Once known to the ancient Romans as the Fortunate Islands, the Canary Islands were named after the large dogs (Canes) found living on the islands.
The Canary Islands is made up by 7 large islands, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. Together with their glorious weather, the islands offer a huge range of natural and man-made attractions which entice around 14 million visitors a year to their shores. There are vast volcanic craters, spectacular black beaches, ancient forests and crystal clear waters inhabited by whales and dolphins. The quieter islands are a paradise for nature lovers whilst the most popular islands provide action-packed resort areas with every conceivable form of facility and entertainment for foreign visitors.
The following major islands make up the Canary chain:
Gran Canaria - The largest island by population, its capital city (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) is also the capital of the Canaries. Green and steep in the north, dry and flat in the south.
Fuerteventura - windsurfer's mecca
Lanzarote - low lying and arid, with a spectacular volcanic landscape in the west of the island (National Park of Timanfaya). The capital is Arrecife and has its own airport (ACE code).
Tenerife - The biggest island of the Canaries. The Capital city is Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The island has two different airports. The highest mountain of Spain, El Teide. 3rd largest volcano in the world in extension. (Volcano 3718 meters high)
La Palma -
La Gomera - The Magic Isle - walker's paradise. Home to only remaining Laurisilva rain forest in northern Africa.
El Hierro - The edge of the world
Minor islands of note:
La Graciosa
Lobos
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