Exploring the Canary Islands by Cruise
The Canary Islands are an extremely popular destination for British holidaymakers. Offering a variety of different landscapes, as well as plentiful sunshine and a laid-back culture, they’re perfect for those looking for a cruise holiday.
Why the Canary Islands?
It’s worth dwelling on a few of the reasons that this part of the world is so popular. To begin with, there’s the weather: the southerly climate means that you’ll enjoy hot weather, whenever you decide to travel. During August, you can expect temperatures of around 28°C. This dips to around 20°C during winter.
The variety of scenery on offer is truly stunning. There are plenty of long, sandy beaches – many of them nearly empty during off-peak season. Then there are stunning volcano-strewn landscapes, which are perfect for short hikes, and there are picturesque little seaside towns, alongside larger ones like Las Palmas.
The archipelago is safe and secure, notwithstanding protests by the locals, which is part of what makes it so appealing for tourists looking to minimise holiday risk and hassle.
Benefits of a Cruise
So, what is it that makes a cruise through the area so compelling?
First, when you book a cruise, you’ll have the security that comes with knowing that everything is included in the price. That will help you to keep your costs manageable, and to avoid the expense associated with hotels and flights.
If you have particular mobility needs, then you’ll also enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that they will be catered for. This can be a major advantage for disabled or elderly people who need all of their cabins and days out to be accessible.
A cruise ship tends to provide a certain kind of atmosphere. If you want the vibe to be consistently laid back, with excellent dining and activities, then Canary Island cruises might appeal. There’s always room for spontaneity during the time you have to explore by yourself.
Top Island Highlights
But which of the Canary Islands is worth visiting? Another major advantage of a cruise is that you don’t have to choose – you’ll be taken around the best of them, and see everything worth seeing.
In Tenerife, the largest and most popular island, this means paying a visit to the National Park, Teide, which contains a stratovolcano that qualifies as the largest on Spanish soil.
Lanzarote, too, has a spectacular national park in the form of Timanfaya, on the west coast of the island. Entirely made from volcanic soil, it’s perfect for those who’d like to spend a day hiking.
In Gran Canaria, the beaches and botanical gardens are sure to appeal. This is an island that’s built for relaxation – though there are still opportunities for adventure further inland.
Finally, it’s worth making a stop at Fuerteventura, which is dominated, in the north, by tall, sweeping sand dunes. In the south, it’s a paradise for surfing!
What to Expect Onboard
If you’re going on a cruise for the first time, then you might not know what to expect from the trip. In most cases, you’ll enjoy a spacious cabin, as well as onboard dining and entertainment.
You’ll also benefit from a crew, which is there to look after passengers, as well as the ship. Treat them with respect – but make sure that you don’t hesitate to bring something up if you aren’t happy with the service you’re enjoying.
