Sailing to the Canary Islands is ideal if you like to travel with your own car (or secretly fear flying). Take your camper and your dog on board the ferry. Get on the boat in Spain and experience an unforgettable journey across the Atlantic Ocean to this sunny Spanish archipelago.
Put on your flip-flops
Travelling to the Canary Islands in winter is the best idea ever. Bare feet in the warm sand, your face in the Spanish sun and a plate of paella in front of you. Exactly that. The real holiday feeling. And that feeling starts as soon as you sink into a lounge chair on the ferry…
Sail from Spain to Lanzarote in 2 days
Yes, it will be a long trip to the Canary Islands. These Spanish islands are located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean at the height of the southern part of Morocco. Lanzarote is the closest of all Canary Islands, about 1100 kilometres from Spain. The boat trip from Cadiz (mainland Spain) to the port of Arrecife on Lanzarote takes 27 hours.
Which Canary Islands can you sail to from mainland Spain?
Lanzarote, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria can be reached directly by ferry from Spain. The other islands, such as Fuerteventura and La Palma, can be reached by transfer.
From the south of Spain, several ferries depart for the Canary Islands:
- LANZAROTE: the Naviera Arma (Trasmediterránea) ferry departs from Cadiz (Spain) to Arrecife (Lanzarote). Duration crossing: +/- 27 hours*
- TENERIFE: The Naviera Arma ferry sails from Cadiz (Spain) to Santa Cruz (Tenerife). Alternatively, you can take the Fred. Olsen Express will take you from Huelva (Spain) to Santa Cruz (Tenerife). Duration crossing: +/- 38 hours *
- GRAN CANARIA: With the Naviera Arma ferry, you sail from Cadiz or Huelva (Spain) to Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) with Fred. Olsen Express, you depart from Huelva (Spain) to Las Palmas (Gran Canaria). Duration crossing: +/- 37 hours*
* The duration is an average; it differs per route, weather conditions and type of boat
On-board the ferry to Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Tenerife
On the ferry to the Canary Islands, you can eat in a restaurant, drink on deck and sleep well in your cabin. Don't expect a luxury cruise ship, although there is some entertainment.
It is cheapest if you only book a seat, which allows you to sit back so you can sleep. However, when you travel such a great distance by sea, it is more comfortable to book a private cabin. After all, you sleep better in a normal bed, and you'll have your bathroom. This way, you arrive at your destination bright and early.
Traveling with your dog on the ferry
Tourists who like to take their dogs with them often travel by ferry. The dog can stay close to its owner, which saves a lot of hassle.
The ferries to the Canary Islands are fully equipped to take your dog. There is a dog deck where you can walk your dog and some assigned cabins to stay with your dog during the crossing.
Island hopping between the Canary Islands
Would you like to see more of the Spanish islands? Nothing stands in your way once you have arrived in one of the Canary Islands. For example, travel by ferry from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura or take the ferry from Tenerife to Gran Canaria or the smaller La Palma.
Now, set sail from the cold and travel to the sunny outdoor life of the Canary Islands. Go for it!
The editorial team at FerryGoGo writes travel guides and creates route ideas for ferry travel, along with everything else that might be of interest to travelers and tourists.
It’s really good that there is the option to bring your furry friend. However what are the restrictions like with this? For example, the age of the dog and injections?
You always need a dog passport and probably much more! Be sure to double check this article: Dog & Ferry Guide.