Living and Teaching English in Canary Islands

Eternal-spring weather, volcanic landscapes, beach towns, and island hops.

Canary Islands at a Glance

Canary Islands Overview

If you are thinking about teaching English in the Canary Islands, picture year-round mild weather, volcanic landscapes, and compact, walkable cities with easy beach access. The archipelago’s seven main islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro) has a population of around 2.24M, with most residents concentrated on Tenerife and Gran Canaria. You’ll find a range of city vibes, from Las Palmas with its lively coastal energy and urban surf to Santa Cruz–La Laguna for history and student life, plus smaller, slower-paced hubs like Arrecife and Puerto del Rosario.

Daily life is relaxed and outdoorsy: café con leche mornings, market runs, and afternoons that turn into promenades, city beaches, or mountain miradors. You’ll get around by foot and local buses or trams, then island-hop by ferry or short flight for weekend variety. Summers are sunny and dry, winters are gentle with a bit more breeze and occasional rain, and higher elevations like Teide or La Palma can feel surprisingly cool at night.

Why People Love Canary Islands

“I got married in the Canary Islands in 2017 and have since spent a lot of time! I love the islands, the pace of life, how peaceful the place is. There is nothing better than having a beach completely to yourself watching a sunrise or sunset. And the food! Incredible.”

Harrison, RVF Founder

“Fuerteventura (Canary Islands) isn’t just a place I’ve visited; it’s my home in every sense of the word. My entire childhood was shaped by its volcanic landscapes and golden sand, swimming in the ocean almost every single day. It’s where my oldest and best friends still live, a place woven into the fabric of who I am. It holds my most incredible memories and is defined by its amazing people.”

Alejandra, RVF Team

“Visiting Gran Canaria and Tenerife felt like stepping into another world, the landscapes are so diverse, it’s hard to believe you’re still in Spain. From volcanic terrain to lush forests and black sand beaches, the Canary Islands offer a truly unique experience, I really love the Canary islands!”

Lourdes, RVF Team

“The Canary Islands is my favorite part of Spain! They feel like eternal summer — volcanic landscapes, black-sand beaches, and star-filled skies. There’s a sense of calm and adventure all at once. The people are warm and open, and their accent is beautiful!”

Petter, RVF Team

Local Culture & Attractions

Teide National Park

Volcanic Vineyards in Lanzarote

Maspalomas Dunes

Carnaval in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Timanfaya’s lava landscapes and seaside calas

Where to Live in Canary Islands

Las Palmas – Guanarteme/La Cícer: urban surf by Las Canteras, cafés, lively at night.
Las Palmas – Triana/Vegueta: historic lanes, markets, walk-everywhere core.
Santa Cruz – Centro/La Salle: city conveniences, tram links, quick ferry access.
La Laguna (Tenerife): student vibe, UNESCO old town, cooler evenings.
Puerto de la Cruz (Tenerife): slower coastal pace, promenades, north-coast views.

Tip: Choose housing near your school’s bus/tram stop; inter-island moves are easy via ferry and frequent flights.

Quick Facts

Lifestyle Setting: Region — island cities (Las Palmas, Santa Cruz–La Laguna), beach towns, and rural villages; promenades, surf breaks, and volcano-to-sea day trips.
Climate: Subtropical/mild — warm, dry summers and gentle winters; trade winds moderate heat. Similar to coastal Southern California (San Diego) for feel, with microclimates by altitude/exposure.
Community Feel: International & local — welcoming resident communities, strong student and hospitality scenes, lots of outdoor-minded expats.

Cost Snapshot

Population: ~2.24M across the islands (2024). Comparable to New Mexico or the Cincinnati metro.
Famous For: Teide National Park, black-sand and golden beaches, Carnival of Santa Cruz, volcanic cuisine and wines.
Travel: Multiple international airports — Gran Canaria (LPA), Tenerife Sur (TFS), Tenerife Norte (TFN), Lanzarote (ACE), Fuerteventura (FUE), La Palma (SPC) — with record passenger volumes in 2024/25; extensive inter-island ferries.

Top 3 Can’t-Miss Experiences

Teide National Park (Tenerife)

Spain’s highest peak and otherworldly lava plains; sunset or stargazing is unforgettable.

Tip: If you plan to hike toward the summit, check the current trail access/permit rules and book your slot ahead of time, as controlled access has been tightened in recent regulations.

Maspalomas & Las Canteras (Gran Canaria)

Dune walks and an urban-beach circuit in one island.

Tip: Do dunes early for cooler temps and softer light, then head north to Las Canteras for a sunset promenade and easy dinner nearby.

Timanfaya National Park (Lanzarote)

Geyser demos and crater loops through young volcanic terrain.

Tip Go as early as you can to dodge queues, and remember the Volcano Route bus ride is typically included with entry, so plan your visit around that main loop.

🏖️ beach-city living 🌋 volcano-to-sea days 🌬️ trade-wind breezy  🌅 golden-hour promenades 🐟 tapas-by-the-port 🛳️ ferry-weekends

RVF Staff Picks

(top places staff suggests)

Corralejo Dunes Natural Park (Fuerteventura): A protected coastal desert meeting turquoise waters: Miles of white sand dunes, pristine beaches, and stunning Atlantic views toward Lobos Island. (link to Fuerteventura tourism site)
- Tip: The FV-1 road cuts directly through the park, providing easy access to pull over and walk into the dunes. Be prepared for strong sun and wind, as there is very little shade.
Fishing Village of Ajuy: offers a glimpse into a more untouched Fuerteventura with its black volcanic sand and towering cliffs.
- Tip: Walk the stunning cliffside path from Ajuy’s beach to explore the historic pirate caves, then head back to one of the simple seaside restaurants. Ordering the fresh catch of the day, grilled with local potatoes and mojo sauce, while watching the Atlantic waves crash is the perfect Fuerteventura experience, a world away from the tourist resorts.
Teide National Park (Tenerife)
Masca village
Timanfaya volcanic park (Lanzarote)