Best shore excursions in the Canaries with Marella Cruises
The Canary Islands have become synonymous with winter sun holidays, and a cruise taking in the Spanish archipelago's sunshine-drenched volcanic landscapes and historic towns is the easiest way to try each island out fuss-free.
Plopped just off the northwest coast of Africa, each Canary island has its own personality, from Lanzarote's lunar terrain and La Gomera's forested ravines to Tenerife's mighty Mount Teide and Fuerteventura's Insta-worthy sand dunes.
Marella Cruises' Canaries itineraries call at the best known islands, often with a stop in Madeira* thrown in, and shore excursions are one of the easiest ways to explore their highlights in a single day.
All-inclusive British cruise line Marella offers a range of organised shore excursions in the Canary Islands, from guided sightseeing tours to beach transfers and off-road adventures.
These day trips, available for an additional cost, are designed to make exploring straightforward, with transport and local guides arranged in advance, so you can focus all your attention on that extra cerveza or souvenir purchase. Note, they vary in length and activity level, so it's worth checking the details before you book.
Travellers who prefer a more flexible day can also explore independently; many cruise ports in the Canaries are easy to navigate, with taxis, local buses and independent tours widely available. You may also find it cheaper to go it alone, too.
Here are all the Canary Islands that feature on Marella cruise itineraries, along with the shore excursions offered in each destination.
Arrecife, Lanzarote
Lanzarote is one of the most striking of the Canary Islands thanks to its dramatic volcanic scenery. Vast lava fields and rust-red craters dominate the interior, while the coast is speckled with whitewashed villages and sandy beaches.
The island's unusual landscape was carved by eruptions in the 18th century, and today much of it is protected within Timanfaya National Park, an extraordinary area often referred to as the (frankly Tolkien-esque) 'Mountains of Fire'.
One of the more relaxed Marella shore excursions from Arrecife* is a transfer to Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote's best-known beach resort. This half-day trip allows holidaymakers to stroll along the waterfront promenade, browse shops, or simply loll on the beach (tackling that airport-bought holiday read optional).
With cafés, bars and long stretches of sand, it's an easy place to spend a few hours enjoying the sunshine. Don't miss knocking back Lanzarote's wine; the island's Malvasía whites, grown in volcanic ash in the La Geria wine region, are some of the Canary Islands' most celebrated bottles.
Climate in Lanzarote
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum daytime temperature °C |  20 |
20 |
21 |
 22 |
23 |
 25 |
 27 |
 28 |
28 |
25 |
23 |
21 |
| Hours of sunshine (daily) | ||||||||||||
| Days with some rainfall |  4 |
 3 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
| Sea temperature °C |  19 |
18 |
18 |
18 |
19 |
 20 |
21 |
 22 |
23 |
22 |
21 |
20 |
The above guide shows the climate in Arrecife.
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is often described as a continent in miniature thanks to its cocktail of landscapes. Craggy mountains and traditional villages sit inland, while the coastline offers beaches and lively resort towns.
The capital, Las Palmas*, boasts historic architecture with a cosmopolitan feel and its old quarter, Vegueta, is filled with colonial buildings, museums and small cafés.
One of the most popular Marella shore excursions on the island is a transfer to Maspalomas. Located on Gran Canaria's southern coast, this resort area is famous for its expansive beach and the nearby Maspalomas sand dunes, one of the island's most recognisable natural landmarks.
On this half-day Marella excursion, you're dropped close to the resort and given free time to explore. Some visitors head straight for the beach, while others meander along the seafront promenade in nearby Meloneras or check out the local shops and cafés before returning to the ship.
Climate in Gran Canaria
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum daytime temperature °C | 19 |
20 |
21 |
21 |
22 |
24 |
26 |
27 |
26 |
25 |
22 |
20 |
| Hours of sunshine (daily) | ||||||||||||
| Days with some rainfall | 4 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| Sea temperature °C | 19 |
19 |
19 |
19 |
20 |
21 |
22 |
23 |
23 |
23 |
22 |
20 |
The above guide shows the climate in Las Palmas.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife
Tenerife punches above its weight even among the Canaries. The largest island in the archipelago, it manages to squeeze in a futuristic capital, ancient dragon trees and Spain's highest peak.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife*, the island's main cruise port, sits on the northeast coast. Near the harbour, you'll spot the Auditorio de Tenerife, a sweeping white concert hall that has become one of the city's most recognisable buildings.
Further inland lies the island's biggest natural attraction: Mount Teide. Rising more than 3,700 metres above sea level, it's the highest mountain in Spain and towers above the volcanic landscapes of Teide National Park.
Marella's Scenic Mount Teide excursion takes visitors on a guided drive through changing landscapes, beginning in forested areas before climbing into the stark volcanic terrain that surrounds the volcano. Along the way, there are stops at viewpoints where you can take in the scale of the national park and its unusual lava formations.
For travellers who prefer something more active, Marella also offers guided bike tours of Tenerife. Led by a local guide, these excursions explore areas of the city that larger tour buses cannot easily reach while providing insight into the island's culture and history.
