Gillian Thornton soaks up some winter sun on a cruise of six islands in six days
WORDS AND IMAGES: GILLIAN THORNTON
The eight islands that make up the Spanish Canary Islands offer many breathtaking views. Rugged mountains and spectacular ravines, dense aromatic forests, all encircled by glorious coastline bathed in all-year-round sunshine.
But the view ahead of me is unique. I’m on the lush island of La Palma – La Isla Bonita celebrated by Madonna in her 1986 hit – and ahead of me is Europe’s newest volcano. Plumes of gas rise from the cone while a line of solidified black lava stretches to the sea.
Formed during an eruption in 2021, Tajogaite is one of many surprises on a cruise that takes in six Canary Islands in as many days. My husband and I are enjoying a winter sun adventure on board La Belle des Oceans, a traditional small ship operated by CroisiEurope.
With just 130 passengers on board, this is ocean cruising on a small scale – the cosy atmosphere of a river cruiser but spread over seven decks.
Many different cultures have settled in the Canaries since the islands were conquered by the Spanish in the 17th century, becoming rich on trade with Asia and the Americas. But while the islands have much in common, there are dramatic differences in scenery and vegetation too.
We start in Tenerife, largest island in the archipelago, but passengers can also undertake the reverse journey setting out from Lanzarote. Today’s optional excursions visit the vast volcanic crater of Mount Teide and the bustling resort of Puerto de la Cruz.
Next morning we watch the sun rise behind Mount Teide as we dock in La Palma to the west, a lush island that is both a UNESCO-listed biosphere and a leading international centre for astronomers.
Day Three sees us in La Gomera, where our expert driver zigzags up steep roads through the dense laurel forest.
Rural traditions remain here and we discover silbo, a whistling language still used by mountain farmers to exchange messages across distances up to 5km.
Continuing east to Gran Canaria, we visit the cathedral and picturesque old town of the capital, Las Palmas.
Then we’re heading to Fuerteventura and a complete contrast in scenery with its low-level, arid terrain punctuated by rounded peaks.
All too soon we’re in Lanzarote for a final day of discovery – the spectacular volcanic scenery of the Timanfaya Na
