The Canary Islands are a Spanish territory off the west coast of Africa, consisting of seven different islands. About 12 million people visit the Canary Islands each year, with Teide National Park in Tenerife being the main attraction. One can easily waste away a week or more lounging around the beaches and enjoying the year round spring-like weather, but other options abound for any traveler. Visiting the highest mountain in Spain and third largest volcano in the world or the other three national parks and Unesco World Heritage Sites are a good way to mix in some adventure activity with lying around on the idyllic beaches of the Canary Islands.
Quick Facts
Capital: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Population: 2,098,593
Size: 7447 square km
Power Outlets: 220V, 50Hz
Official Languages: Spanish
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: GMT +1
Calling Code: +34
Weather: The Canary Islands are said to have a year round Spring like feel, making them popular destinations year round, even when it’s a little chillier in the winter months of December to March. The mean temperatures in the winter is 18C (64F) and in the summer is 24C (75F). Summer temperatures can reach up to the mid 30s C.
Cost and Budgeting in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are cheaper than most other western European destinations. Accommodations can be found for much less as well, along with food, car rental, and taxi services. Flying between islands can add quite a bit to your budget though. If you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat out for all meals, including one nice meal per day, while also hiring a car, expect to spend around 100Euros/person. You can find cheap Tenerife holidays with great savings if you book early.
History of the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands have a long history. The settlement of the islands is unclear, but historians do know that Phoenicians, Greeks, and Carthaginians all visited the islands over 2000 years ago. Arabs used the islands in the Middle Ages, and in 1402, Castilian conquest began. They cultivated sugar cane and wine, making the Canary Islands a very wealthy resource. This wealth meant they were attacked often. The 19th century saw a recession and a lot of emigration to the new world. In the early 20th century, the archipelago was split into two provinces, and hostility remains even to this day. At the beginning of the Spanish revolution, Francisco Franco was appointed General Commandment of the Canaries. After the democratic constitutional monarchy was established, autonomy was granted to the Canaries in 1982.
Culture of the Canary Islands
The majority of the population of the Canary Islands is made up of Spanish immigrants. Many have been there for a very long time, and many are new immigrants. Out of the 2.1 million people who live in the Canaries, 1.5 are native. There are about 180,000 people from the Spanish mainland, while other Europeans, both North and South Americans, and Africans make up the rest of the population. The dominant religion is Roman Catholic, but you will also find a small sampling of Protestants, Muslims, Hindus, and Mormons on the islands.
Things to See and Do in the Canary Islands
Any string of islands is going to have wonderful beaches, where the variety of activities is endless. The seven islands of the Canaries are no different, with the island of Tenerife being most popular, followed by Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Tenerife is the most populous island and has the largest cities, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and San Critobal de La Laguna (also a World Heritage Site). Lanzarote has the best nightlife scene.
Diving/Snorkeling: Scuba diving and underwater photography has become increasingly popular as of late. There are approximately 400 different marine species in the warm waters surrounding the islands. Even in shallow waters scuba divers, snorkelers, and swimmers can enjoy a huge variety of shapes, colors and sizes. The most popular dive sites and snorkeling locations are located in the Arinaga Marine Reserve on the east coast of Gran Canaria.
National Parks: The thing that makes the Canary Islands unique are its four national parks, two of which have been declared Unesco World Heritage Sites.
The Caldera de Traburiente National Park: Located on the island of La Palma, it has an observatory close to the summit of the mountain, complete with telescopes to take advantage of the notoriously clear skies around the islands.
Garajonay National Park: Also a World Heritage Site, it is located on the island of La Gomera. The park is popular for its massive and unique rock formations and subtropical forests.
Timanfaya National Park: Located in Lanzarote, it is made up entirely of volcanic soil. Tourists come to see geysers and other volcanic attractions. The park is very delicate, and access is strictly regulated to protect the flora and fauna.
Teide National Park and World Heritage Site: Located in Tenerife, it is the most popular tourist destination in all of the Canary Islands. The park is centered around Mouth Teide and has telescopes midway up the mountain. Teide draws nearly 3 million travelers annually and is second only to Mount Fuji in Japan for tourists visiting lava landscapes.
Geography
The Canary Islands are split into two groups. The western group of islands has mountain peaks rising from the ocean floor. All western islands rise over 1200 meters (4000 ft.), with Mount Teide marking the highest point at 3700 meters (12,200 feet). The eastern group surmounts a single submarine plateau. The entire string of islands was formed by volcanic eruptions.
