Canary Islands Cruise: Itineraries, Islands & Best Time to Go - Voyage Privé
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Canary Islands cruise


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Embarking on a Canary Islands cruise means trading grey skies for Atlantic sunshine, boarding a floating resort and waking each morning to a new volcanic island on the horizon. From Tenerife's snow-capped peak of Mount Teide to Lanzarote's surreal lava fields, from Gran Canaria's rolling dunes to La Gomera's ancient forests, the archipelago delivers scenery so varied that each port feels like a different country. Cruise lines have embraced this diversity, offering everything from week-long loops on family-friendly mega-ships to intimate small-yacht voyages that linger longer in harbour, as well as extended itineraries that weave in Madeira's botanical gardens and Morocco's souks. The convenience of unpacking once while visiting six or seven islands, the mild climate that promises sunshine in January as readily as July, and the wealth of shore excursions—hiking volcanic craters, snorkelling with dolphins, tasting Canarian wines—combine to make a Canary Islands cruise a compelling choice for couples seeking winter warmth, families wanting hassle-free adventure and active travellers eager for nature and culture in equal measure. Join Voyage Privé today to unlock exclusive cruise offers and luxury island stays at exceptional rates, transforming your Atlantic odyssey into an unforgettable journey.

The most beautiful Voyage Privé hotels and cruises in the Canary Islands

Before diving into itineraries and shore excursions, discover our hand-picked selection of Canary Islands cruise offers and island hotels that perfectly complement your voyage. Each option has been chosen for its quality, location and unique experience—whether you're seeking an intimate small-ship adventure, a classic 7-night loop or a land stay with optional catamaran excursions.

Harmony V Canaries Cruise

Harmony V Canaries Cruise

Experience the Canary Islands aboard the elegant Harmony V, a small mega-yacht offering an intimate 7-night voyage. This boutique cruise visits Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, with extended time ashore at each port. Enjoy personalised service, spacious cabins and a relaxed atmosphere that larger ships cannot match. Perfect for travellers who value quality over quantity and want to explore each island in depth.

What we love: The intimate scale, longer shore time and attentive crew create a yacht-club ambience, ideal for couples and discerning explorers seeking a refined island-hopping experience.

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7-night cruise: Around the Canary Islands – Tenerife

7-night cruise: Around the Canary Islands – Tenerife

Embark on a classic 7-night Canary Islands cruise visiting six of the eight islands. Starting in Tenerife and finishing in Lanzarote (or vice versa), this itinerary showcases the archipelago's diversity—from Teide's volcanic peaks to Fuerteventura's windswept beaches. On-board facilities include pools, entertainment and dining, with optional shore excursions at every port. Practical trip notes and flexible cabin categories make planning straightforward.

What we love: The comprehensive island coverage, convenient one-way routing and range of optional excursions suit first-time cruisers and families wanting a hassle-free introduction to the Canaries.

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Canary Islands, Madeira & Agadir Cruise – Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Canary Islands, Madeira & Agadir Cruise – Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Extend your horizons with this 7-night voyage aboard the Zenith, combining the Canary Islands with Madeira's lush gardens and a taste of Morocco in Agadir. All-inclusive cabin options are available, covering meals, drinks and gratuities. The detailed day-by-day itinerary and weather guide help you plan shore excursions, from Funchal's botanical gardens to Agadir's souk. Ideal for travellers who want cultural variety alongside island scenery.

What we love: The tri-destination blend, all-inclusive peace of mind and the chance to tick off three Atlantic archipelagos and North Africa in one seamless voyage.

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Mirador Maspalomas by Dunas – Gran Canaria

Mirador Maspalomas by Dunas – Gran Canaria

Complement your cruise with a stay at Mirador Maspalomas by Dunas, perfectly positioned near the iconic dunes of Maspalomas. This hotel offers optional half-day catamaran cruises, snorkelling and sea activities—ideal for travellers who want to extend their island time or add a pre- or post-cruise land stay. Modern rooms, pools and easy access to beaches and nature reserves make it a versatile base.

