiple Reviews.
	Inox Navale ★ 5.0 Lanzarote A large chandlery supplies various hardware and tools, including stainless stock. Visitors may need to inquire about additional items as not all stock is displayed. A notable selection is available, although some specific sizes may be out of stock.

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Useful yacht clearance links:

Yacht clearance reviews

The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in Spain: