The Canary Islands, long synonymous with excellent tourism and perfect year-round weather, may be facing an unprecedented and potentially dangerous challenge. The expansion of low-cost airlines to new destinations in the Atlantic, such as Dakhla and Cape Verde, is reshaping European tourism routes and threatening a dominance that seemed unassailable for years. The arrival of Ryanair, easyJet, and Transavia in these emerging destinations is not just a novelty but a wake-up call for an industry that risks losing tourist flows to these new competitors.
Ryanair, with its flights from Madrid and Lanzarote to Dakhla starting at €29.99, is transforming a small Saharan town into an accessible and intriguing destination for millions of tourists. This route, which directly involves the Canary Islands, cannot be ignored: Dakhla presents itself as an exotic alternative for those seeking adventure, authenticity, and, above all, lower prices. It’s not just an addition to the global tourism offering but an option that could even attract Canary Islands residents, who are accustomed to traveling to the Iberian Peninsula or nearby islands for their leisure time.
Meanwhile, easyJet has launched direct flights from Lisbon and Porto to Sal Island in Cape Verde, with fares starting at €83.99. Transavia complements the picture with connections from Paris and Amsterdam to Sal and Boa Vista. These prices, combined with the possibility of flight triangulations, give tourists newfound freedom of choice, placing the Canary Islands in direct competition with destinations that, just a few years ago, were barely on the radar of mass tourism. Cape Verde, with its tropical climate, pristine beaches, and lower cost of living, is positioning itself as an increasingly credible alternative.
But the real risk isn’t just in the numbers of new flights or the competitive prices. The danger lies in the narrative being built around these destinations: Dakhla and Cape Verde aren’t just presented as alternatives but as authentic, unspoiled experiences far from mass tourism. This image could particularly appeal to younger, more dynamic travelers, who now represent a growing segment of the tourism market. Meanwhile, the Canary Islands are sometimes perceived as a “consolidated” destination—almost predictable—despite still having much to offer.
The Canary Islands cannot afford to ignore this signal. Residents, who know the local tourism dynamics better than anyone else, understand how much the archipelago’s economy depends on its ability to attract and retain visitors. Tourism is the lifeblood of the Canary Islands, but to maintain this position, adaptation, innovation, and reinvention are essential. The already excellent infrastructure is no longer enough. The focus must shift toward an offering that combines sustainability, authentic experiences, and, above all, new marketing strategies to highlight the unique aspects of the islands.
The expansion of low-cost routes to Dakhla and Cape Verde is an opportunity for travelers but a wake-up call for the Canary Islands. The risk is not only losing part of the tourist flows but also that these new destinations may steal the narrative of being “exotic, authentic, and affordable,” which for years has made the Canary Islands unbeatable.