Climate in Tenerife
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum daytime temperature °C | 18 |
19 |
20 |
20 |
21 |
23 |
26 |
27 |
26 |
24 |
21 |
19 |
| Hours of sunshine (daily) | ||||||||||||
| Days with some rainfall | 6 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
5 |
 7 |
7 |
| Sea temperature °C | 19 |
19 |
19 |
19 |
20 |
21 |
22 |
23 |
 24 |
23 |
22 |
21 |
The above guide shows the climate in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Santa Cruz de la Palma, La Palma
La Palma is often nicknamed 'La Isla Bonita', 'The beautiful island', and it's easy to see why. Steep green mountains, pine forests and volcanic coastlines give the island a rugged beauty that feels quite different from some of the busier Canary Islands. ,/p>
The capital, Santa Cruz de la Palma*, is particularly charming with its colourful houses and traditional wooden balconies overlooking the waterfront.
One of Marella's shorter excursions here is a sightseeing ride on a trolley train through the historic centre of Santa Cruz. The train passes through narrow streets and sunny squares while a guide points out key landmarks, churches and museums along the way. It's a relaxed way to get an introduction to the town and its history.
Travellers looking for something more adventurous can brave Marella's off-road buggy excursion. These tours head into the island's mountainous interior, following tracks and rural roads while stopping at scenic viewpoints overlooking the coast and countryside.
Climate in La Palma
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum daytime temperature °C |  16 |
16 |
16 |
17 |
19 |
21 |
23 |
24 |
23 |
21 |
19 |
17 |
| Hours of sunshine (daily) | ||||||||||||
| Days with some rainfall | 8 |
6 |
7 |
6 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
7 |
8 |
8 |
| Sea temperature °C | 20 |
19 |
19 |
19 |
20 |
22 |
22 |
23 |
24 |
24 |
22 |
21 |
The above guide shows the climate in Santa Cruz de la Palma.
Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
It's safe to say that any trip to the Canaries will leave grains of sand in the crevices of your suitcase for months to come, especially if you visit Fuerteventura via Puerto del Rosario*, which is famous for its beaches.
Long stretches of pale sand fringe much of the coastline, and steady Atlantic winds make the island a hotspot for watersports. Away from the shore, the scenery becomes wilder, with volcanic hills, desert-like plains and quiet villages scattered across the interior.
Marella's 4x4 Adventure excursion offers a chance to explore parts of the island that are harder to reach independently. Travelling both on and off road, the tour passes through traditional villages and dramatic landscapes before reaching Mount Tindaya, a sacred mountain linked to the island's earliest inhabitants.
The route also includes a stop at El Cotillo, a small fishing village known for its peaceful lagoons and windswept beaches. Before returning to the ship, the tour typically pauses near the famous sand dunes of Corralejo Natural Park, where the contrast between golden sand and turquoise water creates one of Fuerteventura's most striking views.
Climate in Fuerteventura
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum daytime temperature °C | 19 |
20 |
21 |
22 |
23 |
24 |
27 |
27 |
27 |
25 |
23 |
20 |
| Hours of sunshine (daily) | ||||||||||||
| Days with some rainfall | 3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
| Sea temperature °C | 19 |
18 |
18 |
18 |
19 |
20 |
21 |
22 |
23 |
22 |
21 |
20 |
The above guide shows the climate in Puerto del Rosario.
San Sebastián, La Gomera
La Gomera feels quieter and more remote than many of the other Canary Islands. Much of the small island is covered by protected countryside, with steep valleys, misty forests and mountain ridges packing the postcard scene.
The capital, San Sebastián de la Gomera*, also holds historical significance as one of the places Christopher Columbus visited before sailing to the Americas. We'll wager your onward voyage will be much more comfortable.
Marella's Scenic La Gomera excursion introduces visitors to the island's untamed scenery on a guided coach tour. Leaving the capital behind, the route ascends through traditional villages and mountainous terrain to viewpoints overlooking volcanic rock formations, including Los Roques de Agando.
The tour also includes a stop to see a demonstration of El Silbo, the island's famous whistling language once used by locals to communicate across the deep valleys.
These six islands could keep the most restless traveller busy for a lifetime, and a Marella itinerary is a fine excuse to start working through them.
Climate in La Gomera
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum daytime temperature °C | 19 |
19 |
20 |
20 |
21 |
23 |
25 |
26 |
26 |
24 |
22 |
20 |
| Hours of sunshine (daily) | ||||||||||||
| Days with some rainfall | 4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
5 |
6 |
| Sea temperature °C | 20 |
19 |
19 |
19 |
20 |
21 |
22 |
23 |
24 |
23 |
22 |
21 |
The above guide shows the climate in San Sebastián de la Gomera. Find out more about conditions across the archipelago in our complete guide to the climate in the Canaries.
Ready to cruise the Canaries? Check out the latest online offers on itineraries with Marella.
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