Canary Islands Digital Nomad Guide (2025)

Canary Islands Digital Nomad Guide (2025)

TL;DR#

The Canary Islands (with Tenerife and Gran Canaria as epicenters) have become two of Europe’s most popular digital nomad destinations: year-round spring weather, stunning landscapes, excellent internet, active communities, and affordable urban-island living. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria offers a big city/surf town vibe with an established nomad scene, while Tenerife provides options ranging from beach resorts to lush mountain towns with more independent pockets of remote workers. Both islands offer a laid-back yet productive lifestyle with endless opportunities for adventure.

📌 Quick Facts#

  • Internet Speed: 100–600 Mbps fiber is widely available
  • Average Monthly Cost (Solo Nomad): $1,300–1,900 (€1,200–1,750)
  • Currency: Euro (€), $1 ≈ €0.92
  • Time Zone: UTC+0 (GMT/WET; same as Portugal/UK, +1 hr in summer)
  • Power Plug: Type C/F; 230V
  • Best Time to Visit: Year-round; autumn/winter are most popular
    • Gran Canaria: Warm and dry all winter, with "panza de burro" (a cloudy spell) in summer
    • Tenerife: Microclimates! Mild everywhere, but north can get rainier in winter
  • Population: ~860,000 (Gran Canaria), ~950,000 (Tenerife)
    • Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: ~380,000
    • Santa Cruz de Tenerife: ~210,000
  • Major Airports: LPA (Gran Canaria), TFS & TFN (Tenerife)

✅ Pros & Cons#

Pros#

  • 🌞 Best climate in Europe (mild, sunny winters)
  • 🏖️ Incredible diversity of landscapes—beaches, mountains, forests
  • 💻 Fast, reliable fiber internet nearly everywhere
  • 🏄‍♂️ Surf, hike, and outdoor adventures year-round
  • 🤝 Friendly, multiculti expat & nomad community (bigger in Las Palmas)
  • 🚍 Walkable cities, solid public transport, cheap car rental
  • 🏡 Plentiful coliving & coworking options

Cons#

  • 🌬️ North coasts = more cloud & wind (“panza de burro” in Gran Canaria summer; rain in Tenerife north in winter)
  • 🏝️ Island “bubble” (can feel isolated; less culture than big mainland cities)
  • 🚗 A car is needed to fully explore beyond cities/tourist areas
  • 🏖️ Resort/tourism overload in some areas (esp. south Tenerife/Gran Canaria)
  • 💬 Limited English outside expat/nomad circles; locals appreciate Spanish!
  • 🏢 Tricky to find mid-term apartment rentals without agency fees or extra deposits
  • 💸 Not “cheap” by SE Asia standards (but still affordable vs mainland western Europe)

💸 Cost of Living (Monthly Estimates)#

Category Cost Notes
Accommodation €750–1,500 Coliving: €750+, 1BR apt: €800–1,200
Food & Coffee €250–450 Menu del día: €10–15, Coffee: €1.5–2.5
Coworking €120–200 Coliving includes coworking in some cases
Transport €40–80 Bus pass: €40, Car rental: €25–35/day
SIM/Data €10–22 20–30GB/month, sometimes unlimited

Sample Budgets#

Lifestyle Cost Description
Budget €1,100–1,400 Room in shared apt or coliving, cooking at home, bus only
Midrange €1,400–1,900 Own apartment or private coliving, eating out, gym/coworking

💻 Where to Work: Coworking & Cafés#

Top Coworking Spaces#

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria:

Tenerife:

  • Nine Coliving — Legendary coliving + coworking in central La Orotava (north); true community feel.
  • Igikai Coliving — Near Puerto de la Cruz; relaxed social environment and garden for working outside.
  • Zen Den Tenerife — Costa Adeje (south), with day/month passes.
  • Coworking in the Sun — Puerto de la Cruz; solid cowork, German-run.
  • Workeamos — Santa Cruz; modern city coworking.
  • Tandem & Coworking — La Orotava; creative space with mountain views.

Best Work-Friendly Cafés#

Las Palmas:

  • Café Regina
  • The Couple
  • Dara Feeling Good
  • Panaria
  • La Bikina
  • Tiramisu
  • Tu Petit Café

Tenerife:

  • Tierra Cafe (Santa Cruz)
  • Pistacho Coffee Brunch (Puerto de la Cruz)
  • Cafe de Paris (Puerto de la Cruz)
  • El Industrial (Santa Cruz)
  • Eco Eco Café (La Laguna/La Orotava)

Tip: In both islands, “specialty coffee” shops are just now catching on. Many local bars are not work-friendly (no Wi-Fi, noisy TV), so stick to the above or work from coworking spaces for best experience.

