Are Canary Islands in Africa or Europe?

The nearest island is 108 km off the northwest African mainland contrasting with the maximum distance within the archipielago which is 485 km. Geographically the islands are part of the African continent but from a historical, economical, political and socio-cultural point of view, the Canarias are completely European.



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Tenerife has been part of Spain since 1496. Tenerife is also a province of Spain and is therefore part of the European Union and belongs therefore to Europe. Tenerife is part of the most southerly islands of Europe very close to the western side of Africa.

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Spain is a transcontinental state, which holds sovereignty over some places in North Africa, including the Canarian Archipelago. These are remnants of its past as a colonial empire, which encompassed at its peak possessions in Europe, America, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

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However, they actually are in the EU as they're a part of Spain, and come under EU laws. But, their situation can be quite confusing. While the Canary Island are a part of Spain, and indeed controlled by the Spanish central government, we also have our own political management as well.

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Tenerife belongs politically to Spain and it is not in Africa because it is located outseide of the african continent. Fuerteventura is the closest island to Africa, situated at only a 100 km distance from the coast of Morocco.

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Tenerife has been part of Spain since 1496. Tenerife is also a province of Spain and is therefore part of the European Union and belongs therefore to Europe. Tenerife is part of the most southerly islands of Europe very close to the western side of Africa.

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The Schengen Area includes the Atlantic islands belonging to Spain and Portugal, such as the Canaries (Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa) and Madeira. However, most overseas regions and territories are not part of the Schengen Area.

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As a part of Spain, the Canaries are also part of the European Union. However, the islands enjoy some exceptions in the fiscal and economic area.

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The Canary Islands are the southernmost region of Spain, and the largest and most populous archipelago of Macaronesia. Because of their location, the Canary Islands have historically been considered a link between the four continents of Africa, North America, South America, and Europe.

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Lanzarote is a small island in the Atlantic Ocean. Although geographically it is a part of the African continent, located around 80 miles off the northwest coast of Africa, very near Morocco, it is a European territory and part of the European Union.

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Tenerife being part of Spain, allows you to use your iD plan inclusive EU roaming feature, which lets you roam like at home in 50 destinations throughout the EU, EEA and beyond.

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Of the 27 EU member states, 23 participate in the Schengen Area. Of the four EU members that are not part of the Schengen Area, three—Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania—are legally obligated to join the area in the future; Ireland maintains an opt-out, and instead operates its own visa policy.

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The crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean around Tenerife and the Canary Islands are internationally known for their quality and temperatures of 70 degrees. Filled with a rich diversity of marine life, the island is an undersea paradise for experienced or first time divers.

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French and Portuguese forces occupied several of the islands, but they were handed over to the Spanish in a treaty in the 15th century, and the Spanish would have control of all the islands by the time the 16th century rolled around, using them as their base for their explorations to the west - a key moment in the ...

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As in the rest of Spain, in the Canary Islands the official language is Spanish. However, as in the majority of countries, there are many people who speak English, the second most spoken language, and many people also understand German.

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It has long been a favourite destination for British holidaymakers – a haven of sunshine and relaxation whose affable climate offers easy escapes from the worst of the winter. And it seems that our affair with Tenerife shows no sign of fizzling out.

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Tenerife has earned that status for many Brits. The Spanish island has a great deal to offer and has appealed to multiple generations of UK nationals. Traditions have been built around the place, and many visits are all but written in the stars.

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