This paradisiacal group of islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa, boasts a benevolent climates and almost constant temperatures throughout the year. One of the principal features of the islands are the wonderful beaches of fine sand that reflects the volcanic origin of these islands and belies its violent origin.
The group of islands consists of 7 large islands (Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Palma, Gomera, Hierro) and a few smaller ones (Alegranza, Graciosa, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este, Roque del Oeste and Lobos). One of the most distinctive features of its composition is that the landscape of each island is radically different to the others.
Since time immemorial the Canary Islands have formed the basis of popular mythology. The Greeks and Romans knew of their existence and reported an archipelago of volcanic origins calling them the Happy Islands, Garden of the Hesperides and Atlantida. Some historians and occasional dreamers locate the legendary continent Atlantis here. The islands' original population, a tall, handsome race that was probably formed by immigrants from the European mainland were called Guanches.
 In 1496 the islands became part of the Spanish kingdom, and the ships of Christopher Columbus stopped here on their travel to discover the New World.
Climate
The Canary Islands experience an almost eternal springtime. Temperatures between the seasons vary only some 6º C, the monthly average temperatures ranging from 18º to 24º C. Being very close to the African coast the islands' climate is best described as subtropical. The hugely varied landscape, with high mountains covered by snow located close to golden sun-kissed beaches, is an additional attraction. Water temperature varies from 22º C in summer to 19º C in winter).
The islands of La Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria sometimes experience tropical rains from time to time. Fuerteventura and Lanzarote can be very dry and there is normally a guarantee of sunshine almost without interruption with ideal bathing conditions through all the year. The character of the population is influenced by this favored climate as well. The people from the Canary Islands are famous for their friendliness and hospitality. Being lucky enough to have immersed themselves in the islands’ ambience, this can also be said about the many foreigners who spend the winter-months here.
Gastronomy
The cuisine of Canary Islands combines traditional Spanish recipes with African and Latin American influences. There is a huge variety of recipes that reflect the abundance of the local harvest and make good and varied use of fish, fruits and vegetables.
A very simple and well-known recipe is Papas Arrugadas, potatoes boilt in salt-water without peeling them and served with Mojo, a hot sauce of oil, garlic, chili-peppers and paprika. Each chef de cuisine keeps the recipe of his concoction jealously guarded. This is wildly important as these famous sauces are an indispensable component of many typical regional dishes such as Mojo Cochino, a ragout of pork.
If you like fish, you will feel in paradise here. Among the most typical regional recipes are Caldereta and Sancocho Canario, salted fish in a Mojo sauce. There is also a wide variety of international recipes of fish and sea-food.
 Among vegetarian dishes Potaje de Berros, a hot-pot of chick-peas, is perhaps best known. Gofio is a sort of bread, prepared after a very old Guanche recipe. It is typically served with Morcillas Dulces, "sweet blood sausage" which is prepared with grapes, raisins and almonds. Several of the islands have a typical cheese-speciality of their own, best known are the smoked cheese of La Palma and Flor de Guía of Gran Canaria.
Exotic fruits are the base of several excellent desserts and sweets. In particular, the Platanos Fritos, or fried bananas, are in great demand.
Among the islands' wines we would recommend Malvasía from Lanzarote and the red-wines of Hierro, La Palma as well as the Taraconte from Tenerife. Another of the islands' alcoholic specialities is its incomparable Honey-Rum.
Más información: http://www.turismodecanarias.com
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Last Updated ( lunes, 24 marzo 2008 )
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