Canarische

Canarische is a Dutch adjectival form used to describe anything related to the Canary Islands (Islas Canarias), an autonomous community of Spain located in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa. The Canary Islands comprise seven major inhabited islands—Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro—with La Graciosa often included as part of the archipelago. Administratively, the islands are divided into two provinces: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

The origin of the name Canarias is debated. The common explanation links the term to the Latin name Canariae Insulae, used for the archipelago and sometimes translated as “Islands of the dogs.” Alternative theories refer to Guanche toponyms or to the historical presence of dogs on the islands.

In Dutch usage, Canarische is found in phrases such as Canarische Eilanden (the Canary Islands) or Canarische cultuur (Canarian culture). The archipelago lies off the coast of Africa and features a subtropical climate with mild temperatures year-round; climate and vegetation vary by island and altitude.

Economy is dominated by tourism, complemented by agriculture such as bananas and wine. The landscape ranges from volcanic terrain in Lanzarote and Tenerife to laurel forests in La Gomera. Notable cultural heritage includes two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Teide National Park on Tenerife (since 2007) and Garajonay National Park on La Gomera (since 1999).