What It’s Really Like to
Live in Canary Islands
Not just the sunshine and beaches. The real story of life here with 3 kids, remote work and island reality. Here’s everything we wish we’d known before.
Save weeks of research. Don’t make the mistakes we did.
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Who do we help?
Whether you’re exploring for weeks, working remotely for months, or planning a permanent move, we provide the authentic insights you need. This isn’t Chat GPT, it’s real-life experience of what it’s like to take a stroll near the ocean on black sand on a random tuesday or to visit the police station three times before you can get your paperwork sorted.
Extended Travelers
Planning weeks of adventure? Discover hidden trails, authentic local spots, and cultural experiences beyond the typical tourist routes. If you’re not a typical tourist.
- Hidden hiking trails & nature spots
- Local restaurants
- Cultural events & festivals
- Photography locations
- Seasonal activities
Expat Nomads
Work remotely from paradise. Get the inside scoop on coworking spaces, reliable internet, visa requirements, and the best neighborhoods in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
- Coworking spaces & cafés with WiFi
- Visa & residency requirements
- Cost of living breakdown
- Best neighborhoods for couples
- Expat community connections
Relocating Families
Ready to make the move? Real family life with 3+ kids. International schools, pediatricians, safe neighborhoods, and yes – how to handle teenagers here.
- International & local schools
- Healthcare system guide
- Housing market insights
- Legal & administrative steps
- Family-friendly communities
#expectacular
#slowliving
The Honest Picture
We don’t sugarcoat. Life in the Canary Islands is incredible in many ways, but it’s not paradise for everyone. Here’s what we’ve learned after 4 years with 3 kids.
The Challenges
Not everything is piña coladas and palm trees – expect some of this:
- High rental costs: Long-term rentals are expensive and hard to find, especially with pets and kids
- Limited local jobs: Unless you’re remote or have EU business, job market is tough
- Bureaucracy: NIE numbers, school enrollment, healthcare registration – it takes time and patience
- Island isolation: Sometimes you miss the mainland, big cities, easy access to “home”
- Calima days: Saharan dust makes some days hot, sticky, and difficult
- Rough ocean: Beautiful, yes. But strong currents and waves can be dangerous
- Worn infrastructure: Not everything is shiny and new – some areas are run-down
The Rewards
But if you can handle the above? This is what life starts to look like:
- Stress-free rhythm: Life genuinely slows down. Less rushing, more presence
- Constant 24°C: No heavy winter clothing, no seasonal depression, outdoor life year-round
- Nature access: Beaches, mountains, volcanic landscapes – 15 minutes from anywhere
- International community: Our kids’ school has 23 nationalities – incredible diversity
- Ocean proximity: We hear waves, smell salt air, watch sunsets daily – it changes you
- Family time: Work-life balance improves dramatically when outdoor life is always accessible
- Canarian mentality: Locals prioritize family, relationships, joy over hustle
Bottom line: If you’re looking for perfect, this isn’t it. If you’re ready to trade some conveniences for better quality of life, slower pace, and nature-first living – keep reading.
Why Trust Us?
We Actually Live Here
We’re not travel bloggers on a 2-week trip. We’re a real family – two 40+ parents, three kids (now teenagers!), dealing with Spanish bureaucracy, international schools, emergency room visits, and yes, those perfect beach sunsets too.
IT business, remote work, life abroad, with children of 23 different nationalities in our kids’ class. We made every mistake so you don’t have to. We moved eight times in the first year, then bought a house last year. We went to the hospital several times, arranged car purchases, repairs, and product warranties. At first, we didn’t know a word of Spanish. From NIE nightmares to finding pet-friendly rental apartments, we went through it all.
This isn’t Instagram paradise. It’s real life – sometimes frustrating, often beautiful, always interesting. And after 4 years, we’re still here. That tells you something.
2022
YEAR WE MOVED
3
kids
100%
remote
100%
slow life
Your First 90 Days in Canary
50+ pages of actual, useful information. Not fluff, not dreams – real data from real life.
What’s Inside Your Free Guide
- Part 1: The Truth Nobody Tells You
Our €3,000 mistake story • Instagram vs Reality photos • 2025 real numbers • Why we almost left in month 3 - Part 2: Which Island For You? (All 8!)
Tenerife North vs South • Gran Canaria reality • Lanzarote for families • La Graciosa (the forgotten 8th) • For tourists, nomads & families - Part 3: Your First Month Survival
Week 1 crisis mode • SIM cards & banks that work • NIE in 2 weeks (if lucky) • When it finally clicks - Part 4: Money Reality Check
Tourist: €50-150/night • Nomad: €1,500-2,500/month • Family: €3,000-5,000/month • Our actual 2025 expenses
Real rental prices
Actual living costs
Expat statistics
Islands in numbers
FREE
The budget breakdown per island is gold. We’re a family of 4 – now we ACTUALLY know what to expect. Thank you!
The Johnson Family, USA
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Go Deeper: Complete Island Life Guides
When the free guide isn’t enough. Real solutions to real problems.
Perfect for: 3+ week adventures
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50+ places Google
doesn’t know
65+ pages of insider spots
FOR EXTENDED
TRAVELERS
“The Locals’ Canary Islands”
- Secret beaches with GPS coordinates
- Hiking trails only locals use
- Photographer’s golden hour spots
- Real restaurants (€8 menu del día)
- Dangerous currents map included
- Kalima forecast reading guide
- Festival calendar (skip tourist traps)
- Tide tables for hidden pools
The budget breakdown per island is gold. We’re a family of 4 – now we ACTUALLY know what to expect. Thank you!
The Johnson Family, USA
Perfect for: 2-6 month stays
€19
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Actually work from paradise
70+ pages of practical info
FOR DIGITAL
NOMADS
Remote Work Reality Check
- Internet speed map 2025 (tested!)
- Coworking: prices, noise, community
- Housing: Facebook groups that work
- Tax reality: 183 day rule explained
- Autónomo: when it’s worth it
- Backup plans when internet dies
- Real networking (not crypto MLM)
- Best cafés for video calls
The budget breakdown per island is gold. We’re a family of 4 – now we ACTUALLY know what to expect. Thank you!
The Johnson Family, USA
Perfect for: Permanent relocation
€19
€48
Everything nobody tells families
80+ pages family wisdom
FOR RELOCATING
FAMILIES
Family Move Intelligence Pack
- School comparison matrix 2025
- Hidden fees at “cheap” schools
- Which hospital for what emergency
- English-speaking pediatricians
- Teen survival guide included
- Sports clubs that actually exist
- Birthday party culture decoded
- Pet-friendly everything list
The budget breakdown per island is gold. We’re a family of 4 – now we ACTUALLY know what to expect. Thank you!
The Johnson Family, USA
Perfect for: Permanent relocation
€19
€48
Spanish admin without tears
70+ pages of practical info
FOR RELOCATING
FAMILIES
Canary Bureaucracy Decoded
- NIE/TIE: filled examples, exact steps
- Which office, which person to ask for
- Empadronamiento in every municipality
- Banking: which bank accepts what
- Gestor vs DIY decision matrix
- Tax residency traps to avoid
- Digital certificate setup guide
- Emergency document recovery
The budget breakdown per island is gold. We’re a family of 4 – now we ACTUALLY know what to expect. Thank you!
The Johnson Family, USA
Save Months of Mistakes
We made the errors. Paid the price. Learned the lessons. Now you don’t have to.