Luis Marqueli Bontempo, the Italian Who on July 25, 1797 Saved Santa Cruz from Capitulation before Nelson’s Fleet

Luis Marqueli Bontempo, the Italian Who on July 25, 1797 Saved Santa Cruz from Capitulation before Nelson’s Fleet

Luis Marqueli Bontempo (Savona, January 1, 1740 – Santa Cruz de Tenerife, December 16, 1817) was the Italian officer whose courage and clearheadedness turned the tide of the “Deed of July 25” in 1797—the heroic defense of Santa Cruz de Tenerife against Horatio Nelson’s British fleet. Then a colonel in the Corps of Engineers, Marqueli played a decisive role in persuading General Antonio Gutiérrez de Otero to refuse a British ultimatum demanding surrender, thereby ensuring the city’s and the island’s survival.

Lanzarote Paves the Way for the Green Transition: First Protocol for ZAR Signed

Lanzarote Paves the Way for the Green Transition: First Protocol for ZAR Signed

On July 22, 2025, the Government of the Canary Islands and the Cabildo of Lanzarote sealed a historic agreement: the first protocol dedicated to Renewable Acceleration Zones (ZAR). Resulting from the recent Canary Islands Law on Climate Change and the Energy Transition, this accord inaugurates a clear, sustainable, and shared model of energy planning, offering legal certainty to investors and developers while ensuring environmental protection.

Pilgrimage to Candelaria: Between Faith, History, and the Ocean

Pilgrimage to Candelaria: Between Faith, History, and the Ocean

Every year, in mid-August, Tenerife comes to a standstill. The streets fill with footsteps, promises, and songs. Thousands of people set out from every corner of the island to reach Candelaria, the town that houses the statue of the Virgen de la Candelaria, Patroness of the Canary Islands.

Traída de La Rama in Agaete: An Age-Old Dance to Invoke Rain

Traída de La Rama in Agaete: An Age-Old Dance to Invoke Rain

Every August 4, the streets of Agaete come alive with a communal rite rooted in aboriginal memory: the Traída de La Rama, also known as the Bajada de la Rama, is one of Gran Canaria’s most spectacular and evocative popular festivals. At dawn, thousands of rameros—men, women, and children—gather to process from the old town down to the port of Las Nieves, carrying pine, heather, eucalyptus, and other tree branches. The ritual waving of these boughs summons an ancestral prayer for rain—vital in the island’s arid climate.

 The Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics: 40 Years of Science, Technology, and International Vision

The Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics: 40 Years of Science, Technology, and International Vision

Las Islas Canarias son mundialmente conocidas por su clima, sus paisajes volcánicos y su industria turística. Sin embargo, desde hace cuarenta años, este archipiélago desempeña también un papel esencial en un ámbito menos visible pero de enorme valor: la investigación astrofísica. La celebración del 40 aniversario del Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) ha servido para poner de nuevo el foco en una institución científica que ha contribuido de forma decisiva a situar a Canarias en el mapa mundial de la astronomía.

Candelaria: The Canary Islands’ Embrace of Their Patroness

Candelaria: The Canary Islands’ Embrace of Their Patroness

Candelaria, August 15 – It all began around 1390, when two Guanche shepherds from the kingdom of Güímar discovered, near the Chimisay ravine, a wooden figure depicting a woman. It was the image of the Virgin of Candelaria, which would go on to change the spiritual history of the entire archipelago.

The Deed of July 25: Santa Cruz de Tenerife Relives Its History

The Deed of July 25: Santa Cruz de Tenerife Relives Its History

Every year, in the height of summer, Santa Cruz de Tenerife brings to life the historical reenactment of the Deed of July 25, 1797— the epic event in which the local population repelled the attack of the British fleet commanded by the celebrated Rear Admiral Horatio Nelson.

The Canary Islands triumph at Fitur 2025 with an Innovative and sustainable stand

The Canary Islands triumph at Fitur 2025 with an Innovative and sustainable stand

The Canary Islands have received the award for the best stand in the category of Institutions and Autonomous Communities at Fitur 2025. Their space was recognized among the 806 exhibitors representing 152 countries and regions. "One of the most important tourism fairs in the world has once again recognized the excellent work of the Canary Islands Tourism team, which created a stand with an innovative, functional, sustainable, and versatile design," explained Jéssica de León, Minister of Employment and Tourism of the Canary Islands Government. She also thanked TARS Design Studio, the company responsible for the design, a Valencian firm that, despite the severe consequences of a DANA that flooded its facilities, demonstrated resilience and talent by working against the clock to create the best stand for the Canary Islands.

Canary Islands Escape Ryanair’s 18% Summer Route Cuts

Canary Islands Escape Ryanair’s 18% Summer Route Cuts

Ryanair has announced an 18% reduction in its Spanish routes for the summer season, but the Canary Islands will remain unaffected. The low-cost airline plans to eliminate 12 routes across Spain and cease operations at Jerez and Valladolid airports.

Unusual Itineraries to Discover the "Isla Bonita"

Unusual Itineraries to Discover the "Isla Bonita"

La Palma, also known as the "Isla Bonita" due to its incredible natural beauty, is a paradisiacal corner of the Canary Islands. Despite its relatively small size, the island offers a diverse and extraordinary landscape that ranges from lush laurel forests to stunning volcanic peaks, black sand beaches, and ancient villages. Here, I propose some unusual itineraries, off the beaten path, to discover the island's most iconic places from unique perspectives.

Artisanal fishing and tourism meet in Lanzarote: the Canary Islands tourism product club is born

Artisanal fishing and tourism meet in Lanzarote: the Canary Islands tourism product club is born

The Canary Islands' Minister of Tourism and Employment, Jéssica de León, inaugurated the Blue and Marine Tourism Meeting this Thursday on the islet of La Fermina in Lanzarote, highlighting that “we have launched the Canary Islands Tourism Product Club with the aim of enhancing fishing activities linked to tourism.” She also recalled that “artisanal fishing keeps alive a profession that makes a significant contribution to cultural and maritime heritage.”

Canarias betting on the future: presentation of the strategy for tourism infrastructure

Canarias betting on the future: presentation of the strategy for tourism infrastructure

Jéssica de León, Minister of Tourism and Employment for the Government of the Canary Islands, has presented the "Canary Islands Strategy for Island Tourism Infrastructure," an ambitious project aimed at maximizing the profitability of public investments and ensuring that the archipelago’s residents are the main beneficiaries of the improvements. This document is the result of a participatory process involving the seven island councils, 88 municipalities, and numerous business and social associations.

In search of Christmas

In search of Christmas

Spending the Christmas holidays in the Canary Islands is a unique experience thanks to the mild climate and the many outdoor activities these islands offer, even in winter. However, if you're not fond of or simply tired of the typical days spent in swimsuits on the beach, or if you find diving into the ocean a bit dull, it might be time to consider alternative destinations. Fortunately, the islands offer plenty of choices, thanks to the vast variety of microclimates and landscapes that make the Canary Islands famous worldwide.