Watching sport abroad can be a comfort. For many British expats and holidaymakers in the Canary Islands, it’s more than just a pastime, it’s a way to stay connected. Whether it’s a midweek Premier League game or the Six Nations in full swing, watching your team from a beach bar or apartment feels strangely grounding.
Thousands of visitors to Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote time their evenings around televised matches, often surrounded by fans from both sides, sharing cheers and groans in equal measure.
Football dominates, but there’s growing interest in other sports too. Rugby union, darts, Formula One, and even cricket can draw loyal crowds into local bars showing live coverage. Venues with multiple screens and English commentary are prized among expats, and some even advertise which matches they’ll be showing ahead of time.
There’s also a strong sense of routine. Visitors return to the same haunts year after year, forming bonds with bar staff and other regulars. These places become more than just businesses, they’re part of a shared ritual.
That connection to home sport extends online, too. Betting not on GamStop has become a popular way for fans to stay involved in the action, even from thousands of miles away. New bookmakers in 2025 offer sports betting platforms that appeal to expats and travellers seeking quick registration and broad international access.
Many users are drawn to the simplicity of placing a bet on familiar teams, especially during big tournaments or derby weekends. It adds a layer of personal interest when actively backing your team, however, players still need to confirm the regulations in their location.
It’s not just the UK sports calendar that drives this connection.
The fact there’s no time difference between the UK and the Canary Islands means that games kick off at sociable evening hours. A 3pm kick-off in the UK means a relaxing 3pm start in the Canaries, with the sun shining and pints in hand. The time zone suits fans well, and with strong Wi-Fi across much of the islands, live streaming is easy even from the beach or a rural Airbnb.
Expats who’ve settled in the Canaries for the long term often talk about sport as one of the few things they’ve carried with them unchanged. While daily life may have slowed, their commitment to their club or country hasn’t. Many join local supporters’ groups or make group chats to plan where they’ll meet to watch games.
During major events like the Euros or the World Cup, the islands come alive with flags, shirts, chants and nervous energy. There’s a quiet thrill in watching England win or lose while standing under palm trees.
Sports cafés and betting shops have also adapted to this demand. In areas popular with British expats, you’ll find places that open early for rugby fans or stay open late for boxing events. Some shops post handwritten boards outside with odds for the day’s fixtures or betting specials. Although gambling habits vary, there’s no denying it’s become part of how many fans engage with sport while away from home.
This sense of community around sport helps ease homesickness. A chat with a stranger about the weekend’s results can lead to long conversations, laughter, and sometimes new friendships. The same match that’s playing on TV in Manchester might be showing live in a Tenerife bar with expats glued to the screen, shouting advice at the referee like they never left. It’s comforting in its familiarity.
For many, sport is one of the last threads to home that doesn’t fray, matches bring a regular rhythm to life abroad. In a place where most other things have changed, including the language, weather, and pace of life, the whistle still blows at the same time. The ball still rolls the same way.
