Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, has a rich and multifaceted history shaped by its volcanic origins, indigenous Guanche civilization, dramatic Spanish conquest, colonial trade role, economic shifts, and transformation into a global tourism powerhouse. Located off the northwest coast of Africa, it is part of the autonomous community of the Canary Islands and belongs to the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (with Santa Cruz de Tenerife as its capital). Its history blends Berber-North African roots, European colonialism, Atlantic trade, and modern development, while Guanche cultural legacies persist in DNA, toponyms, language influences, and traditions.
The island can be divided into three zones
metropolitan area
It is located in the northeast of the island and is
relatively densely populated. About half of the island's population
lives in this area. It basically includes the cities
1 Santa
Cruz de Tenerife internet (Santa Cruz for short) . Capital of the
island with the largest port.
2 San Cristóbal de La Laguna
internet (La Laguna for short) . Counts as a World Heritage Site
because of the historic townscape.
3 Tegueste . The town is
surrounded by the metropolitan area of La Laguna and is known for
its wine.
4 San Andres. One of the oldest settlements on the
island with a large sandy beach.
The North
Like the metropolitan area, the north coast is
influenced by the north-east trade winds with somewhat more
unsettled, spring-like weather. From east to west, here are the
locations:
5 Taganana . Traditional town with a rich
tradition in sugar cane and wine growing.
6 La Esperanza. Village
in the municipality of El Rosario founded by Castilian settlers.
7 El Sauzal (Sauzal, El) . City surrounded by hills and vineyards.
8 La Orotava internet (Orotava, La) . Almost the entire Teide
National Park belongs to the urban area.
9 Puerto de la Cruz
internet (Puerto Cruz for short). City with many colonial-style
buildings and a huge, artificial bathing area. Tourist center with
the Loro Parque and the Botanical Garden.
10 Icod de los Vinos
internet . The city is home to the oldest and largest dragon tree in
the world and the largest volcanic cave in Europe.
11 Garachico .
Well-preserved port town.
12 Buenavista del Norte. In the Teno
Mountains with the small town of Masca and the picturesque gorge.
The South
The southwest coast is the most important tourist
region. Here the sun shines more often and longer than in other
parts of the island. The spacious bathing bays are protected by
piers and there are beautiful sandy beaches. From the southernmost
point at Punta de la Rasca to the north are the places
13 Los
Cristianos . Tourist center with a small harbor from where excursion
boats to the Los Gigantes cliffs and the neighboring island of La
Gomera depart.
14 Playa de las Americas . Tourist center, like
Los Cristianos, it belongs to the inland town of Arona.
15 Costa
Adeje . Resort on the beach in the inland city of Adeje.
16 Guia
de Isora . With Playa de San Juan on the coast.
17 Santiago de
Teide. The municipality also includes the coastal towns of Puerto de
Santiago, Playa de la Arena and Los Gigantes.
The south-east coast has been badly hit by heavy deforestation over
the past few centuries. Nevertheless, this part of the country has its
charms, as not so many package tourists can be found here. Here you can
get to know the hinterland very well.
18 Vilaflor . The highest
community on the island is inland.
19 San Miguel de Abona
20
Granadilla de Abona . With the resort of El Médano, popular with
surfers.
21 Güímar internet . Known for enigmatic pyramids and its
wasteland.
22 Candelaria. Marian pilgrimage site to which Canarian
Catholics make pilgrimages.
Natural Wonders: Volcanic Majesty and Rugged Beauty
Teide National
Park and Pico del Teide (Mount Teide)
This is Tenerife’s crown jewel
and Spain’s highest peak at 3,718 meters (12,198 ft). It dominates the
island’s center and is one of the most visited national parks in Europe.
The park covers 18,990 hectares and centers on the Teide-Pico Viejo
stratovolcano, the third-tallest volcanic structure in the world when
measured from the ocean floor (about 7,500 m total). Formed inside a
massive caldera (Las Cañadas), it features otherworldly lava fields,
colorful mineral-rich soils, and bizarre rock formations like the iconic
Roques de García (including the famous Roque Cinchado, often called “The
Finger of God”).
UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site in 2007
for its outstanding volcanic features and stunning beauty, enhanced by
ever-changing light, textures, and a frequent “sea of clouds” that makes
the summit appear to float above the island. You can reach the summit
via cable car (or hike with a permit), explore trails through the
caldera, or stargaze—Teide’s high altitude and clear skies make it one
of the world’s best observatories. The landscape feels lunar or Martian,
with endemic plants like the Teide violet surviving harsh conditions.
It’s a must-visit for hiking, photography, and geology enthusiasts.
Los Gigantes Cliffs
On the west coast near Puerto Santiago and
Los Gigantes, these sheer volcanic cliffs rise dramatically up to 600
meters (nearly 2,000 ft) straight from the Atlantic Ocean—often called
the “Wall of Hell” by locals. They form part of the Teno Rural Park and
offer breathtaking viewpoints from land (Mirador de Los Gigantes) or sea
(boat trips). The black rock contrasts sharply with the blue ocean and
surrounding resorts, making it one of Tenerife’s most photogenic natural
spectacles. Nearby are black-sand beaches and marine reserves ideal for
whale-watching.
Masca Village and the Teno Mountains
Tucked
deep in the northwest Teno Mountains (part of a rural park), the tiny
hamlet of Masca sits in a steep, dramatic gorge with sheer cliffs,
palm-lined ravines, and sweeping ocean views. Once a remote Guanche
settlement accessible only by mule paths, it’s now a hiking hotspot—the
strenuous trail from Masca to the sea (about 4–5 hours round-trip)
passes waterfalls and endemic flora. The winding mountain roads and
viewpoints (like Mirador La Cruz de Hilda) deliver jaw-dropping scenery
rivaling any in the Canaries. It’s remote and atmospheric, best visited
early to avoid crowds.
Anaga Rural Park
In the northeast, this
ancient mountain range (one of the oldest parts of the island, dating
back millions of years) is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It features misty
laurel forests (laurisilva), deep ravines, jagged peaks, and traditional
hamlets with colorful houses. Hikes like the path to Roque de los
Enamorados or coastal trails lead to black-sand beaches (e.g., Playa de
Benijo) and viewpoints over the ocean. Endemic species abound, and the
cloud-shrouded forests feel prehistoric. It’s ideal for nature lovers
seeking tranquility away from the south’s resorts.
El Drago
Milenario (Millennium Dragon Tree)
In Icod de los Vinos on the north
coast, this iconic Dracaena draco is one of the largest and oldest
dragon trees known—estimated at 800–1,000+ years old, standing about
18–21 meters tall with a massive canopy. Symbolizing Tenerife’s natural
heritage, it’s surrounded by a botanical garden of endemic Canary
plants. Legend ties it to Guanche culture; it’s a living monument
visible on countless postcards.
Historic and Cultural Landmarks
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Tenerife’s former capital (founded 1497)
and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Its historic center is a
perfectly preserved example of a non-fortified colonial town, with a
grid layout that influenced cities across the Americas. Colorful
16th–18th-century buildings, wooden balconies, churches (including the
Cathedral of La Laguna), convents, and plazas like Plaza del Adelantado
create a charming, walkable atmosphere. It’s also home to the island’s
first university and feels like a living museum of Canary-Spanish
history.
Garachico
A picturesque north-coast fishing town
largely rebuilt after a 1706 volcanic eruption buried its original
harbor. It boasts natural lava-rock swimming pools (charcos), the
historic San Miguel Fortress (now a cultural center), and elegant
16th–18th-century architecture. It’s one of Tenerife’s most charming
villages, with a relaxed vibe, black-sand beaches, and excellent
seafood.
Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria
In the coastal
town of Candelaria, this is the island’s most important religious site
and a major pilgrimage destination. The basilica honors the Virgin of
Candelaria, patron saint of the Canary Islands (a revered Guanche figure
later Christianized). The current neo-colonial building (reconstructed
mid-20th century) features twin towers and houses the sacred image;
nearby is the Convent of the Dominican Friars.
