Christmas Celebrations in the Canaries

• Day 1 Southampton

  Departure: late afternoon

• Day 6 Santa Cruz de Tenerife

  The winter sun in the Canaries at Christmastime makes it perfect for exploring Tenerife and its beautiful beaches, including the man-made golden sands of Playa de las Teresitas in the north and the volcanic black sands of Playa de las Americas in the south. Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, dominates the skyline over Santa Cruz, whose summit can be reached by cable car for spectacular views across the island and beyond. Meanwhile, as the waters surrounding the island are home to a diverse range of wildlife, there will be opportunities to spot pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. As you stroll through the streets of Santa Cruz, they will still be adorned with festive decorations to admire.

• Day 7 Santa Cruz de La Palma

  The sun-kissed island of La Palma offers many opportunities to discover its magnificent landscapes, including strolling through the beautiful old town with its cobbled streets and colourful wooden-balconied houses or the spectacular views, hiking trails, and waterfalls of Caldera de Taburiente National Park. Meanwhile, volcanic black sand beaches beckon as the warm sea laps against the shore, and local restaurants tempt you to sample delicious local food like “papas arrugadas” (wrinkled potates) with spicy Mojo sauce and La Palma wine, produced on the island from vineyards perched precariously on steep volcanic hills.

• Day 8 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

  Las Palmas combines the vibrancy of a modern city with a rich maritime history, as well as perfectly clear waters lapping against golden beaches. At Christmas time, you can explore the charismatic Historic Quarter, home to the twin towers of Santa Ana Cathedral, built in a unique combination of Renaissance, Gothic, and Neoclassical styles, before discovering picturesque plazas adorned with festive decorations and authentic tapas bars offering delicious dishes like “papas arrugadas” (wrinkly potatoes) with spicy majo sauce. Meanwhile, you could visit nearby Maspalomas, home to the renowned sand dunes that create a desert-like landscape or wander through its festive market for sweet treats and handmade products.

• Day 9-10 Funchal, Madeira

  The glorious island of Madeira is known as the ‘Garden Island’ due to its array of subtropical flowers and plants that seem to burst from every direction. From Funchal, you’ll be able to witness the floral beauty of the island at the exquisite garden in Monte, featuring themed gardens and tropical plants, while its levada walking trails offer unique views of enchanting forests and flowing streams. During December, you will have the opportunity to sample traditional foods and the renowned fortified Madeiran wine, witness local Bailinho dances, or visit one of Europe’s tallest cliffs, Cabo Girao, standing 580 metres above sea level, with a suspended glass platform viewpoint.

• Day 12-13 Lisbon

  Visiting Lisbon in January allows for opportunities to explore at a slower pace, including marvelling at views across the city from the many miradouros (viewpoints). You will also be ideally placed for wandering along the labyrinth of cobblestoned streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, which offers a captivating journey through the city, from the grandeur of São Jorge Castle to the stirring rhythms of Fado music. There will also be opportunities to try local dishes like grilled sardines or the deliciously crumbly Pastéis de Nata custard tart with a crisp glass of Vinho Verde wine, ride through the city on a vintage tram, and visit the nearby fairytale-like town of Sintra, set against the backdrop of rolling hills.

• Day 16 Southampton

  Arrival: early morning

Canaries Christmas & Funchal Fireworks Itinerary