📶 Connectivity (SIM, eSIM, Wi-Fi)#

  • Wi-Fi: Fiber internet (100–600 Mbps) is standard at coworkings, colivings, and most apartments in cities.
  • Mobile SIM: Vodafone, Movistar, Orange (best coverage; expect €10–22 for 10-30Gb).
    • Prepaid deals: Vodafone “Yuser” 5GB for €10, 15GB for €20, or LycaMobile (30GB for €20 but no tethering).
    • Yoigo and Mundo are also popular for pay-as-you-go.
    • Bring your passport to buy a SIM!
  • EU Roaming: If your SIM is from another EU country, you can use it here at all your home rates.
  • eSIM Options: Airalo, or your home carrier if supported.

🛂 Visas & Bureaucracy#

  • EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: Free movement; register with authorities for longer stays & get NIE (tax ID number).
  • Non-EU: 90 days in 180 (Schengen), then exit required or apply for Spanish Digital Nomad Visa (introduced 2023).
  • Spanish Digital Nomad Visa:
    • Work remotely for non-Spanish companies.
    • Typically: Proof of job contract or client work, higher ed. degree or work experience, medical insurance, and €2,000+ per month income.
    • Initial residence for 1 year, renewable.
    • Full details: Spain Digital Nomad Visa
  • NIE: Needed for any mid/long-term admin (bank, contracts).

Pro Tip: Always check visa requirements for your nationality before traveling.

🏘️ Best Areas for Nomads#

Gran Canaria#

Neighborhood Vibe/Highlights
Las Canteras Main surf beach, social heart of LP, walkable
Guanarteme, La Isleta Local character, close to beach/cafes
Mesa y López Shopping, central, still close to Canteras
Vegueta & Triana Historic center, boho and old-town feel
Ciudad Jardín Green, embassy area, quieter
Alcaravaneras Cheaper, not-so-great beach, great for beach sports

Tenerife#

Area Vibe/Highlights
Puerto de la Cruz North Tenerife’s main “small city,” walkable, café & surf culture
La Orotava Historic town, beautiful, real Canarian vibe, Nine Coliving
Santa Cruz de Tenerife Capital city, urban amenities, parks, close to Anaga & Teresitas Beach
La Laguna University town, lively bars, cultural events, youthful vibe
El Médano Surf & kite town (south), bohemian, chill, windy
Adeje, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje South, resorty, best weather, English widely spoken

Pro Tip: For authentic Canarian and a less touristy, more community-based atmosphere, stick to north Tenerife or Las Palmas.

​Finding Accommodation#

  • Coliving Spaces: Plentiful in both Las Palmas and Tenerife (Nine Coliving, Igikai, ReStation, Amarilla, etc). Book early, especially for winter.
  • Apartments:
    • Online: Idealista, Fotocasa, Milanuncios, Pisocompartido, Airbnb, Facebook groups.
    • Expect a 1–2 month deposit. Locals may ask more from non-residents.
    • Agency fees (1 month) are common.
    • For cheaper, more flexible options, try Airbnb negotiation (contact hosts for month+ discounts).
  • Coliving/Apartment Room Example: €
    • Las Palmas coliving room (private bath & cowork): €900–1,200/month
    • Room in 3BR apartment in Tenerife south: €500–700/month (+utilities)
    • Private 1BR apt: €800–1,200/month
  • Long-term: Most rentals require 6–12 month contracts; be ready to negotiate for shorter stays.

🛵 Getting Around#

  • Las Palmas: Super walkable in city core; bus system covers most places (€1.4/ride, €0.85 with refillable card); taxis are cheap (often €4–8 in town).
  • Tenerife: Car strongly recommended for exploring beyond cities/towns; buses are cheap and extensive but slow outside main routes.
    • Bus (TITSA): €1.50/short hop, monthly pass ~€40.
    • Scooter rentals common in resort areas.
  • Both Islands: Good regional bus system; ferries and flights between islands.
  • Airport: Buses run frequently between cities and airports (€2–3).

🍜 Food & Essentials#

  • Groceries: Mercadona, Hiperdino, Lidl, local markets, “fruterías” for fresh/cheap produce.
  • Weekly groceries: €40–50/week per person is doable with some home cooking.
  • Eating out:
    • Menu del día (3 courses, weekday lunch): €10–15
    • Coffee: €1.50–2.50
    • Beer: €1.50 (local), €2.5 (large), glass of wine: €2–4
    • Mid-range dinner for two (with wine): €30–40
  • Vegan/vegetarian options: Widespread, especially in the north of both islands and in Las Palmas.

Notable Eats#

  • Papas arrugadas con mojo (wrinkly potatoes & spicy sauce)
  • Fresh seafood (try at coastal restaurants)
  • “Menu del día” lunches at traditional guachinches (family-run Canarian eateries)
  • Variety of international cuisines, especially in Las Palmas

🏥 Health & Safety#

  • Safety: Both islands are safe, solo travel (even at night) is usually fine in urban areas.
  • Healthcare: Spanish system is excellent. EU EHIC card accepted. Non-EU: get travel insurance (SafetyWing, etc).
  • Hospitals: Modern and well-equipped (Hospital Universitario in Las Palmas, Hospital Universitario de Canarias in Tenerife).
  • Pharmacies: Ubiquitous, marked by green cross; some open 24/7.
  • Emergency Numbers: 112 (all emergencies), 061 (medical).

