About the Canary Islands

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Basic Intro to the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands can be found in the Atlantic Ocean. Although closer to the NW coastline of Africa, the Canaries are a group of 7 larger islands plus a number of smaller islands belonging to Spain. Their nearest mainland neighbour is Morocco. Despite the fact of Spanish ownership they enjoy an autonomous existence and the 2 cities of Santa Cruz on Tenerife and Las Palmas on Gran Canaria share the role of capital city of the islands. La Laguna on Tenerife is considered the third city of the group and is a World Heritage Site. The province of Las Palmas is comprised of Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura whilst the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is comprised of Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma and Hierro. Although the islands share a similar overall climate, in presentation and aspect they differ dramatically from one another. The visitor to the islands can find lush vegetation, arid volcanic deserts, green hillsides, deep gorges and sandy seashores.

The islands are of volcanic origin (but without recent activity!) and are the highest points of a volcanic range of mountains rising from the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. The 7 main islands of the group are: Tenerife (capital city Santa Cruz de Tenerife), Gran Canaria (capital city Las Palmas), Lanzarote (capital city Arrecife), La Palma ( capital city Santa Cruz de La Palma), La Gomera (capital city San Sebastian), El Hierro (capital city Valverde) and Fuerteventura (capital city Puerto del Rosario)

Interestingly, the origin of the name,' Canary Islands', has no association with the birds of the same name. It is more likely to come from the Latin word for dogs, 'Canaria'. Apparently, there was an indigenous breed of dogs that were characteristically large and aggressive. Their image is still to be found in the islands' heraldic motifs. The indigenous population of the islands were known as the Guanches. Their potential for commercial exploitation was recognised by the early Middle Ages as Spanish adventurers enslaved the inhabitants and looted the islands of the orchids from which valuable dyes were made. By the end of the 15th century the islands were under the control of Castile and they became an important link in the commercial chain stretching between Europe, Africa and the Americas.

Although filled with popular tourist resorts, away from these centres there are great areas of unpoiled and spectacular beauty with a wealth of widlife. The islands are home to 4 of Spain's national nature reserves reflecting their importance in this respect. One of these, the volcanic crater of Mount Teide (the third highest volcano in the world), on Lanzarote together with the Taburiento crater (the world's largest) on La Palma were designated as national reserves in 1954. Timanfay Park, on Lanzarote, was also declared a national reserve some 20 years later and it's dramatic volcanic landscape enjoys global protection by UNESCO, with its status as a 'Reserve of the Biosphere'. Gomera is home to the 4th national reserve, the Parque Nacional de Garajonay.

The wildlife of the islands is diverse, reflecting the variey of habitats to be found. Amongst the bird population can be found sandgrouse, canaries, graja, chaffinches,goldcrests, firecrests, pigeons, swifts and bustards. Ground-bound creatures include geckos, lizards, shrews and hedgehogs. In the seas around, the Loggerhead Turtle can be found together with a variety of sharks, fish, jellyfish, crabs, sea urchins, starfish and coral.

The climate of the islands is without parallel, in tourist terms, with year round sunshine and a miniscule amount of rain. It's appeal is around the year with no time being the 'wrong time' for a visit. The tropical climate is without real extremes, the coolest months generally being January and February in the mid 70's and August at the hottest with temperatures around the mid 90s but at their extreme rarely exceeding 105 degrees. The different islands do tend to have slightly different weather patterns due in part to physical and geographical differences, with those being closer to Africa having the warmer winds and even less rainfall.

Almost as an afterthought, the unique position of the islands and the clarity of the air has created the perfect location for giant telescopes and foremost amongst these is the Toque de los Muchachos (on La Palma) where the Grantecan telescope can be found.

