Macaronesia

Macaronesia: A Volcanic Wonderland in the Atlantic

Macaronesia is a fascinating collection of four volcanic archipelagos located in the North Atlantic Ocean, off the coasts of Africa and Europe. This unique region includes islands belonging to Portugal, Spain, and Cape Verde, each boasting distinct geographical, political, and ecological characteristics.

Geology and Geography

The islands of Macaronesia are volcanic in origin, formed by seamounts on the ocean floor, with peaks that have risen above the ocean’s surface. Geologically, the entire region lies on the African tectonic plate, though some islands, like the Azores, sit at the junction where the African, Eurasian, and North American plates converge.

The four archipelagos of Macaronesia are:

Azores (Portugal)
Madeira (Portugal, including the Madeira and Selvagens islands)
Canary Islands (Spain)
Cape Verde (Independent nation)

Political and Ecological Context

European Ties: The islands belonging to Portugal and Spain are politically part of the European Union, making them unique as EU territories in the Atlantic.
African Roots: Despite their European governance, geologically, Macaronesia belongs to the African tectonic plate.

Biogeography

Macaronesia occupies a unique position in global biogeographical systems:

Cape Verde falls within the Afrotropical realm, reflecting its African proximity and tropical climate.
The Azores, Madeira, and Canary Islands are classified in the Palearctic realm, aligning them with Europe and the Mediterranean.

The European Environment Agency designates the three EU archipelagos as the Macaronesian Biogeographic Region, a singular ecological classification. However, the World Geographical Scheme for Recording Plant Distributions places all of Macaronesia within the botanical continent of Africa, highlighting the region’s complex ecological identity.

Biodiversity and Significance

Macaronesia is a hotspot of biodiversity, home to numerous endemic species of plants and animals. Its volcanic landscapes, unique ecosystems, and varied climates—ranging from subtropical to arid—make it an ecological treasure and a critical region for conservation.

Whether you’re exploring the lush greenery of Madeira, the rugged volcanic beauty of the Canary Islands, or the tropical charm of Cape Verde, Macaronesia offers a blend of natural wonders and cultural richness found nowhere else on Earth.