Canaries & Atlantic Islands

The Canaries and Atlantic islands are home to delicious cuisine which is guaranteed to send your taste buds into raptures of delight. A common thread in the various islands is the emphasis on seafood, with most restaurants and markets using fresh catches and locally grown ingredients. Parrot fish, tuna, vieja, swordfish and sea bass are among the most popular seafoods on the Canary islands, while the Azores islands make use of mollusks, barracuda and other smaller fishes. You’ll also find plenty of grilled meats and hearty stews on the islands all beautifully seasoned with a myriad of local herbs and spices, and garnished with flavourful vegetables.

Some of the more unique dishes on the islands include Cozido das Furnas, a mixture of meats and veggies cooked underground using the volcanic heat of São Miguel or Espetada Madeirense, a traditional BBQ served on the Madeira islands which is skewered on a laurel branch and seasoned with garlic, coarse salt and laurel leaves.

 A lot of the islands serve their cuisine tapas-style. A shared dining experience is a big part of their culture to nurture a sense of togetherness and intimacy between friends and families. The volcanic terrain of some of the islands adds a unique flavour to a lot of the food and drink, such as the wine produced at the vineyards of La Geria in Lanzarote.

The most popular time for a cruise to the Canaries and Atlantic Island is between June and September. These months offer an abundance of sunshine and warm waters, while most of the shops and attractions will be open for business. August is the hottest month and the golden beaches will be packed with holidaymakers soaking up the sun or taking to the sea for some thrilling water sports. Most of the local festivities are also held during these months.
For holidaymakers who want to avoid the massive crowds and high prices, the colder months of January to March are ideal. This is the perfect time to explore the historical attractions and stunning nature parks.      
During the warmest month, daily temperatures can average up to 28 °C and reach lows of 23 °C. While the colder months see average highs of 20 °C and lows of 15 °C.

The Canaries and Atlantic islands are bursting with things to see and do. Beautiful golden beaches with crystal-clear waters which are ideal for sunbathing or water sports, picturesque nature parks, vibrant cities and sleepy towns featuring a range of architectural wonders and cultural attractions. Mindelo in São Vicente is a vibrant musical town where holidaymakers can dance along to the beat of the city, while the town of Santa Lucía de Tirajana is a preserved slice of history.
Nature lovers will feel right at home on the various islands, with so many natural wonders to explore. These include Teide National Park in Tenerife, the pine forest of Tamadaba in Gran Canaria, and the stunning seven lagoons of Flores. There are plenty of guided tours on offer, helping holidaymakers spot the beautiful wildlife that inhabits these islands, including exciting whale-watching tours off the coast of Tenerife. Divers can explore the hidden wonders of the islands, such as the Underwater Museum in Lanzarote or El Cabron, a sunken volcanic landscape nestled below Gran Canaria.
The Azores islands of Terceira and São Miguel are a dream come true for golf lovers, boasting a range of fantastic sun-soaked courses catering to players of all skill levels. Madeira is perfect for avid hikers and rock climbers, with its rugged, mountainous terrain, while Fuerteventura and Lanzarote offer plenty of opportunity for swimming, sailing, kayaking, fishing and a host of fabulous water sports.