The Carnival season, celebrated with unique flair throughout the Canary Islands, is a key period for local tourism. This vibrant festival draws travellers who come to immerse themselves in the islands’ traditions and festivities, boosting the demand for holiday rentals and tourist accommodations.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s occupancy rate for holiday rentals during Carnival has reached an impressive 87%, and Gran Canaria leads the pack with an even higher 89% occupancy rate in February.
Island-by-Island Occupancy Highlights
Across the archipelago, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and La Palma each recorded occupancy rates of 88% during February, while Tenerife saw 87% occupancy. La Gomera registered 85%, and El Hierro, though lower, still posted a respectable 72%. These strong figures align with recent survey results from Holidu, which found that 83% of holiday rental owners in the Canary Islands expect their bookings to match or exceed those of the previous year’s autumn/winter season. Only 17% anticipate a decrease in demand.
Rental Prices by Island and Destination
Lanzarote boasted the highest average nightly price for tourist accommodations in February at 159 euros. Gran Canaria followed at 144 euros, Tenerife at 139 euros, and Fuerteventura at 115 euros. More affordable options could be found on La Palma (95 euros), La Gomera (83 euros), and El Hierro, which remained the most economical choice at 73 euros per night.
Within Tenerife, destinations varied in cost:
- San Cristóbal de La Laguna and Telde: 112 euros per night
- Puerto de la Cruz: 126 euros per night
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 134 euros per night
- Adeje (the priciest location): 186 euros per night
In Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria averaged 128 euros per night, while Maspalomas, known for its premium appeal, reached 168 euros per night.
Carnival’s Impact on Tourism and Economy
“Carnival is one of the most vibrant times of the year for tourism in the Canary Islands,” says Jennifer Amate, Holidu’s Director for the Canary Islands. “These festivities not only attract local and international travellers but also significantly boost the demand for tourist accommodation in the region. Every year we see how they consolidate their position as a key driver for the local economy.”
This period of heightened demand not only benefits local businesses but also underscores the importance of maintaining a balance between tourism growth and community well-being. In a survey conducted by Holidu, 58% of holiday rental owners expressed support for regulatory approaches that consider both residents’ interests and property owners’ needs. Only 3% called for stricter measures to address issues like gentrification, while 18% remained neutral on the matter.
Regional Preferences and Amenities
Over the past three months, travelers searching for February rentals in the Canary Islands have shown clear preferences. The most sought-after feature was homes with swimming pools, topping the list at 78% popularity. Other amenities in demand included:
- Internet connectivity: 24%
- Balconies or terraces: 18%
- Fully-equipped kitchens: 11%
Methodology and Data Collection
The data for this analysis was sourced from Holidu’s internal database and represents February 2025 averages. Between 3 and 17 September 2024, Holidu surveyed 801 holiday rental owners in Spain, including 207 from the Canary Islands. Among them, 88% were private property owners, while 12% represented rental agencies or property managers.
