Ferry to Canary Islands from Spain
Select departure from “Spain” to compare ferry routes to your destination
From Spain to the Canary Islands
There are three ferries that depart from Southwest Spain to the Canary Islands, operated by Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas (in collaboration with Trasmediterránea).
- Ferry Operators: Fred Olsen, Naviera Armas, and Trasmediterránea
- Vessels: Ciudad de Valencia, Volcan De Tinamar, and Marie Curie
- Departing from: Huelva & Cadiz – to Canary Islands with stopovers on several islands.
- Journey Duration: Varies from 27 hours to 54.5 hours, depending on stopovers and island destinations.
Map: ferries to Canary Islands from Spain
The Two Ferry Routes from Spain to the Canary Islands
The map highlights two key ferry routes connecting Spain to the Canary Islands:
Dark Blue Route
- Operated by: Trasmediterránea (owned by Naviera Armas)
- Vessel: Ciudad de Valencia
- Departure: Cadiz
- Stops and Total Travel Time:
- Lanzarote: 28 hours
- Gran Canaria: 37 hours
- Tenerife: 44 hours
- Return Route: Tenerife → Gran Canaria → Lanzarote → Cadiz
Orange Route
- Operated by: Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas
- Vessels: Marie Curie (Fred Olsen) and Volcan de Tinamar (Naviera Armas)
- Departure: Huelva
- Stops and Total Travel Time:
- Gran Canaria: 32–33 hours
- Tenerife: 38 hours
- Return Route: Tenerife → Gran Canaria → Huelva
These routes offer a variety of options to reach different islands, and the durations vary depending on your destination. Plan accordingly to match your travel needs!
About this crossing
Stopovers and Island Destinations
All three ferries visit multiple Canary Islands upon arrival, but routes vary seasonally, so it’s essential to check the itinerary before booking. The closest harbor, Arrecife (Lanzarote), is reachable in just 27 hours.
Comfort and Pricing
- Cabins or Seats: While you can save money by booking a seat instead of a cabin, we highly recommend booking a cabin for the long journey.
- Pricing: Despite the lengthy travel time, prices are affordable due to strong competition and high demand.
- Onboard Facilities: The ships are functional but not particularly luxurious, so manage your expectations.
For the #1 Ferry Guide on traveling from Spain to the Canary Islands, see our full breakdown of routes and tips. Bon voyage!
Map with all ferry routes in the Canary Islands
If you’re planning to travel between the Canary Islands—a popular activity—you can use the map below to explore all available ferry routes.
Ferry schedule / timetable
Which Port Should You Depart From?
When choosing between Huelva and Cadiz for your ferry to the Canary Islands, your decision will depend on your destination island and travel preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Travelling to Lanzarote:
The only option is to leave from Cadiz.Travelling to Gran Canaria:
It’s better to depart from Huelva since this route is direct, meaning no stopovers, and you’ll arrive directly at the port.Travelling to Tenerife:
Leaving from Huelva is again the faster option, saving you around 6 hours compared to departing from Cadiz.Travelling to other islands:
Most routes require a stopover. For example, to reach Fuerteventura, we recommend taking the Cadiz-Lanzarote ferry and continuing onward from Playa Blanca in southern Lanzarote.
For islands like La Gomera, La Palma, or El Hierro, you’ll find Tenerife to be the most accessible hub, making Huelva the better port to depart from.
Quick Tip:
If your destination requires multiple stops, consider the convenience of connections and overall travel time when selecting your port of departure. Huelva often provides quicker and more direct options for several islands.
Things to Know About the Huelva to Santa Cruz de Tenerife Ferry
Arrive Early: To avoid any issues with traffic, long queues, or unforeseen delays, we strongly recommend arriving at the port 90 to 150 minutes before departure. Missing this ferry could disrupt your entire travel plan.
Ferry Options: You can travel on either the Marie Curie, a fast ferry operated by Fred Olsen, or the Volcan de Tinamar, another popular choice.
Route Details: This ferry provides a direct connection from Huelva in Spain to Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
Can You Take a Car Along?
Yes, you can easily take a car on this ferry route, and the costs are relatively affordable compared to similar long-distance ferry connections. Whether it’s a car, motorhome, or caravan, bringing your vehicle is straightforward, although it will incur some extra fees.
Once you arrive in the Canary Islands (on Tenerife, Lanzarote, or Gran Canaria), it’s also possible to continue exploring and hop to other islands with your car, making it a convenient option for island hopping.
Prices and availability for this crossing
Useful for travellers to the Canary Islands
