1. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

Departure Port
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of Tenerife, is a bustling city offering a mix of natural beauty and urban charm. Known for its iconic landmark, the Auditorio de Tenerife, the city boasts vibrant streets lined with cafes, shops, and historic architecture. The nearby Anaga Rural Park offers stunning landscapes for hiking enthusiasts, while Playa de Las Teresitas, a golden-sand beach, is perfect for relaxation.

Highlights:

• Auditorio de Tenerife.

2. Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain

Las Palmas, the largest city in Gran Canaria, is renowned for its stunning beaches and cultural heritage. The city's Vegueta district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features cobblestone streets and colonial-era buildings. Visitors can explore the Casa de Colón, where Christopher Columbus once stayed, or relax at Playa de las Canteras, a golden-sand beach with calm waters.

Highlights:

• Vegueta historic district.
• Casa de Colón museum.
• Playa de las Canteras for sunbathing and snorkeling.

3. Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura, Spain

Puerto del Rosario, the capital of Fuerteventura, is a hub of artistic and natural beauty. Known for its pristine beaches and volcanic landscapes, the port is a gateway to some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in the Canary Islands. The town itself is adorned with unique sculptures, giving it an open-air museum feel.

Highlights:

• Corralejo Natural Park with its vast sand dunes.
• Sotavento Beach, ideal for windsurfing.
• Open-air art sculptures in the town center.

4. Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

The enchanting city of Funchal, Madeira’s capital, is known for its lush botanical gardens, charming streets, and Madeira wine. Visitors can take a cable car ride up to Monte for panoramic views and explore the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. Don’t miss the traditional wicker toboggan ride, a thrilling descent through the city’s winding streets.

Highlights:

• Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
• Traditional wicker toboggan rides.
• Madeira wine tasting at local wineries.

5. Santa Cruz de la Palma, La Palma, Spain

Santa Cruz de la Palma, a charming colonial town, offers a peaceful retreat with its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and scenic waterfront. The island, often referred to as “La Isla Bonita” (The Pretty Island), is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its lush forests, volcanic landscapes, and starry skies.

Highlights:

• Historic downtown with colonial-style architecture.
• Caldera de Taburiente National Park for hiking.
• Los Cancajos Beach for snorkeling.

6. Arrecife, Lanzarote, Spain

Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, is famous for its volcanic landscapes shaped by past eruptions. A visit to Timanfaya National Park offers a surreal experience of walking on lava fields and seeing geothermal demonstrations. The city also features cultural highlights like the Castillo de San José, home to an art museum.

Highlights:

• Timanfaya National Park and its unique volcanic terrain.
• Jameos del Agua, a volcanic cave turned cultural center by artist César Manrique.
• El Charco de San Ginés, a picturesque lagoon in the city.

Our journey concluded back in Tenerife, giving us another opportunity to explore the island’s wonders, which we thouroughly enjoyed.  We stayed on for Christmas with lots of fun, food and music, dinning at some of the best restaurants on the island, while enjoying the beautiful beaches, in particular, Playa del Duque in the south and Las Teresitas in the north of the island. Tenerife is also home to Teide National Park, where Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak is located. Definitely worth a visit on any trip. And we should also mention here that stargazing in the night was truely amazing as we were able to see Mars, Saturn, Jupiter and Venus all from the island with the naked eye.