Get to know a bit more about the amazing Canary Islands
What is the first word that comes into your mind when you think about the Canary Islands?
I am pretty sure your thoughts are related to palm trees and the 3S (sea, sand, sun) 😊 but, let’s take a moment to learn a bit more about this beautiful archipelago.
Geography
The Canary Islands is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, south-west of Spain, north-west of Africa. Even if geographically, they are in Africa, politically, are part of Spain. Because of their location, they have always been an important station for navigation between Europe, America and, Asia.
The canaries are divided in two provinces:
- Western islands (La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, El Hierro) belong to Tenerife province
- Eastern ones (Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Lobos Island, and the islets of the Chinijo archipelago) belong to Las Palmas province.
The Canaries have a subtropical climate with an average temperature between 19ºC and 25ºC. So you are welcome to enjoy this incredible weather 365 days a year.
Short History
Most people think that the archipelago was named after the birds. Surprisingly, it’s the other way around, the chirpy canary bird name comes from the Canary Islands.
The one of the islands comes from the Latin term for the island ¨Canariae Insulae¨, meaning ¨Island of the Dogs¨.
So there are two theories about how they got their name:
- From the multitude of wild dogs living on the islands (even if there is no evidence about it)
- Because of the monk seals called ¨sea dogs¨
The Canary Islands were known to the ancient Romans and Greeks. But, they never grabbed the attention of Europeans until they began to sail across the Atlantic to the Americas.
Here, on the islands, was the last stopping point for the exploration of Christopher Columbus before venturing into the unknown. For the next several centuries, the archipelago became a bridge between the Old and the New World.
Spain granted to the Canaries the statute of Autonomy on 10th, August 1982.
The first autonomous elections took place on May 30th, 1983. Locals celebrate ¨Canary Islands Day¨ each year, on May 30th.
In the mid-19th century, Las Palmas and Tenerife became two of the world’s busiest ports. From that time, they received free port status (which lowered the duties and trade barriers.)
The local government got interested in developing tourism and began to improve the basic infrastructure of island facilities.
There are numerous places where you can learn more about the history of the Canary Islands. For example, El Risco Caído (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Cueva Pintada, Cenobio Valerón, Canary Museum in Gran Canaria, the Archaeological Museums of La Gomera and Tenerife. The one from Tenerife has a fascinating collection of Guanche mummies.
Culture
The Canary Islands offer a range of cultural options to explore, such as the monumental site at San Cristóbal de La Laguna (which has received the designation of World Heritage by UNESCO), the work of César Manrique in Lanzarote and so on.
If you’re going to visit the islands in February, you’ll also be able to enjoy the spectacular Carnival. The most famous are the ones from Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Each of the islands that make up the Canarian archipelago has its own identity.
Therefore, when we talk about the Canarian culture, we talk about diversity, cultural wealth, and foreign influences.
Beyond the touristic places, the emblematic monuments, the beautiful historical sites, or the work of artists who have left their mark, it is important to discover also the folklore festivals which define the Canarian character.
Friendly and open, the Canarian people will always make you feel at home.
The best places to learn more about the canary music influences are Timple House Museum (Casa Museo del Timple), from Lanzarote, or the Néstor Álamo Museum, in Gran Canaria.
Nature
The Canary Islands are best known for their excellent weather year-round. This kind of weather makes them an unrivaled sun and sea destination, particularly for Europeans seeking a little warmth in the depths of winter.
Fortunately, Canaries have more than 500 beaches of all types and colors for all. You only have to choose which one best suits your plan and forget about everything else.
Wild nature is another of the main treasures of the Canaries, as it has a wide and varied diversity of natural spaces. Paradisaical beaches, crystal clear water, volcanoes, wild forests make up one of the most valuable ecosystems in the world.
If you didn’t know yet, five of its seven islands are declared a Biosphere Reserve. The canaries are also perfect for hiking lovers. The laurel forests are their favorite places.
Laurel forests (Laurisilva) are founded in humid subtropical forests and are composed of several laurel tree species, lichens, heathers, vines, etc.
Thanks to the ¨blanket of clouds¨, the humidity generated is beneficial for the laurel forest, as it causes the soils to be soaked and drip continuously.
Such magical forests you can find in Anaga (Tenerife) or Garajonay Park (La Gomera), and they are a few remaining in the world from the Tertiary Period.
The archipelago is one of the best places on the planet for stargazing due to its clear skies. You can find two of the most important international observatories in the world in La Palma and Tenerife: Roque de Los Muchachos Astrophysical Observatory and the Teide Observatory.
Gastronomy
Canarian cuisine is known for the fusion of elements and a pronounced contrast of flavors. It combines traditional Spanish recipes with African and Latin-American influences.
The basis of Canarian cuisine is a variety of fresh vegetables, fruit, and fish, generally light meals.
Gastronomy is an important part of the Canarian identity, culture, and day-to-day life.
Their mild temperatures, the volcanic origin, and the artisanal elaboration mean that many of the products of their gastronomy are under Protected Designation of Origin (D.O.P. – Denominación de Origen Protegida). Some archipelago wines and cheese are recognized worldwide.
The cultures that have left their mark on the islands are very diverse. As a result, you can appreciate it in most of its typical dishes, such as wrinkled potatoes (papas arrugadas) with the sauce mojo picón. Another of the star products, presented in many recipes, is gofio. Gofio is made from toasted cereals, such as corn and wheat.
Useful info:
Currency: Euro
Local Time: They share the same local time GMT + 0 with countries like the United Kingdom or Ireland and only one hour less than the rest of Spain and countries such as France, Germany, or Poland (GMT +1)
Language: Spanish (in tourist areas is easy to find people who speak English, German, and other languages)
Tipping: is not required but is recommended if you feel the service was good or to round the bill and give the waiter the change.
Documents: If you are an European Union. member, you need your identity card only but, if you are not from the E.U., you need a valid passport and a visa
Travel between the islands:
- By plane: The archipelago has eight airports that connect all the islands. There are frequent departures throughout the day and the flight time is less than one hour. (Airlines: Binter, CanaryFly)
- By boat: It is cheaper, but it will take more time. (Ferry & Boat: Fred Olsen, Naviera Armas)
- Excursions: There are organized excursions by boat or sailboat that depart in the morning and return in the evening.
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