The Geography of Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands

The Origin of the Canary Islands
The most accepted theory explaining the origin of the islands is that which considers them the result of a series of volcanic eruptions, which originated from the depths of the sea. As a consequence of the special characteristics of their origin and the presence of volcanic activity more or less sustained in time, the topographical relief of the majority of the islands is defined by a great altitude from which numerous ravines spread. In the same way, the coasts are usually steep, with cliffs, especially on the western islands. On the eastern islands, there are low coasts and beaches. From this you can appreciate the geography of the Canaries is rugged and varied.

The Canary Islands Climate
The climatic features of the Canaries derive from a series of factors, which should be taken into account. First, the islands are situated in sub-tropical latitudes from which the constant influences of several high pressures or anticyclones - especially those in the Azores - are manifested with good weather. It affects not only the economic activities such as agriculture but also the Canarian lifestyle. Available water is found in large quantities underground, in the subterranean pools formed during the passage of time. This shortage has made rainwater be greatly exploited with craft methods such as tanks and wells, and with huge dams. Another method developed during the last decades is the desalinisation of sea water.

The Canarian Flora and Fauna
The Canarian vegetation is characterised by some species that in remote times flowered in regions of the Mediterranean bowl more than 10,000 years ago. It was then, when the cold weather ended, with these species in those areas being confined to the Canary Islands and other Macaronesic regions. The fauna in this ecosystem is characterized by a great number of species, especially insects which can be observed in abundance in spring. As well as mammals such as rabbits you will find birds such as the vencejo and correcaminos or andorifia. Among the reptiles, we should mention lizards, which are present in abundance.

The Settlement
The geological structure of the archipelago determined, up to a point, the general use of the cave as a dwelling in the aboriginal society except on the eastern islands, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. On these islands, the shortage of natural caves created another way of housing defined by the use of volcanic tubes. This type of dwelling was called deep houses (casa hondas) whose inside could be divided in several compartments or rooms.

But these settlements were in consequence, not only of, geographic location but also because there were other factors directly related to the possibility of obtaining resources, the amplitude of the cave, its location in the sunny slopes and its distance from the streambed of the ravine.

Together with the natural cave, the artificial cave was also used. The highest concentration of this type of dwelling is found on Gran Canaria although it can also be found on Fuerteventura - Montaña La Muda, El Castillejo or La Frontera - and on Tenerife, La Cueva de los Reyes. The floor of this cave is a little oval, cruciform or quadrangular and is provided with some minor rooms with cupboards or shelves and underground stores. Besides, they had perforations like skylights that allowed the air and light to enter. In some of these caves, such as Cueva Pintada or la Furnia in Gáldar, Gran Canaria, remains of paintings with geometric images decorating the walls have been found.

In addition, there is a kind of surface dwelling particularly on Gran Canaria. This type of building, with stores and without plaster, was adapted to the irregularities of the ground. These buildings became virtually villages and generally had a circular or oval floor or occasionally quadrangular. Since ancient times the climate has been the most outstanding attribute of the islands. It has been described as perpetual springtime. The Greeks called the islands the 'Fortunate Islands'. The fame of the Canaries as a travel destination began in the 18th century when Europeans began to visit the volcanic landscapes. The fame of the islands grew as a place of rest. The islands are currently one of the top destinations for European tourism, welcoming more than 8 million visitors a year. 50% of visitors to the islands return at some point.