If you’re tired of chilly European winters and crave sunshine, mild temperatures, and beautiful beaches without spending a fortune, the Canary Islands are one of the best winter sun escapes you can find in February.
Why the Canary Islands Are a Great Winter Escape
The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, offer a subtropical climate year‑round, meaning much warmer weather in winter than most of continental Europe. In February, while much of Europe shivers, the islands still enjoy pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
Typical February Weather
- Daytime temperatures: around 18–23 °C (64–73 °F) on most islands.
- Nighttime temperatures: cooler, often around 15 °C (59 °F).
- Sea temperature: approximately 20 °C (68 °F), which many travelers find comfortable for a brisk swim.
This mild climate makes the Canary Islands one of the few winter beach destinations in Europe where you can enjoy sunbathing, beach walks and even swimming — at least for those comfortable with ocean water around 20 °C.
What to Expect on the Beaches in February
While it’s not 30 °C weather, the Canary Islands produce reliable warmth compared to the cold winter of mainland Europe. Enjoy sun‑soaked beaches and outdoor activities with fewer crowds than in summer.
Budget‑Friendly Travel Tips
Visiting in February — classic low season after the holidays — means many ways to save on flights, accommodation and activities:
✈️ Flights
- Off‑season flights to the Canary Islands can be significantly cheaper than summer, especially from cities with low‑cost carriers (like Ryanair or easyJet).
🏨 Accommodation
- Hotels, apartments and villas in February often cost half of summer peak prices.
- You can find budget stays from ~€40–€80 per night depending on island and location.
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eating local meals (tapas, fish, papas arrugadas) can be very affordable year‑round.
- Local markets and small restaurants are great options for budget dining.
What to Do Besides Sunbathing
The Canary Islands offer plenty beyond beach time, perfect for a mid‑winter adventure:
Explore Nature
- Teide National Park (Tenerife) — volcanic landscapes and hiking trails.
- Dunas de Maspalomas (Gran Canaria) — iconic golden dunes.
Outdoor Activities
- Snorkeling & Diving: the clear Atlantic waters have vibrant marine life in many coves.
- Surfing & Paddleboarding: particularly good on Fuerteventura’s beaches.
Urban & Cultural Sites
- Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) & Santa Cruz (Tenerife) offer historic centres, markets and local cuisine.
Packing Tips for February Travel
Even with warm days, evenings can be cooler…especially away from the beach:
- Light layers (T‑shirts, long sleeves)
- A light jacket or hoodie for nights
- Swimwear & beach essentials
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
Best Beaches and Regions
Fuerteventura — Endless Sandy Beaches
Top Beaches
- Playa del Matorral (Morro Jable): Calm waters, long sandy stretch perfect for walks
- Corralejo & Grandes Playas: Vast dunes and golden sands, ideal for photography
- Playa del Bajo de la Burra (“Popcorn Beach”): Unique volcanic rock formations
How to Get There
- Fly to Fuerteventura Airport (FUE)
- Ferries from Lanzarote or Tenerife are available if island-hopping
Hotels Near Beaches
- Barceló Corralejo Bay – Adults Only
- Address: Av. Corralejo Grandes Playas, 12, 35660 Corralejo, Las Palmas, Spain
- Overview: Stylish adults-only hotel with pool and direct beach access
- Website: Barcelo Corralejo Bay
- BLUESEA Corralejo Village
- Address: C. Marcelino Camacho Abad, 3, 35660 Corralejo, Las Palmas, Spain
- Overview: Family-friendly, short walk to beach and shops, budget option
- Website: BLUESEA Corralejo Village
- Hotel LIVVO Corralejo Beach
- Address: C. Victor Grau Bassas, 1, 35660 Corralejo, Las Palmas, Spain
- Overview: Large hotel with comfort, near beach and town amenities
- Website: Hotel LIVVO Corralejo Beach
- H10 Ocean Suites
- Address: C. Las Palmeras, 1, 35660 Corralejo, Las Palmas, Spain
- Overview: Modern suite-style hotel near promenade and beach
- Website: H10 Ocean Suites
- Hotel Riu Oliva Beach Resort
- Address: Av. Corralejo Grandes Playas, s/n, 35660 Corralejo, Las Palmas, Spain
- Overview: Large all-inclusive resort right on Grandes Playas
- Website: Riu Oliva Beach Resort
Insider Tips
- Rent a car for hidden beaches
- Visit in the morning when winds are lighter
- Sunset views at Corralejo dunes are magical
Tenerife — Iconic Beaches + Adventure
Top Beaches
- Playa de Las Teresitas: Golden sands, calm waters, perfect for sunbathing
- Playa Jardín (Puerto de la Cruz): Landscaped beach with palm trees
- Playa de la Arena: Black sand beach with a relaxed vibe
How to Get There
- Fly to Tenerife South (TFS) or Tenerife North (TFN)
- Car rental recommended; public buses available
Hotels Near Beaches
- Catalonia Oro Negro (Playa de la Arena)
- Address: Ctra. General Santiago del Teide, s/n, 38680 Playa de la Arena, Spain
- Overview: Mid-range hotel with direct beach access
- Website: Catalonia Oro Negro
Insider Tips
- Split stay south/north for sunny beaches + nature
- Combine beach days with Teide National Park hikes
Gran Canaria — Urban & Natural Beaches
Top Beaches
- Playa de Las Canteras: Urban beach with promenade and restaurants
- Playa del Inglés: Vibrant beach with nightlife and water sports
- Anfi del Mar / Arguineguín: Quiet beaches ideal for snorkeling
How to Get There
- Fly to Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)
- Car rental recommended for beach hopping
Hotels Near Beaches
- Hotel NH Las Palmas Playa Las Canteras
- Address: C. Prudencio Morales, 41, 35009 Las Palmas, Spain
- Overview: Modern hotel steps from the beach
- Website: NH Las Palmas Playa Las Canteras
- Hotel Aloe Canteras
- Address: C. de los Gofiones, 2, 35008 Las Palmas, Spain
- Overview: Budget-friendly, very close to the beach
- Website: Hotel Aloe Canteras
- Sercotel Playa Canteras
- Address: C. Portugal, 68, 35010 Las Palmas, Spain
- Overview: Mid-range option near promenade and beach
- Website: Sercotel Playa Canteras
- Exe Las Palmas
- Address: C/ Sagasta, 28, 35008 Las Palmas, Spain
- Overview: Budget hotel central, near Las Canteras Beach
- Website: Exe Las Palmas
- Sercotel Parque Las Palmas
- Address: C. Mlle. Las Palmas, 2, 35003 Las Palmas, Spain
- Overview: Budget-friendly hotel near city center and beach
- Website: Sercotel Parque Las Palmas
Insider Tips
- Stay within 5–10 minutes walk from Las Canteras promenade
- Public bus tours can reach more remote beaches if you don’t rent a car
While the Canary Islands don’t reach tropical 30 °C in winter, they offer the warmest beaches in Europe, mild weather, and plenty of sun, making them the perfect budget-friendly winter escape.
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