The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the northwestern coast of Africa. Comprised of 7 main islands - Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro, the archipelago is geographically part of Africa but politically and culturally European.
Tenerife, boasting the highest peak in Spain, Mount Teide, is the largest and most populous island of the archipelago. The Canary Islands are known for their year-round warm climate, diverse landscapes, beautiful beaches, and vibrant coastal towns. These factors attract millions of tourists each year, making tourism a vital part of the islands' economy.
The islands are also home to several national parks and protected areas, such as the Teide National Park in Tenerife and the Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Canary Islands are famous for their unique flora and fauna, with several species that are found nowhere else in the world.
In addition to tourism, the economy of the Canary Islands also relies on agriculture, with bananas and tomatoes as main crops. The islands are also known for their unique culture and traditions, which include music, dances, and festivals, influenced by Spanish, African, and Latin American cultures. Despite being part of Spain, the Canary Islands have autonomous status, with their own government and parliament. The capital is shared by two cities: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.