Sun, Sea, and Something More: Why German Tourists Are Flocking to the Canary Islands

It's early morning on Playa de las Canteras in Gran Canaria, and the beach is already alive. A pair of joggers glide along the promenade while an elderly couple, armed with sun hats and walking poles, heads toward the shoreline. The scent of fresh café con leche wafts from a nearby café. For many German travellers, this is more than just a holiday. The Canary Islands are a second home.

Germany has long had a love affair with the Canary Islands. According to official tourism figures, nearly 2.5 million Germans visited the Spanish archipelago in 2023 alone, making them one of the largest groups of international visitors. And it's not hard to see why.

A Year-Round Paradise

Located off the northwest coast of Africa, the Canary Islands offer an eternal spring. With temperatures averaging 20-28°C all year, they provide a sun-soaked escape from grey winters and unpredictable German summers. While Mallorca or the Baltic coast can suffer from seasonal limitations, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura remain reliably warm -- even in January.

"There's no real off-season," says Andrea Schulz, a travel agent from Cologne. "German travellers want good weather, nature, and value for money. The Canaries check all three boxes."

A Home Away from Home

German influence on the islands is unmistakable. In parts of Puerto de la Cruz or Maspalomas, you'll find bakeries selling Schwarzbrot and cafés serving Kaffee und Kuchen. German-language newspapers are sold at corner kiosks, and many locals speak at least basic German, especially in tourist-heavy areas.

For retirees, the appeal goes even deeper. A growing number of Germans are choosing to spend their winters -- or even retire -- in the Canary Islands. The cost of living is lower than in most parts of Germany, healthcare is accessible, and the infrastructure is excellent. The relaxed pace of life and health benefits of warm, dry air also attract those with respiratory or joint issues.

Nature for Every Taste

Each island offers a distinct character. Tenerife is crowned by Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak, and boasts lush forests in the north. Gran Canaria is known for its diverse microclimates -- a drive from the dunes of Maspalomas to the pine-covered peaks of Roque Nublo takes less than two hours.

Fuerteventura appeals to windsurfers and beach lovers with its endless golden sands and Atlantic winds. Meanwhile, Lanzarote stuns visitors with its lunar landscapes and César Manrique's surreal architecture blending seamlessly into the volcanic earth.

For hiking enthusiasts, La Palma (nicknamed "La Isla Bonita") and La Gomera offer dramatic trails through ancient laurel forests and along volcanic ridges. "The variety is staggering," says Dieter Kraus, a retiree from Hamburg who's visited all seven main islands. "It's like having a miniature continent -- each island is its own world."

Local Culture with Spanish Warmth

While the islands are politically Spanish, their culture has developed in relative isolation, resulting in traditions and food that differ even from mainland Spain. Festivals like Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife rival Rio's for flamboyance, and local dishes -- like papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, or gofio -- reflect the islands' agricultural past.

Germans often appreciate the laid-back attitude of island life. Shops close for siesta, dinner rarely begins before 8pm, and family is central to social life. It can be an adjustment for punctual Northern Europeans -- but it's also part of the charm.

Travel Made Easy

Low-cost carriers such as Eurowings, Condor, and Ryanair offer direct flights from major German cities to every Canary Island, often for under EUR100 return. There's no need for a visa or currency exchange -- Spain is in the EU and eurozone.

Accommodation ranges from all-inclusive resorts to rural fincas and apartment rentals, many of which cater directly to German preferences, including German-language TV, bedding, and even newspapers.

Beyond the Beach

Increasingly, tourists are exploring beyond the standard beach holiday. German travel companies now offer wellness retreats, yoga workshops, cycling tours, and even language holidays in the Canary Islands. Sustainability is also growing in importance, with many German visitors choosing eco-friendly stays and guided tours of national parks or local farms.

"We noticed our guests wanted more than just a deck chair and buffet," says Ana Morales, who runs a finca near Yaiza, Lanzarote. "Many are asking about organic food, hiking routes, and how to experience real island culture. Germans are curious -- and respectful -- travellers."

The Verdict

With their blend of stunning landscapes, reliable weather, and cultural accessibility, the Canary Islands continue to charm German tourists year after year. Whether you're escaping a Berlin winter, planning a family getaway, or dreaming of a place to retire, the islands offer more than just sun -- they offer a sense of belonging.

As Dieter Kraus puts it: "You come for the sunshine, but you stay for the feeling. It's the one place that's always warm -- in weather, and in welcome."