Canary Islands and Madeira cruises: winter sun without flying

Why the Canaries work from the UK in winter

A cruise to the Canary Islands and Madeira offers UK travellers a practical alternative to flying abroad for winter warmth. You board from a UK port and sail south, which means no airport transfers, no security queues, and no early starts. Your accommodation moves with you, and you unpack only once.

The journey itself becomes part of the holiday. Rather than spending hours in transit, you spend time settling into shipboard life, enjoying meals, and watching the Atlantic coast slide past. For those who prefer not to fly, or who find airports stressful, a cruise delivers winter sun without the flight.

The islands and ports

Canary Islands & Madeira cruises typically call at several ports across the archipelago. Each island has its own character and attractions.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife offers Parque García Sanabria and Mirador Cruz del Carmen. Las Palmas features Parque de Santa Catalina and Catedral de Santa Ana. Arrecife has Castillo de San Gabriel and Charco de San Ginés, whilst Puerto del Rosario includes Puertito de los Molinos and scenic miradores.

Santa Cruz de La Palma is quieter, with Balcones de la Avenida Marítima and Castillo de La Virgen. Funchal, in Portugal, brings botanical gardens, Funchal Cathedral, and Parque de Santa Catarina to your itinerary.

Many itineraries also include Agadir in Morocco, where you can explore Souk El Had and the cable car station at Station Téléphérique.

Days at sea and the Bay of Biscay

The voyage south involves crossing the Bay of Biscay, the stretch of Atlantic between the UK and Spain. This is typically a two-day crossing, during which you're at sea. The Bay has a reputation for choppier conditions, but modern cruise ships are built to handle Atlantic swell. Days at sea give you time to use the ship's facilities, relax, and acclimatise to life on board before reaching the islands.

The journey also means you'll experience the gradual warming of the air and water as you sail south—a pleasant reminder that you're heading towards warmer weather.

Iberia stops on the way

Many cruises to the Canaries include stops in Spain and Portugal on the outbound or return journey. Lisbon is a popular port, with Praça do Comércio, Belém Tower, and Castelo de São Jorge. Porto offers the Luís I Bridge and Porto Cathedral. Seville features the Royal Alcázar and Plaza de España.

Northern Spanish ports such as Bilbao, with its Guggenheim Museum, or A Coruña add cultural depth to your voyage. These stops break up the journey and let you explore some of Europe's most rewarding cities without the hassle of separate trips.

Some itineraries extend into France, calling at Bordeaux or La Rochelle, which adds further variety to your cruise experience.

When to go

The Canary Islands and Madeira are year-round destinations, with cruises available throughout the year. This flexibility means you can choose a time that suits your schedule and preferences, whether you're seeking peak winter sun or prefer quieter shoulder months.