The Canary Islands have been inhabited for well over 2000 years, although the blond haired blue eyed indigenous population (the Guanches) discovered by the Norman invaders in the 15th century are not thought to be the original inhabitants, but instead the descendants of Norse tribes who travelled to the islands more recently.
By The 16th century, the islands had fallen under Spanish control, and various other territorial claims have been made throughout the years, although despite several wars being fought, the islands have remained Spanish throughout their history, with Santa Cruz de Tenerife as their capital.
Under the Franco fascist dictatorship of Spain, the islands were first opened up to mass tourism in the 1960s and quickly became a favourite, developing a tourism industry that now accounts for some 75% of the islands income.
Through the 1980s, the reputation for low standards of accommodation, and poor service that had dogged the islands for years grew, until they began to improve the hotels throughout the archipelago, and at the start of the 21st century, the Canary Islands are fast becoming one of the most fashionable places to holiday, and are rivalling the Caribbean as a premier luxury destination for families.
