Last updated: 26 October 2026 · By Steve Joury, cargo trip advisor at CargoHolidays
You can travel from the UK to the Canary Islands by boat on a no-fly cruise from Southampton, or by reaching southern Spain and taking the ferry from Huelva or Cádiz, which takes around a day and a half. Here’s how to get winter sun without a flight.
Key facts at a glance
The easiest way to go from the UK to the Canary Islands by boat is a cruise from Southampton or another UK port. Typical itineraries last 10 to 14 nights, visiting Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote or La Palma, often with Madeira and a Spanish or Portuguese port. Read cruises without flying.
| Leg | How | Typische Dauer |
|---|---|---|
| UK to Spain | Ferry to Santander/Bilbao or train via Paris | 1–2 days |
| To Huelva or Cádiz | Train or drive | A day |
| Ferry to the Canaries | Overnight ferry with cabins | About 30–40 hours |
Check current operators and schedules, which vary by season. See UK to Spain by boat.
Once there, frequent fast ferries and conventional ferries link Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro. Island hopping is easy and a great way to see the archipelago’s very different landscapes.
Container and ro-ro ships link the Canaries with Spain and Northern Europe, and some West Africa services call at Las Palmas. Occasionally a passenger-carrying freighter fits. Read cargo ship to West Africa for routes passing the islands.
Yes, by cruise from a UK port or by travelling to southern Spain and taking the ferry.
Roughly 30 to 40 hours from Huelva or Cádiz, depending on the island.
Yes, the mainland ferries carry cars.
Yes, Canary Islands cruises from UK ports are very popular, especially in winter.
Yes. Frequent ferries link all the main islands.
Sail south for the winter
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