Canary Islands Christmas and Funchal New Year

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.

Largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is built around Mount Teide, the highest volcano in Spain. Santa Cruz is home to the eye-catching 16th century Iglesia de la Concepción and the baroque Palacio de Carta. The island has a resident population of pilot whales and several migratory species, thus making Tenerife one of the best places to whale watch in Europe.

Fred. Olsen has a deep connection to La Gomera, and the family has a history with the island dating back to 1904, when fruit was transported to ports in Northern Europe by small steam ships. Known as ‘Isla Colombina’ due to Christopher Columbus calling at the island on his journey to America, some of the buildings and monuments in San Sebastian are linked to him, including the Casa de la Aguada and Casa de Colon.

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. Spend New Year’s Eve here to marvel at the oustanding fireworks display above the island.