Ten best things to do in the Canary Islands - Cunard cruises (2024)

Fire Mountain Camel Ride

Acuras’ Secrets and Canary Rum

Trekking in The Valley of 1000 Palms

Mount Teide Cable Car

A Day of Two Beaches

Las Palmas Walk of Discovery

Fuerteventura by Buggy

Tenerife Wine and Tapas

Teguise Sunday Market

Aloe Vera Workshop

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Best For Adventurers…

Fire Mountain Camel Ride – Lanzarote

A camel ride across volcanic dunes is just one highlight of this Shore Experience to Lanzarote’s famous Timanfaya National Park. Immerse yourself in centuries-old lava formations and volcanic craters as you venture across the otherworldly scenery of this lunar-like landscape. In the heart of the park, you’ll witness the fiery subterranean heat that bubbles just below Timanfaya’s surface in a series of geothermal demonstrations conducted by your park guide. You’ll also pay a visit to a bodega in the startling black landscape of the La Geria wine region, where you’ll taste some of the locally produced wines that are cultivated on the island.

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Best For Culture Seekers…

Acuras’ Secrets and Canary Rum – Gran Canaria

Discover the scenic charms of Acuras on this Shore Experience on the island of Gran Canaria. Tucked away in the mountains, Acuras is one of Gran Canaria’s most enchanting villages. Its cobblestone streets, lined with elaborate wooden balconies, are like something from a fairy tale. It also boasts one of the island’s most magnificent neo-Gothic cathedrals and sweeping views out to the sparkling blue seas that shimmer off Gran Canaria’s shores. Once you’ve soaked up all of Acuras’ charms, you’ll visit the largest and oldest rum distillery in Europe. Here you’ll learn the secrets behind Canary Island rum making, as well as sampling a selection of rums and liquors distilled on site.

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Best For Nature Lovers…

Trekking in The Valley of 1000 Palms – Lanzarote

Stretch your legs under the warm Canarian sun on this scenic hike through Lanzarote’s Valley of 1000 Palms. You’ll start your adventure at the island’s highest peak, Peñas del Cache, trekking through Lanzarote’s only forest. Continuing on, you’ll reach the Valley’s viewpoint, where you’ll have a chance to gaze out over this beautiful green oasis in all its glory. Some free time to explore the charming village of Haria then follows before a short coach ride to the Cuevas Verdes, one of the longest volcanic tunnels in the world. Once a refuge from marauding pirates, today these extraordinary green caves are home to a 500-seat natural concert hall.

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Best For Families…

Mount Teide Cable Car – Tenerife

Drink in the sweeping views from the top of Tenerife’s famous Mount Teide on this scenic cable car ride. You’ll be whisked from ground level to 11,600 feet above sea level, where you’ll alight your cable car onto the crater of the world’s third highest volcano. The thrilling ascent takes just eight minutes and rewards you with awe-inspiring panoramas stretching out across Tenerife in every direction. The trip also includes a scenic drive through Tenerife’s mist-filled Esperanza Forest, with its radiant emerald-coloured canopies and atmospheric low cloud. You’ll stop at several points along the journey, offering an opportunity to immerse yourself in this wonder of the natural world.

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Best For Sun Worshippers…

A day of two beaches – Fuerteventura

Sun lovers can get their fix with this Shore Experience to two of Fuerteventura’s beaches. Your first stop will be to the Corralejo Dunes National Park, home to the largest sand dunes in the Canaries. You’ll be free to spend your time here however you wish. You could scale the dunes while watching for native birds or soak up the sun on the white sand beach between inviting dips in the sapphire sea. Next, you’ll head to Caleta de Fuste, where a palm lined promenade offers plenty of places to grab a drink or a light bite overlooking the shore. The expansive sandy bay by the marina is a perfect sunbathing spot – sheltered from the swells, it’s an excellent beach for families.

