For many Brits, the idea of moving abroad is driven by one simple goal – a better quality of life. There’s certainly something appealing about fewer grey skies, less stress, more time outdoors and a lifestyle that feels balanced, relaxing and fulfilled, rather than rushed. That’s exactly what makes the Canary Islands such an appealing destination. With the sun shining most days, a lot of life naturally happening outdoors, and a cost of living significantly lower than major European cities, it becomes clear why more and more people are making the move.
But, affordability and sunshine are only part of the story. Life in the Canary Islands is centred on safety, strong communities, stunning surroundings and a slower pace of life, with volcanic landscapes in one direction and golden beaches in the other. If you’ve been thinking about relocating from the UK, you might want to seriously consider moving to the Canary Islands
Top Reasons to Move to the Canary Islands
Unbeatable Climate and Time Outdoors
One of the biggest draws to the Canary Islands is the climate. The Canary Islands’ climate is famous for year round mild temperatures – typically ranging between 18°C and 25°C – which means comfortable summers, warm winters and extreme weather being a rarity. In fact, it’s estimated that the region enjoys 4,800 hours of daylight a year. This means that outdoor living becomes the norm, not a seasonal luxury, and many residents enjoy morning swims in the sea, al fresco dining and evenings spent socialising outside. If you’re someone who finds that the long, damp winters of the UK impact your mood, energy levels and general wellbeing, a move to the Canary Islands could change everything.
Lower Cost of Living Makes Life Easier
The quality of life is high in the Canary Islands, but living costs remain relatively modest. In fact, groceries, eating out, utilities and rent are all more affordable than in mainland Europe and the UK. Housing is often the biggest surprise for newcomers, and depending on the island and neighbourhood, rental prices can be dramatically lower than in major British cities. This allows many people to enjoy larger homes, outdoor space or proximity to the sea, all of which can feel financially out of reach elsewhere. Eating well is also more affordable, thanks to local produce, fresh seafood and accessible markets. A lot of people find that their money stretches further in the Canary Islands, and that often equates to less financial stress and more freedom to enjoy life.
Safety and High Quality of Life
Safety is a major consideration when choosing a new place to live, so you’ll be pleased to know that the Canary Islands report low crime rates. This is backed up by communities that are close-knit, and an overall atmosphere that’s calm and welcoming. It’s easy to feel safe and at home in the Canary Islands, even as someone who’s recently relocated. Cities such as Las Palmas de Gran Canaria are frequently ranked among the safest areas in Spain, and residents tend to feel safe walking around at night, using public spaces and raising families. Alongside safety, the Canary Islands boast a high quality of life, is shaped by access to nature, slower routines and strong social culture.
As Linda, who moved to the Canary Islands to retire in 2017, explains: “Life feels less hurried and stressful here in Lanzarote, which makes it a lot easier to slow down and enjoy the day-to-day. It’s not somewhere I feel unsafe or stressed, which is a big difference from life back in the UK.”
Stunning, Diverse Natural Landscapes
Despite their relatively small size, the Canary Islands offer extraordinary diversity when it comes to landscapes. You can explore golden dunes at Maspalomas Dunes one day, then stand above the clouds on Mount Teide the next. Dramatic cliffs, volcanic craters, forests, beaches and crystal clear waters all coexist within short distances, which keeps things interesting.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the possibilities are endless in the Canary Islands, and there’s a lot of reasons to spend time outdoors. Hiking through volcanic national parks, surfing, diving amongst marine reserves, cycling mountain roads and stargazing are all popular. Nature isn’t something you visit occasionally when you move to the Canary Islands, it’s everywhere you go and quickly becomes part of daily life.
A Relaxed “Aplatanados” Lifestyle
You’ll often hear locals describe the island way of life as aplátanado, a uniquely Canarian concept that reflects a slower, more relaxed pace of living. It’s not about doing less. It’s about doing things with less stress. In the Canary Islands, people take time over meals, socialising happens naturally and people value having a healthy work-life balance. There’s less urgency, less pressure and more focus on enjoying the present moment, which isn’t always the case in the UK. For many, moving from the UK to the Canary Islands means stress levels drop, routines become more flexible and life feels more intentional.
Modern and Accessible Healthcare
Healthcare across the Canary Islands is modern, accessible and reliable, and you won’t miss out simply because you’ve chosen to live on an island. Residents benefit from both public and private systems, with a whole host of medical centres and hospitals available. Spain is known for having an impressive healthcare system, and the islands benefit from high standards of care, well trained professionals and modern facilities. Plus, many medical staff speak English, particularly in areas popular with international residents.
Strong International Connections
There are a lot of places to move to in the Canary Islands, all of which boast strong international connections. Although the Canary Islands are geographically closer to Africa than mainland Europe, the islands are well connected, with regular flights linking them to major UK and European cities. This makes travelling for business, family visits or holidays straightforward. You can enjoy island life without feeling completely cut off from the rest of Spain and without feeling too removed from family and friends back in the UK.
