There are seven islands in total: Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Palma, Gomer and Hierro along with a few very small ones: Alegranza, Graciosa, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este, Roque del Oeste and Lobos.
Although located within a very short distance of each other, all the islands are radically different in terms of landscape and culture.
There's Volcanoes, lush green rain forests, sand dunes, white sandy beaches, black volcanic beaches, tourist resorts, natural parks, nightlife, tradition and art that's all very very different depending on which Island you are on.
The Canary Islands also known as the "island of Dogs" are named after the large dogs (Canes) that were initially found living on the islands.
The Greeks and Romans called them the "Happy Islands" and the "Garden of Hesperides, Atlantida". Some historians believe that the islands" original population (Guanches) are from the legendary continent of Atlantis. Curiously, they are tall with white skin...
The Canary Islands became part of the Spanish kingdom in 1496. Christopher Columbus stopped here on his way to discover the "new world".
The islands belong to Spain although they are not part of the European Union. They avoid all European customs charges and have some of the best beaches in Europe.
Welcome to the Canaries!