Santa Cruz de
Tenerife (Capital)
The modern capital blends history and contemporary
flair. Key spots include the striking Auditorio de Tenerife (a
Calatrava-designed icon resembling a sail or wave), Plaza de España, the
bustling Mercado Municipal de Nuestra Señora de África, and the oldest
church, Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción. The Castillo de San
Juan Bautista (“Black Castle”) is a 17th-century fortress overlooking
the sea.
Practical Tips for Exploring
Tenerife’s landmarks are
spread across the island, so renting a car or joining guided tours is
ideal. The north is greener and cooler (perfect for Anaga, La Laguna,
Garachico); the south sunnier and resort-oriented. Best time: spring or
fall to avoid summer crowds and winter winds at Teide. Many sites offer
hiking, so wear sturdy shoes and check weather—Teide can be chilly or
snowy at the top. Public transport (Titsa buses) reaches most areas, but
remote spots like Masca require care on winding roads.
Tenerife has two airports:
1 Tenerife South Airport
(Aeropuerto de Tenerife Sur, Aeropuerto Reina Sofia, IATA: TFS) . The
airport in the south of the island is used by most holiday airlines.
2 Tenerife North Airport (Aeropuerto de Tenerife Norte, IATA: TFN). It
is from here that mainly planes depart for the other Canary Islands.
The cheapest means of transport are the green, mostly air-conditioned
buses operated by Transportes Interurbanos de Tenerife S.A.U. (TITSA for
short), usually called Guagua here on the Canary Islands. They go to
every town on the island and are very cheap, especially with the
practical "Bono-Bus" savings cards, but the journeys through small towns
usually take quite a long time, even for short distances, due to the
numerous stops in between. However, there are direct buses between Playa
de las Américas and Santa Cruz (approx. 50 minutes). For those who are
very comfortable, there are also organized excursions to interesting
tourist destinations, e.g. B. from Viajes Teide
For shorter
distances, you can also get around the area quite cheaply by taxi.
All major and many local car rental companies are represented in
Tenerife. The road network is in good condition, can be very narrow and
winding in the mountains (road to Masca in the Teno Mountains). Petrol
is cheaper than in Germany (January 2013: approx. €1.08/l). When you
take delivery, you should check the condition of the vehicle and tires.
Theme and amusement parks pick up their visitors from the tourist
centers free of charge, the shuttle buses often only run on certain days
of the week.
In addition to the scenic beauty and diversity, the island offers an
excellent variety of activities. In winter you can drive up to Teide and
have a snowball fight, then return to the south of the island and
sunbathe on the beach or swim in the sea - all in the space of two
hours. There are some beautiful round trip routes with breathtaking
scenery. There are also some very good amusement parks such as Loro
Parque near Puerto de la Cruz.
Mountain bikes and e-bikes are
highly recommended - mountain fitness provided (otherwise taking a cheap
folding bike is a good idea) - and are taken by the airlines for €20 to
€30 each way - if you book in advance. With a bit of talent, it is also
possible to sell a cheap used car privately with almost no loss
(preferably to long-term tourists). On many buses you can transport the
wheels in the luggage compartment free of charge - they should be
relatively robust and you shouldn't be bothered by increased scratches.
The locals mostly go on weekend trips with their downhill bikes in this
way.
Hiking, climbing, diving, mountain biking - organized tours
are available in most hotels.
Hiking areas and routes
Anaga
Mountains in the northeast
Teno mountains in the northwest
and of
course the mountains around Las Cañadas with the Teide ascent
The local cuisine can be described as hearty and extremely tasty.
Typical are the potatoes cooked in brine (papas arrugadas) served with
the sauces called mojo verde and mojo picon, along with garbanzos
(chickpea stew) etc. Go a little away from the coast and seek out the
restaurants where the local workers' cars are parked and not the tourist
buses. You will be amazed at what is served to you!
