Curiosities of the Canary Islands
Did you know that?
The name “Canary Islands” comes from the wild dogs called canes that were found on the islands, according to some theories.
The island of El Hierro is the smallest, and the first in the world to obtain a geopark certificate from UNESCO.
In La Gomera, the silbo gomero is a traditional whistled language that has been declared a World Heritage Site.
La Palma is home to the Roque de los Muchachos, one of the best places on the planet for astronomical observation.
Lobos Island owes its name to the sea lions that inhabited it, although today there are no sea lions on the island.
The Orchilla lighthouse on El Hierro was the first geographical meridian until it was moved to Greenwich in 1884.
The island of La Graciosa is the only one of the Canary Islands that does not have paved roads.
The Canary Islands were pioneers in having specific legislation to protect whales.
In 2014, El Hierro became the first island in the world to be supplied entirely with renewable energy.
The Canary Islands have been pioneers in the use of desalination plants to obtain drinking water, ensuring the supply in arid regions.