Canary Islands: The best climate in the world

The Canary Islands are part of Spain, but are just off the northwest coast of Africa across from Morocco and the Western Sahara. Different cultures have left their enriching traces on the Canary Islands. This Atlantic yacht charter area with its seven islands – Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro – is a top destination for sailing vacationers with its year-round temperate climate and the always blue sky.

It is not for nothing that the Canaries are also called “Islands of Eternal Spring”. Clear waters, hidden bays, bizarre cliffs and occasional encounters with dolphins and other whales add to the exotic flair of this area. On land, the islands have beautiful beaches and volcanoes to cast a spell over visitors. The highest mountain in Spain is on Tenerife: Pico del Teide stretches 3781 meters into the sky

Lanzarote, Tenerife and Gran Canaria

Territory properties

The Canary Islands are on the edge of the Passat Zone. On the open sea, winds from the northeast blow mostly with a strength of 3 to 6 Beaufort. In the vicinity of the islands, under capes and between the islands, higher winds can occur. The strongest winds are in January, February and August. In October, November, March, April and May the weather can be unsteady, with hot east to south-east winds, lulls or bad weather coming from the west. The average temperature is 24 °C in summer and 19 °C in winter. Those who do not have too much time for a more exotic destination during the winter period choose the Canary Islands between November and March, although the sailing conditions are very good all year round.

The difficulty level of this yacht charter area is medium to high. Rather high seas and the trade wind with its jet effect between the islands make the area rather unsuitable for family trips. Storm and swell warnings are sent by radio in English and Spanish, also on channel 16. The weather should be kept an eye on and changes in the classic trade winds should be understood as a warning signal.

This yacht charter area usually offers a good view. In easterly winds, sand and dust can impair visibility. Due to the many landmarks, deep harbors and good lighting at night, terrestrial GPS-supported navigation is usually sufficient. If visibility is poor, shallow waters should be avoided, such as the southeast of Fuerteventura or Maspalomas. The Canary Current along the African coast flows to the southwest at an average of 0.5 nautical miles per hour. The half-day tide is usually without spring delay, while the tide range is between 1.80m (nip tide) and 2.80m (spring tide). In the narrow coastal strip, the running water flows at 0.5-1.5 nautical miles and the running water at 0.5-1.5 nautical miles per hour.

There are few marinas and anchorages in this yacht charter area. The latter are beautiful. There is little space in the fishing harbors. There are good supply options especially in Las Palmas and Puerto Rico, but also in the other public harbors, where mostly high quay walls are moored. There are ferry ports in Las Palmas. There are berths in fishing harbors and on quay walls.

There are regular year-round charter flights with LTE, Air Berlin, Condor and Tuifly from all major German and other airports.

Sailing experience should exist, as it is a strong wind area with sometimes difficult anchorages.