Adventure on a Canary Islands Cruise

Tantalizing Tenerife

Probe Nature’s Pristine Palette

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is a beautifully diverse natural wonderland From desert landscapes to lush mountains, and rugged seascapes to soft sand beaches, Tenerife has everything to thrill your inner outdoor enthusiast! You’ll even discover the highest point in all of Spain and the world’s third largest volcano: amazing Mount Teide.

Consider visiting this top Tenerife attraction – it will be a highlight of your Canaries Islands cruise. A cool cable car ride lands you near the volcano’s summit with sweeping views of the surrounding moon-like landscapes. Die-hard hikers can climb to the very top for an unforgettable peek into Teide’s molten peak!

Another can’t-miss sight on your European cruise to Tenerife, is the Pyramids of Güímar Ethnographic Park. The origin of the six-stepped pyramids is shrouded in mystery and you can delve into the various theories (Aliens? Aboriginal inhabitants?) at the adjacent Casa Chacona Museum. Also worth visiting in the park are the fascinating Poison Plants Garden as well as the Sustainable Garden.

If you’re big into animals, heaven awaits at Loro Parque, which touts itself as “the best modern zoo in the world.” The sanctuary boasts more than 400 species, from great apes to marine animals, also offering special exhibitions that display their natural skills and intelligence.

Of course no Canaries Islands cruise would be complete without some quality sunbathing, and the beaches in Tenerife are not to be missed. Nestled along the quaint village of San Andres, Las Teresitas is a favourite with locals and visitors alike – a postcard-perfect stretch of golden sand and sparkling water with gorgeous views of the mountains. In addition to all the welcome amenities, from showers to cabana rentals, Teresitas offers a variety of water sports, including paddle boarding, kayaking and surfboard yoga.

Soak Up Santa Cruz

History and culture enthusiasts will find plenty to love in the port city of Santa Cruz, a definite highlight of any European cruise to the Canaries. Although largely a modern metropolis, boasting such contemporary feats as the stunning Tenerife Auditorium, some of the most iconic architecture can be found in San Cristobal de La Laguna, the old town dating back to the 15th century.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a charming enclave of colonial architecture, where ancient palaces, convents and churches rub elbows with lively cafes, tapas bars and even a pedestrian shopping area. Plan on strolling past the lovely Iglesia de San Agustin, a former monastery that became the city’s first university. Other standouts include the Cathedral of San Cristobal de la Laguna, the Teatro Real and the can’t-miss Tenerife Museum of History and Anthropology.

Continue your journey back in time stopping for lunch at one of the historical eateries – like the delightful Patio Canario La Laguna, housed in a building constructed in 1739! The decor basically hasn’t changed in nearly 300 years and the menu is also authentically traditional. Dine like a local on “rancho canario”, a flavourful meat and pasta stew, or try the “caldo lagunero”, brimming with fresh vegetables, chicken and black pudding. Foodies will flip over the “papas arrugadas”, wrinkled potatoes served in a fragrant garlic pepper sauce – this may just be the tastiest bite you have on your Canary Islands cruise!

Gracious Gran Canaria

Explore Countryside Contrasts

Dubbed a “miniature continent” due to its geographical diversity, Gran Canaria is a breathtaking island. Begin your exploration in Maspalomas, sprawling dunes that will make you feel like you are in the Sahara or one of the world’s great deserts!

When you’ve had your fill of sand, head to Playa Maspalomas and enjoy a refreshing swim while taking in views of the historic lighthouse – inaugurated in 1890 and still operational. Do keep in mind that there are clothing-free sections of beach between beach bars 3 and 4 from the lighthouse.

In stark contrast to the Maspalomas dunes, the Viera and Clavijo Botanical Gardens is home to thousands of plants and trees, and is the largest garden of its type in all of Spain. You’ll not only discover the Cardon – Gran Canaria’s emblematic succulent – but you’ll stroll through a laurel forest, a palm tree plaza, hidden and ornamental gardens, and much more.

Finally, on your Canary Islands cruise, consider visiting the oldest pine forest in Gran Canaria at Tamadaba Natural Park. In this 7,500 hectares of valleys and mountains, you’ll also find the highest peak on the island, stunning Pico de Bandera. Pack a picnic and spend a few hours at the park, taking in its untouched natural beauty and wildlife.

Step Into Las Palmas

A vibrant city filled with restaurants, markets, and museums, La Palma Is a must-see destination on your European cruise to the Canaries. Plan on taking a leisurely walk through Vegueta, the historic district, where you will find such treasures as the Catedral de Santa Ana which was begun in 1497 but took over 400 years to complete!

