Canary Islands Cruise from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria — 11 Days

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria pairs a working Atlantic port with one of Spain’s finest urban beaches. Explore Vegueta’s cobbled lanes, cathedral and Casa de Colón, a museum linked to Columbus’s voyages. The seafront promenade invites an easy stroll beside Las Canteras’ broad sands and sheltered waters. Local seafood and Canarian wines reward a longer pause before you return to the ship.

Santa Cruz de la Palma, Spain

Santa Cruz de la Palma is a small island capital with an outsized sense of history. Founded in 1493, it grew into an important Atlantic port, and its old quarter still bears that maritime confidence. Walk Calle Real for handsome colonial façades, then look for carved wooden balconies along Avenida Marítima. Beyond town, La Palma’s steep green interior leads to the dramatic Caldera de Taburiente National Park.

Funchal, Portugal

Funchal sits in a broad, sunlit amphitheatre above Madeira’s deep Atlantic harbour. Its compact centre rewards exploration, from the Old Town’s painted doors to the cathedral’s carved cedar ceiling. Ride the cable car uphill to Monte for sweeping views, then descend through gardens or by traditional wicker toboggan. Madeira’s wines and market produce offer a taste of the island before your ship sails.

Porto Santo Island Madeira, Portugal

Porto Santo rewards travellers who prefer substance to spectacle. Set in Madeira’s Atlantic archipelago, this small island is known for a remarkable nine-kilometre sweep of golden sand. Vila Baleira, its compact main town, offers cafés, a harbour and the house associated with Christopher Columbus. Beyond the beach, volcanic hills and dry, open landscapes invite unhurried walks and island-wide views. Come for clean horizons, long swims and a gentler pace than Madeira’s livelier resorts.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is more than an island gateway. This Atlantic capital rewards a closer look. Browse the stalls at Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, then follow the old streets towards Plaza de España. Its broad avenues, shaded plazas and market cafés make wandering pleasantly straightforward. Modern landmarks include the sculptural Auditorio de Tenerife, while palm-lined parks offer a welcome pause. Mount Teide rises inland; the golden sands of Las Teresitas lie within reach.

• At Sea (At Sea)

El Hierro Island, Spain

At La Estaca, El Hierro reveals a quieter side of the Canary Islands. Spain’s westernmost Canary Island is known for volcanic landscapes, steep coasts and remarkably clear water. Roads climb from the harbor towards Valverde, the archipelago’s only inland capital. Swim in natural pools or follow trails through pine and laurel forest. At Mirador de la Peña, César Manrique’s design frames the northern coast. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Global Geopark, El Hierro rewards travelers who value nature over crowds.

San Sebastian de la Gomera, Spain

San Sebastián de la Gomera is a small port with a large place in Atlantic history. Columbus called here in 1492 before sailing west, and the town rewards a leisurely walk. See the 15th-century Torre del Conde, then visit the Church of the Assumption, linked to his stay. Beyond the waterfront, La Gomera’s steep green interior leads to Garajonay National Park, where ancient laurel forest fills deep ravines.

Arrecife, Spain

Arrecife is Lanzarote’s compact capital, where Atlantic light catches whitewashed buildings and fishing boats in the harbour. Step ashore near Charco de San Ginés, a sheltered lagoon edged with cafés, seafood restaurants and low houses. César Manrique’s vision shapes Lanzarote, from its striking architecture to gardens and cultural spaces. Beyond town, volcanic landscapes and vineyards reveal why the island feels unlike any other Canary Island.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria pairs a working Atlantic port with one of Spain’s finest urban beaches. Explore Vegueta’s cobbled lanes, cathedral and Casa de Colón, a museum linked to Columbus’s voyages. The seafront promenade invites an easy stroll beside Las Canteras’ broad sands and sheltered waters. Local seafood and Canarian wines reward a longer pause before you return to the ship.