Winter isn't what it used to be, or at least not when viewed from the deck of a ship sailing around the Canary Islands. With its new 2026/27 program, Costa Cruises reinforces the idea of transforming the European off-season into an opportunity for better, less rushed, and more authentic travel. And it does so with a clear star: the debut of the Costa Smeralda in the Canaries.
The company, with over seven decades of history and a fleet that sails virtually every sea in the world, is offering a unique winter experience that combines iconic destinations with a distinct way of experiencing them. It's not just about where to go, but how to experience it with its "Sea & Land Itineraries" concept, which integrates what happens on board with what happens on land… while also adding destinations at sea. This philosophy is part of Costa's Sea & Land Wonder Platform strategy, designed to transform every voyage into a seamless experience that connects destinations, sailing, and onboard life within a single narrative.
The Canary Islands, in the style of the Costa Smeralda
The big headline of the season is the focus on the Canary Islands, a destination that works all year round, but which reaches its best version in winter with mild temperatures and a light that transforms the landscape.
The Costa Smeralda will operate an 8-day itinerary between the Canary Islands and Madeira, designed to explore some of Europe's most unique natural landscapes. No two stops are alike. Lanzarote surprises with its almost lunar volcanic scenery; Fuerteventura displays seemingly endless dunes; Tenerife is imposing with the silhouette of Mount Teide; and Gran Canaria blends contrasts within just a few kilometers. Adding to this is Madeira, which introduces a distinct character: green, rugged, almost exotic compared to the volcanic nature of the Canaries.
One of the unique aspects of the itinerary is the overnight stop in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, allowing you to experience the destination beyond peak tourist hours, stroll at your leisure, dine off the ship, and discover the local atmosphere after sunset. In short, it offers a deeper connection to the authenticity of the place.
The sea is also a destination
Furthermore, the company emphasizes the idea that travel is not limited to stopovers, a fact that is realized on the Costa Smeralda, with the so-called "Sea Destinations", experiences designed so that certain points of the ocean become key moments of the itinerary, including astronomical observations, live music and moments designed to connect with the marine environment.
Two examples illustrate the concept well. The first, Canary Sea Darkest Spot, offers stargazing at one of the darkest spots in the Atlantic. With the boat stationary and no light pollution, the sky becomes the star. The second, Atlantis Crest, plays with the narrative of Atlantis to create a sensory experience around an underwater mountain. Beyond the scenic component, the sea ceases to be a mere passageway and becomes a destination and an active part of the journey.
Costa's Canary Islands itinerary aligns with a clear trend in the sector: the search for nearby destinations with favorable weather during the colder months. In this sense, the archipelago offers an accessible, varied, and comprehensive destination that justifies the trip in itself. It's not just about island hopping, but about creating a cohesive whole, adding a visit to Madeira, an overnight stay, or experiences at sea. The result is an ideal itinerary both for those seeking to disconnect for a few days and for those wanting a first taste of the Canary Islands without having to choose just one island.
While the focus is on the routes, Costa seeks to strengthen its positioning through a complete experience that includes the ship's design, the culinary offerings, entertainment, and a growing emotional connection with the journey. This is complemented by simple and convenient planning for passengers, with accessible departures and comprehensive organization that allows them to enjoy their vacation without worrying about logistics.
The 2026/27 winter season isn't about reinventing the Canary Islands, but about offering a new way to experience them. A more leisurely, more immersive way, and above all, more in line with what today's travelers demand, including experiences that go beyond a simple photo and create lasting memories. And in that regard, the Atlantic in winter has a lot to offer.
Beyond the Canary Islands cruises aboard the Costa Smeralda, Costa Cruises offers a variety of options for winter 2026–2027. In the Mediterranean, the Costa Pacifica sails to cultural capitals of Southern Europe and gateways to Africa with weekly itineraries that include cities such as Savona, Marseille, Barcelona, Naples, Palermo, and Rome/Civitavecchia, as well as Tunisia, with Carthage and Sidi Bou Said as highlights. Longer routes also include destinations like Málaga and Tangier. Also in this region, the Costa Toscana offers itineraries through Italy, France, and Spain with a stop in Palma de Mallorca, combining art, traditions, and landscapes, and incorporating, from March 2027, the unique Balearic Sea Darkest Spot for observing one of the clearest night skies in the Mediterranean.
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