The Canary Islands are an autonomous community of Spain, not a separate country; they consist of seven main islands off northwestern Africa.
Are the Canary Islands still part of Spain?
The Canary Islands are an autonomous community of Spain, meaning they’re fully part of the country while handling their own affairs in areas like tourism and local governance.
Spain has controlled the islands since the 1400s, and they send representatives to the national parliament. Their setup is similar to other Spanish regions—think Catalonia or the Balearics—but with extra financial freedoms because of their location.
How many islands make up the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands consist of seven main islands—Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro—plus a handful of smaller islets.
These islands split into two provinces: Las Palmas (Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote) and Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro). Together they cover about 7,493 km²—roughly the size of Connecticut.
Do the Canary Islands count as Africa?
Geographically, the Canary Islands belong to Africa, sitting just 100 km west of Morocco and Western Sahara, yet politically they’re Spanish—and therefore part of the EU.
That split personality shows up everywhere. The climate swings from subtropical coastlines to arid interiors, and the culture mixes Spanish traditions with North African flavors. They’re often lumped in with Macaronesia, a group of Atlantic islands that includes the Azores and Madeira.
Are the Canary Islands considered Europe?
The Canary Islands are part of the European Union, thanks to their Spanish status, but they skip some EU rules like VAT and certain farming subsidies.
They use the euro and fall under EU free-movement deals, so travelers from Schengen countries breeze in without passport checks. Just don’t expect full customs union perks—duty-free shopping is still a thing here.
What language do they speak in the Canary Islands?
The official language is Spanish, with a distinct Canarian dialect, overseen by the Real Academia Española and the Academia Canaria de la Lengua.
Expect quirky local words like “guagua” for bus (from the old Guanche language) and a habit of dropping final “-s” sounds. Tourist spots usually have English or German speakers, but Spanish is a must if you wander off the beaten path.
Can you drink the water in the Canary Islands?
Yes, tap water in the Canary Islands is safe to drink and meets strict EU standards.
Still, volcanic soil can make it taste salty or mineral-heavy. Most locals and visitors stick to bottled water for flavor. On drier islands like Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, desalination plants help keep the taps flowing.
Why are Canary Islands not in EU?
The Canary Islands are in the EU; the confusion comes from their “outermost region” status, which lets them dodge certain EU policies.
That arrangement slashes VAT on things like gas and alcohol, drawing bargain hunters. It also keeps them outside the EU customs union, so duty-free shopping stays alive.
Can you go to Canary Island?
Yes, you can visit the Canary Islands if you’re coming from the EU, Schengen Zone, or countries that have travel deals with Spain.
No visa needed for up to 90 days for Americans, Brits, Canadians, Australians, and plenty of others. Direct flights from Europe land constantly in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote.
What are the Canary Islands famous for?
The Canary Islands are famous for year-round sunshine, volcanic landscapes, and adventure sports like paragliding and scuba diving.
Throw in Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (the world’s second-biggest after Rio), UNESCO sites such as Garajonay National Park, and local wines like Listán Negro, and you’ve got a winter getaway Europeans adore.
Can you see Africa from Lanzarote?
No, you cannot see Africa from Lanzarote with the naked eye; the island sits about 100 km from the African coast.
On exceptionally clear days, Morocco might appear as a faint smudge on the horizon, but it’s never sharp. To reach Africa, you’ll need a ferry or a flight.
What do you call someone from the Canary Islands?
Someone from the Canary Islands is called a Canary Islander or Canarian, a label tied to the islands’ indigenous Guanche roots and Spanish settlers.
The word “Canarian” covers both people and culture, from traditional tunes like “isa” and “folía” to the islands’ 2.2 million residents (as of 2026).
Are the Canary Islands safe?
The Canary Islands are generally safe; violent crime is rare, though pickpocketing pops up in tourist zones.
A little common sense goes a long way—lock up valuables and avoid empty streets after dark. Popular spots like Playa del Inglés and Puerto de la Cruz have dedicated tourist police keeping an eye on things.
Why are they called Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands were named after dogs, not birds; the Latin “Insula Canaria” means “Island of the Dogs,” thanks to giant canines spotted by early Roman explorers.
The name goes back centuries, possibly tied to the now-lost Canary Islands wolf, a cousin of the African golden wolf. The bright yellow birds—canaries—got their name from the islands because they were exported from Gran Canaria.
Are the Canary Islands expensive?
The Canary Islands are affordable for EU travelers but can sting non-EU visitors with pricier flights.
Daily costs for food and lodging run lower than mainland Spain or northern Europe, yet imported goods and car rentals can add up. Savvy travelers cut corners by staying in local guesthouses and hopping on buses instead of renting wheels.
Is Tenerife in the EU 2021?
Yes, Tenerife—and the whole Canary Islands—have been in the EU since Spain joined in 1986, with the same rights as any other Spanish region.
That means EU citizenship perks for residents and access to EU funding. Just remember: they’re outside the VAT zone, so duty-free deals still apply.
