Destinations Canary Islands Europe

Destination winter sun: the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are blessed with good weather and warm sunshine for much of the year, and with P&O Cruises winter 2023 itineraries taking in several of the islands in one trip, you’re sure to fit plenty of fun, sun and adventure into next year’s winter holiday.

4 min 22 Feb 2023

Editorial Team

Author

If you enjoy soaking up the sunshine and exploring dramatic landscapes, a Canary Islands cruise holiday is for you. The balmy sub-tropical climate is a key draw. However, there’s far more to this archipelago than average daily temperatures of 24°C and 2,670 hours of sunshine per year. So, whether you want to get away from it all in wild landscapes, splash around in the waves or enjoy exploring local towns, here’s our pick of the best ways to have fun for all the family.

View of beach in Tenerife from above

1. Something for everyone in Tenerife

Kids will love the thrilling water slides and simulated rapids of the spectacular Thai-themed Siam Park – even more so in winter, when temperatures at home have dropped. If you prefer to spend your holidays exploring charming and colourful fishing villages then Tenerife is for you. One of the island’s most picturesque is Los Abrigos, where you can pick from the day’s catch and enjoy the views over the deep blue ocean from one of the dockside restaurants.

Mountains in Lanzarote
Mountains in Lanzarote
Mountains in Lanzarote
Mountains in Lanzarote

2. Shopping and adventuring in Lanzarote

Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape is great fun for all the family. Ride your camel over the dunes in the Timanfaya National Park, then follow the snaking road to Fire Mountain, where geothermal experiments demonstrate the fearsome heat below the surface. If shopping up a storm is more your thing then make a beeline for Teguise Sunday Market. The narrow maze of streets comes to life with a vast network of shops and stalls offering everything from handmade local arts and crafts to stunning silver and gold jewellery.

3. On the foodie trail in Gran Canaria

No visit to the Canary Islands would be complete without savouring a few local delicacies. The cuisine combines traditional Spanish tapas with African and Latin American influences and spices. Snacks include the famous papas arrugadas (boiled ‘wrinkly’ potatoes served with two sauces) and local goat’s cheese. Tasting your way around Gran Canaria’s colourful food markets is one of the best ways to taste the freshest of the island’s fruits, locally made cheese and wine – all the more enjoyable after a winter of soups and stews at home.

Fishing boats in port in Gran Tarajal, Fuerteventura; Shutterstock ID 396643678

4. Perfecting the tan in Fuerteventura

With 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and 150km of sandy beaches to stretch out on, Fuerteventura ticks all the boxes for sun worshippers. The island is less developed than its neighbours and offers stark and beautiful volcanic landscapes to explore with less crowds. The sweeping golden-sand beaches and Atlantic rollers are a magnet for watersports enthusiasts, so get involved or just relax and watch in wonder.

Feeling inspired?

Canary Islands cruise holidays

View all cruises