Atlantic Islands Winter Cruise Itinerary
DAY 1 – Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife
Arrive into Santa Cruz and start with a relaxed walk around the harbour area, taking in the striking Auditorio de Tenerife. Wander into the old town where the atmosphere shifts to quieter streets lined with cafés, small shops, and historic buildings.
Spend some time exploring the centre at your own pace, then head out of the city for a change of scenery. A trip towards Mount Teide offers dramatic volcanic landscapes and fresh mountain air, ideal for a gentle walk or just soaking in the views.
On the way back, pass through the Orotava Valley and stop briefly at a viewpoint for sweeping views over vineyards and banana plantations.
Return to Santa Cruz in the late afternoon. If time allows, visit the Basilica of Candelaria before ending the day with a relaxed dinner in the old town.
DAY 2 – Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Start the day in Las Palmas with a wander through the old Vegueta district, where cobbled streets lead you past historic buildings and lively squares. If you’re interested in history, stop by the Casa de Colón for a quick look around.
Afterwards, head out of the city towards the coast. Spend some time at the Maspalomas Dunes with unique scenery, and rolling sand dunes right by the sea. It’s a great place to relax for a while or take a walk along the shoreline.
In the afternoon, make your way to Puerto de Mogán. The harbour is calm and scenic, with colourful flowers draped over whitewashed houses and plenty of spots to sit with a drink and watch the boats. Head back to Las Palmas in the evening and finish the day with dinner at a local tapas bar in the city.
DAY 3 – Arrecife, Lanzarote
Arrive in Arrecife and start the day by getting a feel for the island’s capital, a laid-back coastal city with harbour views and a relaxed atmosphere. A short stop at the Castillo de San Gabriel is a good way to begin, with its small museum and scenic setting on a little island connected by a bridge.
Head inland to the standout highlight of the day, the dramatic Timanfaya National Park. The volcanic landscapes here feel almost otherworldly, with vast fields of lava, craters, and striking red and black tones stretching across the horizon. In the afternoon, unwind along the coast at Costa Teguise. It’s a good spot for a slower pace, with sandy beaches, clear water, and plenty of places to sit and relax after the morning’s exploring. Return to Arrecife later on and enjoy a quiet evening by the waterfront or in town before the next stop on the cruise.
DAY 4 – Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
Arrive in Puerto del Rosario and head straight out to experience the island’s wide-open landscapes. Start with a visit to the famous north coast around Parque Natural de Corralejo, where endless sand dunes meet bright turquoise sea. It’s the kind of place where you can just walk for a while or settle into the sand and take it all in.
Explore the nearby town of Corralejo. The atmosphere is relaxed, with small beach bars, shops, and a long stretch of coastline that’s ideal for a slow stroll or a coffee by the water.
In the afternoon, consider a boat trip out into the Atlantic for a change of pace with calm waters, open sea views, and sometimes a stop at a quieter, less-visited island or beach. Before heading back, you can also stop at a local aloe vera farm in the countryside to see how the plant is grown and used, a small but interesting part of Fuerteventura’s tradition. Return to port in the evening for a final relaxed night onboard or in town.
DAY 5 – At Sea
Day 6 – Funchal, Madeira
Arrive in Funchal and start by exploring the old town, where cobbled streets lead past cafés, small shops, and relaxed squares. The atmosphere is lively but not rushed, making it easy to just wander and take it in. A good first stop is the local market, the Mercado dos Lavradores, where stalls are packed with fresh fruit, flowers, and local produce. From there, visit the nearby Sé Cathedral of Funchal, a quiet contrast with its detailed architecture and peaceful interior.
Later, head up above the city to the hilltop village of Monte. You can take in the views over Funchal and the coastline, and if you want a bit of fun, the famous wicker toboggan ride back down is an option. In the afternoon, explore more of Madeira’s natural beauty with a visit to the Madeira Botanical Garden, filled with tropical plants and colourful displays. If time allows, finish the day with a scenic drive or stop at nearby viewpoints before returning to the ship for the evening.
DAY 7 – Santa Cruz de La Palma, La Palma
Arrive in Santa Cruz de La Palma and start by exploring the relaxed town centre. The pace here is noticeably slower than the bigger Canary Islands, with colourful balconies, colonial-style buildings, and quiet squares that are easy to wander through. Discover the impressive Caldera de Taburiente National Park. This huge volcanic crater is surrounded by forested peaks, deep ravines, and walking trails that show off some of the island’s most dramatic scenery.
In the afternoon, explore the lush greenery of Los Tilos, a protected laurel forest filled with ferns, waterfalls, and shaded paths. It feels completely different from the volcanic landscapes earlier in the day. Alternatively, there are also off-road excursions across the island’s rugged terrain, passing banana plantations and viewpoints overlooking the coastline. Return to Santa Cruz in the evening and enjoy a quiet walk along the waterfront before the final day of the cruise.
DAY 8 – Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Tenerife
End the cruise back in Santa Cruz and spend the day exploring at a relaxed pace. Start with a stroll along the harbour area to see the striking Auditorio de Tenerife, then move into the nearby old town where narrow streets, small cafés, and traditional buildings give a more local feel.
Head inland towards the towering Mount Teide where the drive takes you through changing landscapes before reaching the volcanic national park, where walking trails and viewpoints offer wide, open views across the island. On the return journey, pass through the scenic Orotava Valley, known for its vineyards, banana plantations, and lookout points that make a good final stop for photos. Back in Santa Cruz, finish your trip with a slow walk through the centre or a relaxed meal in the old town before disembarking.