Some of the oldest houses in Vegueta are located in Calle de Los Balcones, dating back to the 15th century. Here the Centro Atlantico de Arte Moderno is a candy store for art lovers featuring a permanent collection of about 2,600 pieces! Also well worth a visit, Mercado de Vegueta, with its bright stalls and fresh produce, is a Las Palmas tradition.

If you’re in the mood for a little shopping, Calle Mayor de Triana is full of interesting boutiques and shops, offering everything from local crafts to luxury brands. The Art Nouveau buildings add to the area’s charm, while an abundance of cafes and restaurants make this the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat.

While on the subject of food, you’ll discover that the Canary Islands are an epicurean paradise. Blending African and Spanish influences, the culinary scene is as rich as it is delicious. And for a great dining deal on your cruise, spring for a tapas crawl. On Thursday nights, with numerous restaurants and bars offering quick bites for just a few euros, the crawl is a great way to explore Canarian cuisine without breaking the bank!

Laid-Back Lanzarote

Take In the Terrain

Resembling the surface of Mars, Lanzarote unique landscape is the handiwork of volcanic eruptions. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Protected Site, Lanzarote is being developed sustainably and in harmony with nature. On your Canary Islands cruise, you may find that the very best family beaches are in Lanzarote due to the flow of lava having created protected coves.

A gem of an example is Papagayo Beach, where the translucent emerald-green waters – as placid as those of a pond! – and soft white sand are ideal for young children. Be sure to bring goggles: the crescent-shaped cove, teeming with friendly fish, is a great spot for snorkelling! There is a restaurant perched above Papagayo Beach, where panoramic views and stunning sunsets encourage you to linger.

The volcanic activity on this most far-flung of the Canary Islands also yielded another gift – wonderful wines! The nutrient-rich black ash has given rise to a dark-hued wine-country that looks like nothing we are used to seeing. Adding to the other-worldly magic of Lazarote’s vineyards, visitors can arrive by camel.

The animals are adept at negotiating the sandy soil, and some wineries still use camels to transport grapes to processing areas. El Grifo, a winery dating back to the 1700s, is not only a great place to sample local reds and whites, but its museum tells the story of Lanzarote’s grape-growing history.

Adventuring in Arrecife

The capital of Lanzarote, Arrecife, is home to not one but two castles, several museums, a vibrant marina as well as excellent restaurants and shopping. Top your can’t-miss list with the Castillo de San Jose, a semi-circular fortress built to protect the city from pirate attacks. Although the building eventually was abandoned and fell into disrepair, at the beginning of the 20th century the renown Lanzarote artist, Cesar Manrique, spearheaded a restoration effort and convinced the island council to turn it into the Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo.

There you’ll discover an impressive collection of abstract art, including works by Picasso, Miró, Millares, Manrique himself, and other masters. You can further feast your senses at the castle’s stunning restaurant, QuéMUAC. In this glass-enclosed space overlooking Arrecife’s marina, gastronomy shifts into high gear with such dishes as slow-roasted kid glazed in its own juice and black wreckfish crusted in vegetables.

For more casual but equally scenic dining on your European cruise to the Canaries, head to the Charco de San Gines, a network of eateries and bars built around Arrecife’s charming seawater lagoon. After a leisurely lunch – do consider tucking into grilled fresh fish or a succulent paella – head over to Arrecife’s shipwreck for some Insta-worthy pics. Located on the old road by the port Muelle de Los Marmoles, the ship was partially sunk by tropical storm Joseph in October 1981, then pulled by tug-boat to its current position.

If shopping is on your agenda, the Centro Comercial Marina Lanzarote offers a wide assortment of stores, from international and luxury brands to local favourites. It’s the best place in Lanzarote to load up on souvenirs from your Canary Islands cruise.

Score Your Perfect Cruise

With plenty of itineraries, convenient departures from Southampton and great cruise deals, an idyllic escape to the Canaries is at hand! Choose the holiday that most captures your imagination, combining the Canaries with stops in Portugal and Spain. Catch a flamenco in La Coruna, sip madeira in Madeira, or explore the opulent Ajuda National Palace in Lisbon – it can all be part of your bucket-list Canary Islands cruise.

Of course, you will be travelling onboard the cruise line voted Best Overall 20 years running by Travel Weekly readers. That means the most delectable dining to be had at sea, entertainment you have to see to believe and bow-to-stern chills and thrills for every family member. On Anthem of the Seas® you’ll be swept off your feet by RipCord® by iFly® – the first skydiving simulator on a ship – soothed at the crystal-canopied adults-only Solarium and amazed by the robotic bartenders at Bionic Bar®. It’s the sort of next-level experiences you can expect on Royal Caribbean®.

Pack up the family and join us for a European cruise as epic as it will be memorable. Cheers to welcoming you onboard!