Atlantic Islands: the Canaries, Madeira, the Azores & Cape Verde

On every one of these voyages comes the moment when the mainland slips away behind the horizon and only the Atlantic remains. Then they appear: volcanic islands rising from the ocean, each with its own character, its own light, its own story. The Atlantic islands belong together like a family, however different they may be, and there is no better way to come to know them than from the water.

Off the coasts of Europe and Africa lies an arc of islands that seafarers have used as a gateway to the world for centuries. The Canaries with their volcanoes and eternal spring, Madeira with its flowers and steep cliffs, the remote Azores far out in the ocean and the Creole islands of Cape Verde far to the south. They all share the Atlantic, and yet could hardly be more different.

The Canaries are the heart of the region and a destination all year round: Tenerife with the Teide, the lava world of Lanzarote, the green valleys of La Palma and La Gomera, and Gran Canaria as a lively hub. Many routes link them with Madeira and its capital Funchal, and with the Moroccan ports of Casablanca and Tangier, before heading on into the Atlantic. Further out lie the Azores, nine green islands for all who seek calm and open space, and far to the south Cape Verde, where Africa and Europe merge into a culture all their own.

Here it is small ships and tall ships that sail, rather than the great fleets: Ponant in expedition style, the windjammers of Sea Cloud, Star Clippers and Sailing Classics under sail, along with occasional voyages by Silversea. The voyages range from four nights to great Atlantic arcs of three weeks, with the emphasis on autumn and winter, when Europe turns grey and the islands keep their mild light.

Why book with ivent-sailing

We book at no surcharge over the cruise line, yet advise you independently and know the islands and ships from many years of advising on them.

Fair prices

You pay not a single euro more than with the cruise line. We have agreed a commission with our partners.

Independent advice

We recommend the voyage that suits you, because we have no ship of our own to fill. In our consultation we can go into the small differences that make the experience yours.

Travel-security certificate under German law

With us you receive a travel-security certificate and book with insolvency and consumer protection under German travel law.

All-round package

If you wish, we arrange the whole experience including travel there and back.

The Canaries, the Azores, Madeira and Cape Verde

The Atlantic islands are among the great sailing grounds. When the sails are set off Tenerife or the Azores and the trade wind carries the ship, you understand why the old explorers set out from exactly here. Each of the island worlds has its own character, and its own place with us:

We do not present Madeira as a destination of its own, but Funchal is a firm highlight of many Canaries and Atlantic routes.

Canary Islands CruiseThe strongest, year-round entry point with the largest choice: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma and La Gomera.

Canary Islands Sailing VoyageThe Canaries under sail, with the tall ships of Star Clippers and Sea Cloud between the islands.

Azores Sailing VoyageNine green islands in the middle of the ocean, at their most beautiful under sail aboard the sailing yacht SC Kairos between Faial, Pico, São Jorge and Terceira.

Cape Verde CruiseCreole island world far to the south, with Ponant in expedition style from Mindelo to Fogo.

Sailing Cape VerdeTruly feel the trade winds, as a classic sailing voyage aboard the tall ship Oosterschelde.

Tell us what you dream of

Which island, which ship, which season, we settle that best in conversation. Without obligation and free of charge, and you book secured by the travel-security certificate under German law.

Your expert

Kristina Karg

Good to know

Which islands belong to the Atlantic islands?

Above all the Canaries (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera), Madeira, the Azores and Cape Verde.

When is the best time to travel?

For the Canaries and Madeira above all autumn and winter, when Europe turns cool; the Canaries work all year round. The Azores and Cape Verde have their own seasons (the Azores in spring and summer, Cape Verde in autumn).

Which cruise lines sail there?

Ponant in expedition style, Silversea as a cruise, along with the tall ships of Sea Cloud, Star Clippers and Sailing Classics under sail.

Does Madeira belong to them?

Yes, as a port of call. Funchal is a firm highlight of many Canaries and Atlantic routes, even though we do not present Madeira as a destination of its own.

How long does a voyage last?

From around four nights to great Atlantic arcs of about three weeks; most are around nine nights.

What does a voyage to the Atlantic islands cost?

From around €2,346 per person, depending on the island, the ship and the length of the voyage.

Atlantic Islands