The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of northwestern Africa, are rugged volcanic isles known for their black- and white-sand beaches. Tenerife, the largest island, is dominated by the sometimes-snowy active volcano Mt. Teide, which has its own astronomical observatory and is part of Teide National Park. Tenerife hosts a huge pre-Lent Carnival in the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Climate on the seven islands that form the Canary Islands experience a Mediterranean climate typified by extremely dry summer months with warm temperatures and mild winters with more rainfall, particularly to the north of the region.

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is one of Spain’s Canary Islands, off northwestern Africa. It’s known for its black lava and white sand beaches. Its southern beaches include bustling Playa del Inglés and Puerto Rico as well as quieter Puerto de Mogán and San Agustín. In the north, capital city Las Palmas is a major stop for cruise ships and duty-free shopping. The island’s interior is rural and mountainous.

• Tidal variance: High tidal variance may restrict full-time wheelchair users in disembarkation. Please see the onboard staff to confirm the accessible gangway times (multiple gangways are generally in use)
• Accessibility around port: Flat and even
• Distance to main town: Approx ¾ mile (1 km)
• Accessibility of main town paving: Mostly a flat town. Most pavements have dropped kerbs
• Accessible toilets: Located at Santa Catalina Port Terminal and Santa Catalina Hotel
• Cobblestone streets or unsuitable terrain: Vegueta, around the Cathedral, the Central Market and Casa Colon have cobblestone streets. Santa Catalina Square is not considered wheelchair accessible
• Public transport: The bus service is accessible via a ramp. The bus stop is situated at the entrance to the port with buses running approximately every 25 minutes
• Shopping areas: Within half a mile
• Accessible locations: Beach Las Canteras, Meloneras (beachfront), Casa Romantica Agaete, Mogan, Museum of Science and Technology

La Gomera

La Gomera, the second-smallest of the main islands in Spain’s Canary Island chain, is marked by craggy volcanic mountains crisscrossed with hiking trails. In higher altitudes, dense forests of ferns and moss-covered trees grow in the mists of Garajonay National Park. Toward the coast, the Valle Gran Rey canyon leads past the whitewashed cliffside village of La Calera and ends at black-sand Atlantic beaches.

• Tidal variance: Moderate
• Distance to town: Approximately 200 metres
• General accessibility: Flat, even and wheelchair friendly
• Accessible places of interest: Historic town centre of San Sebastian de La Gomera
• Accessible public transport: Local buses are not accessible. Standard taxis are very limited and can be booked on request, subject to availability

La Palma

La Palma is one of Spain’s Canary Islands, off northwestern Africa. Its rugged, forested terrain is dotted with volcanoes like Teneguía and Cumbre Vieja. The island’s capital, Santa Cruz de la Palma, is a port town with narrow cobbled streets and houses with wooden balconies. The Caldera de Taburiente National Park has a huge crater-shaped formation and is covered in pine forest and cut by waterfalls.

• Tidal variance: Moderate tidal variance may restrict full-time wheelchair users in disembarkation. Please see the onboard staff to confirm the accessible gangway times
• Accessibility around port: Flat and even
• Distance to main town: Nearly 1 mile
• Accessibility of main town paving: Mostly a flat town. Most pavements have dropped kerbs
• Accessible toilets: None advised
• Cobblestone streets or unsuitable terrain: None advised
• Public transport: Some buses with disabled access. Standard taxis are generally available at the cruise terminal. Shuttle service from port
• Shopping areas: Nearly 1 mile
• Accessible locations: O’Daly Street, the highstreet of Santa Cruz de La Palma

Lanzarote

Lanzarote, one of the Canary islands off the coast of West Africa administered by Spain, is known for its year-round warm weather, beaches and volcanic landscape. Timanfaya National Park’s rocky landscape was created by volcanic eruptions in the 1730s. Cueva de los Verdes has caverns formed by an underground river of lava. East-coast resort Puerto del Carmen is home to whitewashed villas, beaches and dive centers.

