Canary Islands
Canary Islands is a territory consisting of 13 volcanic islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, a thousand kilometers from mainland Spain and only 115 kilometers from the African coast. The Canary Islands are part of Spain, although today it has its own government, the Cabildo Insular. The six islands (Alegranza, La Graciosa, Lobos, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este and Roque del Oeste) are tiny scraps of land in the middle of the ocean and remain uninhabited. The geologically oldest are the three eastern islands closest to Africa: Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. They also have the longest coastline and the most beaches.
Video: Get a feel for the Canary Islands
” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” allowfullscreen> Contents- Highlights
- Climate and nature
- Population and tourism
- Which island will suit you best?
- History
- Activities
- Shopping
Nightlife - Festivals
- Holidays in the Canary Islands with children
Canary Islands Cuisine - Currency
- Safety
Customs and visas - Accommodation
- How to get there
- Interesting facts
Highlights
An interesting fact is that the Canary Islands have 2 administrative centers. One of them is Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the other is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, moreover, at intervals of 4 years, the center of cultural and political life in the region moves from one city to the other. There is a misconception that the archipelago was named after the canaries, the island’s original inhabitants. But this is not true, it is these cute singing birds that owe their name to the place where they live. In fact, the name Canary Islands appeared in honor of the dogs that lived here several hundred years ago. The descendants of Canary dogs, the Presa Canario (Canarian hunting dog) so popular in Spain, resemble mastiffs in appearance.
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People who want to enjoy the developed infrastructure will not be bored in the islands. The Canary Islands are a unique place where modern high-rise buildings and centuries-old buildings of various foundations of past eras are combined. The most architecturally rich area is one of the capitals of the autonomous region – Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Visiting cards of the city are the Museum of Painting and Sculpture, which houses the creations of famous artists and sculptors, as well as the Carta Palace and the Church of Concepcion.
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Despite the popular belief that it is always sunny in the Canaries, it is impossible to say that about all the islands. For example, it can be cold rain on La Gomera or La Palma and bright sunshine on Fuerteventura at the same time. The mountains of Gran Canaria and the mountain range of Tenerife make the climate in different parts of the Canary Islands very different. To feel comfortable in any part of the archipelago, travelers only need to remember 2 basic rules: the climate on the eastern islands is warmer and drier than on the western islands (Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are usually warmer than Gran Canaria); the southern shores of the islands are sunnier and warmer than the northern shores.
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The Canary Islands lie on the Northern Tropic, or Tropic of Cancer. The ocean at this parallel tends to be a little colder than one would expect from such subtropical latitudes. The Gulf Stream, which approaches the islands from the north, and the trade winds make the climate in the Canaries, at least at sea level, very warm. Average temperatures on the beaches range from +19°C in winter to +25°C in summer. However, many of the islands are very mountainous. Mount Teide on Tenerife is 3,718 meters high. This mountain is the highest not only in the Canaries, but also in the whole of Spain. Because of such a significant difference in altitude, the air temperature also fluctuates very sharply, not only between islands, but also within the same island.
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The combination of such a climate and unusual geological structure has resulted in the Canary Islands having a unique flora and fauna – even though they have absolutely no rivers. The isolation of the archipelago has contributed to the preservation of natural diversity. There are around 650 unique plants in the Canaries, making them one of the most important biological zones in the world, comparable in importance only to other archipelagos such as Hawaii and the Galapagos. Recognizing this fact and intending to preserve the natural wealth of the archipelago, the government enacted the Canary Islands Natural Zones Act, which created natural reserves and defined zones of natural monuments, protected landscapes and scientific interest. In these zones, human activity is drastically reduced. Such zones occupy about 36% of the archipelago.
.Population and tourism
In the second half of the twentieth century, the islanders learned to make excellent use of their natural resources – a magnificent climate and beautiful beaches that attracted tourists from Northern Europe. Tourism turned into a real business. The Canary Islands are annually visited by more than 12 million people, and most of them (about 9 million) vacation in Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Some areas of the islands, especially the southern coasts of Gran Canaria and Tenerife and to a lesser extent Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, have become real tourist areas. On the smaller islands, where there are no beaches suitable for mass exploitation, there are far fewer tourists. It would seem that with so many tourists in the Canary Islands should always be very crowded, but it is not so. Most of the guests of the archipelago rush to the large resorts – Playa de las Americas on Tenerife or Playa del Inglés on Gran Canaria. But if you add up all the areas occupied by tourists, it turns out that they make up only a small part of the total area of the islands.
