Sail & Hike the Spectacular Canary Islands

This voyage takes you from the bustling and rugged island of Tenerife, to lush La Gomera and on to La Palma known as “La Isla Bonita, before returning to Tenerife.

Setting sail, you’ll have a couple of days to learn the ropes of the Santa Maria Manuela, and find your sea legs! There will be plenty of time to get involved in the sailing, from helming to trimming sails and from navigation to going aloft. When you are not involved in the sailing there’s plenty of time to fish, read, play board games or share sailing stories by the bar.

Then it’s time to anchor off the beautiful island of La Gomera. Go ashore in the ship’s RIB to explore the interior with your hiking guide.

Hiking Day on La Gomera

Your first day’s hike takes you to Garajonay National Park. The park, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its dense laurel forest – a lush, almost fairytale-like ecosystem that once covered large parts of Southern Europe. The excursion starts at Pajarito, in the heart of Garajonay National Park, and follows one of the most beautiful hiking trails on La Gomera.

Begin with an ascent to Alto de Garajonay, the island’s highest point at 1,487 meters above sea level. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of La Gomera and, on clear days, even see the neighbouring islands. From the summit, the hike continues downhill through Europe’s only subtropical laurisilva forest. Surrounded by ancient trees, ferns, and moss-covered paths, you’ll pass through the areas of Contadero and Las Mimbreras.

Along the way, you reach Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, a small chapel hidden in the forest. Cross the beautiful Del Cedro gorge before beginning the final ascent through volcanic terrain and forest towards Reventón Oscuro.

The World Biosphere and Starlight Reserve of La Palma soon calls after a short passage to the northernmost Canary Island. This island offers a wide scenic and climatic diversity. Rough, beautiful, surprising, spectacular are some of the adjectives which justify its nickname: “La Isla Bonita” (the Pretty Island). They say that this island has a special power, to regenerate, revitalise, fill you with energy, good vibes, good atmosphere, good mood.

Hiking Day on La Palma

La Palma offers some of the most dramatic and varied landscapes in the Canary Islands, with volcanic craters, dense pine forests, black sand coastlines and high mountain ridges above the clouds.

Your guided hike begins at San Antonio Volcano, which last erupted in 1677. From here, you’ll descend through vineyards and across an impressive volcanic landscape shaped by centuries of eruptions. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of the west coast before reaching Teneguía Volcano, which erupted in 1971 and was the most recent eruption on La Palma until Cumbre Vieja in 2021.

At the end of the hike, you’ll visit one of the last traditional salt production sites in the Canary Islands. There will also be time for a swim in the Atlantic Ocean and to enjoy some refreshing drinks.

Santa Maria Manuela will set sail back towards Tenerife, where there’s time for a final day’s hiking before you depart.

Hiking Day on Tenerife

Your final and most leisurely day’s hike takes you to Mount Teide. Rising to 3,715 meters above sea level, Teide is the highest mountain in Spain. Explore Teide National Park and the iconic Roques de García area, where lava, wind, and time have shaped a dramatic, lunar-like terrain beneath Spain’s highest peak.

This is an accessible and atmospheric hike without a summit ascent—perfect for those who want to experience Teide’s volcanic nature up close, without a demanding mountain climb. Begin your hike in the open high-altitude landscape of the national park, surrounded by lava fields, colourful mineral formations, and views of the mountain. Along the way, walk through varied volcanic terrain with plenty of time for photo stops, storytelling, and short breaks to take in the scenery. The hike is suitable for most people with a moderate fitness level and offers a wonderful introduction to Tenerife’s wild volcanic soul.

Wind, Waves & Weather

The Canaries are one of the best winter sailing grounds in the Atlantic! Winds are a fairly steady Northeasterly 15 to 20 knots (force 4 to 5): the ideal sailing breeze for a ship like Santa Maria Manuela. The prevailing trade winds mean there can be significant swell offshore, but on the leeward sides of the islands the water is much calmer, and the crew know exactly where to anchor for the best shelter. Expect sunny days of 20–24°C, with nights of 16–18°C, and a refreshing sea temperature of around 21°C. Be prepared for occasional rain showers, but they are usually short-lived.

Hands On Holidays

Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail. For more on this, see our article ‘What is a Hands-On Sailing Holiday?’

Sailing Style and Life on Board

We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities and how much you are expected to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation. There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on the vessel pages.

