Where is Canary Islands Located? Spain

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: November 24, 2025, 11:58 ET

The Canary Islands are an archipelago located off the northwest coast of Africa. They are an autonomous community of Spain and are situated in the Atlantic Ocean. The Canary Islands are geographically part of the African continent, but politically and administratively, they belong to Spain

Location Map of Canary Islands, Spain

Where is Canary Islands located About Map: Map showing Where is Canary Islands, Spain located in the Map.

About Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a group of volcanic islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the northwest coast of Africa. Here are some key facts about the Canary Islands.

Geography: The archipelago consists of seven main islands: Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. In addition, there are several smaller islands and islets. The islands are of volcanic origin, and their landscapes vary from lush forests to arid desert-like areas.

Autonomous Community: The Canary Islands are an autonomous community of Spain. Each island has its own local government, and the archipelago as a whole has a degree of self-governance within the Spanish state.

Climate: The Canary Islands have a subtropical climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers. They are often referred to as the "Islands of Eternal Spring" due to their pleasant and mild weather throughout the year.

Tourism: The Canary Islands are a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors annually. The islands offer a diverse range of attractions, including beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, nature reserves, water sports, and vibrant nightlife.

Natural Beauty: Each of the Canary Islands has its own unique natural beauty. For example, Tenerife is home to Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lanzarote is known for its volcanic landscapes and unique architecture created by local artist César Manrique.

Cultural Heritage: The Canary Islands have a rich cultural heritage influenced by the indigenous Guanche people, Spanish colonization, and African and Latin American influences. The islands host various festivals, traditional music and dance, and delicious local cuisine.

Biodiversity: The Canary Islands are home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, many of which are unique to the archipelago. Several areas on the islands are protected as national parks or biosphere reserves to preserve their natural ecosystems.

Overall, the Canary Islands offer a combination of natural beauty, pleasant climate, cultural richness, and recreational activities that make them a popular destination for tourists from around the world.

Canary Islands Facts, Spain

Region NameCanary Islands (Islas Canarias)
Region / TypeAutonomous Community and Archipelago
Capital CitiesSanta Cruz de Tenerife & Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Co-capitals)
CountrySpain
LocationLocated in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa, near Morocco and Western Sahara.
Coordinates28.2916° N, 16.6291° W
Latitude~28.29° N
Longitude~16.62° W
ElevationHighest point: Mount Teide, 12,188 ft (3,718 m)
Established / FoundedOfficial incorporation into Spain in 1496
Incorporated as Autonomous Community1982
Founded ByIndigenous Guanches (original inhabitants), later colonized by Castile
Population (2023 Estimate)~2.2 million
Population Density (per sq mi)Approx. 840
Area (Sq mi)~2,893 sq mi (7,493 km²)
Official LanguageSpanish (Canarian dialect)
DemonymCanarian (Canario/Canaria)
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Time ZoneWET (UTC+0) / WEST (UTC+1 DST)
Postal Code Range35000–38999
Area Code+34
Government TypeAutonomous Parliamentary Government under the Kingdom of Spain
Main IndustriesTourism - Agriculture (Bananas, Tomatoes, Grapes) - Renewable Energy - Shipping - Volcanology Research
Major HighwaysTF-1 (Tenerife) - GC-1 (Gran Canaria) - Multiple regional express routes
Rail / Tram ServiceTenerife Tram (Tranvía de Tenerife) - Proposed rail network expansion
Major AirportsTenerife North Airport (TFN) - Tenerife South Airport (TFS) - Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) - Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera Airports
ClimateSubtropical / Mild Oceanic
Average Annual Temperature70°F (21°C)
Famous ForBeaches - Volcanic Landscapes - Mount Teide - Carnival Celebrations - Tourism - Biodiversity
Top Places to VisitMount Teide National Park - Maspalomas Dunes - Timanfaya National Park - Loro Parque - Teide Observatory
Sports TeamsUD Las Palmas (Football) - CD Tenerife (Football) - Local surfing, watersports, and basketball clubs
Sister Regions / CitiesVarious Latin American and European partnerships
Nearest Major CitiesCasablanca (650 mi) - Madrid (1,100 mi) - Lisbon (850 mi)
Motto"Océanos de Vida" (Unofficial: known as “The Eternal Spring Islands”)
Websitehttps://www.gobiernodecanarias.org