Canary Islands
From CruisersWiki
The Canaries
| Canaries | |
 Canaries | |
| File:Spain.gif Flag | |
| Capital: | Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Language: | Spanish |
| Currency: | Euro € |
| Time Zone | WET (UTC +0)
WEST (UTC +1 summer) |
| More notes about the country | |
Background
The islands are an autonomous region of the kingdom of Spain. There two theories on the derivation of the name: one is that it was the name of a north African tribe (the Canarii) and the other that it comes from the Latin term Insularia Canaria meaning Island of the Dogs. The islands were known to the Carthaginians and it is believed that they were found by he Carthaginian captain Hanno the Navigator in his voyage of exploration along the African coast. The Greeks knew about the island and called them the Hesperides. Archaeological excavations have found several Roman artifacts so it is established there was some trade with the Romans. In the late middle ages Europeans "discovered" the islands. The Spaniards conquered the island in the period between 1402 and 1496. They colonized the islands and cultivated them first with sugar cane and then with vineyards. In the 1500s the islands were an important stopping point in the trade routes with America, Africa, and India, and the port of Las Palmas became one of the most important ports of the Spanish Empire. They brought great prosperity to the island as evidenced by palaces and churches still remaining.
Today tourism is the main industry. This has led to overexploitation of the land and the destruction of many of the beautiful coastlines now covered by ugly concrete high-rise buildings.
The islands are outside European Union customs territory, though politically within the EU. That means that parts imported from Europe are subject to customs and considerable bureaucratic delays.
Climate & Weather
The climate of the Canaries can be mild and wet or very dry. It depends on the trade winds.
Charts
Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area.
Any navigation notes here.
Local Radio Nets
Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here.
Arrival/Departure procedures
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Immigration & Customs
Submit details about customs and immigration procedures here.
Visas
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Health & Security
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Islands in the Group
Ports & Popular Stops
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Cruiser's Friends
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References & Publications
Books, etc.
Links to CruiserLog Forum discussions
Links to discussions on the CruiserLog Forum
External Links
- Canary Islands (Wikipedia)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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