How many tourists arrived in the Canary Islands in August 2026?

In August 2026, around 1.5 million tourists arrived in the Canary Islands, according to ISTAC. That was 1.4% more than in August 2025, equivalent to 20,737 additional people.

The August figure comes from the monthly FRONTUR-Canarias survey by ISTAC. The statistics show August 2026 as a provisional survey month.

For August, the published sources do not provide detailed information on source markets or island distribution. These values should be taken directly from the monthly ISTAC dataset, not from rounded press figures.

How many tourists arrived in the Canary Islands in July 2026?

In July 2026, around 1.5 million tourists arrived in the Canary Islands, according to ISTAC. That represents an increase of 2.7% compared with July 2025 and 41,055 additional people.

84% of tourists came from abroad. The United Kingdom was the largest source market with 576,338 people or 37%, Germany accounted for 11% and the rest of Spain for 16%.

Tenerife led with 600,339 arrivals, followed by Gran Canaria with 24% and Lanzarote with 20%. 63% of tourists stayed between one and seven nights.

48.5% travelled on a package holiday, and 81.6% stayed in hotels or apartments, as ISTAC reported.

How are tourist numbers developing over the course of 2026?

After seven months, there were around 9.0 million international tourists, also 0.6% fewer. This placed the Canary Islands region behind Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.

For January to June and September to December 2026, the available sources do not provide reliable monthly totals. The FRONTUR figures for 2026 are initially provisional.

What exactly does the FRONTUR-Canarias statistic measure?

FRONTUR-Canarias estimates monthly the number of foreign visitors and visitors resident in Spain but not in the Canary Islands who enter via the various transport routes. Tourists and day-trippers are recorded separately.

For year-on-year comparisons, the same methodology and the same definitions must always be used. ISTAC uses the 2016 methodology for 2010 to 2026.

The FRONTUR data should be understood as data for the main destination. They do not automatically measure every overnight stay on every island.

Island values should not be added together to form a total if the statistics allow for multiple destinations or different recording logic.

Which islands are the most important travel destinations?

Tenerife and Gran Canaria are, according to the available information, the largest and most developed markets. They offer a wide choice of resorts, cities, culture and excursions.

Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are particularly strong for volcanic landscapes, beaches, wind sports and holiday rentals. La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro are smaller markets focused on hiking, nature and quieter tourism.

Mass tourism is concentrated in a few coastal areas. Islands and inland regions have significantly lower visitor numbers and different infrastructure.

What should visitors bear in mind in protected areas?

In Teide National Park, according to the available information, only authorised paths and roads may be used. Parking is only permitted in designated areas, and collecting volcanic rock, open fires and free camping are prohibited.

Bivouacking is only permitted there in designated areas above 2,500 metres and may require further conditions. In Timanfaya National Park, rules on paths, waste, pets and drones apply.

Volcanic rock must not be removed, and professional photo, film and advertising shoots require prior permission. Guided tourist information in protected areas should be provided by authorised tourist guides.

In the August high season, it is advisable to plan walks for the early morning or late afternoon. When accommodation is full, neighbouring islands or lesser-known places on the same island can be considered.