Amazing facts about the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a group of the most famous islands in Spain.

In fact, this archipelago actually has a lot to offer its visitors.

But there are some facts that must be known about this archipelago to make the picture clearer, so follow us.

Amazing facts about the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands have two capitals.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria are located on the two largest islands and together share the status of capital of the archipelago.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is also home to the second most famous and exciting festival in the world, attracting over a million tourists every February.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Canary Islands (Isle of Dogs)

When you think of the name “Canary Islands,” small yellow birds are usually what comes to mind.

However, the name “Canary Islands” Canary Islands "Derived from the Latin term" Canary Island ", which means "Isle of Dogs".

It is believed that these “dogs” were actually a type of seal, which in Latin they call “sea dogs.”

Currently, these animals are critically endangered and no longer exist in.

However, legend has it that the indigenous people of the island used to worship dogs, sometimes mummifying them and treating them as sacred animals.

Isle of Dogs

The Canary Islands are closer to Africa than to the European continent.

The Canary Islands are located off the northwest coast. For Africa It is much closer to the equator than mainland Spain.

The archipelago consists of seven large islands and several smaller ones, all of which are volcanic in origin.

Including; Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and the islands of La Graciosa, Alegranza, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este, Roque del Oeste and Isla de Lobos.

lanzarote island beach

Mount Teide is the third largest volcano in the world.

The mountain is located in Tenerife Island One of the Canary Islands and the most populous island in Spain, it is a major tourist destination, with 3 million visitors annually.

The volcanic nature of the islands has created a number of “natural beaches” with beautiful black sand or sand that gives some of its beaches a distinctive appearance.

Mount Teide in Tenerife

Its climate is semi-tropical.

The Canary Islands have warm weather all year round.

With hot, long days in the summer, and noticeably cooler days in the winter, but still relatively warm.

The climate of the Canary Islands is subtropical.

Lucha Canaria, Canary Wrestling

The most popular and well-known sport in the archipelago is canary wrestling, which comes from the indigenous inhabitants of the islands.

The sport is believed to have originated around 1420, but only some of its rules and techniques have survived into modern times.

Later, the sport became part of the island's folklore, usually played at local celebrations or festivals.

It is said to be one of the oldest forms of wrestling ever.

You can still find matches taking place in some of the island cities today.

Canary wrestling

traditional food

Food is a very important part of Canary Islands culture, and there are some delicious dishes with amusing names such as “mojo” – a sauce that may be orange, red or green depending on its ingredients.

This sauce is full of garlic and can be quite spicy, and is referred to as mojo bacon.

It usually consists of oil, vinegar, salt, red pepper, thyme, oregano, coriander, and many other spices.

Another typical Canarian food is called “ropa vieja” which means “old clothes” – a dish of chicken and beef mixed with potatoes and chickpeas.

Traditional canary food

Home of the endangered loggerhead turtle

If you go snorkeling in the islands of this archipelago, and you are lucky enough, you will see the largest hard-shelled turtles in the world.

They are endangered loggerhead turtles.

Adult males are about three feet tall and live 47-67 years.

loggerhead turtles

Thai Water Paradise

South of Tenerife is where you will find “the most amazing water park in Europe” – Siam Park.

The stunning €52 million water park incorporates many Thai motifs and designs in its rides, park buildings and restaurants.

The park contains 25 buildings, which form the largest collection of Thai-style buildings outside of Thailand.

It was inaugurated by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand.

Thai Paradise Water Park