Canary Islands holiday in August? What to see and do

Are you planning holidays in Canary Islands in August for your holidays? Let's say it right away... the month of August is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the sun, sea and vibrant culture of the Canary Islands, with warm temperatures (25-30°C) and long days.

But what to do in the Canary Islands in August and what to see in the Canary Islands in August to make your trip unforgettable?

From golden beaches from Fuerteventura to volcanoes from Tenerife, this Spanish archipelago, located a stone's throw from Africa, offers experiences for all tastes. In this article, we'll guide you through the best activities not to miss for a Canary Islands holiday in August, including travel deals, practical advice, a fun fact, and tips for dealing with the summer heat. Discover how to best enjoy your Canary Islands summer!

Why book a holiday to the Canary Islands in August?

August It is the warm heart of the Canary Islands summer, with a subtropical climate which guarantees sun and pleasant temperatures. First of all, the Canaries offer a unique variety: beaches, volcanoes, forests and lively cities, all accessible in a compact archipelago. Furthermore, August is full of festivals and cultural events, perfect for immersing yourself in local life. For example, the summer heat invites you to enjoy the beach, but the Calima (Saharan dust) can occasionally affect the climate. With the right planning, your Canary Islands holiday in August will be a success.

But let's not waste any more time… Let's find out what to do and see in the Canary Islands in August!

What to do in the Canary Islands in August: the best activities

1. What to do in the Canary Islands in August: the best activities

The Canary Islands boast some of Europe's most spectacular beaches, perfect for August. Here are the best for your Canary Islands holiday this August:

• Playa de Las Teresitas, TenerifeGolden sand and calm waters, ideal for families (sunbed rental: around 10 euros/day).
• Playa de Maspalomas, Gran CanariaIconic dunes and breathtaking sunsets, with nearby bars (mojitos: 6-8 euros).
• Playa de Sotavento, Fuerteventura: Natural lagoons for windsurfing (courses: 50-80 euros/day).
• Papagayo Beach, LanzaroteTurquoise bay for snorkeling (parking: 3 euros).

2. Volcanic excursions

August is perfect for exploring volcanoes, with long days and clear skies. Here are three must-do activities:

• Teide National Park, Tenerife: Trekking to the highest volcano in Spain (3718 m). Guided excursion to Teide: approximately 50-70 euros, cable car: 30 euros return.
• Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote: Bus tour through lunar landscapes (20 euros) or free trekking with reservation.
• Caldera de Taburiente, La Palma: Nature trails (guided tour: 60-80 euros).

Bring hiking boots and water, and check Calima alerts on AEMET.

3. Water sports

The Canary Islands are a true paradise for water sports in summer. For example, in Fuerteventura, try kitesurfing in Sotavento (lessons: 50-80 euros/day); in Lanzarote, snorkeling in Papagayo is free with your own equipment; and in Tenerife, jet skiing in Playa de las Américas costs about 30 euros for 15 minutes. Simply put, August offers ideal conditions for these activities in the Canary Islands, with warm waters and steady winds.

4. Festivals and cultural events

August is packed with events. Among the things to see in the Canary Islands in August:

• Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria, Tenerife (15 August)Processions and shows in Candelaria, with free fireworks.
• Fiesta de San Ginés, Lanzarote: Celebrations in Arrecife with music and markets (free admission).
• Romería de San Roque, Gran Canaria: Traditional festival in Agüimes, with dancing and local food (e.g. sancocho, 10-12 euros).

Video Holidays in the Canary Islands in August

Helpful tips from Selvaggia and Luca of the Toda Canarias Travel Agency

If you want to save money on your trip to the Canary Islands in August, book early! But if you haven't had time to book in advance...don't worry! Contact us to organize a last-minute trip to the Canary Islands in August! Of course, our prices are standard for high season...but trust us...it will be money well spent!

What to see in the Canary Islands in August: must-see attractions

1. Teide National Park, Tenerife

Mount Teide is a must-see for a Canary Islands holiday in August. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers trails for all levels and spectacular views. The cable car takes you almost to the top (book in advance, 30 euros). August is ideal for stargazing, with guided tours (around 40-60 euros).

2. Maspalomas dunes, Gran Canaria

The Maspalomas dunes are a natural desert that meets the sea. A free sunset stroll is magical, with nearby restaurants offering dinner overlooking the dunes (€15-25/person). Perfect for what to see in the Canary Islands in August.

