Winter Sun Trails of Madeira and the Canaries

This winter sun walking cruise offers a superb blend of relaxed sea days and carefully planned guided walks, travelling round‑trip from Liverpool to Portugal, Madeira, the Canary Islands and northern Spain aboard a Fred. Olsen ship. Designed for walkers who enjoy exploring on foot while remaining comfortably based on the ship, the itinerary combines classic highlights with quieter, more distinctive experiences ashore.

After settling in with leisurely days at sea, the first landfall is Porto, where a guided walking tour reveals the city’s historic heart, riverside setting and world‑famous Port wine heritage. Sailing south, the ship reaches Madeira, where a coastal walk near Funchal showcases the island’s dramatic scenery and Atlantic views.

In the Canary Islands, each stop offers a different perspective. La Palma provides a gentle introduction with a guided stroll through the elegant historic centre of Santa Cruz, complemented by scenic viewpoints above the town. Tenerife brings a more dramatic landscape, with a mountain walk amid volcanic scenery, enhanced by a cable car journey into higher terrain. On Gran Canaria, a rewarding walk through the island’s interior finishes in the attractive town of Teror, known for its traditional architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

The northbound journey includes a memorable day in Vigo, where a cross‑border walk begins in the Portuguese fortress town of Valença and follows the River Minho into Spain, finishing in the historic town of Tui with time to explore its impressive cathedral.

Throughout the cruise, sea days provide ample opportunity to relax, socialise and enjoy life on board, creating a well‑balanced journey that combines scenic walking, cultural discovery and the comfort of a single floating hotel. This thoughtfully curated itinerary offers a rewarding way to experience some of Europe’s most appealing winter walking destinations.