Morro Jable and Playa del Matorral, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain
© Gavin Hellier/Getty Image
An island crossroad of culture. The Canary Islands
For thousands of years, the Canary Islands have served as an international crossroads for many cultures. As far back as 40 BCE, this group of volcanic islands drew interest from the Romans, followed by Arab traders in 999 BCE. Through the centuries, Genoese, Majorcan, Portuguese and French navigators found their way to the islands. Agriculture has long flourished here, with bananas, tomatoes and potatoes being tops in crops. Today, the Canary Islands—approximately 108 kilometres off the African mainland—are part of Spain. While the first voyagers came in search of trade opportunities, today's visitors come to explore the many beautiful national parks and relax on beaches like the Playa del Matorral on Fuertaventura Island, seen here during a spectacular sunset.
Related Images
Cannes, France, where the annual film festival begins today
Blurred view of ride at the Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto
Crown Fountain, by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa, in Millennium Park, Chicago, Illinois
The Peace Tower on Parliament Hill, Ottawa
Toronto sign in Nathan Phillips Square by the City Hall, Toronto
Montreux and Lake Geneva in Switzerland
42nd Street with the Chrysler Building during Manhattanhenge in 2018, New York City
View of modern buildings at sunset in downtown Toronto
Bing Today Images
