Internships on the Canary Islands – where would you like to go?

Many people choose the Canary Islands as their vacation destination and here’s why. First, these islands have fantastic weather, beautiful nature, friendly people, and delicious food. But what makes it even more exciting is that each island is unique.

Imagine exploring lush forests, discovering ancient volcanic craters, or relaxing on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Plus, the weather stays great all year.

But there’s more to it! You can also enjoy lots of fun activities and learn about their rich culture. And if you’re thinking about doing an internship, these islands are an excellent place to learn and grow personally and professionally.

Whether you decide to go alone, with friends, or with your school class, it’s important to know that each Canary Island has its special qualities. To find your perfect match, let’s dive into what makes each island different:

Internships on the Canary Islands: Tenerife

General Information

Tenerife is the largest of the 7 Canary Islands. It has the largest animal park and the largest mountain in Spain, as well as the largest water park in Europe. Tenerife’s Latin-American influence with a touch of Africa will pleasantly surprise you. In many ways, Tenerife resembles a continent in itself, thanks to its very diverse vegetation. From the green landscapes in the north to the numerous sandy beaches in the south, there is something for everyone.

Culture and history

Tenerife boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage deeply influenced by its strategic location between Europe, Africa, and America. The indigenous Guanche inhabited the island before Spanish colonization in the 15th century, leaving behind archaeological sites and cultural remnants. Today, Tenerife’s culture reflects this blend of indigenous and Spanish traditions, with vibrant festivals like Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife showcasing this fusion. The island is also famous for its unique cuisine, featuring dishes like papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) and mojo sauces.

Leisure activities

This island is the perfect place to be if you like to enjoy the sun while you do your internship. Its beautiful beaches and clear sea water invites you to do lots of water sports. Whether surfing, diving, paddle boarding or jet skiing. Here you can not only do a lot on shore. Passionate dancers seeking to learn Bachata or Salsa can take advantage of the vibrant nightlife and various dance classes on offer.

If you need to cool off, you can visit one of the many beautiful beaches or you and your friends could take a trip to Los Gigantes and take a refreshing swim in one of the few piscinas naturales. This is the name for pools that have been formed by nature and are also filled with seawater.

From Los Gigantes, but also from the tourist hotspot of Los Cristianos or from Playa de las Américas, you can purchase tickets for a whale or dolphin watching tour to go out to sea in a catamaran, a speedboat or a glass-bottom boat to observe the beautiful marine animals. Attention: Not for seasick people!

Destinations

For fans of the outdoors, especially for hikers, a trip to the small village Masca in the Teno Mountains is a must, as one of the most famous hiking trails in Tenerife starts here. There are only 80 houses, nonetheless it is very lively because the beautiful landscape attracts a lot of tourists every year. Although the drive to Masca involves navigating a challenging serpentine road, the rewards are undeniably worth the effort.

The capital of the island is Santa Cruz. The city offers numerous shopping opportunities with the main shopping street Calle de Castillo. If you want to shop in Santa Cruz, you can also save money during the time of the rebajas, when there are many good deals to be found.

So, what do you say? Would you and your friends consider Tenerife as the ideal location for your internships on the Canary Islands?

Internships on the Canary Islands: Gran Canaria

General Information

Gran Canaria has everything any intern could want. To begin with, it boasts golden beaches and beautiful nature, alongside oases and deserts. There is something for everyone, young and old. The island earns the title “island of eternal spring” due to its pleasant year-round temperatures. In the winter, it remains warm, while in summer, it avoids becoming excessively hot due to the cooling Atlantic breeze.

Culture and history

Culturally, Gran Canaria has a lot to offer. In the traditional fishing village Puerto de Mogán many tourists and locals can be found. The small, picturesque alleys and canals are reminiscent of Italy, which is why the village is often called the “Venice of the South”.

