The Canary Islands are one of the most popular cruise destinations for UK travellers — and for very good reason. Just four hours from the UK by air (or accessible by sea from Southampton), the Canaries offer year-round sunshine, extraordinary volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches and the unique character of seven very different islands.

A Canary Islands cruise typically visits four or five of the seven islands over 7–14 nights. Tenerife is usually the main port of call — home to the dramatic Mount Teide volcano, the charming old town of La Laguna and the resort areas of Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos. Gran Canaria offers the spectacular sand dunes of Maspalomas and the vibrant capital Las Palmas. Lanzarote is perhaps the most dramatic — a volcanic moonscape of black lava fields, white villages and the extraordinary Timanfaya National Park.

Fuerteventura is the island for beach lovers — with some of the finest white sand beaches in Europe and crystal-clear Atlantic waters. La Palma, known as "La Isla Bonita," is lush and green with dramatic laurisilva forests and one of the world's best stargazing locations. La Gomera and El Hierro are the quieter, less-visited islands — perfect for those seeking something off the beaten track.

Many Canary Islands cruises depart from Southampton or Tilbury, making them ideal for UK travellers who prefer not to fly. P&O Cruises, Fred Olsen and Cunard all offer UK departure itineraries. Fly-cruise options departing from Tenerife or Gran Canaria are also popular and offer more time at sea.

The Canary Islands are a year-round destination, but they are particularly popular in winter when the rest of Europe is cold and grey. A Canary Islands cruise in January or February offers reliable sunshine, warm temperatures and a welcome escape from the British winter.