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Best For Traditional Charm…

Las Palmas Walk of Discovery – Gran Canaria

Discover the colourful history of Las Palmas’ charming old town, Vagueta, on this guided walk. This centuries old district is peppered with Spanish architecture, decorative balconies, and picturesque squares. Marvel at the twin towered Cathedral of Santa Ana, with its sympathetic blend of gothic, renaissance, and neoclassical styles. You’ll also come face-to-face with Episcopal Palace, and La Casa de Colon (Columbus’ House), where the intrepid explorer famously stayed on the island on the way to discovering the new world while awaiting the repair of his ship. Today, it is a museum, housing artefacts of traditional Canarian historical significance.

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Best For Thrill Seekers…

Fuerteventura by buggy – Fuerteventura

Explore Fuerteventura from a unique point of view, zipping around the island on your own self-driven all-terrain vehicle. After a quick test drive to get comfortable with the controls, you’ll set off from Corralejo, cruising along behind your guide with the cool sea breeze on your skin. Your tour will take you through beautiful national parks and coastal roads, past views of sand dunes, lava fields, and sparkling seas. After a quick pit stop to stretch your legs in Parque Holandés, you’ll continue along dirt tracks, driving the ridge of volcanic craters. Stop to admire the sweeping panoramas across Fuerteventura one last time, before returning to base and back to your ship.

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Best For Wine and Foodies…

Tenerife Wine and Tapas – Tenerife

Savour a taste of Tenerife on this exclusive visit to the island’s best El Sauzal and Tacoronte wine regions. You’ll start your tour at La Baranda House of Wine, a Canarian mansion and wine museum located on a 17th Century Estate. Here, you’ll discover the heritage of Tenerife’s wine industry, and sample a selection of red, white, and Rosé wines. Afterwards, you’ll visit Bodegas Alvaro, an 80-year-old artisan winery and home to one of the largest collections of wines in the Canary Islands. After tasting even more wines, including a sparkling cava and a sweet Moscatel, you’ll enjoy a selection of traditional Tenerife tapas, including the island’s famous salt potatoes and mojo sauce.

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Best For Retail Therapy…

Teguise Sunday Market – Lanzarote

If your ship calls into Lanzarote on a Sunday, be sure to visit the island’s famous Teguise Sunday Market. A shopper’s paradise, the atmosphere of this local’s favourite shopping spot is always abuzz with excitement. Lining the narrow streets that run through Lanzarote’s former capital, a visit to Teguise on market day always feels like an event. As you browse the labyrinth of stalls, rubbing shoulders with tourists and locals alike, you’ll encounter a huge variety of wares. Handmade leather goods. Silver and gold Jewellery. Local artworks and glassware. There’s so much to tempt to. Once you’ve completed your purchases, perhaps make your way to one of the surrounding bars or cafés to indulge in a strong coffee or a cool drink as you admire your keepsakes.

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Best For Relaxation…

Aloe Vera Workshop – Fuerteventura

Natural beauty enthusiasts will love this opportunity to craft your own organic Aloe Vera face mask at this relaxing workshop. Offering antiseptic, anaesthetic, and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera is a super plant grown by many Canary Island residents in their gardens. You’ll start your visit with a walk through the aloe fields in the village of Tiscamanita, getting a feel for how this wonder of nature is fertilised and harvested. Then it’s mask-making time. With help from your host, you’ll blend fresh aloe vera with other natural ingredients like citrus to create your own bespoke face mask to take away with you. Perhaps, give your digestive system a boost with an aloe-infused co*cktail as you work, before heading back to your ship to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Find your Canary Islands cruise

Like the sound of some of the experiences on this list? Take a look our cruises to the Canary Islands for details of all our upcoming itineraries. Once booked, you’ll be able to browse the full list of Shore Experiences available in each port of call, simply by logging in to My Cunard from your smartphone or other internet-enabled device.

All of our Cunard Shore Experiences include travel to and from your ship and are offered in conjunction with vetted local guides. Some of our best things to do in the Canary Islands sell out quickly, so we highly recommend taking advantage of being able to book in advance to secure your space!

Ten best things to do in the Canary Islands - Cunard cruises (2024)

FAQs

How many days are enough for the Canary Islands? ›

We recommend that you stay for at least 1 week in the Canary Islands to get a feel for the culture and the extraordinary landscape.

