About Canary Islands
 
Geography and Location

• The Canary Islands lie about 100 km (62 miles) northwest of Africa, near Morocco, and form the southernmost region of Spain.
• The archipelago has seven main islands: Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro; plus smaller islands like La Graciosa.
• The islands are volcanic in origin, rising from the ocean floor; Tenerife's Mount Teide is the highest peak at 3,718 meters (12,198 feet), the tallest in Spain.
• The geography varies greatly with some western islands being lush and forested due to moist winds, while eastern islands like Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are arid and desert-like.
• The islands' climate is subtropical, with mild temperatures year-round and low rainfall, especially on the eastern islands.

Economy

• The Canary Islands have an economy valued around 54 billion euros, contributing 3.6% to Spain's GDP.
• Tourism is the dominant sector, encompassing trade, transport, hotels, restaurants, and leisure activities, making up nearly 39% of GDP.
• Exports of goods are minimal, with a focus on energy products; tourism services exports are significant, with foreign tourists spending over 23 billion euros annually.
• The public sector plays a key role in the economy, though manufacturing is less important compared to mainland Spain.
• The economy is resilient with steady GDP growth forecasted, driven mainly by tourism and domestic consumption.

Tourism and Attractions

• The islands are a major European tourist destination, famous for their beaches, natural parks, and mild climate.
• Gran Canaria's Maspalomas and Tenerife's Playa de las Américas are top beach destinations.
• Lanzarote and La Palma are UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, featuring volcanic landscapes and unique ecological protection.
• The islands offer excellent conditions for astronomical observation due to low light pollution and clear skies.
• Festivals like the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria are major cultural events attracting visitors.

Culture

• The culture is predominantly Spanish with indigenous Guanche influences evident in traditional sports, language elements, and festivities.
• Unique traditions include lucha canaria (a form of wrestling), juego del palo (stick fighting), and the whistled language Silbo Gomero, used historically for communication across ravines.
• Canary Islands Day is celebrated on May 30, commemorating regional autonomy.
• Carnival is the most famous festival, celebrated across all islands with distinctive local traditions.

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