Canary Island Cruises 2026 & 2027

A Cruiser’s Guide to Canary Island Cruises

The Canary Islands offer a steady rhythm of warmth, volcanic drama, and leisurely pace — a winter refuge that feels comfortably close yet unmistakably different. Set in the Atlantic off the north-west coast of Africa, these Spanish islands combine rugged landscapes, cultural depth, and dependable sunshine, making them one of the most popular year-round cruise regions for UK travellers.

Sailing from Southampton or other UK ports, ships reach the islands after a few days at sea — often with a stop in mainland Spain or Madeira en route. That passage south marks a change in tone: coats are packed away, the air softens, and evenings move outdoors. The Canaries are known for their spring-like climate, reliable warmth, and gentle seas, so a no-fly cruise here often feels like an effortless escape from grey skies without the airport rush.

Last Minute Canary Island Cruises

Tenerife — The island of contrasts

The largest and most visited of the archipelago, Tenerife is a microcosm of the Canaries themselves. Its dramatic centrepiece, Mount Teide, rises from a sea of volcanic rock to form Spain’s highest peak. Shore excursions often visit Teide National Park for its lunar landscapes and panoramic views. The island’s north offers lush forests and colonial towns such as La Orotava and Puerto de la Cruz. Santa Cruz, the capital and usual cruise port, mixes grand civic buildings with relaxed pavement cafés. It’s a place where modern Spain and traditional Canarian life blend seamlessly.

Gran Canaria — A miniature continent

Gran Canaria’s reputation as a “continent in miniature” is deserved. Within a single day ashore, passengers can pass from the dunes of Maspalomas to the pine forests of the interior. Las Palmas, its capital, has an appealing historic core in the Vegueta district, where cobbled streets lead to the 15th-century cathedral. For those content to stay near the coast, there are long sandy beaches and an easygoing rhythm that reflects the island’s long-standing popularity with winter visitors.

Lanzarote — Volcanic artistry

Lanzarote stands apart for its surreal beauty. Shaped by eruptions in the 18th century, much of the island remains a canvas of black lava fields and ochre cones. Local artist and architect César Manrique helped protect that stark landscape from overdevelopment, and his influence is everywhere — from low-rise whitewashed villages to the striking viewpoints and art spaces he designed. Arrecife, the main port, provides access to the Timanfaya National Park and the Cueva de los Verdes lava tunnels, both of which demonstrate how volcanic hardship was transformed into aesthetic power.

La Palma — The green island

La Palma, sometimes called “La Isla Bonita”, is the most verdant of the Canary Islands. It’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with dense forests, deep ravines, and the vast Caldera de Taburiente crater at its heart. Santa Cruz de La Palma, the port town, is a compact, characterful stop — all wooden balconies, quiet squares, and sea views. Cruises calling here often appeal to walkers and those looking for a slower, more reflective day ashore.

Fuerteventura — Beaches and breeze

Known for its broad beaches and steady winds, Fuerteventura is the oldest island in the group and one of the least built-up. Its coastline stretches for more than 150 kilometres, much of it golden sand. Corralejo in the north is popular for water sports, while the southern resort of Morro Jable has a gentler feel. Inland, the volcanic hills are dotted with small whitewashed villages where time seems to move differently. From Puerto del Rosario, the main port, excursions explore both coasts and the rugged interior.

Beyond the islands

Many cruises to the Canary Islands include a call at Madeira, which is a beautiful midway point between Britain and the Canaries. It’s a charming destination with stunning scenery. Some cruises also take you to mainland ports like Lisbon, Cádiz, or Vigo. If you’re looking for a more extensive adventure, there are longer voyages that even stretch across the Atlantic to the Azores or Cape Verde, adding even more excitement to your trip!

Cruising from the UK

A no-fly cruise to the Canaries allows travellers to step aboard in Southampton, Portsmouth, or Liverpool and unpack once for a holiday that blends sea days with distinctive island calls. The journey south through the Bay of Biscay can be calm or lively, but by the time the ship reaches the subtropics, the reward is constant sunshine and a relaxed routine of breakfast on deck and balmy evenings at sea. For many, that gradual shift in weather and mood — rather than the sudden jolt of an airport arrival — is part of the charm.

Why choose a Canary Islands cruise

The Canaries are a destination that rewards curiosity as much as comfort. Each island offers its own balance of beach, culture, and landscape: Tenerife’s peaks, Lanzarote’s lava, La Palma’s forests, Fuerteventura’s sands, and Gran Canaria’s variety. There’s Spanish influence everywhere, yet a strong local identity too — expressed through music, markets, and food that favours simplicity done well. From papas arrugadas with mojo sauce to fresh fish grilled beside the harbour, the pleasures are direct and unhurried.

A Canary Islands cruise is rarely about spectacle. It’s about warmth that lasts, scenery that surprises, and the contentment of a voyage that starts and ends on familiar shores.