Canary Islands Cruises Offer More Than Winter Sunshine

With clients preparing to visit the Canary Islands on a transatlantic cruise aboard Sky Princess this fall, and a group sailing to the region planned for 2028, I recently welcomed an opportunity to learn more about this fascinating destination.

I attended Canada Meets the Canary Islands, a tourism event in Toronto featuring representatives from across the Spanish archipelago. The evening offered an introduction to the islands’ geography, hospitality, cuisine and wines.

As Travelweek reported in its coverage of the event, the Canary Islands are attracting renewed attention from Canadian travellers.

A Landscape Full of Surprises

Located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the northwestern coast of Africa, the Canary Islands enjoy mild temperatures throughout the year.

Although they’re perhaps best known for sunshine and beaches, their geographical diversity is extraordinary.

Gran Canaria, for example, is often described as a miniature continent because of its remarkable landscapes and microclimates. Lush green valleys, mountainous ravines, forests and sandy beaches can all be found on one island.

Meanwhile, Tenerife is home to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, surrounded by dramatic volcanic scenery. Lanzarote offers an entirely different landscape, with rugged lava fields, volcanic vineyards and distinctive architecture.

Other islands, including La Palma and La Gomera, are renowned for their forests, hiking opportunities and natural beauty.

What struck me most during the presentations was how different the islands are from one another, despite their relatively close proximity.

The official Canary Islands tourism website offers an excellent introduction to these diverse landscapes.

Discovering the Food and Wines of the Canary Islands

One of the highlights of the Toronto event was a guided food and wine pairing led by a chef and sommelier from the region.

My favourite wine of the evening was an El Grifo Blanco Seco Selección from Lanzarote, made from Malvasía Volcánica grapes. I particularly enjoyed its minerality and remarkably clean finish.

A Lava Tinto Joven from Gran Canaria was another pleasant surprise. Less bold than I had anticipated, this red wine had an interesting hint of pepper.

The tasting also introduced me to the islands’ distinctive winemaking traditions.

In Lanzarote’s La Geria wine region, grapevines grow in volcanic ash, often protected from the wind by semicircular stone walls. The resulting landscape is extraordinary and offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into local agricultural traditions.

For wine enthusiasts, a vineyard excursion could be a memorable way to spend a day ashore.

What to Explore on a Canary Islands Cruise

The Canary Islands appear on a variety of cruise itineraries, including voyages combining Spain, Portugal, Madeira and Morocco.

They’re also ports of call on longer transatlantic cruises.

Depending on the itinerary, passengers might spend a day exploring volcanic landscapes, wandering historic towns, sampling regional wines or enjoying the islands’ natural beauty.

Of course, the experiences available depend on which islands your ship visits and how much time you have in port.

That’s one reason I enjoy learning directly from local tourism representatives. Their insights help me better understand the destinations my clients will visit and the experiences available to them.

An Atlantic Destination Worth Exploring

The Canary Islands offer an appealing combination of European culture, welcoming hospitality, beautiful scenery and comfortable weather throughout the year.

And with new seasonal non-stop flights connecting Canada with Tenerife and Gran Canaria, the islands are becoming more accessible for Canadians interested in exploring the region beyond a cruise visit.

I’m particularly looking forward to introducing more travellers to these remarkable islands in the coming years.

If you’re considering a cruise that visits the Canary Islands, I’d be delighted to help you explore the possibilities.