To get between islands, count on Binter Canarias (ATR 72 inter-island flights, 30-45 min, around €30-80 depending on season) or Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas ferries (2-5h depending on crossing, cheaper in peak season). On each island, car rental is essential (from €25/day with Cicar or Plus Car) as public transport is centred around tourist capitals. Main roads are excellent, but mountain roads (Teide, Anaga) demand caution and manual transmission. The bus ("guagua") TITSA covers Tenerife with a Ten+ rechargeable card, handy for short trips between Santa Cruz, La Laguna and Puerto de la Cruz.
In Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, mountain biking is very popular — make the most of it off-season. For Teide National Park hikes, shuttle from La Orotava or drive up to Cañadas (parking at 2,100m). Avoid driving Timanfaya tracks at night — prefer official guided bus tours. In La Palma, a wilder island, shared taxi-buses ("colectivos") complement buses to reach remote spots like Roque de los Muchachos (2,426m).
Read also
- Tenerife, Island of the Teide — Teide National Park, Anaga forests, whale watching and the village of Masca.
- Spain — Complete guide: visa, budget, regions to explore and best time to visit.
- Balearic Islands — Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera — Spain's other Mediterranean archipelago.