These are the Canary Islands you can cruise to

Though their proximity and climate - particularly their warm winters - make them a readily accessible tourist destination, the Canary Islands have more to offer than meets the eye. A cruise to the Canary Islands means year-round sunshine is much closer than you think, so soak up the sun and dive into the beautiful, diverse culture that each island boasts. 

Translated as The Great Island of the Dogs, the volcanic island of Gran Canaria has been recognised by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve and was a provisioning stop for Christopher Columbus during his 15th-century voyages to the New World.

On a cruise to Gran Canaria, you’ll discover what all the fuss is about within a few minutes of stepping foot on the desirable island. A short walk from Las Palmas Harbour leads you straight to the beach of Playa de Las Canteras. An urban backdrop offers everything you might need for an impromptu sunbathe, while the spacious promenade affords you a leisurely stroll as you choose the perfect spot on which to unwind. An hour from Las Palmas, on the particularly sunny south coast, is a vast expanse of undulating sand dunes known as Maspalomas Natural Dune Reserve. An uninhabited desert up until 150 years ago, the area is now a haven for sun seekers and surfers. 

La Palma is probably one of the most surprising Canary Islands. Whether you fancy the thrill of hiking through ancient ravines and volcanic craters or ambling down winding streets between elaborately fronted colonial houses, you’ll be wowed by the beauty here. 

La Palma’s luscious landscape is alive with wonders; rocky ravines, sky-high volcanic peaks, craggy coastlines, exotic vegetation and the seemingly endless Atlantic Ocean. Within easy striking distance of the port are the dramatic black sand beaches of Bajamar and Los Cancajos. A 20-minute bus ride from Santa Cruz and you’re at the Mirador de la Concepción, overlooking the city and its coastline. Or head out on the island’s 600 miles of footpaths, first grabbing a walking map from the tourist office or booking transport to and from self-guided walks. 

Lanzarote is an island destination that promises to leave you awed by the majesty of nature, thanks to its volcanic geology which dates back a mere 15 million years. This area of the Canary Islands is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, meaning it’s an area comprising terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems. 

Nowhere in Lanzarote will you more vividly experience its volcanic nature than at the Timanfaya National Park. Home to the Montañas del Fuego, the park has a unique Martian-style landscape due to devastating volcanic eruptions in the 1730s. Another intriguing slice of Lanzarote’s geology can be explored at La Cueva de los Verdes. This labyrinth of volcanic caves features 2km of natural rock formations, formed by lava flows from the La Corona volcano around 3,000 years ago. 

The perennially popular island of Tenerife draws millions of tourists year after year. Perhaps it’s the imposing volcano of Mount Teide or its top-class beaches and fantastic weather. Whatever the reason for your visit, you’re sure to love your time in Tenerife. 

A cruise to Tenerife has to include a trip to Mount Teide, which, at 12,200 ft, is the third-highest volcanic structure in the world. Standing majestically in its own national park, the highest point of the volcano can be accessed by cable car. You might only expect to find pyramids in Egypt but Tenerife is home to its very own Pirámides de Güímar. Set in what’s known as an ethnographic park, these impressive tiered structures have been dated to the 19th century, though mystery surrounds their construction.