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1. Enjoy perfect conditions

Nothing beats the Canary Islands for a winter-sun escape and it starts with a wonderful climate boasting temperatures that range from 18-25 degrees in the winter months. Departing from your choice of regional airport, you’ll bid farewell to the UK’s gloomy conditions and say hello to balmy climes as you step off the plane. As you transition smoothly to your ship, you can switch into relaxation mode. Remember, there’s no need for repeated packing, unpacking and repacking; no stressful flight connections or checking in and out of hotels. Simply unpack once and head out into the warm sunshine for that first sundowner on deck.

 

 

2. Explore diverse landscapes

From Lanzarote’s lunar landscapes to Gran Canaria’s lush interiors, the Canary Islands are astonishingly diverse. So when you’re planning a holiday, how do you choose just one? Answer: you don’t! On a 7-night Canary Islands fly-cruise holiday you’ll see four different islands; on holidays of 14 nights, you’ll explore six different destinations with multiple days ashore in Madeira and Tenerife. Tenerife also offers an overnight stay at the start or end of your holiday, so why not hit the bucket list with a stargazing experience on Mount Teide, one of the world’s finest starlight destinations? With late calls in places such as Madeira and Gran Canaria on selected cruises, you’ll have plenty of time to get to the heart of these islands when the sun goes down, too.

Beautiful rural Madeira landscape.
Beautiful rural Madeira landscape.
Beautiful rural Madeira landscape.
Beautiful rural Madeira landscape.

3. Find fewer crowds and more time to explore

The winter months are an ideal time to visit these popular Spanish islands. During quieter months, you’ll really have time to explore the diversity of what the different islands have to offer. Even if you’ve only got a week, you’ll feel enriched and rejuvenated by the wealth of experiences – from exploring wild landscapes and beaches to discovering history, culture and delicious food. And let’s not forget encounters with wildlife (the region’s a whale and dolphin hotspot) nor opportunities to meet friendly locals.

 

 

4.  Get active with water sports and more

From snorkelling in volcanic reefs and catching the perfect wave to kitesurfing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, there’s a wealth of water sports to try across the islands. The Canaries are notably home to magnificent surfing beaches – with Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura attracting visitors in search of a swell time. In Gran Canaria, beginners can find their feet at the capital’s fun city beach, Las Canteras, while experts will find some of Europe’s finest waves at El Confital. In Lanzarote, Famara is a friendly place to learn the ropes while El Quemao will put experts through their paces. Beyond the beaches, enjoy hiking, biking and climbing – each island offers some spectacular mountains and lush interior landscapes with adventures for every level of outdoor enthusiast. 

Playa del Roque de las Bodegas, Tenerife
Playa del Roque de las Bodegas, Tenerife
Playa del Roque de las Bodegas, Tenerife
Playa del Roque de las Bodegas, Tenerife

5. Discover local culture and food

Visitors to the Canary Islands are treated to an array of festivals, markets and special events during the winter months. To help you get to the heart of each island’s culture, we work with local experts to bring you a curated range of shore experiences that bring out the best in each port of call. Learn about the ocean’s largest mammals on a whale-watching trip in Gran Canaria; explore the art of making Madeira wine in Funchal; discover the artistic influence of César Manrique in Lanzarote; find your fiesta at the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in February (the island boasts the second largest international carnival after Rio de Janeiro). There’s never a dull day. And of course, our incredible crew are on hand to make every aspect of your fly-cruise holiday memorable, from the cabin steward who keeps your cabin beautifully clean and comfortable to the restaurant and bar teams who are always on hand to help. It all adds up to a holiday like no other.

Feeling inspired?

Canary Islands cruise holidays