Cruising the Canaries

A truly underrated cruise destination not far from home for us Brits is the Canary Islands.

Located off the northwest coast of Africa, this archipelago of small islands was colonised by Spain in the 15th century and has since been rich in Spanish culture, history, tradition, gastronomy, and arts. The largest of the islands is Tenerife, which welcomes over six million tourists each year, and has a bit of a reputation for its southern, British-style resorts. However, look beyond the clubs and beach bars and you will find some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes, from idyllic coves and forgotten beaches to volcanic deserts and rugged mountains.

Its neighbouring island, Lanzarote, is the most family-friendly of the Canary Islands and offers plenty of opportunities to take part in active excursions such as hiking, biking, and various water sports. Gran Canaria is the third-largest island and offers a fantastic mix of both historic city-living in the capital, Las Palmas, as well as thrilling activities and breathtaking diverse landscapes to explore.

The most stunning beaches can be found on Fuerteventura. Soft white sand, alluring turquoise waters, and relatively flat terrain mean Fuerteventura lacks the cooler mountainous climate found on other islands, making this the perfect destination for a laidback, sun-baked beach holiday.

When it comes to the most 'authentic' island in the Canaries, both La Palma and La Gomera are full of character. If you wish to steer clear of the crowds and have beaches to yourself, more nature than buildings, and truly feel like you're on a desert island, these tiny isles are the ones to visit.

The Canary Islands are also becoming not just a summer holiday destination, but a winter sun escape too. The best time to visit the islands is in Spring or Autumn when the temperature averages mid- to late-twenties, but even in December and January it remains a balmy eighteen to twenty degrees on average, making it the perfect escape from the cold British winter. Check out Azamara's brand-new Winter Canary Island itineraries!

If you're thinking of planning a holiday to the Canary Islands, here are our top things to do and see while you're there!

• Summit El Teide, the mountain at the centre of Tenerife and the highest peak in Spain! Take a cable car and marvel at the incredible views from the top.
• Head to the south of Tenerife and try your hand at scuba diving - the water is really clear and you'll see some incredible marine life.
• Take a boat ride out to sea and go dolphin or whale watching. Of course, if you're already on a cruise ship around the islands, keep an eye out for these majestic creatures.
• If you're visiting around February or March, check out the famous Carnaval fiesta, the largest carnival outside of Brazil! Carnaval will take place on the 1st to the 5th of March 2022.
• Visit the historic San Cristobal de la Laguna, a town in Tenerife with brightly-coloured colonial-style architecture. This town, situated in the northeast of the island, sees far fewer tourists and offers a more relaxing atmosphere.
• Go for a hike in Lanzarote's Parque Nacional del Timanfaya, a volcanic park with a stunning rugged, red-earth, mountainous backdrop.
• Sweet wines are a specialty in Lanzarote so make sure to visit a vineyard for a tour and tasting session!
• See the magnificent works of local artist, architect, sculptor and nature activist Cesar Manrique throughout Lanzarote - his old house has even been turned to a museum in the north of the island which is open to visitors. His best work is arguably Jameos del Agua, a series of lava tubes and caves which Manrique turned into an art, culture and tourism centre complete with subterranean salt lake, restaurant, gardens, emerald-green pool, museum and auditorium.

• Hop on a ferry from Lanzarote and visit the smaller islands nearby. Isla Graciosa makes for a fantastic day trip; the eighth Canary Island doesn't even have paved roads, so take the path less trodden and explore the rugged landscape of this almost-untouched island paradise.
• On Gran Canaria, take a day trip to the northwestern area of the island and visit Artenara, the highest village on the island with jaw-dropping panoramic views and caves to explore if you dare.
• Feast on local produce in farmers markets filled with fresh fruits and vegetables - you will find some of the best food in the Canaries on the south coast of Gran Canaria.
• The vast sand dunes of Maspalomas Nature Reserve are fascinating to visit, as they teeter on the edge of Maspalomas town and seem eerily out of place near the beaches and resorts. Home to numerous ecosystems, including lagoons and palm groves as well as desert, the nature reserve is well worth a visit.
• Discover La Palma's spectacular Parque Nacional de la Caldera de Taburiente, with its lush forest trails perfect for hikers and families searching for adventure. 
• Lounge on the white sandy beaches of Fuerteventura with a good book and a Sangria, and watch surfers do their thing - or take a surfing class of your own if you wish!
• Be spoilt for choice when it comes to watersports in the Canary Islands, as each island boasts numerous dive centres, surf shacks, kayak rentals, boat and jet ski hires, and snorkelling excursions.

Want to experience this? Give the Panache Cruises team a call on 0161 513 8200 and they'd be happy to help!