Is Tenerife closer to Africa or Spain?

It was the last of the Canary Islands to fall to Spain in 1496 and subsequently became an important trading centre. Although part of the European Union, the Canary Islands are physically closer to Africa, with Tenerife lying just 300km off the coast of Morocco.



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The Canary Archipelago is far closer to Africa than Spain. If you look at the Canary Islands travel info, you might be surprised by just how close the Canary Islands are to the African mainland. They sit on the African tectonic plate.

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Lanzarote is the closest of the Canary Islands to Africa, just over 80 miles away. With dreamy beaches and a distinct volcanic landscape, the island also has a budding wine tourism scene, as well as notable art and architecture from famous artist César Manrique.

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Can you see the coast of Africa from Tenerife? The African coast lies only ~ 313 km from Mt Teide, but this is greater than the visibility range V ~ 253 km.

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Lanzarote. Lanzarote tends to be the hottest and most arid of the Canaries, as it is closest to the Sahara desert and because it is one of the lowest lying islands. The Sahara can bring high temperatures and fine sand to Lanzarote, causing occasional heatwaves.

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Go for Tenerife if you prefer popular tourist destinations with great restaurants and nightlife. On the other hand, Gran Canaria is your best bet if you want to explore the breathtaking landscapes and outstanding beaches.

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Who were the Guanches? Etymologically, the name Guanches can be accurately translated as “person of Tenerife.” Although the term was originally used to describe the ancient inhabitants of only Tenerife, it is now used to make reference to anyone from the prehispanic population of the Canary Islands in their entirety.

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The Canary Islands are a group of ocean island volcanoes located off the coast of western Africa that have been formed by volcanic activity since around 20 Ma ago (Schmincke, 2006).

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These islands are known for being the sunshine centre of Europe, and offer mild temperatures and a range of outstanding natural attractions. In fact, five of its seven islands have been declared a Biosphere Reserve, and the archipelago has four national parks.

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