What is the most visited island in the Canary Islands? ›

Tenerife is the largest and most populous island of the Canary Islands. The island of Tenerife receives about 5 million tourists each year, making it the most popular island for tourists.

Can you cruise around the Canary Islands? ›

Canary Islands Cruise Holidays. Taste wine from a volcanic vineyard in Lanzarote, walk the black sands of Fuerteventura, explore the National Parks of La Palma, and soak up the Tenerife weather - each day can offer a different experience on a cruise to the Canary Islands.

Which Canary Island is best for couples? ›

The best Canary Island for couples, depends on what you are looking for. Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer great nightlife, restaurants and activities, whereas La Palma and La Gomera offer more privacy and a retreat style holiday.

What is the best month to go to the Canary Islands? ›

The best times to visit the Canary Islands are spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November). Spring offers warm weather, fewer tourists, and lower rates. Fall also enjoys mild weather with sunny skies and less rain than other times of the year.

Is there a lot to do in the Canary Islands? ›

Though there's so much to see and so many things to do on Gran Canaria, there's a reason the island is so popular: it has absolutely stunning beaches. One of the best beaches in the Canary Islands is Maspalomas Beach, which sprawls for miles along the island's southernmost point.

Which Canary Island is the prettiest? ›

La Palma, in addition to being the most beautiful Canary Island, has a fascinating volcanic landscape. It may not be as popular as Teide or Timanfaya National Park because its creation is much more recent. However, the volcanoes of Fuencaliente are a great place to visit in the Canary Islands.

Which is the least tacky Canary Island? ›

The smallest of the main Canary Islands, El Hierro is also the least touristy. If you want a chilled-out holiday in a small fishing village, with wild empty beaches that harbour some superb diving, then this is the place.

What is the Canary Islands best known for? ›

Sun, sand and sea aside, the Canary Islands are famous for their rugged natural landscapes, historical significance and diverse cultures. Gran Canaria and Tenerife are the largest Canary Islands, but nature-lovers should visit La Palma and observe breathtaking views from the iconic Tilos Bridge.

Is a cruise to the Canary Islands worth it? ›

The Canary Islands are a must-see destination. Spanish archipelago off the coast of Africa has gorgeous beaches, volcanic landscapes, fauna and even an ancient misty forest. The year-round good weather makes them a favorite stop on Western European, Mediterranean and African cruises.

What is the best month to cruise the Canary Islands? ›

The best time to cruise to the captivating Canary Islands is during the transitional months of spring and autumn. From April to June and September to November, the islands bask in splendid weather that strikes a harmonious balance between the gentle warmth of summer and the comfortable coolness of winter.

Are the Canary Islands walkable? ›

A walking holiday in the Canary Islands offers an incredible experience of breathtaking views, rugged coastal paths, and enchanting forest trails amidst the volcanic landscapes. The bonus of a consistently delightful climate makes these islands an ideal destination for a winter sun getaway.

What is the cheapest month to go to the Canary Islands? ›

The cheapest months include March, April, May (excluding the Easter period), October and November. The temperature in Tenerife rarely dips below 18°C in these months, so sightseeing, hiking and other activities are all still possible – and there will be fewer people on the beaches.

Is it expensive in the Canary Islands? ›

Irrespective of where you choose to live, the region is significantly more affordable than the UK, the US and much of Northern Europe, with only slightly higher prices around the tourist areas. Compared to London, even the biggest cities offer low living costs.

Are the Canary Islands worth going to? ›

You'll discover a little-known heritage

As well as good weather, volcanic scenery, and wonderful beaches, the Canary Islands offer some very interesting cultural sightseeing. For example, Tenerife has a World Heritage City, San Cristóbal de La Laguna.

Do you need a car to get around Canary Islands? ›

Rent a automobile to save time

While there are local buses on each island, it's relatively challenging to get around on them, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area. The best way to get around the Canary Islands is to rent a automobile or motorcycle, though we prefer the former for added safety.

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