For many years, the idyllic Canary Islands have been the ultimate holiday destination for many around the globe. Its fantastic mix of golden, sandy beaches, breathtaking landscapes; tourist attractions and vibrant nightlife have concreted its reputation as one of the best places to vacation in Europe. When it comes to the most popular of the islands, Tenerife and Gran Canaria continuously come up trumps, but which one is the best holiday island?

When it comes to Tenerife, you will find a variety of climate changes across the island, with winter temperatures of around 15C to 20C in the winter in the North and 20C to 25C in the South. However, for the majority of holiday goers, Tenerife is at its best during the summer season when you can enjoy temperatures in the 30′s – perfect weather to enjoy while you’re soaking up the rays on one of the island’s glorious beaches.

The island houses many fantastic beaches such as Playa Grande, Playa Las Gaviotas and Playa las Vistas – all of which have their own forms of entertainment whether you are looking to partake in some thrilling water sports or if you are simply looking to sit back, relax and enjoy some peace and quiet.

The beaches all provide eating facilities along the promenades which make them the perfect hang out spots and also make Tenerife one of the best places to visit whether you are a family of four, a couple or a gang of friends looking for the holiday of a lifetime. However, for many a holiday destination is chosen based on the culture which they can expect to be treated with.

Tenerife famously houses the amazing volcano Mount Teide, which is the third largest volcano in the world and the highest mountain in Spain – a sight not to be missed. The island is also home to a wide range of Spanish culture, much of which you can experience through some of the exquisite traditional restaurants which will provide you with some of the best Tapas you will ever taste.

The Canary Islands are renowned for providing fantastic tourist attractions and Tenerife is guaranteed not to disappoint. With the AquaPark, Teide National Park, Loro Parque and La Laguna to name but a few-there is plenty to entertain everyone of any age here. Finally there is the nightlife! Tenerife is perfect for all types of groups whether you are looking to dance the night away every night of your holiday or if you are looking for a family friendly holiday.

With masses of bars and restaurants, you can find cuisine from all over the world to suit any taste pubs and with many of the pubs providing food and family friendly entertainment, you are sure to enjoy every night on the island. For those looking to stay out until the early hours of the morning, you will find many bars which are open to the early hours of the morning, providing a wide range of music. With nightclubs such as Tramps and Veronicas providing some of the best music in Europe at the moment, you are sure to return home each night with a smile on your face.

Gran Canaria has a slightly warmer climate, providing highs of around 35C during its hottest season in July and August and with highs of around 25C during the winter months, it makes the island one of the best locations for a winter holiday as well as a summer holiday.

Similar to Tenerife, Gran Canaria houses some gorgeous beaches such as Playa de Puerto Rico, Playa de los Amadores and Playa del Ingles-which is known as being one of the most famous beaches in Europe. You can find a wide range of entertainment near the beaches from water sports, golf courses and various other amusements as well as masses of coffee shops and eateries-perfect for a bite to eat or a chance to cool off from the sweltering heat!

When it comes to escaping the heat, Las Palmas houses some fantastic galleries, museums and musical arenas, providing you with an eclectic mix of entertainment throughout your holiday, as well as some fantastic designer stores-perfect for those die hard shopping fans. The island also has many tourist attractions which you would expect from a Canary Island such as the Aqua Park, Parque de los Cocodrilo Crocodile Park and two casinos for those who fancy taking their chance with lady luck.

The island is home to some of the best cuisine in Europe, which a wide variety of restaurants providing traditional Spanish recipes with an Latin American and African influence, as well as Italian, Indian and Chinese meals. When it comes to the nightlife however, Gran Canaria provides a more vibrant party scene than Tenerife, mainly thanks to its buzzing gay nightlife. The Yumbo centre in Playa de Ingles is one of the most popular spots on the island with the party often not starting until midnight and lasting until last man standing.

Here, you will enjoy a wide range of Euro-pop and current music to dance away to and with a fantastic atmosphere, you are sure to have a brilliant night. On the island you will also find a wide range of pubs and bars for those looking for a more quiet evening, all of which provide a variety of music from live bands to jazz to chill out zones which are open well into the early hours of the morning. For this reason, the island is perhaps more suited to young groups or those who feel a lot younger than they are!

When it comes to choosing the best island, the decision is purely made by what type of holiday you are looking for. Tenerife is the perfect holiday destination for families and couples or for those who are looking for a chilled out holiday where they can do as they please. However if the decision maker for you comes to culture and a buzzing nightlife, Gran Canaria is the one for you. With a mixture of both the gay nightlife scene and the mainstream bars and clubs, you have the best of both worlds and are sure to not forget your holiday in a hurry.

Mark Scriven is a marketing professional and has written many articles on business, travel and the internet. To book your Gran Canaria holidays visit Corona Holidays at www.CoronaHolidays.co.uk. Corona Holidays also offer cheap holidays in Tenerife and the other Canary Islands.