Elite athletes flock to the islands in droves due to the exceptional climate, altitude, and world-class training centers

With an average annual temperature of around 22ºC, diverse landscapes for training at sea level all the way up to 1,800 meters of altitude, and over 30 high-performance training centers, it is no wonder the Canary Islands are the go-to choice for professional athletes. Their top-class facilities, renowned international competitions, and the unique environment make the archipelago a true haven for professional sports tourism. Every year, thousands of world-class athletes, including triathletes, cyclists, and swimmers, use the Canary Islands as their training base. This is no coincidence: the archipelago has a stable climate with over 4,800 hours of sunshine a year, more than 1,500 kilometers of coastline that are perfect for water sports, diverse terrains with everything from Atlantic beaches to volcanic peaks, not to mention a network of world-class facilities where sport and applied science come together. Teide National Park (Tenerife), Roque de los Muchachos (La Palma), and Pico de Las Nieves (Gran Canaria) provide high-altitude training environments with the perfect conditions to boost endurance and lung capacity. Furthermore, with over 1,500 kilometers of coastline, the coast becomes a natural gym with the sea as the perfect ally for physical training and recovery alike.

The Meridiano Marathon is the premier sporting event on the island of El Hierro © Canary Islands Tourism

The Canary Islands also offer a key competitive edge: there are more than thirty specialized elite training and sports medicine centers helping athletes with everything from personalized nutrition plans to advanced physiotherapy. The balance between physical exertion and emotional well-being is boosted in an environment where athletes can focus and relax, thanks to the zen-like landscapes and the exceptional air quality. This offer is boosted by internationally renowned events, making the Canary Islands a consolidated sports brand: Ironman Lanzarote, Transgrancanaria, Tenerife Bluetrail, and Frontón King, to name but a few, set the competitive stage for the world’s top athletes to go head-to-head. The Canary Islands are more than just somewhere to train; they inspire you to raise your game. Whether under the sun, between the mountains and the ocean; this is where athletes can give it their all.