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Marek Bron reveals which island offers the ideal spot for stargazing and identifies the optimal time to visit.
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READ MORE: I ditched my kids to go on a solo holiday and don’t have mum guilt
In 2024, approximately 6.3 million British travelers visited the Canary Islands.
And that’s hardly surprising.
Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant parties of Tenerife or the dramatic volcanoes of Lanzarote, this Atlantic island chain promises abundant attractions.
Where can you find an off-the-beaten-path destination? Which island boasts the most welcoming inhabitants? And what region do you wish to exclude from your travel wishlist?
Here to address all these queries and many others is Marek Bron, the travel expert from the
Indie Traveller
who has explored the islands for three months and has been to all of them except El Hierro.
The most underrated island
Marek, who hails from the
Netherlands
However, he currently resides in Lisbon and shares that one of his two favorite islands remains less explored by tourists.
He states: “I enjoy genuine spots that tend to be more peaceful, which is why I genuinely appreciate La Gomera. It’s undoubtedly one of the most overlooked destinations and truly a stunning secret oasis.”
La Gomera is the second smallest island in the archipelago and lies offshore from Tenerife.
It’s quite astonishing how near La Gomera is to the most popular area of the Canary Islands, which is southern Tenerife,” remarks Marek. “A brief ferry trip can take you to La Gomera; however, due to the scarcity of level ground on the island, large urban centers have not been developed there.
‘So it naturally means it’s on a smaller scale and it has very dramatic scenery. I loved staying in B&B’s there and exploring the island by rental car. It has these very lush forests that feel like rainforests and they’re amazing for hiking.’
La Gomera boasts the highest density of forests among the Canary Islands and features a UNESCO World Heritage site: the Garajonay National Park. This park is home to ancient laurel trees and numerous subtropical plant species.
The ideal island for observing stars
Another favorite of Marek’s among the Canary Islands is La Palma. This island experienced a
volcanic eruption in 2021
It ranks as the fifth largest among the Canary Islands.
The travel expert states: “The hiking experience there is exceptional, possibly the finest among all the islands, and it boasts designation as a dark sky reserve.”
My fiancé and I explored a celestial tour led by an astronomer at this location. The place offers stunningly clear night skies, with designated areas for stargazing. It’s absolutely breathtaking to be on such a picturesque island.
The most surprising island
One of the most frequented islands in the Canary Islands is Gran Canaria, where the bulk of visitors go mainly to bask on its shores.
However, Marek discloses that escaping the coastline and venturing into the interior offers a chance to discover an unconventional aspect of the island.
According to the seasoned traveler: “These charming mountain hamlets offer slightly brisker air and stunning ridge lines where you can witness the sunrise.”
‘Laser Pink of Grand Canary Island, the capital city, features several remarkable historical structures, making it an enjoyable spot for nightlife and dining experiences.’
The destination to avoid
Marek states that “each island has its own charm,” yet he confesses that Tenerife is the one among the Canary Islands he likes the least.
He clarifies: “Being the most frequented island, the southern part of Tenerife has become quite commercialized.”
It’s ideal for an all-inclusive vacation, yet I found it to be the least captivating region. The traffic was quite heavy, adding stress to driving in the area.
Tenerife boasts stunning vistas; however, certain urbanized zones exhibit disorganized development. Low-rise structures may abruptly give way to clusters of high-rise apartment blocks, which seem out of place among their surroundings. The island can feel quite confined due to extensive construction in many areas.
The island known for its welcoming inhabitants
La Gomera has won again according to the travel expert.
I particularly recall the locals,” shares Marek. “The individuals we encountered in stores and eateries seemed somewhat more relaxed and spent more time with us compared to those on the more crowded islands.
‘They showed interest in how our day was progressing and their presence made it truly pleasant to be there.’
Although Marek claims he never met unwelcoming individuals in the Canary Islands regardless of the
recent anti-tourist protests
He mentions that life felt more hurried in Tenerife.
He states: “Several stunning vantage points can be found there, but securing a parking space requires some effort as people tend to compete fiercely. Individuals were quite aggressive in their attempt to claim the last available spot.”
The ideal time to visit the Canary Islands
Marek suggests that winter is undoubtedly the prime season to explore the Canary Islands.
There aren’t many European locations where you can experience spring-like conditions and escape the chill during winter quite like in the Canary Islands,” he shares. “The climate is ideal at that time of year. While summer is pleasant too, there are far more choices for destinations in the summertime.
Want to learn more from Marek? Check out additional travel tips and insights on his blog.
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