A Note on Voyage Descriptions

On a sailing voyage we never guarantee a specific itinerary. Skippers will always be aiming for the best and safest sailing routes given the forecast. They are as keen as you to include all the potential highlights of a voyage, but when it comes to sailing you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description provided is based on what we think is likely to be possible, based on past trips and prior experience, but nothing is guaranteed. As such, the scheduled joining ports, routes, activities and/or destinations may be altered. Due to the complexities of weather systems, this may be at very short notice.

What to pack for a sailing holiday on Santa Maria Manuela

Below is a recommended travel packing list for a sailing voyage.

Included

• Sailing Instruction
• Safety Equipment (Life jackets and harnesses)
• All meals to include cooked breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments throughout the day.
• Bed linen, duvet, towels for cabin (but please bring your own beach towel)

What is Not Included

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Travel to and from the start and end port
• Optional trips or tours taken ashore unless otherwise stated
• Alcoholic Beverages , but you can purchase drinks from the bar (you can set up a tab and pay at the end).

What to Bring

For any destination north of Cape Verde warm and waterproof clothing is very important, as it can get cold during sailing, especially at night, even in the summer. A waterproof and windproof jacket is recommended to help keep warm and dry. Waterproof rubber soled boots or shoes are also recommended to keep your feet dry and warm. It is a good idea to bring two pairs of shoes in case one gets wet as salt water soaked shoes take a while to dry. Madeira, Portugal and the Azores in summer can get pretty hot and it is easy to get sunburn at sea as the air is clear. The Cape Verde are in a tropical climate so a good sun screen is essential. Please remember that space on board is limited and pack accordingly. Pack comfortable and practical clothing for all weather circumstances, the key is layers!! It is recommended to pack in a soft bag that can be easily stored away as there is no room on board for suitcases. Electricity on board is European 2 pin sockets, please be sure to bring any adaptors you may need.

Passports, Visas and Insurance

If you voyage is sailing in foreign waters, you will require a full passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the end of the voyage. You will be responsible for obtaining any necessary visas. We have Third Party Liability Insurance and recommend all those sailing with us to take out relevant travel insurance to cover their voyage.

Medical Conditions and Special Diets

Please inform us in advance of any medical conditions you have and medication which you might need to bring with you. If you have any special dietary requirements it is essential you inform us prior to your voyage. We will make every effort to cater for all diets with prior notice.

Personal Items

This is a list of the items we recommend you bring with you.

• Warm hat and sun hat
• gloves - either sailing gloves or gardening type gloves
• Wet weather clothing – water proof and windproof jacket
• Clothing – enough clothing for all weather circumstances (think layers!!)
• Trainers or deck shoes
• shorts and t shirts
• nightwear (ear plugs ?)
• Toiletries
• Towels
• swimwear (googles are useful)
• Sun cream
• Sunglasses
• Sea sickness medication
• Personal medication
• Book
• Small torch (head torches are good!)
• Camera
• Log book (if you have one)
• Valid passport (voyages outside the UK)
• Travel insurance

Extras

• Musical instruments
• games or cards
• book/kindle

You can buy Santa Maria Manuela caps on board.

Diving Holidays on Santa Maria Manuela - Kit List

Please note the ship will only be carrying scuba diving equipment on the specialist diving voyages. On a diving voyage - Bottles and weights are included in the voyage price. If you need diving equipment other than bottles and weights it is €150 extra Nitrox costs €5 euros a dive Classic Sailing will expand on this kit list shortly.

We had the most amazing time. The crew were so friendly and helpful, the food was great throughout, and the cabins were really comfortable. We both climbed the rigging as the sun was setting over Porto Santo to round off a brilliant last day with the new friends we met. Thanks for the wonderful experience.

Ian & Dayna

I have sailed many times on tall ships, this is by far the best yet.

Richard

 

Terrific crew and ship and a lovely passage to the Azores. Crew and guests were very good and patient with someone who only spoke English. This is a terrifically well run vessel. Excellent accommodation, well serviced by a professional crew. All very friendly, helpful and willing to give information throughout. Many opportunities to get involved in most aspects of the ships operations. Very many thanks.

Keith

An amazing ship and amazing crew.

David

We had a terrific and adventurous time on board during Sachsen Sail in the Bay of Biscay. Thank you to all Santa Maria Manuela crew members!

Mario

Un voilier merveilleux avec un équipage très sympathique. Merci pour tout.

A splendid ship with a very kind crew. Thank you for everything.

Marie-Francoise