Atlantic Islands

In the annals of maritime lore, Santa Cruz de La Palma stands as a testament to resilience and exploration. Its cobbled streets whisper tales of seafaring adventurers and bustling trade routes. Nestled amidst verdant hills and kissed by Atlantic breezes, this port city offers a temperate climate year-round, a refuge from bustling tourist hubs. Here, authenticity thrives, with quaint plazas and local markets showcasing the island's vibrant culture. Visitors can savor traditional Canarian cuisine and stroll along centuries-old promenades. And as the sun dips below the horizon, the harbor comes alive with the rhythmic beats of traditional folk music, a captivating glimpse into La Palma's soul.

Puerto del Rosario is the busy port and capital of the second largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, Fuerteventura. The island is famed for its golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, volcanic landscapes and almost year-round sunshine, making it an unsurprisingly popular destination for holidaymakers. The capital itself is home to nice beaches, restaurants and shops, but is slightly lacking in terms of sights and so cruise ship passengers with time on their hands should most certainly venture further afield to explore what the rest of the island has to offer during their stopover.

A volcanic island designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Lanzarote’s dramatic landscapes were shaped by an explosive past. Today, its pretty beaches and virtual absence of rain together with duty-free shopping make the island an extremely desirable destination. The main port and capital, Arrecife, is a pleasant town with a modern seafront and colourful gardens. Outside the capital there is plenty to explore, from the dazzling white salt flats of Janubio and the rugged terrain of Fire Mountain to the eerie caves of Los Verdes and an array of unspoilt fishing villages scattered around the coast. The island is home to a great selection of restaurants and local specialities including garbanzos compuestos – a chickpea stew; papas arrugadas – potatoes with carrots, peas, ham and green pepper; and of course, plenty of fresh seafood. Please note that those planning to participate in one of the shore excursions from this port may need to take an early lunch on board ship to suit the excursion schedules.

Perhaps the prettiest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is an almost circular isle with the peak of Pozo de Las Nieves, its highest point, at the centre. With a wealth of natural beauty and all the exciting attractions of city life in the capital, the island offers the best of both worlds. You will no doubt wish to see the sights of the capital’s old quarter, which dates back to the 15th century and encompassses the Vegueta and Triana districts, and wherever you go you can enjoy the glorious subtropical climate, perfect for growing exotic palms and fruits.

In the annals of maritime lore, Santa Cruz de La Palma stands as a testament to resilience and exploration. Its cobbled streets whisper tales of seafaring adventurers and bustling trade routes. Nestled amidst verdant hills and kissed by Atlantic breezes, this port city offers a temperate climate year-round, a refuge from bustling tourist hubs. Here, authenticity thrives, with quaint plazas and local markets showcasing the island's vibrant culture. Visitors can savor traditional Canarian cuisine and stroll along centuries-old promenades. And as the sun dips below the horizon, the harbor comes alive with the rhythmic beats of traditional folk music, a captivating glimpse into La Palma's soul.