Canary Islands

The Canarian archipelago

The Canaries are well known to the thousands of tourists from all over the world that visit these varied islands every year. In fact tourists have been coming to the islands ever since Columbus arrived here before setting sail to discover the New World and yachts are still leaving Canarian marinas to sail across the Atlantic. Today tourist can relax and enjoy the fabulous climate in a safe and modern environment whilst only being a short flight away from northern Europe.

The islands revenue is generated from silk and linen work, fishing and agriculture but the largest industry is tourism. The ever increasing number of yachts either based in the islands or just visiting marinas is also a booming industry. The archipelago is an autonomous region of Spain and is divided into two provinces of Gran Canaria, consisting of the islands Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura; and Tenerife consisting of the islands of Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro. Mainland Spain is often referred to as "The Peninsula".

The Canarian archipelago is made up of seven major islands and numerous smaller islands and rocks lying just off the African coast and just north of the Tropic of Cancer. The total land area is about 7300 sq km, with the island of Tenerife being the largest. Fuerteventura is the second largest and the closest to Morocco at a distance of just over than 60 miles. The islands were once thought to be part of the African continent, and their appearance today is due to a period of intense volcanic activity. But don't worry the last volcanic eruption was on the island of La Palma in 1971.

The average daytime temperature on the islands range from 20˚C in January to 30˚C in August hence the islands being known as the land of eternal Spring. Temperatures during the summer months can rise substantially particularly during "Sirrocos" when the winds come from the Sahara desert. Usually temperatures are softened by the trade winds that refresh the archipelago serving it with pleasant mild summers. The temperature can also be a lot cooler at greater heights and El Teide is frequently capped with snow. Mount Teide is Spain's highest peak at 3717m. The northeast trades are predominant between April and October, and the least rain is found between June and September. The sea is pleasantly warm with temperatures fluctuating between 18˚C in the winter months and 22 ˚C during the rest of the year. This, together with the estimated annual rate of 2,700 hours of sunlight in Gran Canaria allow you to make the most of the day, whether you are on the beach, playing a sport, on a day trip or enjoying an outdoor activity.

All the Canary Islands have good, well sheltered marinas which are protected from the prevailing northerly winds. Some marinas can be exposed though when the wind shifts round to the south. Yacht charter is also popular and more marinas and companies chartering yachts are relalising the benefits of the all round summer climate of the Canary Islands.

The indigenous flora is a mixture from southern Europe and Africa, many fruits and vegetables are grown and exported including coffee, bananas, sugar, dates, avocados, grapes and potatoes. Wild life is scarce but the islands are famous for the bird life found here. More than 200 different species are to be found many of which breed in the archipelago. Some are unique to the islands such as the Canary (named after the islands).

 Although Spain is a member of the EU the Canaries are not, but the currency is the same as Spain which is in the Euro. The principle language is Spanish. The islands use UT (GMT) with daylight saving (+1 Hour) from late March until late October.

Useful Links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canary_Islands Wikipedia Islands info

http://www.grancanaria.com/patronato_turismo/Welcome.283.0.html Gran Canaria Tourist info