Love cruising in the tropical sun but feel like you’ve “done” the Caribbean? Maybe it’s time to set your sights on new ports of call that still offer year-round sunshine, beaches and a new island to explore each day. From the ancient forests of La Gomera to Tenerife’s volcanic peaks and the rolling dunes of Gran Canaria, The Canary Islands boast a continent’s worth of diverse and dazzling landscapes to see. Keep reading to discover why The Canary Islands should be your next ocean cruise destination.
This small Spanish archipelago is known for what locals refer to as “eternal spring.” Located just off the northwest coast of Africa, The Canary Islands boast comfortable temperatures hovering between 18 and 24°C (64-75°F) year-round. While you might consider scheduling travel to avoid the Caribbean’s hurricane season or the Mediterranean’s winter chill, the Canary Islands offer year-round reliable, pleasant weather.
Still a slightly off-the-beaten path destination for North American cruise travellers, The Canary Islands offer something for everyone while maintaining their authenticity. Venture a few blocks from tourist areas and you’ll find locals going about their daily lives in traditional Spanish style—lingering over coffee, shopping a local markets and gathering in town plazas in the evening.
Active travellers will want to hike through ancient forests, surf Atlantic swells or dive in waters teeming with marine life. History lovers can spend time exploring colonial towns and archeological sites. If you just want to relax, these islands offer gorgeous beaches, hidden coves and plenty of scenic spots to soak up the sun.
The Canary Islands are exceptional for the remarkable diversity packed into a compact area. Each of the seven islands has a distinct personality: Tenerife, the largest island, is home to Spain’s highest peak—Mount Teide—a snow-capped volcano rising from subtropical shores. The UNESCO-protected Teide National Park is where you’ll find otherworldly landscapes that look more like Mars than Earth. The colonial architecture of La Laguna and the vibrant capital of Santa Cruz provide urban cultural experiences, museums and a chance to sample Spanish cuisine.
Gran Canaria is knowns for its micro-climates, where you can start your morning in dunes that resemble the Sahara Desert, and end your day in the lush, misty mountains of the interior. Las Palmas, the capital city, offers sophisticated shopping and dining alongside historic quarters like Vegueta.
In Lanzarote, vineyards grow in volcanic ash, producing distinctive wines, while Timanfaya National Park lets you witness geothermal activity up close. Artist César Manrique transformed much of this volcanic island into a living artwork.
The smaller islands—La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and Fuerteventura—offer quiet, authentic experiences. La Palma enchants stargazers with some of the clearest night skies, while La Gomera shelters ancient laurel forests that have been dated to before the Ice Age.
The Canary Islands are where Spanish traditions merge with Latin American influences brought back to the islands by returning emigrants. The close proximity to Africa adds yet another layer of complexity. You’ll hear the distinctive Canarian-Spanish dialect, taste mojos (local sauces) with every meal, and maybe catch a performance of traditional folk music. The local cuisine deserves its own shore excursion. Papas arrugadas (potatoes) with mojo sauce, fresh seafood, and gofio (a roasted grain) offer flavours you won’t find elsewhere. Many cruise itineraries include wine tastings at volcanic vineyards, where you’ll learn how vines grow in seemingly impossible conditions.
Visit in Winter (November-March) for whale watching opportunities. Spring brings wildflowers to the hillsides and summer, though busier, provides the warmest water temperatures.
Are you ready to plan a visit to the incredible Canary Islands?