Jerry, who moved to Fuerteventura for work in 2011, said: “Popping back to London is quick and easy, and flights aren’t too expensive. I get the best of both worlds. I live on a beautiful island, but still feel connected to everything I love about home.”
Things to Consider Before Moving to the Canary Islands
No destination is perfect, even the Canary Islands, and it’s important to approach relocation with realistic expectations. For example, internet speeds can vary depending on location, so that’s something to think about if you’re moving with the goal of working remotely. Though many areas offer reliable connections, some rural or smaller regions can experience slower service.
Economic activity also differs by island, which is important to know if you’re moving with the dream of furthering your career. Larger islands offer more job opportunities and business infrastructure, whereas smaller islands can be somewhat limited in professional diversity. For remote workers and professionals, choosing the right island is particularly important.
It’s also worth thinking carefully about flight connections, especially if you plan to travel back to the UK regularly, or if you’re hoping friends and family will want to visit you. Not all islands offer the same range or frequency of direct routes, which is why many expats choose larger, better connected islands like Tenerife or Gran Canaria, where there are a lot of flight options. Smaller islands, such as El Hierro and La Gomera, have fewer options, which can make travelling back and forth slightly more complicated.
Choosing the Right Canary Island for Your Lifestyle
One of the most exciting, and sometimes challenging, aspects of moving to the Canary Islands is deciding which island suits you best. Though the islands do have similarities, each has its own personality, pace and environment, which means there’s likely to be some that appeal to you more than others.
Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest island, and it offers the widest range of lifestyles; it’s often referred to as being an island of extremes. You’ll find busy cities, quiet villages, dramatic landscapes and thriving expat communities, all in the one place. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital, and it provides urban energy, shopping, culture and employment opportunities. If you want a more relaxed way of life with easy beach access, one of the coastal towns will have what you’re looking for.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is often described as being somewhat of a mini continent, as it combines cosmopolitan city life with stunning nature. The north boasts green landscapes and urban living, whilst the south provides sunshine and resort-focused coastal communities. It’s a favourite amongst expats who are looking for balance, sunshine and beach living, without having to give up city amenities and convenience.
Lanzarote
Known for its volcanic scenery and distinctive architecture, Lanzarote is an island that feels different from anywhere else. It’s quieter, visually dramatic and full of culture, with strong environmental protection and artistic heritage that really shapes its identity. It’s a favourite amongst nature lovers, creatives and expats who are swapping the UK for a more tranquil, outdoorsy way of life.
Fuerteventura
If wide open landscapes and a seemingly endless supply of beaches appeal to you, Fuerteventura is the place. It’s particularly popular with surfers, water sports enthusiasts and expats who enjoy peaceful, spacious surroundings. Of course, the appeal to outdoor adventurers and beach lovers does mean Fuerteventura boasts a strong tourism scene, but that doesn’t encroach on residential life on the island.
La Palma
La Palma was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2002, so it’ll come as no surprise that it’s an island with a lot of outdoor appeal. You’ll find forests, dramatic mountains and a strong sense of community in La Palma, making it ideal if you’re looking for somewhere that encourages you to spend a lot of time outdoors, whilst still providing a welcoming community for you to be part of. It’s an island that feels authentic, traditional and connected to nature.
La Gomera
La Gomera is small, scenic and tranquil, and it offers a slower pace than almost anywhere else in the archipelago. It might be simple, but that’s ideal if you’re looking for a peaceful, relaxing and somewhat rural place to live. In La Gomera, you can embrace complete relaxation and escape from busy modern life, though there are fewer amenities for you to enjoy.
El Hierro
El Hierro is the smallest and most remote inhabited island within the group of Canary Islands, and it’s known for its sustainability initiatives and unspoiled nature. If you’re someone who wants to completely turn their back on modern amenities and busy life, El Hierro could be what you’re looking for. It’s all about minimalism, peace and eco-focused living.
Is Canary Island Life Right for You?
There’s no denying that relocating abroad is a major decision, regardless of where you’re heading, why you’re moving and who you’re moving with. Whether you’re moving alone for work or as a family for a better quality of life, deciding to say goodbye to the UK isn’t a decision anyone makes lightly. But, for many people from the UK, a move to the Canary Islands is a decision worth making. With more sunshine, lower living costs, greater safety and a closer connection to nature, relocating to the Canary Islands offers a lifestyle improvement that’s hard to turn down – could you say no to a sunnier, slower and more enjoyable way of life? Whether you’re looking for somewhere to retire by the sea, a healthier environment for your children or a better work-life balance, the Canary Islands offer a compelling alternative to life in the UK.
Once you’ve made the decision to move, it’s time to organise the logistics, and this includes removals. A lot of people find the process of moving everything abroad daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. With an experienced team of experts handling things, moving to the Canary Islands is simple, stress-free and as speedy as possible. That’s where United International Removals comes in. Get in touch to find out more.
