Cruise Holidays To Canary Islands

Overview

The volcanic Canary Islands are scattered across the Atlantic off the west coast of Africa and their warm, sunny climate makes them an ideal cruise destination, year-round.

The islands are close together, so if you choose a fly-cruise, you'll have relatively little time at sea and several evenings in port. Cruise lines also serve the Canaries from the UK, which involves a three day voyage at either end of the cruise - ideal if you like trying out all the activities on board.

Each island is different, despite the fact that their origins are all volcanic. Tenerife is highly developed, with great beaches, golf courses and the spectacular tour up Mount Teide, the cone-shaped volcano at its centre. Gran Canaria is greener, with day trips to the mountains, rolling sand dunes in the south and the pleasant town of Las Palmas to explore in the north.

Lanzarote is unique, bleak and volcanic, with dramatic architecture and some amazing geological phenomena, including volcanic caves and the 'fire mountain' in Timanfaya National Park. Sleepy Fuerteventura, on the other hand, is another contrast, flat and sandy, with endless beaches, although not many cruises call here.

Finally, the tiny, steep-sided island of La Palma is an increasingly popular port of call, with banana plantations, amazing walks and a colourful culture.