MSC Cruises Brings Betancuria Closer to Cruisers

This Wednesday the initiative was presented with the support of the Government of the Canary Islands.

MSC Musica, the cruise ship positioned in the archipelago by the line, will offer a collection of exclusive excursions that will bring from its ports of call to the “four most beautiful Canary towns” recognized by the association for their beauty, authenticity, and heritage value: Garachico (Tenerife), Betancuria (Fuerteventura), Teguise (Lanzarote) and Tejeda (Gran Canaria).

The program launches in the 2025/2026 winter season across the Canary Islands with MSC Musica and aims to promote a responsible tourism model that highlights the cultural, scenic, gastronomic and social wealth of the archipelago, spurring economic development in rural communities and preserving their identity.

The agreement was officially signed this morning at the Canary Islands Government headquarters in Madrid, in the presence of:

• Francisco Mestre, president of the association Los Pueblos más Bonitos de España
• Héctor Mateo Castañeyra, Director General of Infrastructure, Sustainability and Tourist Quality of the Canary Islands Government
• Fernando Pacheco, General Director of MSC Cruises in Spain
• Juan Francisco Perera, regional president of the southern zone and mayor of Tejeda (Gran Canaria)

“With this initiative we bring the soul of the Canaries to our travelers and reinforce our commitment to a more balanced, sustainable tourism model that is connected to the environment. The Canaries are, without doubt, a strategic destination for MSC Cruises, both for their tourism value and for their role in de‑seasonalising the sector,” said Fernando Pacheco, General Director of MSC Cruises in Spain.

A Joint Commitment with the Canary Islands

For years, the Los Pueblos más Bonitos de España association has worked closely with municipalities to conserve, promote and revitalize unique sites, introducing travelers to places of incalculable cultural, heritage and tourism value beyond the typical sun‑and‑beach zones.

This project strengthens MSC Cruises’ presence in the archipelago, cementing the Canaries as a key destination in the company’s national and international itineraries.

During the 2025/2026 winter season, MSC Musica will sail the Canary Islands with a differentiated approach, linking the main ports to towns recognized within the Los Pueblos más Bonitos network through specially designed excursions.

Passengers will experience the essence of the archipelago in a more authentic and intimate way: tasting local cuisine, taking part in artisan workshops, attending cultural demonstrations, and enjoying direct contact with local communities.

The line has also confirmed that for the 2026/2027 season MSC Cruises will continue its commitment to the Canary Islands, repeating the itinerary for a third consecutive year.

Responsible Tourism

The Los Pueblos Más Bonitos de Canarias proposal has been developed under responsible‑tourism criteria, prioritising collaboration with local providers, reducing environmental impact, and generating economic and social value for the participating communities.

• Excursions will be led by local experts, ensuring a personalised, environmentally‑respectful experience aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals promoted by the company.

MSC Cruises also offers cruise‑plus‑flight packages for mainland travelers seeking a more convenient journey. Passengers can embark from Madrid, Barcelona, Alicante, Bilbao, Málaga, and Sevilla to reach the Canary Islands.