№ 08Destinations
Canary Islands Cruise Guide: Islands, Routes & Tips
Year-round sunshine just a few days from Southampton — everything you need to know about Canary Islands cruises.
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Year-round sunshine, volcanic landscapes and no-fly sailings from Southampton — the Canaries are the UK's favourite winter-sun cruise destination.
№ 01Live figures
Canary Islands at a Glance
366
Upcoming sailings
£53
Cheapest per night
£79
Avg. per night
7–45
Nights range
№ 02Why go
Why Cruise the Canary Islands?
Sitting just off the coast of North Africa, the Canary Islands enjoy year-round sunshine with temperatures rarely dropping below 18 °C — even in the depths of January. For British cruisers, that makes them the ultimate escape from grey winter skies, all without stepping foot on a plane.
Multiple cruise lines sail directly from Southampton, meaning you can swap the M25 for the open Atlantic and wake up to volcanic islands, golden-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters within a few days. The sailing itself is part of the experience: sea days watching for dolphins, evenings at the captain's cocktail party, and sunsets over the Bay of Biscay.
Each of the seven main islands has its own distinct personality — from Tenerife's towering Mount Teide to Lanzarote's otherworldly lava fields and Fuerteventura's endless beaches. A Canaries cruise lets you island-hop effortlessly, experiencing diverse landscapes without the hassle of inter-island flights or ferries.
Year-round sunshine
18–28 °C all year. The most reliable warm-weather cruise destination from the UK.
No-fly from Southampton
Skip the airport. Sail directly from Southampton in 3–4 relaxing sea days.
Volcanic landscapes
From Teide's snow-capped peak to Timanfaya's fire mountains — geology at its most dramatic.
Seven unique islands
Each island has its own character — beaches, forests, deserts and cities all in one archipelago.
Great value
Competitive pricing — especially for winter sailings when Mediterranean options dry up.
Wildlife & nature
Whale watching off Tenerife, sea turtles, laurel cloud forests and stargazing reserves.
Pro tip: The Canaries are especially popular from October to March — when UK winters are coldest and Mediterranean cruising winds down. Book early for the best cabin choice on peak winter-sun departures. See our cheap-cruise tips →
№ 03The archipelago
The Seven Canary Islands
The archipelago spans over 300 miles from east to west. Cruise ships typically visit 3–5 islands per voyage, with Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote the most common stops. Here's what makes each one special.
Tenerife
The Iconic One
- Mount Teide — Spain's highest peak at 3,718 m
- UNESCO-listed San Cristóbal de La Laguna
- Year-round whale & dolphin watching
- Vibrant carnival — second-largest in the world
Best for: First-timers, volcano lovers, nightlife
Gran Canaria
The Miniature Continent
- Maspalomas sand dunes — Sahara-like landscape
- Roque Nublo volcanic pinnacle
- Diverse microclimates across the island
- Colourful Vegueta quarter in Las Palmas
Best for: Beach lovers, hikers, culture seekers
Lanzarote
The Volcanic One
- Timanfaya National Park — fire mountains
- César Manrique art & architecture
- Jameos del Agua volcanic cave complex
- La Geria wine region in volcanic soil
Best for: Art lovers, geology fans, wine enthusiasts
Fuerteventura
The Beach Paradise
- 150+ km of pristine white-sand beaches
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- World-class windsurfing & kitesurfing
- Cofete — remote, wild Atlantic beach
Best for: Water sports, beach purists, relaxation
La Palma
The Green One
- Caldera de Taburiente National Park
- UNESCO Starlight Reserve for stargazing
- Lush laurel forests and dramatic ravines
- 2021 Cumbre Vieja eruption landscapes
Best for: Hikers, stargazers, nature photographers
La Gomera
The Untouched One
- Garajonay — UNESCO cloud forest
- Silbo Gomero whistled language
- Dramatic terraced hillsides
- Columbus's last stop before the Americas
Best for: Off-the-beaten-path adventurers, walkers
El Hierro
The Remote One
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- El Sabinar — wind-twisted juniper trees
- Charco Azul natural volcanic pool
- Aims to be 100% renewable energy
Best for: Eco travellers, diving, total tranquillity
Pro tip: La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro are less commonly visited by large cruise ships due to smaller port facilities, but some lines (notably smaller expedition-style vessels) do call there. If your heart is set on the quieter western islands, check itineraries carefully.