In the
tourist centers, the cuisine is very much geared towards the interests
of the tourists. But there are also oases here where Canarian cuisine is
offered. You can get very nice tapas in the restaurants. But if you want
to enjoy real Canarian cuisine, then you have to go to the small
villages that have not yet been flooded with tourists. Communication is
often very difficult, but eating becomes a reward.
Gofio
Gofio
was the staple food of the Canarian people before the introduction of
the potato. It is still popular with the islanders today. Gofio is a
flour made from roasted grains or legumes. In the gofio mills, wheat,
corn, garbanzos (chickpeas), etc. are roasted and then ground into
flour. Various basic products are often processed into flour together
between the stones. The flour is then either kneaded into a mass with
honey, raisins and/or ground almonds or eaten together with a meat or
vegetable broth. On Tenerife, the sweet version of gofio in slices or
the strong version of gofio is served as a starter, e.g. B. served with
conejo en ajo (rabbit in garlic sauce) or cabra (goat). There are
various electrically operated gofio mills that you can visit and where
you can buy different types and mixtures of gofio, even in smaller
quantities. e.g. B. in La Orotava about 100 meters above the House of
Balconies directly above Parque San Francisco or 100 meters below the
House of Balconies (La Maquina) directly in front of Casa Lercaro. In
German cuisine, Gofio is suitable for thickening sauces, giving them a
slightly stronger taste.
Tenerife is never closed, meaning there is always something going on somewhere. There are numerous bars that are open 24 hours a day. There are discotheques that are open until the morning and there is always something going on. There is something for every taste. But that's all made for the tourists. If you want to celebrate with the locals, you have to go to the small villages in the interior of the island. Here you will be received very hospitably and is part of every small fiesta.
Geological Foundations and Early Human Settlement
Tenerife formed
through volcanic activity millions of years ago, with its distinctive
shape emerging from the fusion of ancient massifs (Teno, Anaga, and
Adeje) and later eruptions. The island’s centerpiece is Mount Teide
(Spain’s highest peak at 3,718 m / 12,198 ft), a stratovolcano in Teide
National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Volcanic activity
continued into historical times, with the most recent eruption being the
1909 Chinyero event, which lasted ten days but caused limited damage.
The Guanches, Tenerife’s indigenous inhabitants, were the first known
human settlers. They were Berber peoples from North Africa who arrived
in the Canary Islands (likely via deliberate or accidental voyages)
sometime in the first millennium BC, with archaeological evidence on
Tenerife dating to around the 6th century BC at sites like the Cave of
the Guanches in Icod de los Vinos. Genetic studies confirm strong North
African Berber ancestry (with some Neolithic European influences), and
modern Canarians carry 16–31% Guanche autosomal DNA, primarily through
maternal lines.
Guanche society on Tenerife was organized into nine
menceyatos (kingdoms or territories), each ruled by a mencey (king).
Legend attributes their founding to Tinerfe “the Great” of Adeje; after
his death, the island divided among his descendants. The kingdoms
included Taoro (the most powerful, in the Orotava Valley), Anaga,
Güímar, Abona, Tegueste, Tacoronte, Icode, Daute, and Adeje, plus two
smaller achimenceyatos. They lived in caves or simple stone/wood
structures, practiced pastoralism (goats, sheep), basic agriculture,
fishing, and gathering. Their staple food was gofio (roasted grain
flour). They developed advanced mummification techniques (using resins
and natural preservatives), polytheistic religion centered on Achamán
(supreme sky god), Chaxiraxi (mother goddess), Magec (sun god), and the
malevolent Guayota (associated with Teide/Echeyde). Society featured
tagoror (councils), hereditary or elective leadership, and a Stone
Age-level technology adapted to the island’s isolation—no metalworking
due to scarce ores.
Spanish Conquest (1494–1496)
Tenerife was
the last Canary Island conquered by the Crown of Castile, after a
prolonged campaign (overall Canary conquest: 1402–1496). Earlier
European contacts (Genoese, Portuguese, Majorcan, French) occurred in
the 13th–14th centuries, but full colonization began under the Catholic
Monarchs. In 1493, Alonso Fernández de Lugo (who had conquered Gran
Canaria and La Palma) received royal rights to conquer Tenerife. He
landed in April 1494 near present-day Santa Cruz de Tenerife with about
2,000 infantry and 200 cavalry (including troops from other islands).
