Best Sailing Routes in the Canary Islands and Optimal Seasons for Passages Through the Eastern Islands
The Canary Islands remain one of the most attractive cruising grounds for yacht cruising in the Atlantic. Eight islands, more than 30 ports and marinas, distances between anchorages that often fit within a single day’s passage, seasonal wind patterns, and a 10-to-15-day sailing route through the eastern islands from Gran Canaria via Fuerteventura and Lanzarote to La Graciosa and back form the basis of this feature.
From Yachts to Casinos: The Diversity of Entertainment in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands attract not only sailors and beach holiday enthusiasts, but also millions of tourists with a wide range of interests. World-famous beaches draw visitors who travel thousands of kilometres to reach them. Add to that hundreds of restaurants, bars, museums and other leisure venues. The islands are densely populated, which means the infrastructure supports not only tourism but also long-term residence.
For a long time, land-based casinos were a staple of local entertainment, but in recent years they have faced considerable pressure from the iGaming industry. Thousands of gambling games across hundreds of platforms have made physical venues less sought-after, and the crypto casino segment is growing particularly fast. According to an industry resource offering bonus roundups for cryptocurrency platforms, the variety of such platforms has multiplied several times over the past couple of years. Naturally, under these conditions people have been visiting land-based casinos less frequently, and the Canarian gambling sector has taken note of this trend. That said, a full-blown crisis still appears some way off.
For crews spending their days on the water between Lanzarote and La Graciosa, digital entertainment remains more of an evening complement to the main sailing route than a replacement for it.
The Canaries as a Cruising Ground and Who It Suits
An archipelago of eight islands with more than 30 ports and marinas creates a dense navigational network where passages between anchorages rarely take more than a single daylight period. The experience on passage feels close to open-ocean sailing, so the programme is designed for crews with experience of offshore passages.
Ports, Distances and Planning Flexibility
The dense marina network offers a wide range of formats. It is possible to circumnavigate a single island, link two or three over several days, or, given enough time, plan a route across the entire archipelago. The specific choice depends on the number of available days, weather conditions and crew experience.
Weather and Seasonality in the Canaries
The climate of this cruising ground is shaped by the Azores High and the trade winds. Prevailing winds blow from the north and north-east, so passages in those directions often involve beating to windward, while downwind and broad reach courses are noticeably easier.
November to February as the Best Window
During this period the trade winds are calmer and conditions on the water more settled. These months are considered the most comfortable season for inter-island passages.
June to August and the Strengthening Trade Winds
Summer brings the most demanding conditions. The trade winds blow harder, requiring confident sail trim and careful selection of weather windows.
September and October with Very Light Winds
These months are characterised by calm. The wind can be so light that there is a risk of insufficient breeze, and route planning requires particular attention to forecasts.
The Remaining Months and Shifting Wind Directions
The influence of the trade winds varies; entire weeks of southerly or westerly winds are possible. Before departure it is worth studying wind and wave forecasts in specialist applications.
Where Wind Accelerates Along the Coastlines
The trade winds, meeting the islands as an obstacle, accelerate along certain stretches of coastline, sometimes exceeding 25 knots (46 km/h). Such gusts can complicate manoeuvring and require proper sail trim, careful attention to sail trim and crew readiness.
The Arrecife Area on Lanzarote
The eastern and south-eastern stretches of Lanzarote’s coastline are among the zones where wind can strengthen sharply.
South of Puerto del Rosario and the Jandía Peninsula on Fuerteventura
Gustiness is particularly pronounced here. Both areas lie in the south-eastern sector of the island and should be factored into passage planning well in advance.
South-East of Gran Canaria and Tenerife
Similar wind accelerations are recorded along the south-eastern coastlines of both islands.
A 10-to-15-Day Programme Through the Eastern Islands
Of the total duration, approximately 7 days are allocated to passages, with the remaining time devoted to relaxing in marinas, exploring landscapes, marine life, local gastronomy and leisure. The concept of the route is to experience the Canaries from the sea.
Passage Legs Through the Eastern Islands
Gran Canaria to Morro Jable on Fuerteventura
The passage is easiest in the absence of easterly wind. A northerly or north-easterly wind allows a downwind or broad reach course. The distance is 57 nautical miles (105 km), with an estimated passage time of around 8 hours.
Along the Leeward Eastern Shore of Fuerteventura to Corralejo
Heading up the island, it is possible to call in at Gran Tarajal, Caleta de Fuste or Puerto del Rosario before arriving at Corralejo. The ports are close together, and the choice of stop depends on the crew’s pace and their desire to get closer to Lanzarote. For those who prefer longer passages, a direct option from Morro Jable to Corralejo without stops covers around 60 nautical miles in a single day.
Corralejo Towards Lanzarote
The passage around Lanzarote follows the leeward shore. It is possible to call at Puerto Calero, Puerto del Carmen or Marina Arrecife, leaving Marina Rubicón on the southern tip of Lanzarote for the return leg. The alternative without intermediate stops involves a direct passage to La Graciosa, a distance of 50 nautical miles (92 km).
La Graciosa as a Marine Reserve and a Pause in the Route
The smallest island in the Canaries is home to the largest marine reserve in Europe. Time should be set aside here for rest and beaches with crystal-clear water.
Playa Francesa Anchorage
The anchorage offers good shelter. The bottom is sandy with no rocks, with depths of around 8 m at high tide and around 4 m at low tide. A permit is required to anchor, which is arranged through the environmental authority of Cabildo de Lanzarote.
Returning to Gran Canaria Downwind
The return passage from Lanzarote and Fuerteventura to Gran Canaria typically runs downwind.
La Graciosa to Marina Rubicón on the Southern Tip of Lanzarote
The first leg back runs along the western shore of the islands. The distance is 36 nautical miles (67 km), approximately 5 hours in favourable wind.
Marina Rubicón to Marina Las Palmas in a Single Passage
The longest leg of the route covers 95 nautical miles (175 km). An early departure is required, with a time estimate of no less than 12 hours of continuous sailing.
The Alternative with an Overnight Stop via Morro Jable
An overnight stop at Morro Jable allows the passage to be split into two legs. The final leg to Gran Canaria takes approximately 8 hours.