№ 04Seasons
Best Time to Visit
Unlike the Mediterranean, the Canaries are a genuine year-round destination. Temperatures hover between 18 °C and 28 °C with minimal rainfall. The busiest season from the UK is October to March — peak winter-sun territory.
Jan
18°
High£ Mid
Feb
18°
High£ Mid
Mar
19°
Medium£ Low
Apr
20°
Medium£ Low
May
22°
Low£ Low
Jun
24°
Low£ Mid
Jul
26°
Medium£ Mid
Aug
28°
High£ High
Sep
26°
Medium£ Mid
Oct
24°
High£ Mid
Nov
21°
High£ Mid
Dec
19°
Very High£ High
Winter Sun (Oct–Mar)
This is peak season for UK cruisers — and with good reason. While Britain shivers, the Canaries offer 18–22 °C days, perfect for sightseeing and poolside relaxation. Christmas and New Year sailings are particularly popular. Christmas cruise guide →
Summer (Jun–Sep)
Hotter at 24–28 °C with trade winds keeping things comfortable. Fewer UK cruise sailings (most ships head to the Med in summer), but those that do run often offer excellent value. Great for water sports and beach days.
Pro tip: March to May is the sweet spot — pleasant 19–22 °C, lower prices than winter peak and thinner crowds. Spring wildflowers also make La Palma and Gran Canaria's interiors especially beautiful.
№ 05No-fly
Sailing from Southampton
Southampton is the UK's premier cruise port, and the Canary Islands are one of its most popular no-fly destinations. The journey south takes you across the Bay of Biscay — typically 2–3 sea days each way — before the volcanic islands appear on the horizon.
P&O Cruises and Cunard are the main lines operating this route, with ships like Arvia, Iona, Britannia and Queen Victoria making regular sailings between October and April. Fred. Olsen, Marella and Ambassador also offer Canaries departures from Southampton and other UK ports.
Round trips typically last 10–16 nights, including 4–6 sea days and 4–6 port calls. Many itineraries combine the Canaries with Madeira, Morocco or mainland Portugal for extra variety.
Typical sailing pattern
Pro tip: The Bay of Biscay has a reputation for rough seas, but modern cruise ships handle it well with stabilisers. Pack sea-sickness remedies just in case, especially for October/November crossings. The reward? Arriving in the Canaries feeling like you've truly left the UK behind. First-time cruiser tips →
№ 06Itineraries
Popular Routes
Most Canary Islands cruises follow one of these four patterns. Duration depends on how many islands you visit and whether the itinerary includes Madeira or Morocco.
Classic Canaries
10–12 nightsThe quintessential Canary Islands round trip from Southampton. Visit the four largest islands with sea days to enjoy the ship. Perfect for first-timers wanting a comprehensive island experience.
- Tenerife
- Gran Canaria
- Lanzarote
- Fuerteventura
Canaries & Madeira
12–14 nightsExtends the classic route with a stop at Portugal's flower island. Madeira's dramatic cliffs, levada walks and Funchal's markets add a different flavour to the volcanic Canaries.
- Madeira
- Tenerife
- Gran Canaria
- Lanzarote
- La Palma
Canaries & Morocco
12–14 nightsCombines Atlantic islands with North Africa's vibrant souks and culture. Just 60 miles from Fuerteventura to Morocco — experience two continents in one voyage.
- Lanzarote
- Fuerteventura
- Agadir
- Casablanca
- Tenerife
Winter Sun Escape
14–16 nightsThe ultimate winter getaway. Longer voyages that take in Portugal, Madeira and the full Canaries chain. More sea days, more ports, more sunshine when the UK is at its greyest.
- Lisbon
- Madeira
- La Palma
- Tenerife
- Gran Canaria
- Lanzarote
№ 07Fares
Live Pricing
Real prices tracked across 100 priced Canary Islands sailings — updated daily from cruise line websites.
