If you’re curious what language in the Canary Islands, it’s Spanish. But this article isn’t just about that; it also delves into whether it’s hard for tourists without Spanish knowledge to enjoy their time there, how well locals speak English, what basic words you need for a comfortable trip, and tips to navigate communication with locals.

Language in the Canary Islands: General Overview

It’s pretty straightforward here, so let’s sum it up:

  • The official language in the Canaries is Spanish. The local dialect spoken by residents is called Canarian. It’s similar to Caribbean Spanish. Yes, that exists too. There are some differences in grammar, phonetics, simplifications. But anyone who knows classical Spanish will understand a Canarian without any problems. And here, they “speak” Silbo Gomero, or rather, they whistle.

Silbo Gomero:

This unique language originates from the island of La Gomera, where whistling serves as communication over long distances. It’s been preserved and even taught in schools as an elective. Silbo Gomero is recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. You can learn more about it in an article about the island’s population and how it differs from the Guanches.
language in the canary
Whistled language emerged in mountain villages and valleys, as depicted in the photos. Whistling could travel for kilometers, unlike regular speech.
  • In popular tourist spots, information is often available in English, sometimes even in German and French.

English Proficiency

In short, those working in the tourism can manage English fairly well. You can communicate clearly with them. However, those not involved in tourism might not know English at all, not even how to count to five.

canarian language
Here’s an example from a local (non-touristy) restaurant menu. English is rarely spoken in such places.
  • For instance, in restaurants catering exclusively to tourists in resort villages, menus often come in 5-7 languages.
  • But in local cafés or cafés in remote villages offering traditional Canarian dishes, you won’t get by without Spanish. Usually, menus are only in Spanish, rarely with English translations. Staff in such establishments also seldom speak English.

For everything about Canarian cuisine and whether you should tip, check out the linked article.

Basic Spanish Words for Your Trip

If you plan to do more than just lounge on the beach during your vacation and want to explore other attractions, knowing some basic Spanish will be helpful. It’ll ease communication with locals, especially in remote regions, shops, local eateries, wineries, etc.

Here are a few phrases you should know:

  • Hello and goodbye – “Hola” and “Adiós”
  • Thank you and please – “Gracias” and “Por favor”
  • Knowing numbers is crucial. Most language gaps arise due to not knowing numbers. Learn counting up to 20; it’s usually enough in most situations: ordering in a restaurant, giving change, asking for prices. Counting beyond 20 in Spanish is even easier.
canarias spanish
In the photo, you’ll find a minimum essential program for any tourist heading to the Canaries. You might not need to know many other words; these are the key ones.
  • The most popular words during the heat in the Canaries are “beer” or “sangria” – “cerveza” or “sangría.”
  • And, of course, put all your Spanish knowledge to use with the most useful phrase in any restaurant: “Dos cervezas, por favor” – “Two beers, please.”
  • Add two more words to your vocabulary: “Mañana” and “Tranquila” – “Tomorrow” and “Relax.” You’ll hear these often; you can use them too. If you don’t feel like doing something, say “Mañana” (tomorrow), and if someone tells you to relax, reply with “Tranquila” (relax). These words encapsulate the Spanish way of life. If you don’t want to do something now, say “Mañana,” and they’ll return tomorrow.

It’s all in good fun, but the most important thing is knowing numbers; learn counting up to 20 and greatly simplify communication in 80% of daily situations.

Travel Tips

The most important advice is just one, and it applies to everyone who doesn’t speak Spanish.

  • In the 21st century, the internet is an integral part of our lives. Nowadays, it should be with you on every trip. It’s a necessity. Modern internet isn’t just about browsing cat photos in your free time; it offers a plethora of mega-useful services that simplify our lives. Buying tickets to attractions, checking maps or opening hours – all of this requires internet access.
  • Today, there are plenty of online translators available. Google Translate, for instance, can now translate your voice and text from photos. Point your camera at a menu or sign, and the translator will instantly convert the text in real-time. Speak into your phone what you want to say to someone, and they’ll hear it in Spanish right away. But all of this requires mobile internet.

Whether you’re using roaming with your home SIM card or getting a local SIM card, it doesn’t matter. Having mobile internet significantly eases all communication hurdles. Plus, internet prices in Europe today won’t heavily impact your travel budget.

For everything about mobile communication, tariffs, and prices in the Canaries, check out the article.

In conclusion: the language in the Canary Islands is solely Spanish; only tourism industry workers know English, while others may not know it at all. If you can communicate in English and learn basic Spanish for oral communication, you won’t have any issues. And if you have a translator app on your phone, you’ll practically blend in like a local. And if you already know Spanish, you probably didn’t need to read this article 🙂

Useful links to help you plan your dream trip to Canary Islands:

  • Car Rental: LocalRent or DiscoverCars – the most popular car rental platforms.

  • Accommodation:
    • Trip.com – the largest accommodation booking platform.

    • or TripAdvisor – to compare prices among other platforms and choose the best one.

  • Budget-friendly vacation packages to Spain and Canary Islands: CheapOair.

  • Tours and activities: GetYourGuide or Viator – hundreds of offers, whales and dolphins, entrance tickets with discounts.

  • eSIM and internet: Airalo.

  • Flights: WayAway compares prices among dozens of companies.

  • Travel Insurance: EKTA.