Transport
How to deliver goods from Poland to the Canary Islands?
- Sea transport (most popular option). Cargo containers sail from Spain (mainly from ports in Cádiz and Valencia). Goods can also be shipped from Poland to ports in Rotterdam or Hamburg and then to the Canaries. Major ports are Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
- Air transport (for urgent shipments). International airports in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote handle air cargo. Air transport is more expensive but faster, mainly used for medicines, electronics, and premium products.
- Combined transport (road + sea). Goods are transported by truck to ports in Spain. Then, they are transferred to ferries or container ships heading to the Canary Islands.
- ADRvan Logistics is a company operating in the international transport services market, as well as providing comprehensive domestic and international relocation services. Planning to ship goods to the Canary Islands? Feel free to contact us!
The Canary Islands – Practical Information
The Canary Islands belong to Spain but have the status of an autonomous community. This means that they have their own regional government and special regulations, such as lower taxes. Despite their distance from the mainland, they are part of the European Union, but not part of the EU customs union. The Canary Islands are a Spanish autonomous community with a strategic location.
The archipelago consists of 8 main islands: Tenerife (the largest and most populated), Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Graciosa (the smallest, officially recognized as an island in 2018).
What do the inhabitants of the Canary Islands do for a living?
Tourism (over 30% of GDP). The Canary Islands attract around 13–15 million tourists annually. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote are the most popular destinations. Hotels, restaurants, car rentals, and water sports are major sources of income.
- Agriculture and fruit export. The islands are famous for their Canary bananas, which are smaller and sweeter than those from South America. They also grow grapes (for Malvasía wine production), oranges, aloe vera, avocados, and tomatoes.
- Fishing – Canarians fish for tuna, shrimp, and squid. Local specialties include sea salt and dried fish.
- Renewable energy – The islands invest in wind farms and solar power plants, striving for energy self-sufficiency.
- Duty-free trade and industry. Due to the absence of VAT, the Canary Islands are a popular place for importing and selling cars, alcohol, perfumes, and electronics.
- Film industry. The Canaries have become a popular filming location. Movies like “Fast & Furious 6” and “Wonder Woman 1984” were filmed here.
Interesting Facts about the Canary Islands
- Spanish, but African – Though the Canary Islands belong to Spain, geographically they are located in Africa, about 100 km from the coast of Morocco.
- Eternal spring – The climate is subtropical, with temperatures ranging from 18°C in winter to 26°C in summer. It’s one of the best places to live weather-wise.
- The name comes from dogs, not canaries – The name “Islas Canarias” comes from the Latin Canariae Insulae (“Islands of the Dogs”) – Roman travelers reportedly encountered large dogs on the islands.
- Canaries actually come from the Canaries – The famous yellow canary birds actually originate from the archipelago.
- One of the best stargazing spots – La Palma has some of the clearest skies in the world and is home to the famous Roque de los Muchachos Observatory.
- No VAT – The Canary Islands do not have VAT; instead, there is a local tax called IGIC, which is usually lower than VAT.
- Teide – the highest peak in Spain – Mount Teide (3,715 m above sea level) on Tenerife is the highest mountain in Spain and the third-largest volcano in the world measured from the ocean floor.
- Lanzarote – the infernal island – The landscape of Lanzarote resembles a lunar landscape due to past volcanic eruptions. Meat is still cooked over open geothermal vents today.
- Unique beaches – Canary Island beaches are golden, black (volcanic), and white (e.g., on Fuerteventura).
- Famous carnivals – The Tenerife Carnival is the second largest in the world, after Rio de Janeiro.
Let ADRvan Logistics help you with seamless and reliable transport to the Canary Islands. Reach out to us for all your international shipping and transport needs!
