Geologically part of Africa, politically part of Spain and biogeographically part of Macaronesia, the Canary Islands are an extremely popular destination in summer, especially between May and October. But it's also worth visiting much earlier in the year: How about spending Easter in the Canary Islands this year? La Palma, Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote have a lot to offer even at the beginning of April.

The climate

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The 2024 Easter vacations fall on a very early date. This means that it may still be very cold and even snowing in mainland Europe. But things look very different off the coast of Africa. Temperatures of 25 degrees and lots of sunshine make it possible to spend a few cozy hours in the garden of a café - in a T-shirt!

Festivals and celebrations

Mario La Pergola

The Christian-influenced archipelago preserves many traditions. Here, Easter is still an important part for them. Holy Week is therefore celebrated in a correspondingly atmospheric way. This is what devout Christians call the time between Palm Sunday (this year on March 24) and Easter Monday (2024 on April 1). Spaniards call it Semana Santa, meaning holy week. There are processions in many places, for example in Vegueta. The Passion Play in Adeje on Tenerife is particularly well-known.

Easter delicacies in the Canary Islands

Believers abstain from alcohol and meat during Lent, especially in the week before Easter Monday. This makes the vegetarian delights that people indulge in all the more delicious. Fuerteventura, for example, has dedicated itself entirely to cheese made from local goat's milk. In addition to a cheese museum, the spicy Majorero cheese is, of course, available everywhere.

Peace and quiet away from the festivities

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At this time of year, many beaches and bays are deserted. They are suitable for long walks, and the particularly motivated can, of course, at least dip their toes into the sea. Detours to the Caletón Blanco on Lanzarote or the Puertito de Lobos are well worthwhile. Natural pools, for example the Charco Azul on La Palma or the Charco del Conde on La Gomera, offer a spectacular landscape.

Time for nature

Marek Piwnicki

Volcanoes such as Mount Teide and beautiful sandy beaches are quite stunning. But there are also laurel forests shrouded in mist, which lend a mystical appearance. The Laurel forest on La Gomera is particularly famous. It's the largest of its kind in the world. You should also keep an eye out for whales and dolphins at Easter in the Canary Islands. 28 species of whales and dolphins have found their home here. And even - or especially - when the (few) lights go out at night, there's another spectacle to admire. Thanks to the low light pollution, the archipelago is considered one of the three best places for stargazing in the world.