If you are interested in marine biology in addition to your internship, a unique opportunity awaits to venture out to sea in a submarine and explore the underwater world. The microclimate of the Municipio of Mogán has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the healthiest in the world.

Furthermore, Christopher Columbus briefly resided on Gran Canaria in 1492 during his journey to discover America. He landed on the island to repair one of his ships. You can visit his house Casa de Colón which is now also a museum in the capital Las Palmas. If you are interested in history, you can visit exhibitions on Columbus, the Canary Islands, historical maps, and navigational instruments on the first floor of the house.

Leisure activities

Gran Canaria emerges as a paradise for sports enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of activities. Water sports like surfing are incredibly popular, especially in spots like Playa del Inglés and Playa de las Canteras. The island’s consistent winds make it a hotspot for windsurfing, attracting enthusiasts to locations like Pozo Izquierdo. For underwater exploration, there are fantastic scuba diving opportunities around the marine reserves near La Isleta and Pasito Blanco.

Hiking is a must-do activity, with trails like the Roque Nublo hike providing stunning views of the island’s unique landscapes. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore the rugged terrain around Ayagaures or tackle the challenging trails in Tamadaba Natural Park.

Throughout the year, Gran Canaria hosts sporting events such as the Gran Canaria Marathon, Transgrancanaria Ultra Trail, and windsurfing championships. Consequently, it stands as a lively destination that will delight sports admirers.

Destinations

An important item on the to-do list when doing your internship in Gran Canaria is visiting the dunes of Maspalomas, 6 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide, stretching from Playa del Inglés to the Maspalomas Lighthouse. You’ll feel like you are right in the Sahara, although the sand is not Sahara sand, but made of coral and shells that were crushed by the water movement and then washed ashore.

The nightlife on Gran Canaria provides various possibilities for having unforgettable party nights. The Plaza de España in the capital Las Palmas is the place to go. It is always full of people until dawn. There is even much more going on at the south coast; a place where nobody seems to sleep, except at siesta time, for sure.

Do you and your friends consider Gran Canaria when thinking about the location of your internships on the Canary Islands?

Internships on the Canary Islands: Fuerteventura!

General Information

Referred to as the “jewel of the Canary Island’s crown”, Fuerteventura presents unparalleled possibilities and opportunities for surfers worldwide all year round. The water always has pleasant temperatures, there are many international surfers and the surf spots are easy to access. Remarkably, it stands as the second-largest island, following Tenerife, and holds the distinction of being the oldest among them all.

Even though its popularity is increasing day by day, Fuerteventura maintains a very relaxed atmosphere. The island also has one of the most impressive stretches of sand due to the fact that it is only 100 km off the coast of Africa, so after your day at work you can relax with a walk along the endless, beautiful white beaches while gazing at the azure ocean.

Culture and history

There is no sure translation of the island name. However, it is believed to be composed of the two Spanish words “fuerte” (strong) and “viento” (wind) as a reference to the strong winds that exist on the island.

Fuerteventura’s history reflects its strategic location, which made it a stopover for explorers and conquerors throughout the centuries. It was also inhabited by the indigenous Guanche people, who lived a semi-nomadic life and left behind archaeological sites like Tindaya Mountain, which is considered sacred. In the 15th century, the island was conquered by the Spanish, bringing a new era of colonial influence, and you can still see Spanish colonial architecture in towns like Betancuria. The island’s culture is further enriched by its stunning natural landscapes, including pristine beaches like Playa de Sotavento and volcanic formations like the Malpaís de la Aren.

Leisure activities

Fuerteventura the dream of any sporty intern, thanks to its stunning natural landscapes and favourable climate. This Canary Island offers a diverse range of sports activities, making it an ideal spot for both adrenaline junkies and those seeking a more active vacation.

Windsurfing and kiteboarding are iconic sports here, with Fuerteventura known for its consistent trade winds. The beaches of Sotavento and Flag Beach in Corralejo are renowned worldwide for these exhilarating water sports.

