How long is the flight from the Netherlands to Tenerife and Lanzarote?

From Amsterdam and Eindhoven the flight to Tenerife South (TFS) takes approximately 4 hours 15 minutes. To Lanzarote (ACE) the flying time is similar: around 4 hours 15 minutes. Transavia, TUI, Ryanair and Corendon fly direct to both islands from Amsterdam and Eindhoven.

Which island is better for a first visit to the Canary Islands?

For a first visit, Tenerife is the most versatile choice: more beaches, more activities for families (Siam Park, Loro Parque), the Teide volcano and affordable public transport. Lanzarote is ideal if you specifically like volcanic landscapes, cycling or peace and quiet. Both are easy to reach and excellent as a winter sun destination.

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Tenerife vs Lanzarote 2026

Q: Which island is cheaper: Tenerife or Lanzarote?

Tenerife and Lanzarote are comparable in price. Flights from the Netherlands cost from around 100 to 130 euros return. A week all-in costs on average 520 to 900 euros per person. Tenerife has more budget options due to the island's scale; Lanzarote can be slightly cheaper in the shoulder months.

Q: When is the best time to visit Tenerife or Lanzarote?

Both islands are ideal from November to March as a winter sun destination. In Tenerife's south (Costa Adeje) it is then 22 to 24 degrees; in Lanzarote 20 to 22 degrees. November and December are ideal months: pleasant weather, lower prices than Christmas and less crowding than summer.

Tenerife or Lanzarote? Both are top winter sun destinations from the Netherlands. Yet they are very different. Below is a comparison on beaches, landscape, activities and price.

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Quick answer

Tenerife is the most versatile choice: the largest island, the Teide volcano (3718 m), a wide range of beaches and activities for families. Lanzarote is more compact, quieter and unique thanks to the moonscape of Timanfaya and the Cesar Manrique architecture. Choose Tenerife for more variety; choose Lanzarote for tranquillity and authentic volcanic landscape.

Tenerife vs Lanzarote: quick comparison

Aspect	Tenerife	Lanzarote
Size	2034 km2 (largest Canary Island)	846 km2 (more compact)
Highest point	Teide 3718 m (highest peak in Spain)	Penas del Chache 671 m (flat landscape)
Flight from AMS/EIN	approx. 4 hr 15 min to TFS	approx. 4 hr 15 min to ACE
Winter sun (Nov-Mar)	22-24 C coast (south)	20-22 C
Beaches	Great variety: golden, black, volcanic	Good golden beaches, fewer options
Highlights	Teide volcano, Siam Park, Loro Parque	Timanfaya, Cesar Manrique, vineyards
Vibe	Livelier, more tourist infrastructure	Quieter, more original nature
Price (7 nights all-in)	from 540 EUR p.p.	from 520 EUR p.p.
Best for	Families, first-timers, activity lovers	Couples, cyclists, peace, photography

Beaches: Tenerife wins on variety

Tenerife has the greatest beach variety of the major Canary Islands. In the south there are golden, calm beaches; in the north black lava coves and wild bay beaches. Best choices:

Playa del Duque (Costa Adeje) The finest sandy beach in the south, calm and clean, ideal for families. Sunbed and parasol approx. 12 EUR.
Playa de las Teresitas (Santa Cruz) Artificially created with Saharan sand, 1.5 km wide, free and wave-free. Perfect photo destination.
Playa de Benijo (Anaga) Remote black-sand beach in the north, reachable by rental car, spectacular and quiet.
Playa del Medano Beach in the southeast, favourite with windsurfers and kitesurfers thanks to the constant wind.

Lanzarote also has excellent beaches but fewer options. Top choices: Playa Blanca (white, family-ideal), Playas de Papagayo (small coves with crystal-clear water, parking card 3 EUR) and Playa de Famara (surfers and spectacular views of La Graciosa).

