Although the Canary Islands are famous for their beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine, they also have an exciting and diverse sports scene that appeals to both active participants and passionate spectators.
Whether you're a football fan, a golf fan, a tennis fan, a thrill-seeker looking for adventure sports, or you simply enjoy watching local competitions, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the region’s sports culture while on holiday.
Below are some of the best ways for sports fans to experience the Canary Islands and make the most of their holiday on these stunning islands.
Football is undoubtedly the most popular sport in Spain, and the Canary Islands are no exception, with two top teams. Both UD Las Palmas and CD Tenerife have passionate fans and offer an authentic football experience. If you’re visiting the islands during the Spanish season, attending a match is a must for any football fan.
UD Las Palmas have been in La Liga this year, and play their home games at the Estadio Gran Canaria, a modern stadium with a capacity of over 30,000 spectators. Watching a match here offers the chance to soak up the atmosphere of top-level football, with the home fans filling the stands to cheer on their team.
CD Tenerife, on the other hand, are in the Segunda Division and play at the Estadio Heliodoro Rodríguez López in Santa Cruz. The 22,000 seater stadium’s intimate setting makes for an electric atmosphere as fans cheer on their team. For football fans travelling to the islands, attending a live match at one of these stadiums is the perfect way to experience the islands’ football culture, especially when these two teams play each other!
In addition to football, there are other world-class sporting events across the islands that attract top athletes and fans from around the globe. Lanzarote is famous for its IRONMAN Triathlon event, which has earned a reputation as one of the hardest IRONMAN races in the world, as they compete over a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle race, followed by a 42km run across the gruelling Canarian terrain.
Gran Canaria hosts a round of the WRC Rally Championship around the mountain roads on the island, featuring the best drivers on the planet showcasing their driving skills. Meanwhile Fuerteventura is a surfer’s paradise with conditions that allow it to have surfing and windsurfing events on the international calendar.
For those who prefer watching sports from the comfort of their hotel or apartment, most have TVs in the rooms that they can watch in peace, or if you prefer, there are always sports bars and cafes nearby where you can enjoy the games with fellow fans.
Sports enthusiasts visiting the islands often enhance their experience by placing bets while watching. Online betting sites allow fans to wager on various sports, adding excitement to the viewing experience. Bettors from places like the UK can wager via domestic bookies from back home, or they can visit international ones to place their bets.
In recent years, a growing number of bettors from the UK have been looking for international non GamStop betting sites because these operate outside of the UK’s strict rules and offer flexibility, ease of access, unique odds and access to a wide range of markets. Whether attending events live or watching from afar, the Canary Islands provide numerous ways for sports fans to immerse themselves in their passion.
Given the Canary Islands' location in the Atlantic Ocean, they are an ideal destination for water sports. The islands’ warm waters and steady winds make them a popular spot for activities such as surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing.
Fuerteventura is renowned for its world-class surfing conditions, especially on the island’s north coast. Playa de Sotavento is a popular beach for kitesurfing and windsurfing, attracting both beginners and professionals from around the world. For those interested in surfing, El Cotillo offers excellent waves, as well as a laid-back atmosphere perfect for a day spent on the water.
Tenerife is also a hotspot for water sports, especially on the coasts of Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje, where you’ll find schools offering lessons for all levels of surfers, windsurfers, and kitesurfers.
For sports fans who love outdoor activities, the Canary Islands’ rugged landscapes offer some of the best hiking trails in Spain. The volcanic terrain, lush forests, and stunning coastlines provide a variety of hiking experiences for all levels.
Teide National Park on Tenerife is a must-see for avid hikers. The park is home to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, and offers numerous trails with breathtaking views. The Pico Viejo trail takes hikers to one of the best vantage points in the park, offering panoramic views of the island and the surrounding ocean. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the summit of Mount Teide can be reached via cable car or on foot, with permission, providing an unforgettable experience.
Another great hiking destination is La Gomera, an island known for its unique landscapes and picturesque trails. The Garajonay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its ancient laurel forests and dramatic cliffs. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just want to take in the scenery, the Canary Islands offer an array of hiking options that can be enjoyed at your own pace.
Cycling is another popular activity in the Canary Islands, thanks to the islands' diverse terrain and ideal weather conditions. The islands are regularly host to professional cyclists from around the world for training, and from 2026, the Vuelta de Canarias returns to the Canaries for the first time since 1988.
For those who prefer to cycle independently, the Canary Islands provide excellent cycling routes, both on-road and off-road. Tenerife, in particular, is a popular destination for cyclists, offering challenging mountain climbs such as the famous ascent to Teide National Park. With its smooth roads and stunning views, Tenerife is a prime spot for road cyclists looking to challenge themselves.
While modern sports are popular in the Canary Islands, traditional Canarian sports also offer a unique experience for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture. Lucha Canaria, a form of traditional wrestling, is a sport with deep roots in the islands. Matches are held regularly, particularly on Gran Canaria and Tenerife, and offer a glimpse into the island’s history and customs. These events are typically lively, with passionate spectators cheering on their favourite wrestlers.
Another unique sport is Juego del Palo, a form of stick fighting that originated in the Canary Islands. Though less common today, some exhibitions and festivals still showcase this ancient sport, providing an exciting cultural experience for sports fans interested in exploring the island’s history.