What we love: The optional catamaran excursions and dolphin-watching trips let you continue your maritime adventure ashore, blending cruise and resort experiences seamlessly.

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Why choose a Canary Islands cruise

Mild year-round climate and seasonal advantages

The Canary Islands sit just off the coast of West Africa, blessed by trade winds and the warm Canary Current, which together deliver a subtropical climate that hovers between 18°C in winter and 29°C in summer. For cruise passengers tired of packing raincoats and thermal layers, the archipelago offers reliable sunshine in every season, making it one of Europe's few year-round cruise destinations. Spring—March to May—and autumn—September to November—strike the perfect balance: daytime temperatures linger around 22–26°C, rainfall is minimal and the islands are less crowded than in peak summer or the Christmas rush. Winter months (December to February) remain mild, with averages of 18–21°C, though the western islands (La Palma, La Gomera) can see brief showers and greener landscapes, while the eastern duo of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura stay drier and sunnier. Summer (June–August) brings heat—often 28–30°C—and busier ports, yet the sea breeze and air-conditioned ships keep passengers comfortable between shore excursions. This climatic reliability underpins the archipelago's appeal: cruise lines schedule frequent departures from UK ports and European hubs, knowing that passengers can count on blue skies and warm days whether they sail in January or July, making the Canaries a safe bet for those seeking the best time to cruise the Canary Islands without sacrificing flexibility.

Types of cruises (classic 7-night loops / small-ship & yacht / combined itineraries with Madeira or Morocco)

The most popular format is the classic 7-night loop, departing from Tenerife or Gran Canaria and calling at five or six islands before returning to the start port—or finishing at a different island for one-way itineraries. These cruises suit first-time cruisers and families, with large ships offering pools, kids' clubs, evening shows and a choice of dining venues, plus organised shore excursions at every stop. For those seeking a more intimate experience, small-ship and mega-yacht cruises—such as the Harmony V—carry fewer passengers (typically 50–200), spend longer in port and access smaller harbours that mega-ships cannot reach, creating a yacht-club atmosphere with personalised service and fewer crowds. Extended itineraries add Madeira (Funchal) and Morocco (Agadir or Casablanca), stretching the voyage to 10–14 nights and introducing cultural variety—levada walks through Madeiran laurel forests, souk bargaining in Moroccan medinas—alongside the volcanic drama of the Canaries; the Canary Islands, Madeira & Agadir Cruise aboard the Zenith exemplifies this tri-destination blend. Some repositioning cruises link the Mediterranean or Caribbean with the Canaries, offering longer, more adventurous itineraries for seasoned sailors, while round-trip cruises from Southampton include several Atlantic sea days, perfect for passengers who relish the full ocean-crossing experience and want to avoid flights, demonstrating the breadth of Canary Islands cruise itineraries available today.

Who each cruise suits (families, couples, active travellers, nature lovers)

Families gravitate towards classic 7-night loops on large ships, where kids' clubs, splash pools, evening entertainment and supervised activities keep children engaged while parents relax by the pool or enjoy spa treatments; shore excursions are designed for all ages, from gentle beach days to interactive volcano tours. Couples seeking romance and tranquillity will find small-ship or yacht cruises more appealing, with intimate dining, longer port calls that allow leisurely exploration, and a refined atmosphere free from waterslides and disco nights. Active travellers and hikers should prioritise itineraries that include La Palma (Caldera de Taburiente), Tenerife (Mount Teide) and La Gomera (Garajonay National Park), booking shore excursions focused on trekking, cycling and water sports rather than bus tours and shopping stops. Nature lovers will delight in any cruise that visits multiple islands, as each offers distinct ecosystems—volcanic deserts in Lanzarote, lush laurel forests in La Gomera, coastal dunes in Fuerteventura—and many cruises feature naturalist talks, whale-watching excursions and snorkelling opportunities. Some lines offer adults-only sailings or wellness programmes with yoga and spa treatments, while others cater to families with childcare and teen clubs. The variety of cruise styles ensures every traveller can find a Canary Islands voyage that matches their interests, pace and budget, from budget-conscious families to luxury-seeking couples.

