The Canary Islands are one of the regions that have some interesting and unique facts. It is famously searched on the internet as an island that is named after dogs, and here's why.
The name of the Canary Islands comes from the Latin phrase Canariae Insulae, which means “Islands of Dogs", reflecting the presence of a large number of dogs on the islands.
Interestingly, the birds we call canaries were later named after the islands, not the other way around.
Explaining the origins of the island's name
The Canary Islands have a Latin root. It is from the Roman term known as "Canariae Insulae", which translates directly to “Islands of Dogs", as it is described as the islands that have a large number of dogs.
The coat of arms of the Canary Islands features two dogs, a nod to this origin.
People often ask the question about why it became dogs and not birds. Many assume the Canary Islands were named after the small yellow songbirds. However, some facts show that the birds were named after the islands.
For the Canary Islands, historical records suggest that upon the arrival of the Romans or at the time other explorers arrived there, they encountered a large pack of dogs which were considered to be the guardians and symbols of loyalty.
Where are the Canary Islands located?
The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago which can be found off the northwest coast of Africa. It consists of seven main islands which include Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro.
The Canary Islands are famous for beaches, volcanoes, and mild climates. The highest point of the island is Mount Teide in Tenerife. It was originally inhabited by the Guanches (indigenous Berber-descended people) before the Spanish conquest in the 15th century.
The Canary Islands are an autonomous community of Spain with two capitals, which are Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
What makes the islands unique?
The Canary Islands consist of national parks, including Teide National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also features biosphere reserves, striking volcanic terrain, golden sand dunes, beaches, lush forests and hiking trails.