£53
Cheapest per night
£76
Median per night
£79
Average per night
£1,018
Avg. total fare
Best Value Sailing
Spain Portugal And Cape Verde Discovery, 18 Nights on Ventura — 18 nights from £949 (£53/night)
Pricing by Cabin Type
Inside
94 sailings priced
£53/nt
avg £80/nt
Sea View
84 sailings priced
£54/nt
avg £85/nt
Balcony
89 sailings priced
£71/nt
avg £122/nt
Oceanview
7 sailings priced
£90/nt
avg £124/nt
Suite
8 sailings priced
£94/nt
avg £164/nt
Pro tip: Inside cabins offer the best per-night value, but a balcony is worth considering for Canaries cruises — the volcanic coastlines and port arrivals are stunning from your private balcony. Cabin types explained →
№ 08Ashore
Port Highlights
What to see and do at the most popular Canary Islands cruise ports. Ships typically dock for 8–12 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Tenerife
- Cable car to Mount Teide summit (book in advance for the peak permit)
- Explore the Anaga mountains' ancient laurel forests
- Visit the Auditorio de Tenerife — Calatrava's stunning concert hall
- Whale-watching excursions depart from Los Cristianos
Must-do: Teide National Park — Spain's most visited national park
Las Palmas
Gran Canaria
- Walk the Maspalomas sand dunes at sunrise
- Explore the colourful Vegueta old town
- Hike to Roque Nublo for panoramic views
- Sample papas arrugadas with mojo sauce
Must-do: Maspalomas Dunes — surreal Saharan landscape on the coast
Arrecife
Lanzarote
- Timanfaya National Park — watch geysers powered by underground heat
- Tour César Manrique's volcanic-cave home
- Wine tasting in La Geria's crater vineyards
- Swim at Papagayo's sheltered cove beaches
Must-do: Timanfaya fire mountains — an alien landscape on Earth
Puerto del Rosario
Fuerteventura
- Catch waves at El Cotillo's surf beach
- Explore Betancuria — the ancient island capital
- Kitesurfing at Flag Beach (Corralejo)
- Day trip to Isla de Lobos nature reserve
Must-do: Corralejo Dunes — golden sand backed by turquoise Atlantic
Pro tip: Ship excursions are convenient but pricey. For the Canaries, it's easy to explore independently — taxis and local buses are reliable, and most attractions have English-language signage. Book Teide cable car tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment.
№ 09Kit list
What to Pack
The Canaries are warm year-round, but don't be fooled — Atlantic trade winds, sea-day breezes and high-altitude volcano trips mean you need to pack smart. Here are the essentials.
Sun cream SPF 50+
UV is strong year-round, even in winter
Light layers
Evenings on deck can be breezy — a cardigan or light jacket
Hiking shoes
Essential for Teide, Timanfaya and island trails
Swimwear
For pool days at sea and beach stops on shore
Windproof jacket
Trade winds are constant, especially on Fuerteventura
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated — fill up on board before excursions
Binoculars
For whale & dolphin spotting off the Tenerife coast
Smart-casual evening wear
For formal/smart nights on board — check your cruise line
Day rucksack
For carrying water, camera & layers on shore excursions
Hat & sunglasses
Atlantic sun is deceptive — protect yourself on deck and ashore
Pro tip: Heading up Mount Teide? Temperatures at the summit can drop below 0 °C even when it's 25 °C at sea level. Pack a proper warm layer and closed-toe shoes for the cable car and summit trail. Full packing list →
№ 10Compare
Canaries vs Mediterranean
Can't decide between the Canaries and the Med? They're very different experiences. Here's how they compare for UK cruisers.
