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Canaries

A Canary Islands cruise is one of the most popular ways to find winter sun from the UK without flying, with sailings from Southampton, Tilbury and Liverpool. Volcanic landscapes, golden and black sand beaches and mild weather all year make the islands a reliable choice. Many itineraries add Madeira, Lisbon and ports in northern Spain along the way.

Best time to go

October to April for winter sun, although the islands are pleasant all year.

Season

Year-round, with peak demand from autumn to spring.

Typical daytime highs

  • Winter (November to March). Typical daytime highs around 20 to 23°C in winter (November to March). Mild and mostly sunny.
  • Summer (June to September). Typical daytime highs around 25 to 29°C in summer (June to September). Warm and dry, with cooling trade winds.

These are typical ranges, not a forecast.

How long

Usually 10 to 14 nights from the UK, or around 7 nights as a fly-cruise from Gran Canaria.

Sail from the UK

  • Southampton. Round-trip sailings via Spain, Portugal and Madeira.
  • Tilbury. Sailings from the Thames, convenient for London and the south east.
  • Liverpool. Sailings from the north west, handy for northern England, Wales and Scotland.

Fly-cruise airports

  • Gran Canaria (LPA). about 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS). about 2 hours 45 minutes

Who it suits

Winter sun seekers, couples, retired travellers and anyone who would rather not fly.

Questions

Can I cruise to the Canary Islands without flying?

Yes. Sailings leave from Southampton, Tilbury and Liverpool.

Is the Bay of Biscay rough?

It can be choppy, especially in winter, although many crossings are calm.

Are the Canary Islands warm in winter?

Yes. Typical daytime highs are around 20 to 23°C in winter, making them a favourite for winter sun.

Which islands are visited?

Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma and La Gomera, often with Madeira.

Show every Canaries cruise

Ports and places