• Tidal variance: Slight. Slight tidal variance is unlikely to restrict full-time wheelchair users in disembarkation
• Accessibility around port: Flat, even and accessible; however, there is some uneven ground to negotiate to leave the port gates
• Distance to main town: Approximately 5 miles (9 km)
• Accessibility of main town paving: The town itself is flat and has pavements with dropped kerbs
• Accessible toilets: Located approx. 300 metres away from the pier, inside the Tourist Information building
• Cobblestone streets or areas of unsuitable terrain: None advised
• Public transport: Some buses are accessible. Standard taxis are generally available on the quayside. Large adapted vehicles available upon request – limited. Accessible shuttle service available upon request
• Accessible shopping areas: Approximately 5 miles (9 km)
• Accessible places of interest: Cactus Garden, Mirador del Rio (lookout point), Timanfya Natural Park (not all areas are accessible). A lot of places of interest have steps

Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, off West Africa. It’s dominated by Mt. Teide, a dormant volcano that is Spain’s tallest peak. Tenerife may be best known for its Carnaval de Santa Cruz, a huge pre-Lent festival with parades, music, dancing and colorful costumes. The island has many beaches (with sands from yellow to black) and resort areas, including Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas.

• Tidal variance: High tidal variance will restrict full-time wheelchair users in disembarkation. Please see the onboard staff to confirm the accessible gangway times
• Accessibility around port: Flat and even
• Distance to main town: Approximately 1 mile
• Accessibility of main town paving: Flat, most pavements have dropped kerbs
• Accessible toilets: Located at Plaza De España or the terminal
• Public transport: Some local buses are accessible. Standard taxis are generally available on the quayside
• Shopping areas: Approximately 1 mile (1.5 km)
• Accessible places of interest: Plaza de España, local cafes and shops

Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura, the second largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, sits in the Atlantic Ocean 100km off the north coast of Africa. It’s known primarily as a holiday destination due to its white-sand beaches and year-round warmth cooled by constant winds. The multitude of beaches that wrap around it are interrupted by cliffs and sheltered coves. It’s popular for water sports, especially surfing, windsurfing and waterskiing.

• Tidal variance: Slight. Slight tidal variance is unlikely to restrict full-time wheelchair users in disembarkation.
• Accessibility around port: Flat and even
• Distance to main town: Cruise ships to Fuerteventura dock at Puerto del Rosario – port town on the eastern coast. The port is surrounded by the town center, which means most of the city’s tourist areas and attractions are located within easy walking distance from the cruise terminal.
• Accessibility of main town paving: Flat, most pavements have dropped kerbs
• Accessible toilets: Located at Centro Comercial Las Rotondas Shopping Centre.
• Public transport: The bus service in Fuerteventura is run by Tiadhe with a fleet of modern vehicles that offer ramps for passengers with reduced mobility. Mini buses and other smaller vehicles suitable for the disabled are also available for private hire.
• Shopping areas: Approximately 650 meters (0.65 km)
• Accessible places of interest: Corralejo Acua Waterpark, Oasis Wildlife, Glass Bottom boat cruise, Artisan goats cheese making at local farm.

Mainland Spain

Spain, a country on Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, includes 17 autonomous regions with diverse geography and cultures. Capital city Madrid is home to the Royal Palace and Prado museum, housing works by European masters. Segovia has a medieval castle (the Alcázar) and an intact Roman aqueduct. Catalonia’s capital, Barcelona, is defined by Antoni Gaudí’s whimsical modernist landmarks like the Sagrada Família church.

Cadiz

Cádiz is an ancient port city in the Andalucia region of southwestern Spain. The home of the Spanish Navy, the port boomed in the 16th-century as a base for exploration and trade. It has more than 100 watchtowers, including the iconic Torre Tavira, which was traditionally used for spotting ships. On the waterfront is the domed, 18th-century Cádiz Cathedral, featuring baroque and neoclassical elements.

