What are the Canary Islands? Do you know them? They composed of 7 islands and each with its own characteristics, some of them are of volcanic origin, resulting in incredible and picturesque beaches. Her proximity to the African coasts makes them a summer destination at any time of the year.
If you want to know more about what are the Canary Islands, what are their characteristics, their origin, know more about each of the islands ... read on. In this article we will tell you everything you need to know if you are looking for a unique tourist destination. Discover what are the Canary Islands for yourself.
Where are the Canary Island?
What are the Canary Islands? These islands are an archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean and make up a Spanish autonomous community. The Canary Islands are located in northwest Africa, near the coasts of Morocco and north of the Sahara.
Its coordinates are 27º 37 'and 29º 25' north latitude and 13º 20 'and 18º 10' west longitude. Due to this situation, the Canary Islands use Greenwich Mean Time (UTC ± 0) during the winter and another hour (UTC + 1) during the summer, one hour apart from the Spanish time.
The island of Fuerteventura, the closest to Africa, is located to 95 km from the African coast and the distance to the European continental mass of the archipelago is 940 km. The Canary Islands have historically been considered a bridge between three continents: Africa, America and Europe.
Which islands are the Canary Islands?
What are the Canary Islands? The islands are divided into two provinces: Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, which make up the province of Las Palmas; and El Hierro, La Gomera, La Palma and Tenerife, which create the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. If you still don’t know what are the Canary Islands, we make a brief description of each of them:
- Gran Canaria: it is the second most populated island. Tourism is the main economic activity of the island and its main tourist centers are San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Mogán. The island has a circular shape and it very mountainous, with an extension of 1,560'1 km². Among its mountains are the Roque Nublo and the Pico de las Nieves.
There are 33 protected areas on the island, such as the Tamadaba Natural Park and the Pilancones Natural Park. The most important golden and fine sand beaches are those of Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés or Las Canteras.
In Gran Canaria the most important Carnival celebrations of Spain and the world are celebrated and the world windsurfing competitions of the PWA.
- Tenerife: it is the most populated island and the one with the greatest extension. Due to its tourist importance, the municipalities of La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruzen in the north, and Arona and Adeje in the south stand out.
If there is something that Tenerife is known is for his climate, which is why it is called "the island of eternal spring". It is also known for its fine and dark volcanic sand beaches and for its various natural parks.
The most important protected natural area is El Teide National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. It is one of the most visited parks in the world, where the peak of Teide is located with 3,718 meters above sea level and representing the roof of Spain and the third largest volcano in the world.
- La Palma: it is as a whole Biosphere Reserve. The island has had recent volcanic activity, when in 1971 the Teneguía volcano erupted. It is known as the "beautiful island" for its exuberant vegetation.
At the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory of the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands there is the Great Telescope of Canary Islands, the largest optical telescope in the world.
- Lanzarote: it is the easternmost and the oldest island of the archipelago. Like La Palma, the entire island was declared a Biosphere Reserve. The Timanfaya volcano, which gives its name to the Timanfaya National Park, stands out.
- La Gomera: the second least populated island in the entire archipelago. In La Gomera is the Garajonay National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. The Silbo Gomero, a language based on whistles, was also declared a World Heritage. It is known as the "Colombian Island" because it is the last island that Christopher Columbus stepped on before sailing to America in 1492.
- El Hierro: is the smallest and least populated island of the archipelago. The whole island is a Biosphere Reserve and is known for its giant lizards. In the 18th century, people were traveled to the island by the healing waters of Pozo de Sabinosa. The island is also known for its seabed and diving centers.
- Fuerteventura: is the second largest island of the archipelago after Tenerife. The island was also declared in its entirety Biosphere Reserve.
This has been a brief summary about what are the Canary Islands. Keep reading to discover more.
What is the climate like on the Canary Islands?
What are the Canary Islands? What is her climate? The climate of the entire archipelago is tropical, with winter temperatures being softened by the action of the sea and in summer by the trade winds. This makes the Canary Islands a holiday destination during any time of the year. The mildness of its temperatures makes the islands a destination for water sports throughout the year.
The wind tends to blow more frequently in the northeast. The winds don’t leave precipitations, but they leave humidity, which makes the temperatures are mild. The east wind, known as sirocco, is accompanied by calima, that is, dust in suspension from the Sahara desert.
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What is the difference between the seven islands?
What are the Canary Islands? Apart from the differences between size and population density between the islands, there are differences in relief, flora and wildlife. In addition, the beaches aren’t the same in all the islands: there are black and fine sand, the result of volcanic activity, like Tenerife, and golden sand.
The vegetation varies between the orientation of the islands and the height of the same. In addition, the terrain also influences, since some islands are more rocky, others are argillaceous and others with volcanic terrain.
Regarding the temperature, saving some differences, the temperature is soft and stable in all the islands of the archipelago. Continue reading to know more about what are the Canary Islands.
What are the most popular destinations within the Canary Islands?
Continue reading to discover what are the Canary Islands and the most popular sites:
- Playa de Maspalomas: to the south of the island of Gran Canaria finds the sea of dunes of Maspalomas. These dunes flow into an incredible beach of fine golden sand of the most visited in Europe. Its climate makes it a perfect place to sunbathe and relax, being one of the most visited destinations for surfing and nudism.
- Playa del Inglés: in the south of the island of Gran Canaria, the kilometer-long beach starts in Maspalomas and ends in Playa del Inglés. This coast enjoys a mild climate all year round, being a perfect destination for sunbathing at any time of the year. This beach is perfect both for surfing and nudism.
- Los Cristianos: south of the island of Tenerife we find Los Cristianos beach, located in a small fishing village. The municipality offers shops, restaurants and other services. It is a perfect beach because of its good weather all year round and because of its gentle waves. In addition, you can enjoy the sights offered by small fishing boats.
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife: this city is the capital of the island of Tenerife. Strolling through its streets, enjoying its parks or the emblematic buildings has made the city one of the most visited destinations. You can go shopping in its bustling streets and then relax with a coffee in one of its wonderful terraces. It offers beautiful views of the most important port on the island.
- Playa Blanca: located in the south of the island of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is the perfect place for the rest of the family due to its calm atmosphere and its good temperature. The promenade, the old town or the marina offers a wide variety of restaurants and quality services where you can sit down to eat or shopping.
- Puerto del Carmen: located southeast of the island of Lanzarote, Puerto del Carmen is also traditionally known as La Tiñosa. It hosts a peaceful beach with a variety of hotels. The old fishing village is worth visiting. It is one of the most visited places due to its good climate and its coves and caves.
If you liked what you have read in this brief summary about what are the Canary Islands don’t stay with the desire to visit us and see for yourself how wonderful these islands are. The secrets offered by each of these islands are waiting for you to be discovered. From Villa Gran Canaria we will be happy to help you choose your destination and if you decide to visit the island of Gran Canaria we will offer you the best offer in luxury villas to spend a great vacation. But if you are looking for privacy and tranquillity on your next holiday, then you need a country houses. Imagine waking up every morning surrounded by nature and its sounds, as well as having the opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes of the island.
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