Typical itineraries and sample routes

Classic 7-night loop: Tenerife – La Palma – La Gomera – Gran Canaria – Fuerteventura – Lanzarote

A typical 7-night Canary Islands cruise embarks in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Day 1), allowing passengers to explore the capital's markets and museums before setting sail. Day 2 brings La Palma, where shore excursions head into Caldera de Taburiente—a vast volcanic crater with waterfalls, pine forests and panoramic ridges—or to the island's stargazing observatories perched above the clouds. Day 3 docks at San Sebastián de La Gomera, gateway to Garajonay National Park's misty laurel forests and the island's unique whistling language, Silbo Gomero. Day 4 arrives at Gran Canaria, where passengers can choose between the golden dunes of Maspalomas, the historic streets of Las Palmas or a hike to Roque Nublo, a volcanic monolith offering island-wide views. Day 5 visits Fuerteventura, famed for endless beaches, turquoise lagoons and world-class windsurfing conditions; excursions range from 4x4 desert safaris to leisurely beach time. Day 6 docks at Lanzarote, where Timanfaya National Park's geothermal demonstrations and lunar lava fields await, alongside César Manrique's artistic caves and vineyards. Day 7 is a sea day for poolside relaxation, spa treatments and evening entertainment, before disembarking in Lanzarote or returning to Tenerife (Day 8). This loop showcases the archipelago's diversity—volcanic peaks, green valleys, desert dunes and coastal resorts—all within one week, with port calls lasting 6–10 hours and optional excursions for every interest; the 7-night cruise: Around the Canary Islands exemplifies this classic 7-night Canary Islands cruise format.

Canary Islands + Madeira + Morocco: extended itineraries and what they add

Extended 10–14-night voyages weave the Canary Islands into a broader Atlantic tapestry, sailing north to Madeira and south to Morocco for a tri-destination experience that blends volcanic drama, botanical beauty and North African culture. After visiting the main Canary Islands, the ship sails to Funchal, where passengers stroll through terraced gardens ablaze with orchids and bougainvillea, hike levada trails through laurel forests and sample fortified Madeira wine in centuries-old lodges. The voyage then turns south to Agadir or Casablanca, where souks brim with spices and carpets, mosques display intricate tilework and the scent of mint tea drifts through medina alleyways, offering a vivid contrast to the islands' European character. The Canary Islands, Madeira & Agadir Cruise aboard the Zenith is a prime example, with all-inclusive options covering meals, drinks and gratuities, plus detailed port guides that help passengers maximise their shore time. These extended itineraries appeal to travellers who crave variety and enjoy contrasting landscapes, cuisines and cultures in one voyage, turning a simple island-hopping cruise into a mini Atlantic odyssey. Additional sea days provide more time to enjoy on-board facilities—pools, shows, lectures—and the extra ports enrich the experience with diverse shore excursions, from Madeiran toboggan rides to Moroccan hammam visits, making the voyage feel more like a grand tour than a beach holiday, a natural evolution for those seeking the best Canary Islands and Madeira cruise experience.

Short/long alternatives and flying-in/port-of-departure options (Southampton, Gran Canaria, Tenerife)

