Why the Canary Islands are a Hidden Gem for Cruise Lovers

Nestled off the west coast of Africa is a set of islands that make for an ideal destination for cruise lovers.

The Canary Islands are filled with everything someone looking for a holiday could want. Whether you like to relax, thrill seek, take in the culture, or all three, then a Canary Island cruise could be perfect for you. Despite their obvious beauty and history, these eight islands have traditionally been often overlooked by cruise lovers.

However, with its year-round appeal and guaranteed sunshine, this hidden gem is becoming increasingly popular.

Here, we’ll explain why.

Sunshine and Incredible Weather

We’ve all been there. You plan a holiday only for bad weather to ruin it. There are few things worse than this, let's face it.

Thankfully, visiting the Canary Islands comes with as solid a guarantee as you’re going to get for wall-to-wall (or horizon-to-horizon) sunshine virtually every day of the year.

Its subtropical location means it's not exposed to the unpredictable weather that cruise destinations in Europe may suffer from (and it's certainly warmer than the UK). Even in ‘cooler months’, temperatures rarely dip below 15 degrees. Hopping on board a cruise around the Canary Islands, then the place to be for sun-seekers.

An incredible selection of islands to choose from

The eight islands that make up the Canaries are so rich in history and also so different from each other.

In Gran Canaria, one of the bigger islands, meandering through the old town of Las Palmas will feel like stepping back in time as you marvel at the untouched buildings, most of which look the same as when Christopher Columbus first visited here in 1492. On the other end of the spectrum, the volcanic Teide National Park on the island of Tenerife is a haven for those looking to explore what nature has to offer.

No matter what sort of holiday you like, there is so much variety across these islands that you’re sure to find something for you.

Volcanic landscapes make for unique excursions

The geography of these islands is one of the many reasons so many people enjoy a cruise around here. Formed from volcanoes millions of years ago, the Canary Islands boast an impressive selection of national parks offering jeep safaris and hikes up active (but very safe) volcanoes. There are even wine-tasting tours in volcanic vineyards where the soil offers up interesting and complex wines.

Highlights include the aforementioned Teide Volcano in Tenerife and the 51-square-kilometre Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote, which is entirely made up of volcanic soil. These two are just some of the many parks that are peppered around the islands, and all are available to you on a cruise.

Great for beach lovers and adventurers

The variety of landscapes that make up the Canary Islands means its appeal to a range of holidaymakers is vast. And, of course, being islands, there are hundreds of miles of beach and ocean to explore.

Stopping off in Gran Canaria, you have an opportunity to sit among the golden sands of Maspalomas beach or take part in the water sports that are organised just off the coast. There are also striking black volcanic beaches in Lanzarote. Playa Blanca is the most popular beach here, and its calm water provides those on a cruise a chance to enjoy snorkelling and diving, as well as other popular water sports.

Rich in history and culture

Cruising around the Canaries allows you to explore the islands’ deep history as well as its proud culture. A few days on the islands will further endear you to this part of the world and make you and your loved ones feel connected to the heritage these small but historic islands have.

Las Palmas and Santa Cruz, for instance, are filled to the brim with historical architecture, and their pastel-coloured buildings leap off the coastline. Passengers have more than enough time to visit the museums and old towns that make up the Canary Islands.

So, for those passengers looking for culture, make a beeline for these islands the next time you’re booking a cruise.

A relaxing cruise at affordable prices

Canary Island cruises are some of the most affordable cruises you can go on. There is great value for money in a cruise around these islands, chiefly because of the number of dining options, activities, and entertainment included in your fee.

Excursions on the islands themselves are more often than not included in the package, so you never have to feel like you are missing out if you’re on a budget.