Sometimes called “the Hawaii of Europe,” the Canaries are remarkably similar to the famous Hawaiian Islands. Both possess beautiful beaches, a subtropical environment, lush rain forests, historical sites and a unique cultural identity. Of course, the major difference between the two is location. They lie on opposite sides of the globe, with Hawaii situated in the central Pacific Ocean and the Canary Islands lying in the Atlantic off the northwest coast of Africa. Both are volcanic archipelagos with year-round sunshine and long histories as popular travel destinations, although it took the Spanish Canaries longer to develop their global reputation. The British and Europeans discovered them decades before the chain’s many endowments – natural and otherwise – became known to people worldwide. Today, the islands welcome millions of visitors a year, knowing that they can count on reliable weather and an abundance of interesting things to see and do. Like the Hawaiian Islands, the Canaries were formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, hence their geographic similarities: a mix of mountain peaks, volcanic cones, fertile valleys and verdant forests. The islands also boast great stretches of beautiful sand beaches, together with dramatic cliffs and rocky coastlines. As a group, there are eight main islands and several islets that, collectively, are an autonomous region within the nation of Spain. Prior to Spain’s conquest of the islands in the 15th century, a rich history had already been shaped. The seeds of it were originally laid by an indigenous north African population that first settled the archipelago around the first millennium BC. They were later followed by the arrival of European explorers and traders from France, Portugal and beyond. The multiple mix of different cultural backgrounds continued to flourish over the centuries, producing the Canaries’ unique identity and character, qualities that helped stoke the islands’ reputation as a big-league player among world travel destinations. The melting pot that exists there today is revealed through various cultural traditions: cuisine, arts, festivals, music, museums and more. Overall, there is much about this beautiful chain of islands that makes it an attractive winter escape for many. In fact, recent statistics show a rising number of Canadian snowbirds opting for long-term stays there – especially during February and March. While each of the eight primary islands shares the commonality of abundant beaches, stunning volcanic landscapes and lush forests, each singularly possesses its own distinctive personality and attractions. Excellent flight and ferry links make island-hopping easy for both visitors and long-stay snowbirds, who can settle on one island with easy access to all others. Island by island, here is a glimpse of what this beautiful, “winter sun” destination has to offer. CSANews | WINTER 2025 | 15 Travel
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