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Which island will suit you best?
Tenerife is the largest island of the archipelago. There are quite a few interesting things to see here. Mount Teide looks very picturesque. Tourists can have fun on the island around the clock. Gran Canaria is no less interesting. On both islands there are many lively modern cities, with which neighbor quiet and ancient. Here you can admire the picturesque and stunningly beautiful scenery. There are plenty of resorts to suit all tastes, from the truly exuberant to the quiet and family-friendly.
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If wide, golden beaches appeal to you, the south coast of Gran Canaria is the place to go. Lanzarote will appeal to those who care about preserving the environment, but also enjoy the company of other tourists. Tourism development threatens to upset this delicate balance. For now, the island’s attractions, created by local artist Cesar Manrique (1919-1992), harmonize perfectly with resorts such as Puerto del Carmen. The island in general is very pretty, and the low white houses of the locals add to its charm.
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Fuerteventura elicits different opinions from tourists. It is truly a desert island – blown by all winds, sandy and lifeless. It is an oasis of peace and tranquility in the midst of our troubled world, as some believe, or a desert as others see it. Fuerteventura’s beaches are the best in the Canaries, and the resorts can cater for all needs. The island offers water sports, for which the coastline seems to have been created, although Fuerteventura has a lot to offer. Less famous small islands La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro can not boast spacious beaches, so there are fewer tourists. However, these islands are actively developing very fashionable today agritourism. There are no commercially interesting attractions on these three islands, but they are attractions in themselves.
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On the small islands there are not many hotels and restaurants worthy of attention (although there are enough for the guests of the island), music from discos and bars does not break the evening silence. There are gorgeous mountains waiting for you, and if you try hard enough, you can find a couple of nice beaches and completely relax. If this is your idea of a perfect vacation, then one of these small islands will be perfect for you.
However, most tourists only spend a day or two here. Traveling around the islands is not difficult at all. You may well rest in a luxury hotel in a major resort, and after a week to go for a couple of days on a quiet, untouched by civilization island. Travel independently, be ready for the unexpected – and very soon you will realize that the Canary Islands have much more to offer than just a year-round tan.
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History
https://trevaladvisor.com/img%img/Kanarskie-ostrovareterte/ushchele-barranko_de_fataga-na-ostrove-gran_kanariya.jpg” alt=””/>‘ History of the Canary Islands.Active vacations
In the temperate climate of the Canary Islands, almost all sports can be practiced all year round. Although water activities such as diving, surfing and sport fishing dominate, there are surprises too, from Canarian wrestling to parachuting.
Main article: Diving, surfing and other sports in the Canaries
Shopping
After Spain became part of the European Union in 1995, the duty-free status of the Canary Islands had to change. The islands still enjoy some tax exemptions, but from a tourist point of view real discounts have only remained on alcohol and local tobacco, despite the fact that Las Palmas has duty-free stores selling watches, jewelry, optics and electronics.
Hours of Operation
Shops and offices usually observe a daytime siesta and are open Mon-Sat 9am-1pm, then 4pm-8pm (Saturdays most often until lunchtime). But in tourist areas, many stores are open all day and close very late. Banks are usually open Mon-Fri from 9.00 to 14.00. Some are open on Saturdays. The post office is open Mon-Sat from 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.
.Best buys
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Traditional crafts in Tenerife include embroidery and lace making. A good souvenir will be tablecloths and cushions. Such items should be bought from reliable places, such as the Balcony House in La Orotava or its branches. Buying such souvenirs supports local handicrafts, but don’t expect discounts. If a product is cheap, it means it is mass-produced. Quality handicrafts can be bought at the Artenerife store behind the port in Nuerto de la Cruz and at Artesanas El Sol in Santa Cruz.
.A few days before your flight, buy a few strelitzias, the “birds of paradise” of the flower world. These same flowers can be bought at the airport. Prices for exotic plants in the Canary Islands are surprisingly low. Plants are packed in special boxes and it is very easy to transport them.