| Feature | Canary Islands | Mediterranean |
|---|---|---|
| Weather reliability | Year-round 18–28 °C, little rain | Hot summers, mild but wet winters |
| Best season | All year (peak: Oct–Mar for UK) | Apr–Oct |
| Distance from UK | ~1,700 miles (3–4 sea days) | ~1,200 miles (2–3 sea days) |
| No-fly option | Yes — many sailings from Southampton | Yes, but longer at sea |
| Typical duration | 10–16 nights | 7–14 nights |
| Character | Volcanic, wild, relaxed | Historic, cultural, bustling |
| Beaches | Black & golden sand, dramatic | Pebble & sand, sheltered bays |
| Winter cruising | ★★★★★ — the #1 winter-sun choice | ★★☆☆☆ — limited sailings |
| Pricing | Mid-range — great winter value | Varies — peak summer premiums |
Choose the Canaries if…
- ✓You want guaranteed winter sunshine
- ✓You prefer no-fly cruising from the UK
- ✓You love volcanic landscapes and nature
- ✓You enjoy relaxed sea days
Choose the Med if…
- ✓You want ancient history and culture
- ✓You prefer shorter cruises (7–10 nights)
- ✓You're cruising May to September
- ✓You want maximum ports, minimum sea days
Pro tip: Why not both? Some repositioning cruises in spring/autumn combine Canary Islands ports with western Mediterranean calls (Gibraltar, Málaga, Barcelona) for the best of both worlds. Mediterranean guide →
№ 11Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fly to the Canary Islands for a cruise?+
No — and that's one of the biggest draws. Many cruise lines including P&O Cruises and Cunard sail directly from Southampton. It takes about 3–4 days at sea each way, with the voyage typically lasting 10–16 nights round trip. You can also fly to Tenerife or Gran Canaria to join a fly-cruise if you prefer.
What's the weather like in winter?+
Wonderfully mild. Expect daytime temperatures of 18–22 °C from November to February, with very little rain. It's the Canaries' biggest selling point for UK cruisers — reliable sunshine when Britain is cold and grey. You'll need a light layer for evenings and sea days, but shorts-and-T-shirt weather is the norm ashore.
Are there good beaches at the Canary Islands ports?+
Absolutely. Fuerteventura has over 150 km of sandy beaches, Gran Canaria boasts the dramatic Maspalomas dunes, and Lanzarote offers sheltered coves at Papagayo. Tenerife has both black volcanic sand and golden resort beaches. Most ports have beaches within taxi distance.
What currency do I need?+
The Canary Islands are part of Spain and use the Euro (€). However, because they're a popular UK cruise destination, many tourist areas accept card payments widely. ATMs are plentiful in all port towns. There's no need to carry large amounts of cash.
Do I need to speak Spanish?+
English is widely spoken in the tourist areas and ports. The Canaries have a long history as a British holiday destination, so menus, signs and tour guides are commonly available in English. That said, a few Spanish phrases are always appreciated and locals will warm to the effort.
Which Canary Island is best for a first visit?+
Tenerife is the classic choice — it has the most to see and do, from the towering Mount Teide to whale watching and historic La Laguna. Gran Canaria is a close second with its incredible variety of landscapes. If your cruise visits both, you'll get a fantastic introduction to the archipelago.
Can I combine the Canaries with other destinations?+
Yes, many itineraries include Madeira (Portugal's flower island), Morocco (Casablanca or Agadir), or Lisbon as additional ports. These combo routes are usually 12–16 nights and offer fantastic variety — Atlantic islands, North African souks and Portuguese culture all in one trip.
№ 12Further reading
Related Guides
Mediterranean Cruise Guide
Sun-soaked ports from Barcelona to the Greek islands.
First-Time Cruiser Guide
Everything you need to know before your first sailing.
How to Find Cheap Cruises
Insider tips for the best cruise deals from the UK.
Cabin Types Explained
Inside, outside, balcony or suite — which is right for you?
Cruise Packing List
The definitive list of what to pack for any cruise.
Christmas & New Year Cruises
Festive sailings — the Canaries are a top choice.
Set a course
Ready to Set Sail for the Canaries?
Compare prices across cruise lines, track price drops and find the perfect Canary Islands sailing — all in one place.
Further reading
All guides →№ 026 min read
Mediterranean Cruise Guide: Ports, Routes & Tips
№ 0710 min read
Caribbean Cruise Guide: Islands, Routes & Tips for UK Travellers
№ 129 min read
The Ultimate Cruise Packing List: What to Pack & What to Skip
№ 2618 min read
Christmas & New Year Cruises: Festive Sailings Guide
№ 2114 min read
Best Time to Book a Cruise: Timing, Deals & Strategies