Canary Islands Cruises

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Columbus and his crews used this island as a port of call on their voyages both to India and to Central and South America.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.