Azores and the Canary Islands

Step aboard in Southampton & straight into that holiday feeling. No flights, no hassle. Just the excitement of the days ahead and the promise of memorable moment. So, relax and raise a toast as the UK drifts from sight. Before you know it, you’ll be watching your destination come into view. But where will it be ?

Around 850 miles west of Portugal, the Azores are an archipelago of nine Portuguese-speaking islands scattered across the Atlantic waters, known for their dramatic and verdant landscapes.
Portuguese navigators discovered the first of the Azores in 1432, although 2,000 Flemish settlers were among its early immigrants, and their influence can still be seen in the windmills that dot the landscape on some islands. Praia de Vitoria is located on Terceira, an island whose name means ‘third’ in reference to the order in which it was discovered.

The Azores rise from the Atlantic Ocean, 900 miles from the Portuguese coast. The largest city in the Azores, Ponta Delgada is on Sao Miguel and is named after the volcanic lands it sits proudly upon.
This Atlantic stepping-stone also claims to produce the world’s finest pineapples. If that’s not an invitation to try one, we don’t know what is.

La Isla Bonita’ La Palma is one of the smaller of the seven Canary Islands. Its capital, Santa Cruz de la Palma, is a picturesque harbour set on the eastern side of this charming volcanic formation.
The island’s landscape is one of black sand beaches, mountainous terrain and rich plant life, with the average temperature hardly changing all year round.

The Canary Islands have some of the most striking and diverse scenery of any islands on earth: dry volcanic deserts, a snowcapped mountain, lush fields with banana and pineapple plantations, plus spectacular beaches! Only 70 miles from the coast of Africa, the Canaries were a way station for Spanish galleons and Las Palmas was the provisioning stop for Columbus on all four of his voyages. See the palace where he stayed and wander through a fascinating collection of 15th-century marine memorabilia.

Beloved for its beaches, Tenerife also offers a feast for the eyes. Either from the numerous galleries and museums or the incredibly panoramic cable car ascent of Mount Teide, there is so much to see.
Tenerife is soothing on the ears, too. Listen for the timple, a distinctive element of Canarian folk music, or perhaps catch a recital at the Auditorio, home to the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra.

It’s easy to understand why Lanzarote is so popular. It has so much to offer. Being a volcanic island, the scenery is lush and fertile making Fire Mountain and the curious vineyards at Le Geria ‘must do’ visits.

Step aboard in Southampton & straight into that holiday feeling. No flights, no hassle. Just the excitement of the days ahead and the promise of memorable moment. So, relax and raise a toast as the UK drifts from sight. Before you know it, you’ll be watching your destination come into view. But where will it be ?