One of the most iconic sailing ships in the world has arrived in Tenerife, and the public will have the rare chance to step aboard for free over the next three days.

The legendary Italian Navy training ship, the Amerigo Vespucci, often described as “the most beautiful ship in the world”, is currently docked at the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and will remain on the island until Monday 26th May.

Its arrival has already attracted huge attention in the capital, with Tenerife becoming the vessel’s final stop before it crosses the Atlantic on its way to Canada and the United States.

Nearly 100 years at sea

The Amerigo Vespucci is one of the most famous ships in maritime history and remains the oldest active vessel in the Italian Navy. Built in Castellammare di Stabia near Naples, the ship officially entered service as a naval training vessel in 1931.

Now approaching its 95th anniversary, the ship has spent decades training cadets from the Italian Naval Academy while taking part in international missions around the world.

One of its most memorable moments came during the 1960 Rome Olympics, when it transported the Olympic flame by sea from Greece to Italy.

How it earned its famous nickname

The ship’s reputation as “the most beautiful ship in the world” is said to have started during a meeting at sea with a US aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean.

According to naval tradition, the American crew asked over the radio which vessel they were looking at. After hearing the reply — “Training ship Amerigo Vespucci of the Italian Navy” — the response reportedly came back: “You are the most beautiful ship in the world.”

The nickname has stayed with the vessel ever since.

Free visiting times in Santa Cruz

The ship is moored at the Dársena de Los Llanos in Santa Cruz harbour and will be open to the public free of charge, with no advance booking required.

Visitors can simply turn up, although entry will depend on capacity at the time. Crew members will also be on hand to answer questions and explain the ship’s history.

Opening times are:

• Friday 23rd May: 2:00pm to 5:30pm
• Saturday 24th May: 2:00pm to 6:30pm
• Sunday 25th May: 10:00am to 12:00pm and 2:00pm to 6:30pm

Last entry will be approximately 30 minutes before closing time.

A rare sight in Tenerife

It is not often that Tenerife welcomes a vessel with such international historical importance. Beyond its naval role, the Amerigo Vespucci has also become a floating ambassador for Italian culture, diplomacy and environmental initiatives linked to UNESCO values.

For a few days only, residents and tourists in Tenerife have the chance to experience a genuine piece of maritime history up close, a floating legend that has sailed the world’s oceans for almost a century.