My favorite cruise so far is the ones I took around the Canary Islands with Costa Cruises. In my opinion, it’s the best way to experience multiple islands in one vacation – without the stress of planning transport between them.
Most people talk mainly about Gran Canaria and Tenerife, focusing on beaches and city walks. But for me, the real highlight of the Canary Islands is the nature.
Every island is completely different and has something unique to offer.
In this article, I’ll walk you through some of the Canary Islands cruise itineraries for 2026, 2027, and 2028, and share what I think are the must-see spots on each island.
One thing to keep in mind is that many Canary Islands cruises also include Madeira. It’s not technically part of the Canary Islands, but it’s often included – and honestly, it’s an amazing addition to the trip.
Canary Islands Cruise Itineraries (2026–2028)
Costa Cruises - Costa Smeralda
From November 2026 to April 2027, Costa Smeralda sails around the Canary Islands.
This is one of Costa’s newest ships, it operates in the region, usually departing from either Las Palmas de Gran Canaria or Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
There are multiple variations depending on duration and starting port, but here’s a typical 7-night itinerary:
Example itinerary:
Las Palmas → Madeira → Day at Sea → Tenerife → Tenerife → Fuerteventura → Lanzarote → Las Palmas
MSC Cruises - MSC Fantasia
Canary Islands between December 2026 and April 2027, and again from November 2027 to March 2028. These cruises can start from different ports like Madeira, Tenerife, Las Palmas, or even Lanzarote.
Example itinerary:
Las Palmas → La Palma → Tenerife → Fuerteventura → Madeira → Day at Sea → Lanzarote → Las Palmas
AIDA Cruises (Best for La Gomera)
If you’re choosing between cruise lines, I would seriously consider AIDA Cruises for one specific reason: they often include La Gomera in their itineraries. From October 2026 until April 2027, and again from November 2027 until April 2028, they offer routes that visit this island.
Example itinerary:
Las Palmas → La Gomera → La Palma → Day at Sea → Lanzarote → Fuerteventura → Tenerife → Las Palmas
The reason I highlight this is because La Gomera is very different from the other islands. It’s quieter, greener, and much less touristy. While most cruises focus on the more popular destinations, La Gomera feels more authentic. If you have the option, I would definitely recommend choosing an itinerary that includes it.
Some cruises also replace one of the islands with Agadir. This gives you a completely different experience, adding a bit of North African culture to your trip. It’s a nice option if you want something beyond just the Canary Islands.
Royal Caribbean (Longer Cruises)
If you’re looking for longer and slightly different routes, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises also offer itineraries that include the Canary Islands but combine them with mainland Europe.
For example, in 2027, Mariner of the Seas offers an itinerary like this:
Lisbon → Day at Sea → Madeira → Tenerife → Gran Canaria → Day at Sea → Casablanca → Tangier → Day at Sea → Palma De Mallorca → Barcelona
Celebrity Cruises (12 Nights)
On Celebrity Infinity, you can find longer 12-night cruises with a mix of island and cultural destinations.
Example itinerary:
Barcelona → Day at Sea → Lanzarote → Tenerife → Gran Canaria → Day at Sea → Madeira → Tangier → Barcelona
What to Do on Each Canary Island
Now, no matter which cruise you choose, what really makes the trip special is what you do on each island.
In Gran Canaria, one of the most unique places is the Maspalomas Dunes. It feels like a small desert right next to the ocean. I also recommend walking around Vegueta, the old town in Las Palmas, and spending some time at Las Canteras Beach.
Tenerife is all about contrast. You have Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain, surrounded by almost lunar landscapes, and then just a short drive away you’ll find black sand beaches and coastal towns. It’s one of the most diverse islands.
Fuerteventura is much more laid-back. The highlight here is definitely the beaches, especially around Corralejo Natural Park. It’s the kind of place where you just slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Lanzarote feels completely different again. The volcanic landscape in Timanfaya National Park looks almost like Mars. You can also visit the Jameos del Agua caves, which are one of the most unique attractions in the Canary Islands.
La Gomera, as I mentioned earlier, is quieter and greener. The highlight is Garajonay National Park, with its misty forests and hiking trails. It’s perfect if you want a break from the more crowded islands.
La Palma is another great stop for nature lovers. Hiking in Caldera de Taburiente National Park is one of the best things you can do there, and the capital, Santa Cruz, is also worth exploring.
One thing I highly recommend, regardless of the island, is to either rent a car or book an excursion. If you stay only near the cruise port, you’ll mostly see the city, and you’ll miss what makes these islands truly special – their nature. It’s definitely worth spending a bit more to explore properly.
Overall, if you’re looking for a trip that combines relaxation, adventure, and incredible landscapes, a Canary Islands cruise is hard to beat. It’s one of those destinations that really surprised me, and I would go back again without thinking twice.
If you’d like a more detailed guide for any of the islands, feel free to send me a message. I’d be happy to create a separate article with a full itinerary, hidden spots, and practical tips for that specific island to help you make the most of your time there.