Canary Islands bike Cruise

Less than 200 miles off the coast of Morocco is a volcanic archipelago that reminds many of Tahiti. And while Tahiti is decidedly French, the Canary Islands are an integral part of Spain. A 3-4 hour flight from London, Paris, or Barcelona, the Canary Islands are to Europe what Hawaii is to the United States.

With cheap flights, smooth roads, and a subtropical climate with great year-round weather, European cyclists have been arriving in the Islas Canarias for decades. Notoriety came after various Pro Cyclists, including Team Sky, realized a competitive advantage by selecting a high-altitude hotel to serve as an early-season encampment. Following in the tracks of their heroes, who loved their early season rides through an exotic paradise, over a quarter-million enthusiastic cyclists now flock to the Canary Islands each spring for a warm week of early season conditioning.

The world of cruising has changed. After decades of ever-larger ships, the newest and most innovative ships are distinctly smaller, and designed for travelers instead of tourists. By design, these yacht-size cruise ships are able to reach niche destinations that larger ships can’t enter. Perfect for a hand-tailored cycling experience.

In late 2020 we heard about a new cruise line being launched by a wizened group of cruise veterans from around the world. Synthesizing decades of experience on cruise ships with countless stays at stylish hotels, these worldly travelers created something entirely their own. Atlas Ocean Voyages has developed a new concept for cruise travel. They’ve taken the sophistication and luxury of a boutique resort hotel and transformed it into a marriage of modern and vintage in their new fleet of “luxe-adventure” cruise ships. We are proud to announce that we have chartered Atlas’ World Navigator for our 2026 Canary Islands Cycling Cruise!