The Canary Islands sit off the north-west coast of Africa and offer something no other Spanish destination can: a subtropical climate of 18-25°C all year round, with no real winter. Gran Canaria and Tenerife have attracted Norwegian, Swedish, German and British "winter escapees" for decades — and a growing number of buyers from other countries are now discovering the islands' combination of stable climate, low cost of living and well-established international communities. This guide covers everything you need to know about living, renting or buying property in the Canary Islands.
Towns and destinations
Property on Canary Islands
Here we gather every property type on the Canary Islands — villas, apartments, houses and more.
Villa
A detached single-family home, often with a private pool and plot. The most popular property type among international buyers on the Costa del Sol — especially in Marbella, Estepona and Sotogrande.
House
A traditional house (casa), often found in towns or villages. May be spread across several floors and typically has less outdoor space than a villa.
Apartment
An apartment (piso/apartamento) in a residential building, often with access to a shared pool and facilities. The most common and affordable property type on both coasts.
Penthouse
A top-floor apartment (ático) with a large terrace and often panoramic sea views. Priced at the higher end of the apartment market.
Townhouse
A terraced or semi-detached house (adosado/pareado) within an urbanisation. A good middle ground between an apartment and a villa.
Bungalow
A low, single-level house with no stairs — popular among seniors and those who want easy accessibility.
Finca
A country property (finca/cortijo) outside town, often with land and natural surroundings. Popular in inland Andalusia and the hinterland of the Costa Blanca.
Timeshare
Shared ownership (multipropiedad) typically found at holiday resorts — you own a share and have the right to use it for part of the year. Less common, but available at select resorts.
Climate
The Canary Islands offer something no other part of Europe can: a stable subtropical climate with temperatures between 18-25°C year-round — neither a hot summer nor a cold winter. The trade winds from the northeast keep temperatures pleasant even in August, and the islands are often called "the islands of eternal spring" precisely because January and July feel surprisingly similar. That makes the Canary Islands the only place in Spain where the winter months are genuinely as attractive as summer.
Best months to visit: there is no real off-season weather-wise — but November-March is especially popular with Scandinavian "winter refugees" seeking warmth while home is cold and dark. July-August is warmest and busiest with European summer tourists.