Canary Islands Cruises
Gran Canaria cruises introduce an island shaped by contrast, with busy harbour towns, quieter coastal stretches and a striking interior landscape. As part of many Canary Islands itineraries, the island works well alongside stops in Spain, Madeira and the wider Atlantic, offering variety within a single sailing.
What to Expect on a Canary Islands Cruise
A Canary Islands cruise offers a warm-weather itinerary close to Europe, with short sailing distances and varied ports. Cruises typically call at islands such as Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote, combining modern port cities, resort areas and volcanic landscapes. Most itineraries are round-trip from the UK or mainland Europe, with mild temperatures year-round and easy, walkable ports that suit both first-time and repeat cruisers. This destination guide outlines what to expect from a Canary Islands cruise, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your holiday plans.
Canary Island Cruise Highlights
Tenerife
Home to Mount Teide and one of the Canaries’ busiest ports, Tenerife offers a mix of inland scenery, established resorts and easy access to both historic towns and national park landscapes.
Hiking in Tenerife
Gran Canaria
A varied island stop combining a working port, resort areas and a distinct interior landscape, Gran Canaria often acts as a central hub on Canary Islands itineraries.
Maspalomas Beach Promenade, Gran Canaria
Lanzarote
Known for its volcanic terrain and low-rise development, Lanzarote delivers a very different feel to the other islands, with excursions focused on geology, coastal viewpoints and small settlements.
Arrecife, Lanzarote
Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is typically included for its long Atlantic beaches and quieter pace, appealing to cruisers looking for straightforward port days and open coastal scenery.
Fuerteventura
Madeira (Funchal)
Frequently paired with the Canaries, Madeira adds contrast with its steep terrain, botanical gardens and a port city that is easy to explore independently on a cruise call.
Funchal
Canary Island Cruise Regions
The Canary Islands are made up of several distinct islands, each offering a different cruise port experience. Grouping Canary Islands cruises by island helps you understand how each stop differs, from port layout and excursion options to the pace of a typical day ashore.
Tenerife
Gran Canaria
Lanzarote
Fuerteventura
La Palma
When Is the Best Time to Cruise the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands are a year-round cruise destination thanks to their mild Atlantic climate. November to March is the most popular period for winter sun cruises, offering warm daytime temperatures and comfortable sightseeing conditions. April and May are slightly quieter, with good weather and fewer crowds. Summer sailings are less common but bring warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours, often combined with mainland Spain or Madeira.
Popular Ways to Cruise the Mediterranean
Most UK travellers cruise the Canary Islands either as a fly-cruise, typically joining the ship in Gran Canaria or Tenerife, or on a round-trip sailing from the UK, usually during the winter months. Fly-cruises offer more time in the region with shorter sea days, while UK departures suit those who prefer to avoid flying and enjoy a longer Atlantic itinerary, often combined with Spain, Portugal or Madeira.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Canary Islands are a year-round cruise destination, but November to March is the most popular period due to warm daytime temperatures and reliable weather. April and May are also good months, offering similar conditions with fewer visitors in port.
The Canary Islands are visited by a broad mix of contemporary, premium and luxury cruise ships. Itineraries operate on both fly-cruise and UK round-trip routes, with ship size and onboard style varying depending on the cruise line and sailing season.
Yes, most Canary Islands cruises visit several islands on the same itinerary, commonly including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. These cruises are often combined with ports in Madeira or mainland Spain.
The Canary Islands are well suited to cruising thanks to short distances between islands, easy-to-navigate ports and consistent weather. Cruising allows you to experience multiple islands without unpacking or changing accommodation.
Yes, some cruise lines offer round-trip Canary Islands cruises from the UK, typically sailing during the winter months. These itineraries usually include additional ports in Spain or Portugal and involve longer sea days.
Find Canary Islands Cruises
Browse available Canary Islands cruises below and explore itineraries across the islands, cruise lines and sailing styles. Use the filters to narrow your options and view sailings that suit your plans.