Travel firm Byway has mapped out a route to the Canaries solely by train and ferry. It takes 17 days and costs a pretty penny, but the journey takes passengers through some stunning parts of France and Spain at a leisurely pace
Travel insiders have revealed how to get to the Canary Islands without taking a flight.
The Spanish island chain is one of the most popular destinations for British holidaymakers. In 2024, approximately 6.3 million British visitors traveled to the Canary Islands, making them the UK’s most significant tourism market and accounting for over 40% of international arrivals.
And for good reason. The islands’ location off the northwest coast of Africa means they enjoy incredible year-round weather. The sun is almost always shining, and the landscape is a rich, dramatic mix of woodland, beaches, and mountains.
Those who try to limit the amount they fly or simply enjoy traveling a little more slowly may be surprised to hear that it’s possible to get from the UK to the Canary Islands without taking to the air.
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Byway has mapped out a route to the Canaries solely by train and ferry:
London to Paris via train: Journey time: 2 hrs 21 mins Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. Relax with a drink and a good book or film as you watch the British fields turn into the French countryside from your carriage window.
Paris to Nîmes via train: Journey time: 3 hrs 5 mins Take the train directly from Paris Gare de Lyon to Nîmes. Enjoy views of rolling French countryside as you make the journey south. Home to some of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world, Nîmes is often dubbed “the most Roman city outside of Italy.” Wander the picturesque streets before sitting down for a drink in one of the city’s beautiful squares.
Visit Les Arènes, a twin-tiered amphitheatre which is the best preserved of its kind in France. Over 2,000 years old, the arena once seated 24,000 spectators. Grab an audio guide to provide you with context as you explore the arena before viewing replicas of gladiators’ armour in the museum. Stay one night.
Nîmes to Madrid via train: Journey time: 6 hrs 50 mins Spain’s capital, Madrid, sits strategically at the centre of Iberia and is home to Europe’s largest palace, sprawling city parks, and a wealth of world-renowned museums and galleries. As the sun sets, the lively paseo weaves its way through the streets, and the city keeps going until sunrise. Stay two nights.
Madrid to Cádiz via train: Journey time: 4 hrs 37 mins Cádiz is an Andalusian port city surrounded almost entirely by water. The city is a maze of cobbled streets with Roman ruins and a thriving local food scene. Stay one night.
Cádiz to Arrecife via ferry: Journey time: from 12:30 pm to 4pm the following day Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, combines maritime destination charm with a laid-back island spirit. Stroll along its palm-lined promenades and golden beaches before discovering the lively harbour, historic fortresses, and colourful markets. At night, the waterfront comes alive with tapas bars and ocean views.
Byway offers the route as a package, which also includes the return journey, which takes roughly the same amount of time. The trip does cost just shy of £3,000, however, for that price, all travel is included along with accommodation for the duration of the 17 day trip.
Check out the Byway website for more details.