• Tidal variance: Moderate tidal variance may restrict full-time wheelchair users in disembarkation. Please see the onboard staff to confirm the accessible gangway times
• Accessibility around port: Flat and even
• Distance to main town: Within half a mile (200 metres)
• Accessibility of main town paving: Mostly a flat town; however, most pavements do not have dropped kerbs
• Accessible toilets: Located at Museum De Cádiz, Plaza De Mina & Estación Marítima
• Cobblestone streets or unsuitable terrain: Many streets in the old town are cobblestone, but the town is mainly flat and even
• Public transport: Few buses are wheelchair accessible. Standard taxis are generally available at the terminal
• Shopping areas: Approximately 1 mile (2 km)
• Accessible places of interest: Museum De Cádiz, Plaza De Mina

Vigo

Vigo is a city on Spain’s northwest coast. The mouth of the nearby Vigo Estuary is sheltered by the Cíes Islands, which form part of the Atlantic Islands National Park. The Cíes are known for their rich birdlife and crescent-shaped Rodas Beach. The city’s old quarter is home to the neoclassical Church of Santa María. The Castro de Vigo archaeological site has reconstructed ancient dwellings.

• Tidal variance: Slight tidal variance is unlikely to restrict full-time wheelchair users in disembarkation
• Accessibility around port: Flat and even
• Distance to main town: Within half a mile (700 metres)
• Accessibility of main town paving: The town itself is very hilly. Most pavements have dropped kerbs
• Accessible toilets: Most cafes have ground floor toilets, but not all are wheelchair accessible
• Public transport: Buses are not accessible. Standard taxis are generally available outside the terminal
• Shopping areas: Within half a mile. There is also a shopping mall near to the exit of the Transatlantic Pier Terminal Building
• Accessible locations: El Corte Inglés (department store), El Principe Street, Quiñones de Leon Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Casa de las Palabras, and Samil Beach

Portugal

Portugal is a southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain. Its location on the Atlantic Ocean has influenced many aspects of its culture: salt cod and grilled sardines are national dishes, the Algarve’s beaches are a major destination and much of the nation’s architecture dates to the 1500s–1800s, whenPortugal had a powerful maritime empire.

Lisbon

Lisbon is Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city. From imposing São Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the old city’s pastel-colored buildings, Tagus Estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Nearby, the National Azulejo Museum displays 5 centuries of decorative ceramic tiles. Just outside Lisbon is a string of Atlantic beaches, from Cascais to Estoril.

• Tidal variance: High tidal variance will restrict full-time wheelchair users in disembarkation. Please see the onboard staff to confirm the accessible gangway times
• Accessibility around port: Flat and even
• Distance to main town: Between 800 metres and approximately 3 miles, depending on pier
• Accessibility of main town paving: Mostly a flat town, some pavements have dropped kerbs
• Accessible toilets: McDonald’s at Rossio Square and some of the more modern hotels and cafes
• Cobblestone streets or unsuitable terrain: Alfama, the old district is unsuitable. Almost all pavements in Lisbon are cobbled
• Public transport: Some Metro and bus routes are wheelchair accessible. Standard taxis available upon request on board
• Shopping areas: Between 800 metres and approximately 3 miles, depending on pier
• Accessible locations: Oceanarium at “Parque das Nacoes”, the Maritime Museum & Coach Museum at Belem district and the Colombo shopping centre

Madeira

Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, is an archipelago comprising 4 islands off the northwest coast of Africa. It is known for its namesake wine and warm, subtropical climate. The main island of Madeira is volcanic, green and rugged, with high cliffs, pebbly beaches and settlements on deltas of the Fajã River. Capital Funchal has botanic gardens and is known for its harbor and a large New Year’s fireworks show.

• Tidal variance: Moderate tidal variance may restrict full-time wheelchair users in disembarkation. Please see the onboard staff to confirm the accessible gangway times
• Accessibility around port: Flat and uneven areas
• Distance to main town: Approximately 1.5 miles (2.5 km)
• Accessibility of main town paving: Fairly hilly, some pavements have dropped kerbs
• Accessible toilets: The Old Blandy wine lodge, the Madeira Story Centre Museum and some local hotels
• Cobblestone streets or unsuitable terrain: Most pavements are cobblestoned in Funchal Town
• Public transport: Wheelchair-friendly mini buses in Funchal (Linha Eco) provide a handy way for visitors to discover different part of the town. Standard taxis are generally available at the cruise terminal
• Shopping areas: Approximately 1.5 miles (2.5 km)
• Accessible places of interest: Parts of the Old Blandy Wine Lodge, the Madeira Story Centre Museum, and the Cable Car