.Market
The market in the Canary Islands is always interesting. Prices here vary and traders can be talked into serious discounts. The biggest and most colorful markets are usually open on Sundays. The Sunday morning flea market by the harbor in Las Palmas is extremely attractive. You can come to the Nuestra Señora de Afrique market in Santa Cruz de Tenerife at any time. An excellent market opens on Fridays in Puerto de Mogán in Gran Canaria. On Lanzarote, the best Sunday crafts market operates in Teguise.
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Nightlife
Festivals
The folk music of the Canary Islands reminds us that the archipelago has always been a bridge between Spain and the New World. Most of all, Canarian music is reminiscent of South American music. To experience the local songs and dances, head to the “Canarian Village” in Las Palmas. Traditional festivals are organized on all the islands, most often on the day of the patron saints of the different cities.
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Carnival
Canarian Carnival lasts for ten days, usually from mid to late February – before Lent. Thousands of Canarians party heartily. Stores and offices close, young and old people in unusual costumes fill the streets and dance until morning to energetic Latin music. Costumes are chosen according to the theme. Stunningly beautiful carnival costumes are prepared for a whole year. Musical ensembles and dancers are placed on large platforms and paraded through the city. Tourists, too, often don masks and costumes and join in the general merriment.
.The largest and most fun carnival in Tenerife takes place in Santa Cruz and Puerto de la Cruz, and in Gran Canaria in Las Palmas. These carnivals are almost as big as the famous carnivals in Rio and New Orleans. Hotels during this period are crowded, so rooms should be booked in advance..
Feast of Corpus Christi
Read also: Holidays in the Canary Islands
Holidays in the Canary Islands with children
Museums
Kids don’t always like museums, but there are some in the Canaries that will appeal to them.
.Gran Canaria: children are fascinated by the Guanche skulls and mummies at the Canarian Museum in Las Palmas and the reconstruction of a Guanche village at the Mundo Aboriginal Park (open daily 9.00-18.00) near Maspalomas. Children also love the Elder Museum in Las Palmas.
.Tenerife: Guanche skulls and mummies can be seen at the Museum of Nature and Man in Santa Cruz. Also of interest to children is the Museum of Science and Space (open: Tues-Fri 9am-7pm), which is located in La Laguna.
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Animal and Plant Parks
Gran Canaria: Los Corralillos Park is located near Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas. It contains parrots, monkeys, deer and crocodiles (the popular Palmitos Park was badly damaged by fires in July 2007, information on its condition can be found at www.palmitospark.es).
Tenerife: Loro Parque, which is located in Puerto de la Cruz, has an aquarium, a dolphinarium where dolphins and sea lions perform. There are also many parrots kept here. In the park “Las Aguilas” (open: 10.00-16.30) in Los Cristianos eagle shows are organized. You can also see a variety of birds and animals. The park has a Jungle Raid obstacle course.
.Lanzarote: at the Las Pardelas Recreational Park, children will love the pet farm and donkey rides.
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Water and leisure parks
Gran Canaria: this is home to the largest Aquasur park in the Canary Islands (open: daily 10.00-18.00). Puerto Rico has another large park “Aquapark” (open: daily 10.00-18.30 in summer, 10.00-17.30 in winter).
Lanzarote: the best park on the island is Ocean Water Park (open: daily 10.00-18.00).
.Tenerife: the park with dolphinarium “Aqualand” (open: daily 10.00-18.00) is located on Costa Adeje.
.Fuerteventura: Baku Family Park, Corralejo (open: daily 10.00-18.00 in summer, 10.00-17.00 in winter).
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Cuisine of the Canary Islands
The traditional cuisine of the Canary Islands is one of the most unusual and delicious in Spain. It combines traditional Spanish recipes with various “interventions” of Latin American and African culinary traditions.
Canary Islanders like to eat a lot, so the cuisine here consists of caloric, nourishing and healthy ingredients.
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The Canary Islands know and love very tasty meat dishes. Here they serve many unparalleled meat stews, which include beef stew or several types of meat at once. One of the most popular meat dishes is carne de fiesta, made from well marinated pork.
.Canarians love various vegetable soups: zucchini, watercress or mixed vegetable soup. They also make a very thick soup that includes ingredients such as: beans, pork ribs, corn on the cob, herbs and cumin.
