Julia Chubarova – Travel blog

Many people told me that Tenerife is much better than Gran Canaria, so we decided to fly in and check it out. Do not judge strictly my comparison. I was in Gran Canaria 8 times, in Tenerife 4 days.

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If you interested in other places on the island, following this link you will find plenty of useful information.

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Tourist locations:

On both islands, the north is a large city with proper infrastructure. In Tenerife, Santa Cruz, and in Gran Canaria, Las Palmas. By the way, the capital of the Canaries is constantly moving from one island to another, so that no one is offended.

The south of the islands is given over to tourists. In Gran Canaria, the most popular resort is Maspalomas. In Tenerife – Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje.

I must say right away that Tenerife has a clear victory in terms of tourism infrastructure. In the south of the island there are more family hotels with territory and more entertainment than in Gran Canaria.

I also noticed a lot of people in wheelchairs in Tenerife. I assume that there is a good infrastructure for low mobility citizens. So take note.

Attractions:

Tenerife has more interesting places for tourists. The landscape of the island is very diverse. Anaga tropical jungle in the north, black rocks in the south. In the center is a volcano.

In Gran Canaria, the landscapes are more monotonous.

Sport

Both islands have tennis and padel clubs. And good coaches.

Beach tennis is only available in Gran Canaria. Moreover, Las Palmas has an organized club with stable venues, training sessions and tournaments. There are also a couple of places in the city where you can come and rent a court. In Tenerife, a maximum you’ll see is a couple of vacationers playing on their net on the beach.

Beach volleyball is available on both islands. But Tenerife is the main location of Europe in winter for professionals. There are no professional volleyball players in Gran Canaria.

Amateurs play everywhere. Usually everyone comes to the beach and puts up their net. On Gran Canaria people play mainly in the north, in the capital. And in Tenerife – in the south, in the tourist part. So the question here is whether you want to live in a city, or in a tourist area.

Conditions for dogs

Tenerife is more dog-friendly. In Las Palmas dogs are not even allowed to walk along the Las Canteras promenade.

Prices

In Tenerife, it´s a little bit more expensive, but not much.

Beaches

In Tenerife, the beaches are mostly gray, in Gran Canaria the sand is golden. The most beautiful beach is Las Canteras in Gran Canaria.

Cities:

Unfortunately we haven’t been to Santa Cruz so we can’t compare it to Las Palmas. There are many disadvantages in Las Palmas: it´ very noisy, old buildings, no conditions for dogs. But on the plus side: there is a feeling that you are in a city with all the necessary infrastructure, and at the same time there is a gorgeous beach with volleyball and beach tennis.

So which island is better?

I think Tenerife is more suitable for families and hiking. Gran Canaria for long stay (as a place to spend a winter) in urban areas.

Share your opinion in the comments under a similar post on my Instagram. It will be useful to those who read the post and choose between the islands.

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