Canary Islands & Atlantic Isles Cruises
Volcanic islands and mild winter sunshine off the coast of Africa.
Get Free Europe Cruise QuotesWhen the Mediterranean cools down, Europe’s cruise sunshine moves south-west to the Canary Islands and Madeira, off the coast of Africa.
The Islands
The Canaries are a Spanish archipelago of volcanic islands. Tenerife is home to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak and a national park. Gran Canaria has the lively port city of Las Palmas and dune landscapes at Maspalomas. Lanzarote is known for its lava fields and the work of artist Cesar Manrique. La Palma, La Gomera and Fuerteventura appear on many itineraries too. Portuguese Madeira, with its capital Funchal, is famous for its gardens, levada walks and fortified wine.
Madeira
Funchal’s gardens, cable car and toboggan run, plus dramatic coastal villages.
Southern Spain and Portugal
Sailings from the UK often call at Lisbon, Cadiz or Malaga on the way.
How Canary Islands Cruises Work
There are two main patterns. Island-hopping round trips of about a week start in Tenerife, Gran Canaria or Madeira and visit a new island almost every day — you fly in and out. Longer round trips from UK ports such as Southampton add several sea days across the Bay of Biscay, often calling at Lisbon or a Spanish port on the way. The sea days make for a relaxed rhythm, but the Bay of Biscay can be rough in winter.
The Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the mid-Atlantic, are usually visited on transatlantic repositioning cruises in spring and autumn rather than on regular round trips.
For UK departures, see our sister site British Isles Cruises for Southampton and Dover tips.
When to Go
- The main season is late autumn through spring, when the islands offer mild, sunny weather while northern Europe is cold.
- Temperatures are moderate all year, so summer sailings exist too, though fewer ships are based here then.
- Each island has its own microclimates: bring a light jacket for Teide and the mountains even when the beaches are warm.
- The Canaries use the euro; Madeira is part of Portugal and also uses the euro.
Island Days at a Glance
Tenerife
Ride the cable car toward the summit of Mount Teide, drive to the cliff village of Masca, or walk the historic streets of San Cristobal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage city.
Gran Canaria
Explore Vegueta, the old quarter of Las Palmas, and the Casa de Colon museum, or head inland to mountain villages and viewpoints.
Lanzarote
Tour the volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya National Park, visit the vineyards of La Geria grown in black volcanic ash, and see Manrique’s houses and gardens.
Madeira
Ride the cable car up to Monte, descend in a traditional wicker toboggan, and wander Funchal’s markets and botanical gardens.
Many island tours involve mountain roads with tight bends; if anyone in your party is prone to car sickness, choose coastal and town tours instead. Distances look short on the map but take time to drive.
Find Winter Sun in the Canaries
Island-hopping week or a longer voyage from the UK? Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare the options for your dates.
Get Free Cruise Quotes