What race are the Canary Islanders?

They are most probably descendants of the Berber peoples of northern Africa. The islands were conquered by Castile at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1402, they began to subdue and suppress the native Guanche population. The Guanches were initially enslaved and gradually absorbed.



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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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No, they consider themselves to be Spanish and Canarian. The Canary Islands were conquered by Spain more than five centuries ago and are culturally European. They are proud of their Guanche heritage but feel it as their own distinct native roots, not as related to Berbers or North Africa.

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Although politically they are part of Spain, the Canary Islands are closer to Africa than they are to Europe and so geographically they are part of the African continent.

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Tall, blond and blue-eyed, the Guanches have long intrigued the anthropologists, for blond natives are rarity. According to the reliable Encyclopedia Britannica, the Guanches are thought to have been of Cro-Magnon origin... and had a brown complexion, blue or gray eyes, and blondish hair.

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National Intercultural Cities Network - Spain Out of the total, the 80.44% of its inhabitants is Spanish from birth, with 72.63% born on the Canary Islands and 7.82% born in another Spanish territory. Out of the total, the 13.04% are non-nationals, whereas the 6.51% are foreign-borns.

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Although Tenerife and the Canary Islands are a part of Spain, the culture and history is quite distinct. The island was colonised by the Guanches in around 200 BC, who remained in control of the islands until the Spanish invaded in around 1494.

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The Canary Islands were conquered by Spain more than five centuries ago and are culturally European. They are proud of their Guanche heritage but feel it as their own distinct native roots, not as related to Berbers or North Africa.

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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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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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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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They were very tall; the men were normally from five feet nine inches to six feet two inches in height. Some had clear rosy skin with blonde hair and blue eyes. Guanches were extraordinarily strong and very nimble, which was attributed to their open caves and outdoor life.

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