- More than 1,000 British tourists assessed their vacation experiences based on eight distinct factors.
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Mogán Harbour in Gran Canaria topped the list of the best resort areas in the Canary Islands, surpassing more well-known destinations, with lesser-known destinations being criticized for being overly touristy.
The verdicts come from a survey by Which? of 1,000 British travelers, ranking Canary Island destinations based on eight criteria, including the quality of the beach, landscape, cuisine, lodgings, and the cost-effectiveness.
A resort rating was then calculated, based on overall satisfaction and likelihood of recommendation. In general, it is the smaller, quieter Canary Islands resorts that have ranked the highest - possibly, notes Which?, because mass tourism hotspots have been targeted by local protests due to the negative impact of mass tourism.
The Puerto de Mogán resort ranks first in a 15-strong table with an outstanding resort rating of 90 percent.
This resort scores five stars for its accommodations and four-star ratings for food, drinks, surroundings, and the price, a notable achievement that it is the only resort to accomplish. It also receives three stars for its quietness.
‘With its charming marina, whitewashed houses and intricate old town, it's clear why this 'serene and picturesque destination' won the hearts of tourists,' says Which?.
Playa Blanca ranked second with a score of 77 percent, qualifies as the top-rated Lanzarote resort.
‘At the southern tip of the island, this refined resort offers a peaceful pace of life, with travelers describing it as “child-friendly” and “relaxed”,’ says Which?. ‘Primarily free from high-rise developments, the resort features an exceptional variety of accommodations, for which it received four stars.’
Playa Blanca also received a three-star rating for food and drink, with reviewers praising its ‘great choice of quality restaurants’.
Tied in third place with scores of 75 per cent are Costa Adeje, Tenerife; Costa Teguise, Lanzarote; and Las Palmas, Gran Canaria.
Members of Which? praised the 'fantastic' hotels - many of which are on the beachfront - in Costa Adeje, giving them five stars for accommodation.
The resort earned three-star ratings in the categories of shopping, scenery, and food and drink.
'Friendly' plays a significant role in portraying Costa Teguise. Costa Teguise has been granted four stars for accommodation, and three stars for its beach, scenery, food and drink, value for money, and peace and quiet.
''We prefer that it's not the island's top attraction in Lanzarote,' mentioned one respondent. 'It offers many options for dining and nightlife, and the prices are affordable.''
Which? recommends Las Palmas for holidaymakers seeking a balance of sun, sea, and city, with Gran Canaria's capital earning four stars for accommodations and three stars for tourist attractions, value, food and drink, scenery, and tranquility.
‘For many visitors, it's first a city, and only afterwards a tourist destination,’ said one traveler.
For those seeking peace and tranquility on their vacation, Playa de Santiago could be the perfect destination, as it is the only location to be ranked with four stars in this category.
Located on one of the smallest Canary Islands, La Gomera, the small fishing village - which received an overall score of 73 percent - 'draws visitors seeking a break from the chaos', says Which?.
One tourist stated: 'It's a very peaceful small town, untouched by mass tourism... it's the ideal location to relax and de-stress.'
But it's the Canary Islands resort with the lowest rating (61 percent) that is potentially the most surprising, as it's where thousands of Brits flock to on holiday every year - and even named English Beach.
Members of Which? have suggested that Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria, has become a 'victim of its own success' since its construction in the 1960s, with some criticizing the resort as 'too busy, too crowded with bland, excessive British consumer items, and not relaxing'.
It was one of the destinations that witnessed protests against tourism last year, along with Tenerife, but some members still continue to come back.
One added: "I have a great time whenever I'm here... I've found the local residents and tourists alike to be incredibly hospitable."
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: “The Canary Islands are favored by the British for their year-round sunshine and although many thousands of us visit each year, our research indicates that holidaymakers generally prefer the quieter resorts compared to the package holiday, fly-and-flop destinations.”
Protests last year demonstrated some residents' strong dissatisfaction with the detrimental effects of the large-scale tourism industry.
‘Picking a lesser-known resort that came out on top in our survey will make your holiday less crowded and more enjoyable. When you're planning, consider supporting the local community - for example, opt for family-owned hotels, bars, and restaurants instead of large international chains and vacation rentals.’
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