Cruising the Canaries
I have an affinity with the Canary Islands, so it seems appropriate that my first ever cruise back in 2012 was TUI’s Canarian Flavours itinerary. Also encompassing Madeira and Morocco, this packed schedule was definitely value for money.
I sailed on the Thomson Dream, a ship that was 26 years old at the time but had undergone various refurbishments. It was previously part of the Costa fleet named Costa Europa. In 2020 TUI retired the Dream and it was broken up in 2022.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Most Canary Islands cruises depart from the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and this was no exception. Although time was limited before sail away, there was an opportunity for a few hours to explore the city and do some shopping. I’ve visited Santa Cruz a few times, there’s plenty more to see and do in the area, so there’s a topic for another blog.
Agadir, Morocco
The port of Agadir is about 6km from the city centre. Sensible people arranged excursions, took a taxi to the town or bought a ticket for the shuttle provided by TUI. I love walking, so perhaps foolishly in the heat, decided to head into the town by foot. It took around 45 minutes to reach the small marina located at the north of Agadir beach. I think most of the beach lovers on my ship headed in the opposite direction, to Anza beach just north of the port. I didn’t make many plans for Agadir. I often I like to explore by foot, getting some photography time and discovering things by chance. I visited the old kasbah and Souk el Hed market.
Funchal, Madeira
There’s so much to see and do in Funchal. I recommend taking the cable car to Monte where you can visit the Palace of Monte Tropical Gardens and Nossa Senhora do Monte church, the final resting place of Austrian Emperor Charles I. Also nearby is the Santa Maria Chapel. You can also take a second cable car across the valley to the Madeira Botanical Gardens.
Back in Funchal I took a tour of Blandy’s Wine Lodge to learn about the production of Madeira wine and the Blandy family’s business making Madeira wine since 1811. Yes, there was sampling. And buying. Blandy’s Madeira wine is delicious.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Palmas is another port with a variety of activities. Beach lovers are well catered for, with Playa de Las Canteras a short walk away. I always like to explore the old town area, and recommend visiting Catedral de Santa Ana de Canarias (great views from the roof) and surrounding area for some lovely old architecture.
Santa Cruz de La Palma
La Palma is arguably the most beautiful of the Canary Islands, with a variety of eco systems and microclimates. I recommend taking an excursion across the island to experience the changing landscapes and visit the Caldera de Taburiente National Park.
There was plenty of time to explore Santa Cruz, a charming town of cobbled streets and traditional architecture. The island has plenty of black volcanic beaches, very different to the sands we’re familiar with in northern Europe.
Arrecife, Lanzarote
I arranged an excursion to the Timanfaya National Park, a fascinating volcanic landscape created during eruptions in the 1700s and again in 1824. I had never seen terrain like this, and I imagined parts of the park to be like the surface of the moon. It was fascinating to see what plant life had established a foot hold in this hostile environment, mostly lichens surviving the strong winds that whip through the rugged land. Camel rides are available through the park, and although I had no information on animal welfare, I trusted the camels are well cared for and gave it a go.
The excursion finished with a tour of Lanzarote vineyards with an opportunity for some tasting of the locally produced wine and cheese. Although not internationally well-known for it’s wine, Lanzarote’s mineral-rich volcanic soil and warm climate is ideal for growing vines. The wind is a challenge though, and you can see small semi-circular walls across the landscape which the growers built to protect against the prevailing winds.