About The Canary Islands - the Fortunate Isles

The Canary Islands are made up of seven large and six small islands in the Atlantic, which combine European and African influences. Situated just 60 miles off the north coast of Africa, the Canaries are known as the Fortunate Isles. Enjoying mild temperatures throughout the year, the Canary Islands attract visitors from all over the world.

The diverse landscape of the Canaries includes green and tropical vegetation, mountains and desert dunes and tourist tower blocks sit beside whitewashed houses and a wealth of flora and fauna.

The main and largest Canary Islands include: Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Gomera and La Palma, and were created from volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. Hot African winds from the Sahara create desert-like conditions on Lanzarote and Fuerteventura and volcanic peaks create cooler conditions elsewhere.

Steeped in history, Plato thought the islands were the remains of the lost continent of Atlantis, and the first explorers to the islands returned with huge, wild dogs, hence the name ´Canarias´ after ´Canis´ the Latin word for dogs.

When Spanish invaders attempted to take the islands in the 15th Century, they met fierce resistance from the original inhabitants, the Guanche cave dwellers, who were not beaten until 1496. Mostly made up of farmers and shepherds, the Guanche people were known for their strong physical features and were generally tall, fair haired and light skinned. Once the Spanish had taken the Canary Islands, the Guanche were absorbed into the local culture, and traces of the original tribesmen still exist in the form of cave paintings and leather artefacts.

Agriculture was the main industry on the Canary Islands and fresh fruit and vegetables are exported all over the world. During the 19th Century, sugar cane and muscatel wine and the cochineal insect bought fame to the Canary Islands. The natural dye obtained from the insects was used widely in the UK and France before artificial colourings were commonplace. The Canary Islands also export bananas, tobacco and tomatoes across Europe.

Wealthy holidaymakers from northern Europe started to spend winters in the Canaries and over 6 million tourists now visit the islands each year.
One of Spain´s 17 autonomous communities, the islands have been split into two provinces since 1926 and there is a healthy rivalry between Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Fuerteventura is a dry and arid land and Lanzarote has a wealth of volcanic scenery. Each island has its own council and the group of islands has its own parliament.
With a combination of cultures influencing the local Canarian cuisine, Gofio is a paste made of flour, water and milk and Sancocho is fresh fish cooked with sweet potatoes. Spices are also used widely including paprika, coriander and pepper. Mojo picon is a hot seasoning made with peppers and potatoes boiled in their skins and spiced are a popular snack. Stuffed mackerel is another favourite, along with roasted goat and wild boar.

The warm climate of the islands allows farmers to grow mangoes, papayas and mainly, bananas, and cured cheese is also served widely in bars and restaurants.
Most workers in the Canaries make their living from farming, fishing and producing handicrafts, plus working at various jobs in the modern resort developments. Spanish is the main spoken language and the accent is similar to that of South America. Folk music is also popular and tourists can find folk groups performing in most hotels and restaurants.

If you are planning to visit the Canary Islands, as in most parts of Spain, most shops and businesses close between 2pm and 5pm for siesta, except for the bars and restaurants which mainly open all day.