In short
A Canary Islands cruise gives you warm winter sun about four hours from Northern Europe, with no jet lag. Most last 7 nights from Tenerife or Gran Canaria and visit volcanic islands, often Madeira too. The main season is winter, around 19–24 °C. Pack summer clothes plus a jacket, and your passport if the route includes Morocco.
Destination at a glance
Canary Islands
- Jan
- Feb
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- Nov
- Dec
- Weather in season
- Mild to warm, about 19–24 °C in winter
- Typical duration
- 7 nights
- Departs from
- Tenerife or Gran Canaria
- Flight from the Netherlands
- About 4.5 hours, no jet lag
Good to know: pack summer clothes plus a jacket for evenings, and your passport if the route includes Morocco.
Think of it as the Caribbean's practical cousin: less exotic, far closer, and warm when you need it most.
What Makes It Different
- Volcanic islands, not coral ones — black sand, lava fields and dramatic ridges rather than postcard palms
- Each island has a distinct character, from green and misty to almost desert
- Short flight, no jet lag, no vaccinations, and the euro in your pocket
- Warm rather than tropical — comfortable for walking, not just lying still
A Typical Itinerary
Many Canary Islands cruises last 7 nights and start on the islands themselves — usually Tenerife or Gran Canaria, with a flight there. Longer sailings of 10–14 nights leave from Northern Europe and add Spain, Portugal or Madeira on the way. Here is what a typical island week can look like. It is an illustration, not a specific sailing: the ports and their order depend on the ship and the season.
- Day 1Tenerife Board in Santa Cruz in the afternoon. With a day to spare, the volcano Teide is worth the trip.
- Day 2La Palma The greenest and steepest of the islands, with a colourful old capital.
- Day 3Madeira (Funchal) Portuguese, not Spanish: gardens, levada walks and the famous toboggan ride down the hill.
- Day 4At sea A warm, quiet day on deck.
- Day 5Lanzarote Black lava fields, vineyards in volcanic ash and the work of César Manrique.
- Day 6Fuerteventura Long golden beaches and dunes — the beach island of the group.
- Day 7Gran Canaria The old quarter of Las Palmas and a city beach right in town.
- Day 8Tenerife Back in the port where you started, usually in the morning.
Best Months to Go
Canary Islands cruises run all year, but the main season is winter:
| Month | Weather | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| November–December | Warm, about 21–24 °C | Summer warmth while Europe is dark and cold; the sea is still fairly warm | Busy around Christmas and New Year |
| January–February | Mild, about 19–22 °C | Reliable sunshine in the middle of winter | The coolest months; the sea is fresh, and the north sides of the islands can be cloudy |
| March–April | Mild, about 20–24 °C | Blossom on the islands, comfortable for walking | Busy around Easter |
| May–October | Warm, about 23–28 °C | Steady summer weather, fewer cruise passengers | In summer you also have closer warm destinations; fewer sailings to choose from |
Temperatures are approximate daytime values at sea level. In the mountains — on Teide, for example — it is much colder.
All winter cruise options compared →
What to Pack
- Summer clothes, plus a jumper or light jacket for evenings and wind
- Warm layers if you plan to go up Teide: at the top it can be close to freezing
- Sturdy shoes for volcanic paths
- Strong sunscreen and a hat — the sun is strong even in winter
- Swimwear for beaches and the ship’s pools
- A windproof jacket: the trade winds can be strong
- Your passport (essential if the route includes Morocco)
Who It Is For — and Who It Is Not
A good fit if you
- want warmth in winter without a long-haul flight
- enjoy walking and volcanic landscapes
- find the tropics too hot
- are looking for an easy first cruise
- like to combine beaches with nature
Probably not for you if you
- want tropical heat and a warm sea in winter
- are looking for big cities and museums
- want many different countries in one week
- do not like flying to the start of the cruise
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it warm enough to swim in winter?
The sea is around 19–21 °C in winter — fresh, but many people swim. The ship’s pools are warmer.
How long is the flight from the Netherlands?
About four and a half hours to Tenerife or Gran Canaria. The islands are one hour behind Dutch time, so there is no real jet lag.
Are the Canary Islands in the EU?
Yes. The Canaries are part of Spain and use the euro; Madeira is part of Portugal. Morocco, which some routes visit, is outside the EU.
Which island is the best?
It depends on what you like: Tenerife for Teide, La Palma for green mountains, Lanzarote for volcanic landscapes and Fuerteventura for beaches. A cruise lets you see several in one week.
What is “calima”?
Sometimes wind from the Sahara brings fine dust that makes the air hazy for a few days. It is not dangerous for most people, but it can spoil the views.
Making It More Affordable
Winter sailings are popular, so booking early pays off here — if you book 270 days or more before departure, points can cover up to 100% of the cruise price (otherwise up to 50%).