Expat Communities — The Germans in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are Europe's most popular destination for German-speaking expatriates. An estimated 30,000–50,000 Germans live permanently or semi-permanently on the islands, along with thousands of Austrians and Swiss. The largest communities are found in:

• South Tenerife: Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Costa Adeje — entire streets here have German bakeries, butcher shops, pharmacies, and real estate agents. The area around Pueblo Canario in Playa de las Américas is practically a German village in the sun
• South Gran Canaria: Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín — similar to Tenerife, with its own doctors, lawyers, and clubs
• Fuerteventura: Corralejo and Costa Calma have growing German communities, often with a focus on surfing and outdoor activities
• Lanzarote: Smaller but established German community, especially in Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise

Integration varies greatly: Some expatriates have lived on the islands for decades, speak fluent Spanish, and are deeply integrated into local society. Others move exclusively within the German bubble — reading the “Wochenblatt" newspaper, going to the German doctor, and meeting at the German regulars' table. For tourists, the German infrastructure is convenient (German-speaking doctors in emergencies!), but one should be aware that this parallel world does not reflect the “real" Canarian life.

Besides the Germans, there are also large communities of Britons (especially in South Tenerife and Lanzarote), Scandinavians (Gran Canaria), and increasingly digital nomads from around the world (coworking spaces in Santa Cruz, Las Palmas, and Puerto de la Cruz are booming).