When winter descends, there’s only one place we want to be: setting sail for somewhere sunny and uplifting, with delicious food and spectacular scenery. Canary Islands, ahoy! Although part of Spain, these volcanic isles lie in the Atlantic Ocean, far further south than the mainland – meaning that the weather stays warm long into December and January. It’s the perfect winter destination, with minimal rain and temperatures in the twenties most days.
We’ll be swapping our winter blues for the sparkling sapphire of Lanzarote’s coves, and the cerulean skies of Tenerife. Each island’s colours are turned up to the max: the glossy emerald fronds of La Palma’s palm trees, the golden ochre of Gran Canaria’s Maspalomas Dunes, the dazzling white of Fuerteventura’s beaches. As a reminder of their volcanic roots, many of the islands have black sands too – and on Tenerife, the summit of Mount Teide volcano looms large, the archipelago’s highest point.
There are seven main Canary Islands: Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are the largest ones, closely followed by La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. Between them lie much smaller isles and rocky outcrops, almost all of which are uninhabited – meaning that as you cruise between them, the view is always wild, always changing.
On a “traditional” holiday, you’d fly directly to one of the islands and stay put until it’s time to go home. But on a cruise, you can explore the entire archipelago, flitting between historic ports and serene bays every day, with the sea breeze in your hair and the sun at your back. What better way to blow the season’s cobwebs away?
As the ship approaches Tenerife, keep an eye out for dolphins and whales – the best time to see them is November to February. On land, countless discoveries await: from the elegant 15th-century architecture of San Cristóbal de la Laguna, to local guachinche bistros serving grilled sardines and potatoes drenched in garlicky mojo sauce – a Canarian speciality. Tenerife also has several golf courses, and its Teide National Park is one of the world’s best stargazing locations, with an observatory and solar laboratory offering guided tours.
On Fuerteventura, more than 150km (93 miles) of white sands are yours to enjoy, with shallows so clear it’s like they’ve been photoshopped. Maybe you’ll take a catamaran trip to Islote de Lobos Nature Reserve, to go snorkelling and scuba diving in glittering bays – or learn about the island’s traditional culture and crafts at La Alcogida Ecomuseum. You’ll also find craft markets at La Oliva and La Lajita: great places to snap up local-style ceramics, calados majoreros (needlework) and paintings.
Gran Canaria is super-sized: from Tejeda’s soaring mountains and the south’s giant sand dunes, to the vast history of towns such as Teror and Vegueta, whose cobbled streets are rich in traditional Canarian architecture. Thanks to the island’s subtropical climate, its flora flourishes too: seize the opportunity to explore the botanical garden’s fruit trees, exotic greenhouses and laurel forest. A real treat for nature lovers and gardeners.
Lanzarote is famous for its black beaches, but did you know that its volcanic origins are ideal for wine-making too? Thanks to their nourishing soils and abundant sunshine, its vineyards produce award-winning malvasía and moscatel vintages, best enjoyed on a winery tour or a lazy lunch in the sea-view village of El Golfo. Don’t miss Timanfaya National Park too, whose spurting geysers and steaming vents are a reminder of just how lively this landscape can be!
To make your Canary Islands holiday even more relaxing, some cruise lines offer no-fly itineraries which depart directly from the UK. As well as the ease of not having to board a plane, this kind of trip can be priceless in winter if Britain's airports are snow-bound and chaotic. As the ship ventures southwards, you’ll feel the mercury rise and your shoulders relax: it takes around four days to reach Tenerife, so plenty of time to enjoy the on-board pool, restaurants and entertainment – and maye a stop-off in Portugal, Madeira or Spain too.
Fred. Olsen champions this no-fly approach, making it one of our favourite choices for a winter getaway. Its Balmoral ship sets sail from Southampton, with an excursion-packed itinerary: from family-run cooking classes in Gran Canaria and reaching the summit of Tenerife’s Mount Teide by cable car, to walking in Lanzarote’s otherworldly Timanfaya National Park.
A sun-kissed blend of adventure and comfort, of discovery and indulgence: that’s why we love a Canary Islands cruise in winter. While the UK shivers in its thermals, you’ll be out on deck with new friends, stunning views and a glass of frosty malvasía wine in hand. Now that’s a real winter wonderland.
