There are a lot of myths and legends surrounding the Canary Islands, with some even claiming that the islands are actually the lost nation of Atlantis. It is believed that the islands were first inhabited around 500 BC, but there are several theories about the origin of its early settlers. One of the widely accepted theories is that the natives of the Canary Islands, widely known as the Guanches, had originally come from the north of Africa, and that they are descendants of the Berbers. The Guanchos lived in mostly caves in large communities, which we can see from the primitive tools found in caves around the island. It is also believed that the Guanchos used stone to build small shelters, which they would cover with a roof made out of branches and leaves.
The Romans called the Canary Islands paradise islands and islands of happiness due to the beauty of the landscape. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Europeans forgot about the Canary Islands for nearly 1000 years, until the discovery of the islands by Mediterranean sailors at the onset of the XIV century. Over 30 thousand Guanchos on the islands had lived in relative peace, which changed drastically in the XIV century, when the Spanish sent ships to the island to gather slaves and fur. The beginning of the XV century saw the rapid process of the conquering of the islands and the peril of the natives in the hands of the Spanish.
In Gran Canaria, the Guanchos fiercely resisted the Spanish invasion, but in 1483 Pedro de Vera, leading the Spanish forces, finished off the conquering started by Juan Rejón five years earlier. Many of the Guanchos died, either being murdered or having committed suicide, instead of surrendering to the Spanish. The ones who survived, however, were taken in as slaves and were forced to convert to Christianity, but they would soon start dying out. This genocide over the Guanchos was covered up for a long time by the Spanish Kingdom.
Gran Canaria, along with all of the island of the Canary Islands Archipelago, still belongs to the Kingdom of Spain today. The language spoken on the island, as expected, is Spanish, and the indigenous people that once inhabited it no longer exist.
Tenerife is a magnificent island of volcanic origin that belongs to the Canary Islands. Often called the island of eternal spring, Tenerife is an ideal place for a year-round vacation. From the amazing volcanic beaches characterized by black sand, popular beaches such as Las Americas, to the endless Mount Teide with the highest peak in Spain - 3718 meters. It is easy to fall in love with this island.
Gran Canaria is surely one of the last remaining European Paradise islands, situated in the Atlantic Ocean, some 200km away from the coast of Africa. It is the third largest of the Canary Islands, neighbored by Fuerteventura and Tenerife. The capital, Las Palmas, is situated in the northeast of the island. Gran Canaria is the island of contrasts, bursting with culture, an unbelievably beautiful coast and spectacular sunny beaches, the perfect destination all year round. From its cold climate in the north, to the sunny south, this perfect holiday island has everything even the most demanding traveler would wish for: a great specter of climates, lush forests, exotic flora and fauna, volcanic craters, as well as a strange sediment of snow at the highest peaks.
Madrid is considered one of the largest cities in Europe with 3.2 million inhabitants, it is the third city in the European Union. It is located 665 meters above sea level, which makes it the city with highest altitude in Europe. It is located on the banks of the small river Manzanares, and northwest of the city rises the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain. Its climate is continental, winters are short and cold, usually without precipitation, while summers are very warm. Everyone has at least once wished to visit the capital of Spain, and that desire will become even greater and more pronounced through our written guide. Madrid is a modern city with an old soul. It houses over 2.000 monuments and 90 museums that tell the story of the history and art of this city. You will get to know the historical figures and the art scene that raised this city as it is today.
Barcelona is a beautiful city that can offer you numerous cultural experiences and amazing beaches that are only a few minutes walk from the city center. The architecture of Barcelona will delight you. Many great painters and artists have created in this city and their influence is evident today in Barcelona and around the world. Here we primarily mean Picasso and Miro. While on the beach you can try some of the best seafood the Mediterranean has to offer, and there are many great restaurants and bars offering tapas. Barcelona is the largest Mediterranean city with 1.7 million inhabitants.
Seville is the capital of the province of Andalusia in Spain. It is the main cultural center of Spain. About 700,000 inhabitants live in Seville and it is considered a metropolis, which is in 4th place, after Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. Today we call Seville the place where the popular bullfight takes place, Don Juan was born in Seville, the best Spanish tapas are eaten here and the most famous Spanish opera "The Barber of Seville" is watched, and visitors admire its beautiful Moorish architecture. Seville is one of the main commercial centers of Spain, but it is also an important seat of the diocese.