The economy of the island group is fundamentally based on tourism but there is also a healthy industry in the growing and export of agricultural products like tomatoes, cochineal, grapes, oranges, figs, apricots, peaches, potatoes, dates and almonds amongst others. At the same time there has been a boom in building, supporting the exploding tourist needs and activities. For the tourists, the islands are a shoppers' paradise with bargain prices to be found on all manner of goods from electronic items, watches and drinks to exotic craft items from Africa. If sport is what you're interested in then there is sea fishing, diving and swmming; on land there are opportunities for ball games, riding, shooting, golf and local sports activities.

When hunger strikes the visitor can enjoy the tastes of traditional Canary Island cuisine. Sample and enjoy the numerous varieties of fish served with traditionally salty 'papas arrugadas' and a spicy mojo sauce. Alternatively try watercress stew, sancocho canario or conejo en salmorejo (rabbit in salmorejo). Enjoy the fruits ( including avocados and papayas ), the vegetable that grow in abundance in the islands and the tradtional sweets such as tirijalas, frangollo or bienmesabes. All of which will go down very well with a selection of local wines and liqueurs. For the smokers there is a treat to be savoured in the shape of cigars made from the locally grown tobacco.

Physically, the islands differ from one another quite dramatically:

Tenerife, triangular in shape, is the largest and within its own shores are mountains and verdant valleys. On its coast is the capital Santa Cruz and its busy commercial port surrounded by the steep lower slopes of the Anaga Mountains. It's here that vistors can see La Condelaria Square and offical building such as El Cabildo Insular and the Carta Palace. Here also is the church of La Concepcion and that of San Francisco. Other places to visit on the island should include La Laguna, in the Aguere valley, Mount las Mercedes, La Orotova, La Cuestra de la Villa and the Hermitage of El Calvario; not forgetting Puerto de la Cruz, the Martianez beach and tourist complex; Los Realejos and the 15th century Santiago parish church; Garachico, once the most important port on the island; Los Cristianos with its golden sand and clear water; Arico, Fasnia and Guimar, 3 pretty little villages; Candelaria, where pilgrims go to see the throne of the Virgin of La Candelaria; and, of course, Playa de las Americas, Santiago del Reide and Tacoronte.

Gran Canaria, with its landscape of dramatic mountains riven by deep ravines, is the third largest island of the group. Its scenery ranges from sand and desert to high mountain greenery with, it seems, everything in between. The largest city of the island group, Las Palmas, is here on this island. The airport attracts flights from European, African and American cities. Although a modern, vibrant city peace and quiet can still be found in the old area of Vegueta. Amongst the many places to visit are, Telde, the beach of Las Canteras, Melenara, Tejeda, Ingenio, San Bartolome de Tirijana, Aguimes, Arinaga, San Agustin, Playa del Ingles, Maspalomas, Arucas, Teror, Guia, Galdar and Agaete.

La Palma has the world's largest known crater, La Cadera de Taburiente which is a national park. There is an observation platform at La Cumbrecita. Also visit the island's capital, Santa Cruz de la Palma, an important port on the eastern side of the island. Other 'must see' places are, Los Llanos de Ariadne, Tazacorte, Puerto de Naos, Fuencaliente, Mazo, Brena Baja, San Andres y Sauces and Cueva Bonitas.

Gomera, smaller and with a population of just over 17000, is round in shape and densely wooded. A fascinating aspect of the island's culture is the 'whistle' language that the islanders use to communicate with one another from mountainside to mountainside. Its harbour and captital Is San Sebastian, which is also where the Conde de la Gomera Parador is to be found. You will also enjoy seeing, Hermigua, the Cedar Forest, Vallehermoso, Playa Santiago and Valle Gran Rey.

Hierro is another triangular island and is the most smallest and westerly of the group. Its capital is Valverde, little more than a village and with fewer than 4000 inhabitants. It's on this island that holidays of peace and tranquility can be found. Visits should include Frontera, Sabinosa, La Restinga, El Tamaduste, Tinor and Malpaso.

Fuerteventura enjoys the longest coastline of the island group and is different in that the landscape is gentler, with low valleys and rolling plains. Outstanding beaches, fishing and clear waters are the island's major attractions.

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