Discover the Canary Islands: A Year-Round Paradise

Discover the Canary Islands: A Year-Round Paradise

Presented by Marion Real Estate Property

Introduction

The Canary Islands (Islas Canarias) are a unique Spanish archipelago located off the northwest coast of Africa, offering one of the most favorable climates on Earth, a laid-back lifestyle, and a dynamic real estate market. Composed of seven main islands—Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro—the Canaries blend volcanic beauty with modern comforts, attracting tourists, investors, digital nomads, and retirees from around the world.

At Marion Real Estate Property, we believe the Canary Islands are more than just a travel destination—they’re a long-term lifestyle choice. Whether you’re dreaming of a beachfront villa, a modern apartment, or an eco-friendly retreat, this archipelago offers unbeatable options.


1. Geographic and Climate Advantage

The Canary Islands enjoy a subtropical spring-like climate all year round with average temperatures between 20–27°C, making them one of the best places in Europe for year-round outdoor living. Each island has its own microclimates due to its geography, but sunshine dominates across the board.

  • Tenerife: Home to Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain.

  • Gran Canaria: Known for its diverse landscapes—dunes, mountains, forests, and beaches.

  • Lanzarote: Volcanic, artistic, and eco-friendly.

  • Fuerteventura: Windswept beaches, ideal for water sports.

  • La Palma and La Gomera: Green, tranquil, and popular with nature lovers.

With over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and virtually no winter, the Canaries are ideal for permanent living, holiday homes, and tourism-based investments.


2. Culture and Lifestyle

The Canary Islands combine Spanish culture with unique island traditions, African influences, and Latin American connections, resulting in a lifestyle that is warm, open, and relaxed.

Local Life

The islands host countless festivals (fiestas), folk music events, and culinary celebrations. Locals, known as canarios, are known for their hospitality, love of life, and community spirit.

Languages & International Presence

Spanish is the official language, but English, German, and French are widely spoken in expat zones and tourist areas. Many islands have large international communities, especially:

  • British and German residents in Tenerife and Gran Canaria

  • Italian and French buyers in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura

  • Scandinavian retirees across the archipelago

Gastronomy

Local cuisine emphasises fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and unique flavours:

  • Papas arrugadas con mojo: Salted potatoes with spicy sauce

  • Gofio: A traditional flour made from toasted grains

  • Tropical wines: Particularly from Lanzarote and La Palma


3. Real Estate Market Overview

The Canary Islands present a robust and diversified real estate market, catering to a broad spectrum of buyers.

What’s Available:

  • Coastal Apartments with sea views and resort-style amenities

  • Modern Villas in private gated communities

  • Traditional Canarian Houses with historical charm

  • Eco-friendly Fincas and rural retreats

  • Urban Lofts & Condos in cities like Las Palmas and Santa Cruz

Price Ranges (2025 average estimates):

  • Tenerife: €2,300–€4,800/m² (hotspots: Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz, La Laguna)

  • Gran Canaria: €2,100–€4,200/m² (Las Palmas, Maspalomas, Agaete)

  • Lanzarote: €2,000–€3,500/m²

  • Fuerteventura: €1,800–€3,200/m²

  • La Palma & La Gomera: €1,300–€2,800/m²

Prices remain more affordable than mainland Spain’s premium regions (e.g. Costa del Sol or Balearics), yet offer comparable or higher rental yields.


4. Investment Potential

Short-Term Rentals

With tourism as a year-round economy, the demand for holiday rentals is consistently high. Many buyers operate vacation properties legally through a VV license (Vivienda Vacacional), which Marion Real Estate can help you obtain.

Long-Term Stability

Thanks to strict planning regulations and growing eco-conscious development, property values in the Canaries have remained stable and appreciating. Foreign buyers comprise up to 30% of real estate transactions in some islands, particularly in Tenerife and Lanzarote.

Golden Visa Opportunities

Non-EU buyers who invest €500,000+ in property can qualify for Spain’s Golden Visa, granting residency and travel across the Schengen Zone. This is a major draw for American, British, and Latin American investors.


5. Legal and Financial Guidance

Buying in the Canary Islands follows the same reliable legal structure as mainland Spain, but comes with some island-specific considerations.

Marion Real Estate Services Include:

  • NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) application support

  • Due diligence and property verification

  • Negotiation and contract review

  • Notary and registration assistance

  • Tax optimisation and rental licensing

  • Local financing and mortgage assistance

Taxes to consider:

  • 6.5–10% Property Transfer Tax (or VAT for new builds)

  • 1% Notary and legal fees

  • Annual, IBI (local property tax)

We ensure full compliance with Canary Islands to give our clients total peace of mind.


6. Island-by-Island Property Guide

🏝 Tenerife – Vibrant, Diverse, and Developed

Tenerife offers everything from high-end resorts in Costa Adeje to charming colonial towns like La Orotava and a bustling capital city, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Ideal for:

  • Families, retirees, and digital nomads

  • Luxury villa seekers

  • Investors in short-term holiday rentals


🏝 Gran Canaria – A Mini-Continent of Opportunity

Known for its diverse terrain, Gran Canaria has urban life in Las Palmas, beach communities in Playa del Inglés, and serene villages in Tejeda.

Ideal for:

  • Year-round tourism rentals

  • Urban buyers

  • LGBTQ+ friendly communities (especially in Maspalomas)


🏝 Lanzarote – Eco Design & Volcanic Charm

With its lunar landscape and artistic heritage (inspired by César Manrique), Lanzarote offers modern, sustainable housing options in harmony with nature.

Ideal for:

  • Eco-conscious buyers

  • Artists and creatives

  • Holiday rental investors


🏝 Fuerteventura – Laid-Back & Beachy

Famous for its endless beaches and water sports, Fuerteventura is more relaxed and less built-up than its neighbours.

Ideal for:

  • Surfing lifestyle seekers

  • Remote workers

  • Families seeking spacious property at affordable prices


🏝 La Palma & La Gomera – The Green Retreats

These less-touristed islands offer lush landscapes, stargazing zones, and a slower pace of life.

Ideal for:

  • Nature lovers

  • Off-grid enthusiasts

  • Second-home buyers looking for tranquillity


7. Quality of Life & Infrastructure

The Canaries combine natural beauty with European-standard infrastructure.

Health & Education

  • High-quality public and private hospitals

  • Several international schools (especially in Tenerife and Gran Canaria)

Digital Connectivity

The islands have fibre optic internet, co-working hubs, and strong mobile networks, making them a haven for remote workers and tech entrepreneurs.

Transportation

  • 8 international airports (Tenerife South, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, etc.)

  • Ferries connect the islands daily

  • Well-maintained roads and highways


8. Why Work with Marion Real Estate Property

Marion Real Estate Property offers a professional and personalised approach for all real estate transactions across the Canary Islands.

What Sets Us Apart:

  • Local Expertise on all major islands

  • Bilingual & Multinational Team

  • Property Management Services for remote owners

  • Green Investment Guidance for eco-builds and solar homes

  • Post-Sale Support: Utilities setup, furnishings, rental marketing, and more

Whether you’re buying a vacation home, expanding your portfolio, or relocating for a better quality of life, our team ensures your Canary Islands property journey is seamless and rewarding.


Conclusion

The Canary Islands are a rare blend of European stability and tropical allure. With 12-month sunshine, affordable real estate, and vibrant international communities, it’s no surprise that thousands of buyers are turning their dreams into reality here.

At Marion Real Estate Property, we are ready to help you discover your ideal island, your perfect home, and your next great investment. From initial search to final signing—and beyond—we are your trusted partner in the Canaries.

Let us help you claim your place in the sun.

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