From the sandy beaches to the rugged mountains.
Beaches and rough mountains alike contribute to the Canary Islands' reputation for breathtaking scenery. Hiking is a great way to see the islands because there are trails for every skill level. Gran Canaria is home to the Roque Nublo rock formation, whereas Tenerife is where you'll find Spain's tallest mountain, Mount Teide. The Los Organos cliffs are a stunning natural attraction on the island of La Gomera. The towering rock formations on the north coast of the island were given the moniker "organ pipes" because of their resemblance to organ pipes. El Hierro's southernmost volcanic cone, La Restinga, is a popular spot for scuba diving and water sports thanks to its picture-perfect beaches and pristine waters.
The cultures of Spain, Portugal, and Africa have all left their mark on the Canary Islands' long and interesting past. Gran Canaria's Casa de Colón, where Christopher Columbus once lived, and Gáldar's Cueva Pintada Museum, which displays pre-Hispanic cave drawings, are just two examples of the museums and historic locations where island history can be studied. Cesar Manrique was an influential artist, architect, and environmental activist who left his mark on the Canary Islands and the island of Lanzarote, where he was born. Or even the Portuguese author José Saramago, who was forced into exile on the island of Lanzarote because his writing was deemed too politically controversial.
The Canary Islands are famous for their year-round celebrations and colourful festivities. Carnival, held in February or March, is the largest celebration and is celebrated with parades, music, and dance. Tenerife's Fiestas de Mayo take place between the 21st and 30th of May and honour the island's patron saint; Gran Canaria's Fiesta de la Rama takes place on the 4th of August and honours the Lady of Las Nieves.
Canarian food is a fusion of Spanish, African, and Latin American flavours; it's typically quite simple, and it makes good use of the fresh produce and meats available on the islands. Popular meals include the wrinkly potato dish Papas Arrugadas, the garlicky and spicy Mojo sauce, and the rice dish Gofio (a flour made from roasted grains). Local cheeses like queso fresco and queso de cabra, as well as fresh seafood like octopus and grilled fish, are also available for sampling (goat cheese).
The Aperitif is a social event where people eat light snacks and sip wine in the early afternoon. The point of an aperitif is to kick back with some good company and unwind. The typical group size is between three and five members. A minority of Canarians, though, lean towards larger gatherings.
While many people on the Canary Islands are fluent in English, visitors who make an attempt to communicate with them in Spanish are always appreciated. Learning even a few words of the language, such as "hola," "gracias," "por favour," and "adiós," will help you interact with the locals and immerse yourself in their culture without the need to be proficient.
Experience the local culture by trying the food, seeing the sights, reading about the history, dancing at the festivals, and speaking the language. Doing all of these things and more will give you an authentic experience of island life and provide you with memories that will last a lifetime.