Landscape and activities

Teide volcano (Tenerife) Cable car costs 40 EUR return; for the crater (3715 m) you need a free permit. The national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers the darkest night sky in Europe.
Timanfaya National Park (Lanzarote) Bus tour through the fire mountains (18 EUR p.p.) with steam fountain from the volcanic ground. Surreal moonscape, unique in Europe.
Jameos del Agua (Lanzarote) Hidden cave lake with blind crabs (Munidopsis polymorpha), designed by Cesar Manrique. Entrance 11 EUR.
Siam Park (Tenerife) One of the world's best waterparks, approx. 42 EUR per person. Ideal for families on warm days.
Cycling routes Lanzarote Professional cyclists (Froome, Contador) train here. Many bike rental shops, few cars outside tourist centres.
Anaga forest (Tenerife) UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with ancient laurel forest, hiking trails and silence far from the all-inclusives.

When to go: November to March is prime season

Both islands are open all year, but winter months are the golden period for Dutch travellers:

Month	Tenerife (coast)	Lanzarote	Return flight from
November	23 C, sea 22 C	22 C, sea 21 C	from 100-140 EUR
December	22 C, sea 21 C	20 C, sea 20 C	from 120-180 EUR
January	21 C, sea 20 C	19 C, sea 19 C	from 100-160 EUR
February	22 C, sea 19 C	20 C, sea 19 C	from 110-170 EUR
March	23 C, sea 20 C	21 C, sea 19 C	from 100-150 EUR

Tip: book November and January for the lowest prices. December is more expensive due to Christmas and carnival (February) draws extra visitors to Tenerife.

Flights from the Netherlands

Both islands are directly reachable from Amsterdam and Eindhoven:

Tenerife South (TFS) Transavia and TUI from EIN and AMS, approx. 4 hr 15 min. Corendon and Ryanair also regularly.
Lanzarote (ACE) Transavia and TUI from AMS and EIN, approx. 4 hr 15 min. Ryanair from EIN.
Best deals Book 8-12 weeks in advance for the lowest fares on both islands. Early morning departures are generally cheaper.

See also: city trip to Reykjavik or check our sun holiday under 300 euros guide for budget winter sun options.

What does a week cost?

Return flight

from 100 EUR

Hotel/apartment

60-140 EUR/night

7 nights all-in

from 520 EUR p.p.

Tenerife has a slightly larger selection of budget hotels due to its scale; in Lanzarote, apartments are sometimes cheaper in the shoulder months. Daily budget (food, transport, entry fees): 60-100 EUR per person. A rental car is recommended on both islands for the most beautiful spots outside the resorts.

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Choose your island

Choose Tenerife if you... ...want the most variety, are travelling with children, love the Teide and Siam Park, or this is your first time on the Canary Islands.
Choose Lanzarote if you... ...seek peace, love volcanic landscapes, cycle or photograph, or want to see the Timanfaya fire mountains and Manrique art.
Love both? Combine them: fly into Tenerife and take the ferry to La Gomera (40 min, approx. 60 EUR return) to combine nature with volcanic splendour.

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Frequently asked questions: Tenerife or Lanzarote

What is the main difference between Tenerife and Lanzarote?

Tenerife is the largest Canary Island with greater variety: the Teide volcano (3718 m), extensive beaches and more activities. Lanzarote is more compact and has a unique moonscape due to Timanfaya and the Cesar Manrique architecture. Tenerife is more versatile; Lanzarote is quieter and more original.

Which island is cheaper: Tenerife or Lanzarote?

Tenerife and Lanzarote are comparable in price. Flights cost from around 100 euros return from the Netherlands. A week all-in costs on average 520 to 900 euros per person. Tenerife has slightly more budget options due to the island's scale.

When is the best time to visit Tenerife or Lanzarote?

Both islands are ideal from November to March. In Tenerife's south it is then 22 to 24 degrees C; in Lanzarote 20 to 22 degrees C. November and December are the best months: pleasant weather, lower prices than Christmas.

How long is the flight from the Netherlands?

From Amsterdam and Eindhoven to Tenerife South (TFS) approx. 4 hours 15 minutes. To Lanzarote (ACE) also approx. 4 hours 15 minutes. Transavia, TUI and Ryanair fly direct to both islands.

Which island is better for a first visit?

For a first visit, Tenerife is the most versatile choice: more beaches, more activities for families, affordable public transport and the Teide volcano as a must-see. Lanzarote is ideal if you specifically enjoy volcanic landscapes and tranquillity.