Canary Islands Your Way: Finding the Right Cruise Experience
Tuesday, 12 August 2025
The Canary Islands may share the same enviable sunshine and Atlantic location, but each island has its own distinct personality. Choosing the right one can transform your cruise into something truly personal. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, relaxation, or gentle exploration, there’s an island to match your style. With Ambassador’s no-fly cruises, you can discover several in one voyage – but if you had to choose just one or two, here’s how to find the perfect fit.
Tenerife – For Explorers and Culture Lovers
Active travellers: Tenerife is home to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. Adventurous guests can hike sections of the national park, wander volcanic trails, or take a cable car for sweeping views.
Less active travellers: Not every visit needs to involve climbing. Tenerife also offers the UNESCO-listed town of La Laguna, peaceful botanical gardens, and scenic drives that showcase its beauty without the need for strenuous walks. Local markets and tapas bars provide a cultural flavour at an easy pace.
Personality: A perfect mix of energy and elegance, Tenerife suits those who like variety – a little adventure paired with rich cultural depth.
Lanzarote – For Artists and Nature Enthusiasts
Active travellers: Lanzarote’s Timanfaya National Park is like nowhere else on Earth. Walking trails and guided tours explore the island’s stark volcanic landscapes, while cyclists will find long, scenic routes.
Less active travellers: Lanzarote is also about artistry and design. Explore César Manrique’s unique creations, from cave concert halls to clifftop viewpoints. Visit La Geria wine region for a leisurely tasting of wines grown in volcanic craters.
Personality: Creative, dramatic, and bold. Lanzarote is for those inspired by landscapes and artistry.
Gran Canaria – For Variety Seekers
Active travellers: Gran Canaria is often called a “miniature continent.” You can hike in the central mountains, explore dramatic ravines, or walk the Maspalomas dunes.
Less active travellers: For a gentler experience, wander through colourful villages like Teror or enjoy a guided tour of Las Palmas’ historic Vegueta quarter. The beaches provide a relaxed option for those who prefer to soak up the sun.
Personality: Gran Canaria offers something for everyone. It’s ideal for those who want a little bit of everything – beaches, culture, and nature.
La Palma – For Nature Lovers
Active travellers: Known as “La Isla Bonita,” La Palma is perfect for walkers. Trails through Caldera de Taburiente National Park reveal waterfalls, volcanic ridges, and lush forests.
Less active travellers: La Palma also caters to gentler exploration. Visit the island’s capital, Santa Cruz, with its colonial architecture, or take a scenic coach tour to enjoy the island’s green landscapes without strenuous activity.
Personality: Peaceful, green, and restorative. La Palma is for those who want to immerse themselves in nature at their own pace.
Fuerteventura – For Sunseekers and Relaxed Adventurers
Active travellers: Fuerteventura’s coastline is perfect for water sports – from windsurfing to kayaking. Inland, volcanic hills provide scenic walks for those who want light activity.
Less active travellers: The island boasts some of the best beaches in the Canaries, ideal for a leisurely day with a book or gentle seaside strolls. Explore Betancuria, the island’s historic old capital, at an easy pace.
Personality: Calm and sun-drenched. Fuerteventura is for those who love simple pleasures – long beaches, gentle exploration, and relaxed days.
Matching the Islands to You
For adventure and hiking: Tenerife, La Palma, Lanzarote
For cultural depth: Tenerife, Gran Canaria
For relaxation and ease: Fuerteventura, Lanzarote
For variety in one stop: Gran Canaria
A cruise with Ambassador allows you to enjoy several islands in one journey, so you don’t have to choose just one. But if you have favourites, you’ll know where to focus your time.
Solo, Couples, and First-Time Cruisers
The Canary Islands also suit different traveller types:
Solo travellers: With welcoming markets, safe towns, and plenty of group excursions, the islands are perfect for independent exploration alongside the Ambassador community.
Couples: From sunset walks on Fuerteventura’s beaches to wine tasting in Lanzarote, the Canaries are made for shared moments.
First-time cruisers: The shorter sailing distances, mild weather, and mix of culture and relaxation make the Canary Islands an ideal introduction to cruising.
Plan Your Canary Islands Cruise with Ambassador
Ready to find your perfect match in the Canary Islands? Explore our latest no-fly Canary Islands cruises and discover itineraries designed to showcase the islands’ unique personalities. Learn more about our ships – Ambience, Ambition – and see why so many travellers choose Ambassador for their adventures. From smaller, friendlier ships and authentic itineraries to award-winning dining and the warmest welcome at sea, there are countless reasons to experience the Why Cruise with Ambassador difference. And if the Canaries aren’t your only dream destination, explore our full range of cruise destinations – from the Norwegian Fjords to the Mediterranean and beyond. Start planning your unforgettable journey today.