🌄 Local Experiences#

Must-See in Gran Canaria#

  • Roque Nublo – iconic volcanic rock with epic views
  • Playa de las Canteras – urban surf & beach life in LP
  • Vegueta/Triana – historic old town, tapas bars, markets
  • Dunes of Maspalomas – vast sand dunes by the sea
  • Valley of Agaete & Agaete Natural Pools
  • Tejeda & Artenara mountain villages

Must-See in Tenerife#

  • Mount Teide & National Park – Spain’s highest peak, otherworldly landscapes
  • Anaga Rural Park – mystical laurel forest hikes, remote beaches
  • Playa de las Teresitas – golden sand, near Santa Cruz
  • Los Gigantes – dramatic sea cliffs
  • Masca Gorge – epic hiking
  • Charming towns: La Orotava, Garachico, La Laguna (UNESCO)
  • Surfing beaches: El Médano, Playa de las Américas

Activities#

  • 🏄‍♂️ Surfing (year-round, especially in Las Palmas & Tenerife south)
  • 🚴‍♂️ Mountain biking, hiking, paragliding, diving
  • 🎭 Carnivals: Giant celebrations island-wide—February is wild!
  • 🕺 Nightlife & Tapas: Social, casual, run late (dinner from 8–9pm, bars open late)
  • 🧘 Yoga, wellness, spiritual gatherings abound—especially Tenerife

🧘‍♀️ Wellness & Fitness#

  • Gyms: Excellent facilities in Las Palmas (Dreamfit, GoFit), plenty in resort towns
  • Yoga: Studios in all major cities/tourist towns + beach yoga sessions
  • Surf schools/camps: El Confital (Las Palmas), El Médano (Tenerife), many more
  • Outdoor fitness: Beach volleyball, open-air gyms, endless hiking trails, sea swims

🌐 Remote Work Community#

  • Las Palmas: One of Europe’s best nomad scenes—regular events, large FB and WhatsApp/Slack groups (search Digital Nomads Gran Canaria, Live it Up Las Palmas).
  • Tenerife: More fragmented—northern coliving/cowork or southern surf/resort; FB groups & Telegram for meetups
  • Other islands: Smaller, but growing communities (especially Fuerteventura).
  • Coliving = ready-made community: Nine Coliving, ReStation, Amarilla, Igikai, Maraya, Oasis, Palma

Language Tips#

  • Spanish is the main language; English widely spoken in tourist & nomad areas.
  • Learning some basic Spanish helps a lot with local integration and finding deals.
  • Try language exchanges or Meetup groups in Las Palmas, Santa Cruz, La Laguna.

💳 Money Tips#

  • ATMs: Widely available, low/no fees with EU or online banks (Revolut, N26, Wise etc).
  • Currency Exchange: Exchange on the mainland or withdraw via ATM for best rates.
  • Bank account: Only needed for long stays—ING offers good online options for non-residents.

🚨 Quick Starter Checklist#

  • ✅ Book early for winter high season (esp. colivings!)
  • ✅ Join the local WhatsApp/FB/Slack groups for events & housing
  • ✅ Buy a SIM/eSIM if non-EU
  • ✅ Try coworking/coliving for fastest community access
  • ✅ Explore the island on foot AND rent a car for day trips
  • ✅ Learn some basic Spanish phrases

🌊 Other Canary Islands: Quick Picks#

  • Fuerteventura: Surf/coliving paradise (Corralejo, Lajares), great for kiteboarding & peace.
  • La Palma: Gorgeous, green, off-grid vibe with hiking and tranquility, some coliving.
  • Lanzarote: Lunar landscapes, volcano hikes, occasional nomad pop-ups.
  • La Gomera, El Hierro: For those who want true rural seclusion & hiking heaven.

🪓 The Real Bottom Line#

  • Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: The best “city+beach” combo in Europe for digital nomads, with unmatched winter climate and a thriving community. Walkable, social, but can feel dense and busy.
  • Tenerife: Bigger, more varied, and easier to “choose your vibe”—from hip surf towns to mountain villages; slightly less cohesive nomad scene, but top-notch colivings and easier to escape the crowds.
  • Both are top-tier for mixing productivity with adventure and well-being.
  • If you crave smaller communities, try La Palma or Fuerteventura for quieter escapes.
  • Not a SE Asia cheapie, but unbeatable European work/life balance for sunseekers.
  • Once you arrive, don’t be surprised if you keep coming back—good island life is addictive!

Ready for endless spring and a few new friends in paradise? Bienvenido/a to Island Life.

← Back to Home