UK-based travellers face a choice: fly-cruises (flying to Tenerife or Gran Canaria, embarking there, then flying home) or round-trip cruises from Southampton, which include several sea days crossing the Bay of Biscay but eliminate the need for flights. Fly-cruises typically last 7 nights, focusing purely on the islands, with passengers spending every night aboard and maximising shore time; these packages often include flights, transfers and ATOL protection when booked together, providing financial security and peace of mind. Southampton departures stretch to 10–14 nights to allow for the Atlantic crossing—two or three sea days each way—but suit travellers who enjoy the full cruise experience, including leisurely days at sea, the romance of an ocean voyage and the convenience of driving to the port with no luggage weight limits. Some cruise lines offer one-way itineraries (embark in Tenerife, disembark in Lanzarote), requiring separate return flights or onward travel but allowing passengers to explore more islands without retracing the route. Flying in offers more time in the islands and less time at sea, ideal for those prioritising shore excursions, hiking and cultural visits, while sailing from the UK appeals to passengers who value the journey as much as the destination, with sea days for reading, spa treatments and onboard lectures. Voyage Privé members can find both fly-cruise packages and Southampton departures, often with exclusive rates and flexible payment plans, catering to every preference and making it easy to find the perfect Canary Islands cruise from Southampton or fly-cruise Canary Islands option.

Canary Islands cruise

The best months to cruise the Canary Islands are March to May and September to November, when temperatures hover between 20–26°C, rainfall is minimal and crowds are lighter than in peak summer. These shoulder seasons offer ideal conditions for hiking, sightseeing and beach time, with calmer seas and pleasant evenings perfect for on-deck dining. Winter (December–February) remains popular for escaping northern European cold, though slightly cooler and wetter, while summer (June–August) suits sun-seekers who don't mind higher temperatures and busier ports. The Canaries' year-round mild climate means any month is viable, but spring and autumn provide the best balance of weather, value and availability, making them the optimal choice for the best time to cruise Canary Islands.

Yes, numerous cruise lines offer dedicated Canary Islands itineraries, with classic 7-night loops visiting five to six islands—Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera—departing from Tenerife or Gran Canaria. Both large ships and small yachts operate these routes, with options ranging from family-friendly mega-ships to intimate boutique vessels like the Harmony V. Some cruises are round-trip (embark and disembark at the same port), while others are one-way (e.g. Tenerife to Lanzarote). Extended itineraries combine the Canaries with Madeira and Morocco, and UK travellers can choose fly-cruises or sailings from Southampton. The variety ensures every traveller can find a suitable voyage, such as the 7 night cruise: Around the Canary Islands.

The rainiest months are typically November, December and January, though rainfall totals remain low by European standards (20–40 mm per month). The western islands—La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife's north—receive more rain than the eastern islands (Lanzarote, Fuerteventura), which stay drier and sunnier year-round. Even in the wettest months, showers are usually brief and localised, rarely disrupting cruise itineraries or shore excursions. The Canaries' subtropical climate means prolonged rain is rare, and most days see sunshine even in winter. Cruisers concerned about rain should favour the eastern islands or travel in spring and autumn, when rainfall is minimal and conditions are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Gran Canaria, like Tenerife, is popular and can feel busy in peak season (July–August, Christmas, Easter), particularly in southern resorts like Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas. However, the island is not on any official "no-travel list" and remains safe and welcoming. Cruise passengers typically visit for 6–10 hours, avoiding overnight crowds, and excursions to the interior (Roque Nublo, mountain villages) or the capital Las Palmas offer quieter, more authentic experiences. Responsible tourism—choosing small-group excursions, respecting local communities and natural sites—helps mitigate overtourism impacts. Gran Canaria's size and diversity mean it can absorb visitors comfortably, especially outside peak periods, ensuring an enjoyable experience for cruise passengers.

"Prettiest" is subjective and depends on personal taste. La Palma is often called the "Isla Bonita" (beautiful island) for its lush forests, dramatic volcanic landscapes and star-filled skies. La Gomera's ancient laurel forests and terraced valleys offer tranquil, green beauty. Lanzarote's stark volcanic scenery and César Manrique's artistic interventions create a unique, otherworldly aesthetic. Tenerife combines dramatic mountain scenery (Mount Teide) with coastal charm, while Gran Canaria offers diverse landscapes from dunes to pine forests. Each island has its own distinct beauty—volcanic deserts, green valleys, golden beaches—and a cruise allows travellers to compare and choose their personal favourite, making the archipelago a visual feast for every taste.

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