MYND Hotels in Canarias

Meet the characters and tales that leave a lasting mark.

A journey to the Canary Islands offers far more than sunshine, beaches, and natural beauty. It’s a chance to delve into a rich and captivating history—one shaped by ancient cultures, conquests, resilience, and extraordinary individuals who have left an indelible legacy.

From aboriginal leaders to world-renowned artists, this is your invitation to explore the Canary Islands through five remarkable figures and legends that reveal a deeper, lesser-known side of the archipelago.

Tanausú: the last king of La Palma

Tanausú was the final aboriginal leader to resist the Castilian conquest of La Palma in the late 15th century.
He ruled the region of Aceró—now the spectacular Caldera de Taburiente National Park—and became a powerful symbol of defiance and pride. His spirit lives on in the collective memory of the island.

César Manrique: where art meets nature

To speak of the Canary Islands’ cultural legacy is to speak of César Manrique.
This visionary artist from Lanzarote redefined the relationship between architecture and the natural world. Thanks to his pioneering approach, Lanzarote emerged as a model for sustainable development and responsible tourism.

Landmarks such as Jameos del Agua and the Mirador del Río bear his unmistakable touch—but his influence can be felt in countless corners of the island.

Gara and Jonay: the legend of a tragic love story

Gara, a princess from La Gomera, saw an omen of heartbreak in the mystical waters of the Chorros de Epina. Shortly after, she met Jonay, a young man from Tenerife, and the two fell deeply in love.

But destiny turned against them after the eruption of Mount Teide—a sign their love was forbidden. Jonay crossed the sea to reunite with Gara, and together they fled to the island’s highest point. Their story ended in tragedy atop what is now Garajonay National Park, named in their honour.

The Guanche’s Leap: “Atis Tirma!”

During the Castilian conquest, a Guanche warrior chose death over surrender.
Facing capture, he leapt from a cliff into the sea, crying “Atis Tirma!”—a phrase often interpreted as “My land first!” or “Better my land than surrender!”

This defiant act embodies the Guanche people's profound love for their homeland. While the exact location varies—some say it was in Teno (Tenerife), others in the north of the island, and some link it to ancient Gran Canaria—the legend remains a powerful symbol of cultural identity.

The Devil of Timanfaya: A Legend That Still Burns

During Lanzarote’s great volcanic eruption in 1730, a wedding in the Fire Mountains was suddenly disrupted. Vera, the bride, was tragically trapped beneath falling rock. Her grief-stricken fiancé, Aloe, is said to have run into the volcano with a five-pronged fork, vanishing into its fiery depths.

Today, his haunting image lives on as the emblem of Timanfaya National Park, and the resilient Aloe Vera plant—thriving in the volcanic soil—remains a living tribute to this fiery tale.

Why Add History to Your Canary Islands Journey?

Choosing to stay in the Canary Islands means embracing a land steeped in stories. At MYND Hotels, we offer more than exceptional accommodation—we open the door to local, immersive experiences rooted in culture, history, and authenticity.

Whether you’re in Tenerife or Lanzarote, every corner tells a story. Let us guide you through it with a stay that connects you to the land, its people, and a more conscious way to travel.