“The Legendary Islands”: An International Series of Animated Shorts Inspired by Canary Islands Legends

Seven one-minute animated videos reinterpret some of the most iconic legends of the Canary Islands in a new international content marketing initiative. The project combines contemporary creativity, culture, and audiovisual storytelling to present a more emotional and distinctive vision of the destination.

“The Legendary Islands” is a new international initiative built around seven animated short films inspired by stories deeply rooted in the cultural imagination of the Canary Islands and reimagined through a contemporary visual language. The series explores legends from El Hierro, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, Lanzarote, and La Palma, including tales such as “The Garoé Tree”, “The Demon of Echeyde”, “The Giant of Mahan”, “Silva’s Slope”, “Gara and Jonay”, “Princess Ico”, and “Roberto’s Wall”.

Each one-minute film features its own artistic style and animation technique, combining different illustration and animation approaches in a project developed over nearly a year by creative teams, visual artists, animation specialists, and documentary and cultural professionals.

The project brings together illustrators and creators such as Carla Garrido, Sara Herranz, Paulina Mocna, Ann Bahrs, Ciara Quilty-Harper, Nicolás Marsá, and the Dedo Ciego studio, combining talent linked both to the Canary Islands and to some of Europe’s leading source markets.

From the outset of the “The Legendary Islands” project, the aim was to move away from conventional formats and create content with intrinsic value.

From the outset, the aim was to move away from conventional advertising formats and create content with intrinsic value, content capable of connecting with audiences who increasingly consume culture, entertainment, and audiovisual storytelling through digital platforms.

Expert documentary and cultural guidance

The series also benefited from extensive documentary and cultural consultancy throughout the creative process, ensuring a respectful connection with the legends and cultural heritage of the Islands. This work involved journalist and sociologist Yuri Millares, archaeologist and historian Verónica Alberto, and historian Javier Velasco.

Special attention was also given to the project’s sound design. The original soundtrack incorporates traditional instruments such as the “pito herreño” (El Hierro flute), while the narration for the Spanish market was provided by Canarian actress and voice artist María Ramírez.

“The Legendary Islands” forms part of the Canary Islands’ strategy to continue building a broader and more emotional brand narrative.

The campaign has its own dedicated section within the destination’s official website and will be promoted in Germany, the United Kingdom, mainland Spain, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Switzerland through a digital and audiovisual strategy adapted to multiple formats and platforms, including reels, teasers, and stories.

In addition, efforts will be made to showcase and distribute the animated shorts through audiovisual platforms and international animation festivals.

“The Legendary Islands” forms part of the Canary Islands’ strategy to build a broader and more emotional brand narrative by incorporating culture, traditions, and heritage as distinctive elements of the destination, while connecting with travelers who are increasingly interested in discovering the identity and authenticity of the places they visit.

Beyond “sun and beach”

This campaign represents another step forward in the work we have been carrying out in recent years to promote the “Culture and Heritage Tourism” category.

“The Legendary Islands” is therefore not an isolated initiative, but rather the result of a long-term strategic evolution of the Canary Islands destination brand. This vision is reflected in the “Canary Islands Destination Strategic Plan 2025–2027”, which includes a dedicated section on the Protection and Conservation of Heritage.

The strategy also responds to the evolving profile of cultural travelers, who increasingly seek destinations with identity, authenticity, and experiences closely linked to the local territory. In Europe, cultural tourism accounts for 40% of tourism demand and continues to grow.

This traveler is typically an adult between 30 and 65 years old, with a medium-to-high level of education and a strong interest in history, craftsmanship, gastronomy, and local culture. We are therefore keen to connect with visitors who come not only to enjoy the Islands, but also to understand and respect them.

Our strategy is committed to consolidating the Canary Islands as a destination that can also be discovered and understood through its culture and history.

* Co-financed by the European Union (ERDF).