3. Jameos del Agua, Lanzarote

Work of the artist César Manrique, This volcanic cave transformed into a cultural space is a highlight. Admission costs about 10 euros, and in August it hosts evening concerts. A unique experience for the Canary Islands summer.

4. Garajonay National Park, La Gomera

The laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a refreshing oasis in August. Free trails or guided tours (€30-50) take you among ancient trees. It's the perfect escape from the heat.

Travel offers to the Canary Islands in August?

August is high season, but there are travel deals to the Canary Islands in August for all budgets. Here are some potential options for your Canary Islands August vacation:

• All-inclusive packagesTour operators such as Toda Canarias offer flight + hotel packages to Tenerife or Gran Canaria (7 nights, 4 stars, 800-1400 euros/person, breakfast included with early bookings).
• Low-cost flightsAirlines such as Ryanair or Vueling offer flights from Milan or Rome to Tenerife or Gran Canaria (200-400 euros return, booking 2-3 months in advance).
• Cheap holiday apartments in the Canary Islands: In Fuerteventura or Lanzarote, studios on platforms such as Traveling to the Canary Islands, Idealist or Airbnb cost 70-120 euros/night for 2 people (if you book in advance).
• Discounted excursionsBook group tours to Teide or Timanfaya on GetYourGuide (€40-60, discounts for early bookings). To save, book by May and choose less touristy islands like La Gomera or El Hierro. Sites like Tenerife Excursions they report summer promotions.

A curious anecdote: the dance under the Calima

Here you are a story which makes special Canary Islands holidays in August: in 2019, during a Calima in August, a group of tourists in Playa de las Américas (Tenerife) he organized a dance improvised on the beach under an orange sky. A musician local he joined with his guitar, And The scene attracted dozens of people, turning a dusty day into a memorable celebration.. Videos of the event went viral, and today locals remember that "Calima dance" as a symbol of Canarian joy. You could experience a similar moment during your Canary Island August activities!

Practical tips for your Canary Islands holidays in August

How to deal with the heat and the Calima

August is hot (25-30°C), and the Calima can bring temperatures up to 35°C and dust. Bring sunscreen (SPF 50, about 10 euros), sunglasses, and an FFP2 mask (1-2 euros) in case of intense calima. Drink plenty of water and opt for indoor activities (e.g., museums, 5-10 euros) during the peak calima.

How to get around

• Flights to the Canary Islands: Direct flights from Milan or Rome (200-400 euros) with Ryanair or Vueling. Inter-island flights with Binter Canarias (70-120 euros).
• Ferries: Fred Olsen Express connects the islands (e.g. Tenerife-Gran Canaria, 30-60 euros).
• Car: Car rental in the Canary Islands (37-67 euros/day when booking in advance) to explore freely.

Where to stay

Choose hotels like the Bahía Príncipe Tenerife (€215-290/night) for families or apartments in Fuerteventura (€70-110/night) for lower budgets. Book early for August, the high season. Read more Where to sleep in the Canary Islands .

Hypothetical costs

• Flight Italy-Canary Islands: 190-370 euros
• Inter-island ferry: 40-90 euros
• Car rental: 30-50 euros/day
• Dinner at the restaurant: 25-55 euros/person
• Guided excursion: 40-80 euros
• Attraction entrance: 12-39 euros.

Advantages and disadvantages of holidays in the Canary Islands in August

Advantages

• Perfect climateWarm temperatures and long days for beach and activities.
• Cultural events: Festivals such as the Virgen de la Candelaria liven up the summer.
• Variety: Beaches, volcanoes, and cities offer experiences for everyone.

Disadvantages

• Crowds: August is high season, with crowded beaches and attractions.
• Calima: Saharan dust days are possible, manageable with precautions.
• Costs: Hotel and flight prices are higher than in the low season.

But finally… are the Canary Islands the right choice for a beach holiday in August?

In conclusion…YES! Choosing to book a holiday in the Canary Islands in August is definitely the right choice!

Holidays in the Canary Islands in August offer a mix of sea, nature, and culture. With activities like trekking on Mount Teide, relaxing in Maspalomas, or attending local festivals, there's always something to do and see in the Canary Islands in August. Take advantage of the travel deals to the Canary Islands in August and enjoy an unforgettable experience.

For further details, please visit our dedicated page trips to the Canary Islands and plan your summer adventure now!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!