Sailing holidays in the Canary Islands: tips, routes & best time to travel

Why a sailing holiday in the Canary Islands is perfect

The Canary Islands are a year-round sailing destination. Whether you're just trying out sailing for the first time or already have experience crossing the Atlantic, everyone will find the perfect route here.
Temperatures: daytime between 20–26 °C, nighttime rarely below 18 °C
Wind: Trade winds blow steadily from the northeast; calmer in summer, more vigorous in winter
Landscape: Volcanic coasts, idyllic bays and lively harbors
The combination of stable weather, well-developed marinas and diverse islands makes the Canary Islands one of the most popular sailing areas in Europe.

Best time to travel for your sailing trip

The Canary Islands offer good conditions all year round, but vary slightly depending on the season:
October–April: The trade winds are stronger, creating sporty sailing conditions. Temperatures remain pleasantly mild, ideal for longer crossings or training trips for experienced sailors.
May–September: The winds are calmer, the water slightly warmer, perfect conditions for beginners or leisurely cruises.
Tip: The quieter summer months are particularly suitable for beginners, while experienced sailors appreciate the winter months for sporting challenges.

Popular sailing routes in the Canary Islands

Coastal trips for beginners
If you are new to sailing, you should stick to short stretches of coast.
Popular routes:
Tenerife → La Gomera → La Palma
Distances of a few nautical miles between the islands
Quiet bays and sheltered harbors for relaxed mooring
These routes offer the opportunity to collect your first nautical miles, get to know the boat and discover the islands from the water in a relaxed manner.

Island hopping & Atlantic crossings for advanced sailors
For experienced sailors, longer crossings between the islands are worthwhile:
Lanzarote → Fuerteventura → Gran Canaria
Longer stages and stronger winds
Ideal for sporty sailors or mile trips
Navigation skills are required here, and the winds provide more adrenaline on the water.

Is sailing in the Canary Islands challenging?

The Canary Islands offer varied but manageable conditions.
Coastal routes around Tenerife, La Gomera or Lanzarote are ideal for beginners.

Longer island crossings with stronger trade winds are somewhat more demanding and offer sporting challenges for experienced sailors.
This makes the sailing area in the Canary Islands suitable for all skill levels .

How consistent are the winds in the Canary Islands?

The trade winds blow from the northeast all year round.
Winter: stronger, ideal for sporty sailors
Summer: quieter, perfect for beginners and relaxed trips

The stable winds ensure that you will find great sailing conditions regardless of the season, only the intensity varies slightly.

Conclusion

A sailing holiday in the Canary Islands combines adventure, relaxation, and nature. Whether you're a beginner or have already sailed many miles, the islands offer perfect conditions, varied routes, and unforgettable experiences.
Plan now: Book your sailing holiday in the Canary Islands and discover the islands from the water – with an experienced skipper and professional crew.