Quck answer

The Canary Islands are a group of volcanic islands located off the northwest coast of Africa. They belong to Spain and are an autonomous community of the country. The archipelago consists of seven main islands: Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. The islands are known for their beautiful beaches, diverse landscapes, and mild climate, making them a popular tourist destination. The Canary Islands are situated in the Atlantic Ocean and are approximately 100 kilometers west of Morocco.

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How does the idea of spending a few days in a tropical paradise sound? Pretty appealing, right? Just imagine basking in the warm sun and falling asleep to the calming sounds of the ocean as you relax on the beach…yes, please!

If this sounds like your ideal getaway, then where should you go? If you’re looking for a recommendation, we’ve got one for you. How about a trip to the Canary Islands?

The Canary Islands are a group of eight islands located off the northwest coast of Africa. Despite being closer to Africa than Europe, the Canary Islands are actually part of Spain. With over 2 million residents, the Canary Islands are home to a vibrant community!

One interesting and unique fact about the Canary Islands is that they have not just one, but two capital cities: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Remember this tidbit of information, as it might come in handy during a trivia game someday! Santa Cruz de Tenerife, one of the capital cities, hosts the second most popular carnival in the world every February, attracting over a million visitors annually.

The Canary Islands were formed as a result of volcanic activity. The largest island, Tenerife, boasts Mount Teide, which is the world’s third largest volcano. This natural wonder attracts over 12 million visitors each year.

Tourism plays a vital role in the economy of the Canary Islands. The stunning beaches scattered across the islands are popular destinations for visitors, especially due to the islands’ proximity to the equator and their subtropical climate all year round.

However, the Canary Islands offer more than just beautiful beaches. They are also home to four national parks and a diverse range of fascinating wildlife. For example, if you go diving off the coast of the Canary Islands, you might catch a glimpse of the rare and endangered Loggerhead turtle.

You might be wondering how the Canary Islands got their name. Contrary to popular belief, they are not named after the small yellow bird known as the canary. Instead, the islands derive their name from the Latin phrase “Insula Canaria,” which means “Island of the Dogs.”

The ancient Romans, who were the first to visit the islands, bestowed this name upon them. Some historians speculate that the name originated from the fact that the original inhabitants of the islands worshipped dogs. Others believe that the “dogs” referred to were actually Monk Seals, which were referred to as “sea dogs” in Latin.

Give It a Try

Are you ready to explore the Canary Islands? We certainly are! So pack your bags, gather your friends or family members, and try out one or more of the activities listed below:

What to Do on a Trip to the Canary Islands

Are you curious about what activities you can enjoy on a trip to the Canary Islands? Take a moment to watch the Welcome to the Canary Islands tourism video online. It showcases some of the amazing things that make the Canary Islands an ideal vacation destination for the entire family. Take note of the activities that catch your interest and make a list of the things you would like to do during your visit to the Canary Islands.

Do you know where exactly the Canary Islands are located? Test your geography skills by going online and printing out a blank map of the Canary Islands. Use an online atlas as a resource to familiarize yourself with the geographical features of the Canary Islands. Try to identify and mark as many fascinating sites as possible, including the two capital cities!

Now, imagine that you were among the first explorers to set foot on one of the Canary Islands. What thoughts would have crossed your mind? Did you feel like you were stepping into a whole new world? What kind of wildlife did you encounter? Were you expecting to find a tropical paradise? Reflect on what you know about the Canary Islands and think about the sights you might have witnessed. Out of all the things you could have seen, what would have inspired you the most? If you had the chance, what alternative name would you have given to these islands?

Wonder Sources

• http://www.canaryadvisor.com/wild-canary.html (accessed 25 July 2020)
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canary_Islands (accessed 25 July 2020)
• http://www.touropia.com/facts-about-the-canary-islands/ (accessed 25 July 2020)
• http://traveltips.usatoday.com/canary-islands-facts-21395.html (accessed 25 July 2020)