10 reasons you will love a cruise to the captivating Canary Islands

There’s so much more to the Canaries than beaches and volcanoes

by Sue Bryant

Basking in year-round sunshine makes the sub-tropical Canary Islands the perfect place to escape the British winter. They are best known for their dramatic volcanic scenery and laid-back beach life, but there’s a great deal more to explore on this lush archipelago, from vineyards to rainforests and impressive 16th-century architecture.

Here are 10 reasons you’ll love a cruise with Saga to these enchanting islands (not to mention that all cruises depart from Portsmouth, with a chauffeur service collecting you from home with unlimited luggage for a relaxing start to your journey):

1. Admire the architectural wonders of Tenerife

Bring your camera on a tour of La Laguna Market in the historic centre of La Laguna, considered the most beautiful town on Tenerife, where locals and tourists alike come ot shop for fresh local produce. The flower displays are particularly spectacular.

There is a chance for some independent exploring. The capital, Santa Cruz is a handsome city where wide boulevards are lined with styles ranging from Baroque to neoclassical to avant garde, with wooden Canarian balconies adorning the rainbow-painted houses along the Avenida Marítima.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

2. View La Palma’s dramatic volcanic landscapes

La Palma has some of the most extraordinary scenery of all the islands, especially in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park. The views from the park’s lookout point are outrageously beautiful. Vertiginous lava cliffs plunge thousands of feet into forested valleys, their lower slopes dotted with spindly pine trees that appear to defy gravity. Look out for the row of white dots along the caldera’s jagged rim – this is the Roque de los Muchachos observatory. The skies are so clear here that La Palma was designated the world’s first Starlight Reserve.

Los Tilos laurel forest, La Palma

3. Learn about César Manrique’s extraordinary legacy

Lanzarote’s architecture is defined by the work of local artist and early sustainability adopter César Manrique, who worked with the government in the 1960s to create an aesthetic for the island: white, sugar-cube houses on which the green and blue woodwork reflects the colours of nature.

You’ll see his influence everywhere – at the Museum of Modern Art (MIAC) in the capital, Arrecife, and the Jardin Cactus, where 4,500 cacti from all around the world are displayed on terraces of black volcanic stone. In the north of the island, visit Manrique’s dramatic Jameos del Agua, a deep volcanic tube that leads to a mirror-calm underground lake. Here, Manrique built a white pool, restaurant, and terraced bars into the rock around the cave entrance to create a natural auditorium where concerts for up to 600 take place.

4. Enjoy urban delights in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Las Palmas, capital of Gran Canaria, is a joy, with wide urban beaches, flower-filled squares and a buzzing culinary scene.

Visit Santa Ana Cathedral, a blend of Gothic, Renaissance and neoclassical styles and check out the elegant bronzes of dogs on Plaza Santa Ana. They’re a clue as to how the Canary Islands were named by early visitors, from the Latin canum, for dogs. It wasn’t singing canaries but large herding canines that are thought to have greeted these early travellers.

You could also take an independent tour of Vegueta, the old quarter, and see the house where Columbus is believed to have stayed in 1492 before setting out on his epic voyage across the Atlantic. Here, whitewashed houses, their elaborate balconies carved from Canarian pine, line cobbled alleys.

Cathedral of Santa Ana, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

5. Follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus

Like Gran Canaria, La Gomera claims an association with Columbus – this is where he prepared his ships for his expeditions to the New World, loading them with cured meat, dried fruit, oranges and livestock. Visit the Pozo de la Aguada in the capital San Sebastián, a former water supply point for ships; there’s a small display here dedicated to his three expeditions from La Gomera.

6. Feast on Fuerteventura’s culinary delights

The Canary Islands may belong to Spain but the cuisine here is distinctly local, reflecting the produce of the islands. There will be opportunities to sample local specialities such as olive oil, wine and the Canaries’ distinctive take on tapas: papas arrugadas con mojo is one of the most famous, small potatoes boiled in their skins in salty water, served with mojos, spicy red and green pepper sauces that you’ll find all over the islands.

7. Marvel at magnificent marine life

The Canary Islands are a wonderful place to spot whales and dolphins, with several species – including pilot whales and massive sperm whales – resident here year-round. You could join a whale-watching excursion from Tenerife or La Palma to spot these magnificent animals, as well as the pods of dolphins that frequent these waters.

Some Canary Islands cruises have experts from marine mammal conservation charity ORCA on board, who will keep watch for whales and dolphins, with the assistance of passengers, and log all sightings. The route down to the islands, across the Bay of Biscay, is one of the best places in the world for seeing super-pods of cetaceans.

Pilot whale

8. Keep busy – or relax – with activities on board

For those tranquil days at sea, there’s no shortage of activities on board. Browse the books in the library or try a craft class. Hone your ballroom dancing skills, treat yourself to an indulgent facial and massage in the spa or join a bridge session. Or simply take the sea air on a stroll around the promenade deck. Pay attention to the night sky, too – the Canary Islands is one of the best places in the world for stargazing, thanks to the lack of light pollution.

9. Shore excursions you won’t want to miss

On a Saga cruise, a shore excursion is included in every port but there are also optional tours (as extras) and plenty opportunities for independent exploring.

On Tenerife, you could take the cable car to 11,660 feet above sea level on Teide, Spain’s highest mountain and marvel at the tumbled black lava of the spiky, lunar landscape.

Mount Teide, Tenerife

On Gran Canaria, challenge yourself with a hike in and on Bandama Crater for magnificent views from the caldera edge. Or visit the pretty village of Firgas and sample the local produce of the Agaete Valley, where mangoes, papayas, bananas and coffee are grown.

There’s volcanic drama on Fuerteventura, too, with a trek from the village of Villaverde around the volcanic Monte Arena area. It follows old camel trails to discover ancient stone walls and wildflowers, with sweeping views of northern Fuerteventura as your reward.

10. Luxury so good you won’t want to get off

You’ll be amazed at just how much is included on Saga’s beautiful ships. All dining, for a start, including speciality restaurants such as the seafood-themed Coast to Coast on Spirit of Discovery, or the Nepalese Khukuri on Spirit of Adventure.

An open bar, WiFi, crew gratuities, a light-filled balcony cabin, lavish afternoon tea, and classes in the gym to work off those clotted cream scones are also covered. And then there’s the sparkling entertainment, from ballroom dancing to musical recitals and production shows. No wonder you won’t want to say goodbye.