When you dream of sun-soaked coastlines, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and year-round pleasant weather, a Canary Islands cruise should be at the top of your travel list. Located off the northwest coast of Africa yet belonging to Spain, the Canary Islands offer a unique blend of European comfort and exotic scenery. From bustling resort towns to quiet fishing villages, each island has a character of its own—making a cruise the perfect way to experience them all.
Unlike a single-destination vacation, a Canary Islands cruise allows you to explore several islands in one trip, while enjoying the luxury of returning to your floating hotel at night. Travelers can enjoy local culture in Tenerife, golden sand beaches in Gran Canaria, volcanic landscapes in Lanzarote, and the lush greenery of La Palma—all without the stress of constantly unpacking and repacking.
If you’ve ever wondered how to plan your Canary Islands cruise, where to stay, how to get there, and what to expect, this guide will walk you through everything in detail.
Canary Islands Cruise - Everything You Need To Know
Table of contents
- Canary Islands Cruise - Everything You Need To Know
- Why Choose a Canary Islands Cruise?
- How to Get to Your Canary Islands Cruise
- Best Hotels Before and After a Canary Islands Cruise
- Weather on a Canary Islands
- Top Excursions and Things to Do on a Canary Islands Cruise
- Culinary Delights During a Canary Islands Cruise
- Canary Islands Cruise: In Conclusion
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Why Choose a Canary Islands Cruise?
A Canary Islands cruise offers a travel experience that combines relaxation, culture, and adventure. Unlike standard holidays, cruises provide:
- Island Variety: Visit several islands in one trip without arranging multiple flights or ferries.
- Luxury & Comfort: Ships provide world-class amenities including spas, fine dining, and entertainment.
- Unique Excursions: From camel rides in Lanzarote to hiking Tenerife’s Mount Teide, you’ll find something for every traveler.
- Year-Round Travel: Thanks to the subtropical climate, the Canaries are an excellent cruise destination in all seasons.
How to Get to Your Canary Islands Cruise
Most Canary Islands cruise itineraries begin in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, or even mainland Spain.
- Flights: Major European cities like Madrid, London, Berlin, and Paris offer direct flights to Tenerife South (TFS), Gran Canaria (LPA), and Lanzarote (ACE). International travelers often connect through Madrid or Barcelona.
- Cruise Departure Ports: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria are the two main ports.
- Transfers: Shuttle buses and taxis are widely available, and pre-booking online often ensures better rates.
Tip
If you enjoy rail journeys, check out this guide on family train travel in Europe for inspiration on extending your cruise holiday with land travel.
Looking for cheap flights or all-in-one travel deals? Check out:
Trip.com (Competitive flight & hotel bundles)
Expedia (Flight + hotel savings)
WayAway.io (Cashback on flights & travel bookings)
Best Hotels Before and After a Canary Islands Cruise
Many travelers like to spend a night or two on land before boarding their ship. Here are some top hotel picks for Tenerife and Gran Canaria—two of the most popular cruise hubs.
Tenerife Hotels
Gran Canaria Hotels
Comparison: If you want city access and cultural immersion, Tenerife’s Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey is a great choice. For resort-style relaxation, the Lopesan Villa del Conde in Gran Canaria offers more amenities geared toward leisure.
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Hostelworld: Meet fellow travellers — save on stays, Backpacker-friendly hostels, verified reviews and social stays that fit your budget and vibe.
Tripadvisor: Plan with confidence — reviews you can trust, Restaurants, hotels and experiences with millions of traveller reviews to help you choose what’s best.
Traveloka: Flights, hotels & more — simple booking, One-stop travel platform for great flight fares, hotel deals and local activities across Asia and beyond.
Weather on a Canary Islands
One of the biggest advantages of a Canary Islands cruise is the near-perfect climate:
- Winter (December–February): Mild and sunny, around 18–22°C, attracting many Europeans escaping the cold.
- Spring (March–May): Ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures, temperatures around 20–25°C.
- Summer (June–August): Warm but not unbearably hot thanks to Atlantic breezes, averaging 25–30°C.
- Autumn (September–November): Pleasant for beach time and cultural festivals, around 23–28°C.
No matter when you book your cruise, you’re almost guaranteed sunshine and outdoor-friendly conditions.
Top Excursions and Things to Do on a Canary Islands Cruise
One of the biggest advantages of a Canary Islands cruise is the ability to experience multiple islands in one journey. Each island offers unique excursions that blend natural wonders, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the must-do experiences:
Tenerife Excursions
Tip: Tenerife is one of the busiest cruise ports, so book excursions in advance to secure your spot.
Gran Canaria Excursions
Lanzarote Excursions
La Palma Excursions
Book top-rated tours and attractions on :
Viator (Best for curated global tours)
GetYourGuide (Skip-the-line tickets & local guides)
Klook (Great for Asia adventures & discounts)
La Gomera Excursions
Many Canary Islands cruise itineraries also include La Gomera, a small island with big natural treasures:
Fuerteventura Excursions
If your cruise includes Fuerteventura, don’t miss:
Cruise Excursion Tip
Many cruise lines offer pre-packaged excursions, but adventurous travelers may save money and explore more freely by booking local tours or renting a car. However, always keep track of time—ships will not wait if you’re late!
Looking for more unique destinations beyond the Canaries? You may also enjoy exploring Batumi, Georgia travel guide for a completely different cultural flavor.
Culinary Delights During a Canary Islands Cruise
Food is a huge part of the Canary Islands cruise experience. Expect:
- Local Dishes: Try papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce, or fresh fish dishes straight from the Atlantic. Read out reviews Here
- Wine Tasting: Lanzarote’s volcanic vineyards produce unique wines. Book From Here
- Onboard Dining: Cruises often blend international buffets with specialty restaurants inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.
If food travel excites you, you’ll also enjoy reading about places to eat in Florence, Italy—a perfect complement to your cruise culinary adventures.
Canary Islands Cruise: In Conclusion
A Canary Islands cruise offers a unique mix of relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion. With year-round sunshine, diverse landscapes, and luxurious ships, it’s one of Europe’s most rewarding cruise destinations. Whether you’re drawn to Tenerife’s volcanic peaks, Gran Canaria’s golden beaches, Lanzarote’s dramatic scenery, or La Palma’s lush forests, each island delivers its own unforgettable charm.
Plan ahead with flights, transfers, and hotel stays, and you’ll ensure your journey flows as smoothly as the Atlantic waters you’ll sail. From pre-cruise luxury hotels to local culinary delights and once-in-a-lifetime excursions, your Canary Islands cruise promises to be an extraordinary experience.