Canary Island Holidays | 2022 Exclusives

Cruises

Canaries Cruises

The Canary Islands with their year-round sunshine are among the most popular holiday destinations for UK travellers. Located just off the north-west coast of Africa, these seven volcanic islands combine a delightful semi-tropical African climate with enchanting European sophistication, and offer spectacular landscapes, charming towns and villages, and stunning beaches. Although the Canaries are great for land-based holidays, each of the islands has its own unique character, meaning that by far the best way to see them is from a cruise ship.

Most cruises to the Canaries from UK leave from Southampton, and may dock at any of the seven islands, though not usually all in a single visit. Some companies offer 7-night Canaries-only cruises, often departing from Las Palmas or Gran Canaria, and some offer specialist themed cruises, such as walking-themed cruises with walking shore excursions in Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Tenerife. The Canary Islands are also popular stops on longer cruises of Western Europe, or cruises including Madeira, the Azores and the Cape Verde Islands, and are also part of spring and autumn transatlantic cruises.

Year-round Sun

Cruise ships call at the Canary Islands all year round, as warm and sunny weather is guaranteed at any time of year. The busiest season for UK travellers is January-February, when people seek to escape the British winter, and at this time the islands are at their most lush after the rains. July to September are the hottest months, but the African heat is always tempered by cooling sea breezes.

Amazing Landscapes

The diversity of the scenery in the Canaries is truly amazing -- from towering sand dunes to cloud forests, from soaring volcanic mountains to luxuriant vineyards. Bizarre lunar landscapes and mysterious pyramids give way to quaint whitewashed villages, and bustling resorts contrast with prehistoric caves and monuments left by the original stone-age inhabitants. Experiences can include camel rides across the dunes, catamaran sailing, or ascending by cable car to the summit of 12,000-foot Mount Teide in Tenerife.

Port Highlights

Among the most frequently visited ports, Arrecife in Lanzarote is especially beautiful, with its salt-water lagoon and its towering castle. Las Palmas is the bustling capital of Gran Canaria, with a charming old quarter to explore, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife is full of historical interest, and has some gorgeous botanical gardens. Santa Cruz de La Palma is a relaxed port full of charming cafes, shops and churches.

Even if you have previously spent a holiday in the Canaries, nothing will prepare you for your first sight of the dramatic coastal scenery viewed from your cruise ship. As you sail round the islands, you will be stunned by the unfolding variety of the coastal vistas. Add to this some of Europe's liveliest nightlife, finest beaches and most perfect weather, and you have all the ingredients for an incredible cruise.