Cruising Between Madeira and the Canary Islands: What to Expect

This is a sponsored post for the Madeira Promotion Association.

A cruise that links Madeira with the Canary Islands is one of the most rewarding routes in the Atlantic.

It’s a journey that combines comfort with exploration: a few sea days to unwind, a cluster of contrasting islands, and the chance to experience the shift from subtropical greenery to volcanic landscapes.

The Canaries are known for their rugged coasts and desert tones; Madeira, by contrast, greets you with gardens, mountain slopes and a distinct sense of place.

For many travellers, it’s the balance of the two archipelagos that makes this route so appealing – and somewhere along the way, Funchal often becomes the port everyone talks about afterwards.

Perfectly positioned between mainland Europe and the Canaries, Madeira offers a natural pause in the voyage and a glimpse of island life that feels both cultured and unhurried.

A Route Made for Island Lovers

Cruises linking Madeira and the Canary Islands typically last a week or a little longer, sometimes beginning or ending in Lisbon or southern Spain.

They’re wonderfully easy to enjoy: calm seas, plenty of sunshine and a new view to wake up to most mornings.

One day might bring the volcanic scenery or beautiful beaches of Lanzarote; the next, the subtropical forests of La Palma or Tenerife’s lively harbours.

Then, just when you’ve settled into the rhythm of island life, the ship glides into Funchal’s sheltered bay with its steep backdrop of green hills. The sailing between these islands is rarely rough, so it’s an ideal itinerary even for first-time cruisers.

Madeira: The Heart of the Voyage

While the Canary Islands are known for their wide beaches and volcanic drama, Madeira offers something a little different.

Funchal, the island’s capital, feels sophisticated but welcoming at the same time – a city of gardens, sea views and easy-going charm. Everything is close to hand: the cable car, the old streets, the cafés and market. You can step ashore and start exploring straight away.

It’s the kind of stop where you can do a lot without feeling hurried. Ride the cable car up to Monte for sweeping views, wander through the Old Town’s painted doors, or linger over lunch by the waterfront with a glass of Madeira wine.

Many cruise visitors say it’s the day they remember most, not because it’s packed with sights, but because it captures the relaxed rhythm of island life so perfectly.

Beyond Funchal: A Taste of the Island

If your ship stays long enough, it’s well worth venturing a little further with some easy excursions from the port. The views from Pico dos Barcelos or Cabo Girão are unforgettable, and excursions into the island’s interior reveal a landscape of forests, cliffs and terraced hillsides.

Some tours visit Câmara de Lobos, the colourful fishing village that inspired Churchill’s paintings, while others follow the narrow levadas that wind through the hills.

Madeira may be compact, but its variety is impressive. Within half an hour of the port you can go from bustling streets to mountain lookouts, from ocean views to quiet valleys filled with flowers.

What to Expect on Board

Sailing between Madeira and the Canaries means plenty of time to enjoy your ship. The distances aren’t vast, but long enough for a couple of sea days to unwind between ports.

Expect sunshine on deck, calm waters for most of the journey, and often a few playful dolphins keeping pace alongside. It’s a fantastic route, where you’ll really get the chance to take it easy and enjoy everything that your ship has to offer.

As you approach Madeira, the view is one to remember. The island rises dramatically from the sea, its slopes covered in green and dotted with red roofs. It’s a classic “wow” moment – one of those sail-ins where everyone is out on deck, camera in hand, just taking it all in.

Why This Route Works So Well

A cruise linking Madeira and the Canary Islands feels like two holidays in one. The Canaries deliver their trademark sunshine, volcanic landscapes and lively beach towns, while Madeira brings garden beauty, mountain air and culture.

Together, they make for a route that’s endlessly varied but perfectly balanced – a little adventure, a little luxury, and a lot of easy-going charm.

And in the middle of it all is Funchal: welcoming, walkable, and absolutely memorable.

Whether it’s your first visit or a return stop you’ve been waiting to repeat, there’s every chance that Madeira will be the port that stays with you long after you’ve sailed away.

Final Word

Cruising between Madeira and the Canary Islands is the kind of journey that captures what so many travellers love about life at sea – the chance to explore, to relax, and to experience two very different island worlds.

With Funchal at its heart, this route offers not just beautiful views but a genuine sense of place.

It’s more than a stop between destinations; it’s a highlight in its own right, a reminder that sometimes the best moments come halfway between where you’ve been and where you’re going.

Alternatively, why not check out cruises from Madeira to Cape Verde, for another iconic route?

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