For those who prefer exploring the island on land, mountain biking is a popular option. Fuerteventura presents a variety of trails suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.

If you want to meet a lot of new people from different countries, there are enough beaches where many tourists gather. If you want to have your peace and quiet and just relax after a long day, there are also beaches where you can listen to the sound of the sea completely by yourself.

Destinations

A visit to the white sand dunes of the Parque Natural de Corralejo is a must. There you can see real sand from the Sahara Desert. If you need new inspiration or just want to take in the aesthetic impressions, stop by the historical town of Betancuria in a lush valley, which features well-preserved architecture and cultural sites.

Puerto del Rosario, the capital of Fuerteventura, is a vibrant urban centre known for its cultural attractions such as the Casa Museo Unamuno and its lively local gastronomic scene that offers a taste of authentic Canarian cuisine. The city serves as the administrative and commercial centre of the island and offers a blend of historic charm and modern comforts.

Clearly, Fuerteventura stands as an exceptional destination for your internships on the Canary Islands!

Placement Spain

Internships on the Canary Islands: Lanzarote!

General Information

The beautiful volcanic island Lanzarote, with its red shimmer, lies off the coast of Morocco. Of all the 7 Canary Islands, Lanzarote’s landscape bears the closest similarity to a typical African one. Since the island has a lot of deserts, it’s hard to imagine the beauty of Lanzarote’s beaches.

Distinguished by its volcanic landscapes, the island’s unique appearance is a product of its tumultuous geological history, marked by a series of volcanic eruptions in the 18th century.

Lanzarote boasts a warm climate, maintaining average temperatures of 20°C year-round. This makes it an ideal destination for interns seeking valuable work experiences, abundant sunshine, and outdoor activities throughout the year.

Culture and history

Lanzarote’s unique landscape is shaped by its volcanic origins, with dramatic lava fields and craters like Timanfaya National Park, showcasing its turbulent geological past.

The island’s history includes Spanish colonial influence dating back to the 15th century, as well as the presence of pirates who once used it as a base, leaving their mark on its architecture and fortifications, such as the Castillo de San Gabriel in Arrecife.

anzarote’s cuisine features fresh seafood and traditional Canarian dishes, offering a delightful taste of the local culture. Additionally, Lanzarote is known for its unique “malvasía” wine production, further enriching its cultural heritage.

Leisure activities

This Canary Island offers a diverse range of leisure activities for interns to enjoy. The island’s stunning beaches are a major attraction, with their golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Playa Blanca, Papagayo Beach, and Famara Beach are popular spots for sunbathing and swimming.

Nature enthusiasts can embark on explorations of the surreal landscapes within Timanfaya National Park—a volcanic wonderland. Guided tours offer an opportunity to witness geothermal activity, including geysers and the famous Fire Mountains.

Destinations

In the north, you’ll come across Puerto del Carmen, a bustling resort town known for its vibrant nightlife, numerous dining options, and Playa Grande, a long sandy beach. The Old Town area offers a more traditional atmosphere with narrow streets and local markets.

Continuing your journey, the island’s capital, Arrecife, seamlessly combines culture and modernity, with attractions like San Ginés Castle, Charco de San Ginés (a picturesque lagoon), and the bustling shopping district of Calle León y Castillo.

For a unique escape, take a short ferry ride to La Graciosa, officially part of the Chinijo Archipelago. It’s a serene island with beautiful beaches and a relaxed ambiance, making it an ideal day trip or overnight getaway.

Without a doubt, you definitely need to take Lanzarote into account when planning your internships on the Canary Islands!

Internship Canary Islands

Now it’s up to you!

On which of the Canary Islands do you choose to do your hotel internship? No matter which one you choose, we promise that you will have an unforgettable adventure, make many international friends, develop as a person, and also gain valuable work experience. We thank all our interns for sending us these magical photos during their internships on the Canary Islands.

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