Canary Islands Cruises
Scattered 70 miles off the coast of Africa, the Canaries combine European sophistication with a superb African climate. The islands are known for their year-round warmth, which is why a Canaries cruise is the perfect adventure for sun worshippers or those who wish to swim, sail, snorkel or simply stroll their way around magnificent landscapes. [ReadMoreMob]
This dramatic region is beyond most people’s expectations. The varied landscapes include the subtropical national park of La Gomera, the cascades of La Palma’s waterfalls and the pine canopy across Gran Canaria’s mountainous interior. Vistas that are in stark contrast to the barren lands of Tenerife - home to majestic Mount Teide - and the extravagant rock formations of Lanzarote’s lava fields. The Canaries offers a broad range of accessible outdoor activities. Many visitors enjoy hiking the signposted footpaths that criss-cross the islands, or to vary the pace with horse rides, boat trips and rounds of golf. [ReadMoreDesk]
While the Canary Islands may not offer the punch of galleries and museums of mainland Spain, there is much in the way of culture and art across the islands. The region’s architecture is also a draw for visitors, as the Canaries’ characteristic wooden balconies, leafy patios and brightly-painted façades around every turn are a joy to discover. All of which can be taken advantage of on a memorable Canary Islands cruise.
Top Experiences
Arrecife, Spain
Lanzarote Volcanoes
Covering over 12,600 acres of land, the legendary Timanfaya National Park is a geological wonderland of steaming volcanic tuff, fascinating rock formations and striking volcanic cones glowing in a variety of colours. The park can be explored by camel, too.
César Manrique
The Manrique Cactus Garden features over 1,000 species. Constructed on a volcanic ash quarry, the terraced garden was the artist’s final project and is arranged in the shape of a large amphitheatre, framing its inhabitants against a stunning backdrop.
Jameos del Agua
This rock formation is the result of a lava tube cooling into the sea around 5,000 years ago. The cave has since been converted into a majestic auditorium, including underground gardens and a beautiful clear azure lake. Blind crabs are endemic here.
Gran Tarajal, Spain
World Biosphere Reserve
Volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches and the largest desert in Europe are among some of the natural features that have earned Fuerteventura its status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The island is also one of 50 paleontological sites of global importance.
Goat’s Cheese
With more goats than people living on Fuerteventura, it’ll come as no surprise that the island is renowned for its goat’s cheese. Majorero cheese, in particular, is a must-try. Also known as Queso Fuerteventura, it’s semi-hard with a nutty, milky flavour.
Entallada Lighthouse
Built in 1953, this unique lighthouse was the last of its kind in the Canary Islands to be constructed as a habitable dwelling. Sitting atop a 200-metre-high cliff at the end of a narrow, winding road, it’s the closest point to Africa in the Canaries.
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain
Sand Dunes at Maspalomas
This iconic 400-hectare stretch of dunes is part of a beautiful low coastline of sandy beaches and shallow waters. Despite the desert-like climate, rare plants can thrive, alongside lizards and rabbits. The dunes have been protected for over 100 years.
Pine forests
The Canary Island pine uses its needles to condense moisture from the air (which falls as rain), allowing it to grow high in the mountains of Gran Canaria. The needles also protect the trees from fires by burning quickly before heat damages the growing buds.
Canary Wrinkly Potatoes with Mojo
Papas arrugadas (Canarian wrinkly potatoes) is an authentic Canarian potato dish, typically served with a chili pepper and garlic sauce called ‘mojo rojo’. Boiling the potatoes in salt water creates the shrivelled, ‘wrinkly’ effect.
San Sebastian, Spain
Links to Fred. Olsen
The Fred. Olsen Group has historical links to the Canary Islands, having had operations here since 1904. In Gomera, you will find a road named Paseo Fred Olsen, a ferry service, and a family-owned hotel - Hotel Jardin Tecina.
Landscape
While much of La Gomera is rocky and mountainous, the island is also home to lush valleys, palm trees, banana plantations, black sand beaches, forests and even a tropical
jungle in the Garajonay National Park. La Gomera has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Christopher Columbus
Columbus and his crews used this island as a port of call on their voyages both to India and to Central and South America.
Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain
Biosphere Reserve
La Palma retains a unique edge over the rest of the Canary Islands, boasting the most glorious flowers, the most worthwhile walking trails and the clearest skies. It’s Biosphere Reserve status has deservedly covered the entire island since 2002.
Stargazing
As the first 'starlight reserve', La Palma represents a perfect place to stargaze, as various lighting laws are in place to ensure it retains its unique status. The observatories at Roque de los Muchachos contain the largest optical telescope in the world.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Mount Teide
Standing over 3,700 metres tall within Teide National Park, Mount Teide dominates the landscape of Tenerife and is the highest mountain in Spain. A cable car ride to the summit affords unprecedented views over this geological treasure and beyond.
Pyramids of Güímar
These six terraced structures made of lava stone are believed to date back to the 19th century AD. So much mystery surrounds the pyramids in terms of their origin, but according to researchers, they are aligned astronomically with the winter and summer solstices.
Historic banana trade
Tenerife is the largest banana exporter in the Canaries. At the plantations, you’ll be in touch with Fred. Olsen history. The family were involved in the fruit trade between the UK and the Canaries, and in naming ‘Canary Wharf’, the quay where the ships landed.
Ports
Cruises to Canary Islands



Escape to the Canaries • T2125
Save to favourites- Relax on the beaches of the Canaries
- Enjoy time in Lanzarote to seek-out volcanic wonders
- Explore verdant Madeira



Winter Warmth of the Canaries • L2136
Save to favourites- An incredible journey of Canarian discovery
- Volcanic landscapes, enchanting forests and much more awaits
- Explore famous botanical gardens in Madeira



Landscapes of the Canary Islands • T2129
Save to favourites- A pre-Christmas getaway packed with the sun
- A chance to see ‘shooting stars’ of the Geminid Meteor Shower
- You could also see Mount Teide in Tenerife



Canary Islands Winter Escape • S2128
Save to favourites- Prepare for the festive period on a pre-Christmas getaway
- Witness the ‘shooting stars’ of the Geminid Meteor Shower
- Explore the volcanic landscapes of La Gomera



Canaries Christmas & New Year • S2129
Save to favourites- Escape to the sun for a magical festive season
- Enjoy a feast of fun on board Borealis
- Visit Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, La Palma and La Gomera



Canaries Christmas & Funchal Fireworks • L2131
Save to favourites- Sail to and visit stunning Atlantic Ocean islands
- Celebrate Christmas at sea with fun and delicious food
- With time to explore Madeira’s gorgeous gardens & trails too



Canaries & Madeira Winter Warmth • L2201
Save to favourites- Enjoy the soothing warmth of the Canaries & Madeira
- Uncover tropical gardens and lush landscapes
- Four days of engrossing Canary Island discovery



Islands of Cape Verde, Madeira & the Canaries • L2202
Save to favourites- Experience the spectacular beauty of glorious islands
- Enjoy an authentic taste of Cape Verde
- Discover volcanic landscapes and natural wonders



Canaries & Portugal with Funchal Flower Parade • L2211
Save to favourites- Witness a fusion of floral colour on this springtime cruise
- Explore Madeira’s lush landscapes and tropical gardens
- Delight in the maritime history of La Coruña and Lisbon