Canary Islands, Madeira & the Solar Eclipse
January 2028

Visiting Malaga in the winter makes for a pleasant exploration of peaceful streets lined with orange trees and historical buildings. You could explore Pablo Picasso’s birthplace and the museum dedicated to his work in Buenavista Palace, or discover the well-preserved Moorish fortress of Alcazaba, which offers beautiful panoramas over the city and the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. Amidst your exploration, savour opportunities to experience local dishes of espetos (sardines on skewers and cooked over coals), tapas in authentic Spanish bard, and a traditionally sweet Moscatel wine. Alternatively, you can enjoy a hike to Gibralfaro Castle, which offers vistas of the surrounding city and a fascinating history dating back to Phoenician times.

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

On 26th January 2028, guests sailing near the Canary Islands will have the opportunity to witness a rare annular solar eclipse. Known as the ‘Ring of Fire’, this remarkable phenomenon occurs when the Moon passes in front of the Sun, leaving a brilliant ring of sunlight visible around its edge. Viewed from the open sea, with vast horizons stretching in every direction, it promises to be one of those special moments that stays with you long after your voyage has ended.

The winter sun in the Canaries makes this the perfect time to explore 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 Puerto de la Cruz.Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, dominates Tenerife’s skyline, and its 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. The renowned “guachinches”, small, family-run restaurants, offer hearty Canarian food and are well worth discovering.

Las Palmas is perhaps the most popular destination in the Canary Islands, loved by those who enjoy year-round sunshine. The island was originally occupied by the Canarii people, from the 5th century BC, whose cultures and lifestyles can be discovered at several sites around Gran Canaria, including the ancient burial ground of El Maipés Necropolis. The twin towers of Santa Ana Cathedral stand tall in the centre of Las Palmas, a unique combination of Renaissance, Gothic and Neoclassical styles.

The island of La Gomera promises a gloriously sunny exploration in winter, where you’ll have opportunities to discover the green paradise of Garajonay National Park, with trails through misty laurel forests and magnificent views across the island from its peak. Meanwhile, the waters around the island are ideal for spotting various species of dolphins and whales, while a stroll around the capital of San Sebastian offers chances to discover intricate churches, the historical fort, and the Well of Aguada. You can immerse yourself in local culture by listening to the unique Silbo whistling language, still preserved today and used by the indigenous people of the island to communicate across the deep valleys.

La Estaca is the main gateway to El Hierro, the smallest and most westerly of Spain’s Canary Islands. The small harbour provides a warm welcome to the island’s unspoilt volcanic landscapes, dramatic cliffs and traditional way of life. Recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, El Hierro has embraced sustainable living while preserving much of its rugged charm. From La Estaca, winding roads lead to ancient laurel forests, dramatic lava fields and peaceful villages, with the island’s capital, Valverde, home to whitewashed buildings, quiet streets and sweeping views across the coastline. Calm, authentic and uncrowded, La Estaca is the perfect starting point for exploring one of the Canary Islands’ most distinctive destinations, where nature, culture and a slower pace of life take centre stage.

The landscapes of La Palma were formed around 2 million years ago, resulting in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park being formed by erosion from the volcano’s original crater, and now classed as a Biosphere Reserve. At sea level, the island’s capital, Santa Cruz, is a small city with colonial style architecture and edged with volcanic black sandy beaches. The historic quarter of the city is steeped in history with buildings erected during the reign of Phillip II, and is widely regarded as one of Spain’s Historic-Artistic sites.

Famous for its outstanding natural beauty, the Atlantic island of Madeira is known as the ‘floating garden’, with its array of subtropical flowers and plants – grown from the bulbs and seeds of the British merchants who came to the island after making their fortune from selling Madeiran wine. Produced since the 17th century, Madeira Wine’s historical and maritime links make for fascinating reading, of course accompanied by a glass or two of the ‘liquid history’, as described by Winston Churchill.

Visiting Lisbon in February 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 bacalhau (salt cod) or the deliciously crumbly Pastéis de Nata custard tart with a Portuguese espresso, known as Bica, ride through the city on a vintage tram, and visit the nearby fairytale-like town of Sintra, set against the backdrop of rolling hills.