The Guanches split into two factions: the bando de paz (peace party:
southern/eastern kingdoms like Güímar, Anaga, Abona, Adeje, often allied
via prior missionary contacts) and the bando de guerra (war party:
northern kingdoms led by Bencomo of Taoro). Initial negotiations failed.
Key events included:
First Battle of Acentejo (La Matanza de
Acentejo, May 1494): Guanches ambushed and crushed the invaders in a
ravine, killing ~80% of Spanish forces; the fortress at Añazo was
destroyed.
Reinforcements arrived, and Castilians won the Battle of
Aguere/La Laguna (late 1494/early 1495), aided by cavalry and local
allies; Bencomo and his brother Tinguaro were killed (an epidemic may
have weakened Guanche forces beforehand).
Second Battle of Acentejo
(December 1495): Decisive Spanish victory near La Victoria de Acentejo.
Final surrender came on 25 July 1496 (feast of St. James) via the Treaty
of Los Realejos in the Orotava Valley.
The conquest was brutal:
mass killings, enslavement, deportation, land confiscation, and
introduced diseases (smallpox, influenza) decimated the Guanche
population. Many survivors assimilated through intermarriage with
Spanish, Portuguese, and other European settlers. Historians describe
elements of the broader Canary conquest as genocidal settler
colonialism, with tactics later applied in the Americas.
Colonial
Era and Atlantic Trade (16th–18th Centuries)
Post-conquest, Tenerife
became a vital Spanish base for transatlantic voyages—Christopher
Columbus stopped here on all four voyages. Colonists (mainly
Andalusians, with Portuguese, Flemish, Italian, and German influences)
introduced sugar cane plantations in the 1520s, followed by viticulture.
Malvasía (Malmsey) wine became a major export, prized in Europe and the
Americas. Economy shifted over time: sugar declined by the 17th century,
wine boomed, then cochineal dye (from prickly pear cactus) in the 19th
century, and bananas later.
Tenerife dominated Canary–American trade
in the 18th century (over 50% of ships). It served as a stopover for
treasure fleets, with exports of wine, sugar, rum, and cochineal.
Emigration surged: tinerfeños settled in Venezuela, Cuba, Puerto Rico,
Texas, Louisiana, and Uruguay, founding communities and maintaining
strong transatlantic ties. Militarily, Santa Cruz repelled British
attacks, most famously in 1797 when Admiral Horatio Nelson lost his
right arm during a failed assault.
19th–Early 20th Centuries:
Economic Transitions and Early Tourism
The 1833 territorial division
made Santa Cruz de Tenerife the sole capital of the Canary Islands (La
Laguna had been the initial post-conquest capital). In 1927, the islands
were split into two provinces, with Santa Cruz and Las Palmas sharing
capital status. Agriculture adapted: phylloxera devastated vineyards in
the late 19th century, boosting cochineal and then banana exports.
Wealthy Europeans (especially British) discovered Tenerife’s mild
climate in the 1890s, sparking early tourism in northern towns like
Puerto de la Cruz.
20th–21st Centuries: War, Tourism Boom, and
Autonomy
In 1936, General Francisco Franco, then military commander
in the Canary Islands (based partly in Tenerife), launched the
Nationalist uprising that sparked the Spanish Civil War. The islands
quickly fell to Nationalists. Post-WWII, mass emigration (e.g., to Cuba)
continued briefly, but the 1960s “Spain is Different” campaign and cheap
air travel triggered a tourism explosion. Southern resorts (Adeje,
Arona) boomed with new airports and infrastructure.
Tragedies
included the 1977 Tenerife airport disaster (two Boeing 747s collided on
the runway, killing 583—the deadliest aviation accident in history) and
the 1980 Dan Air crash (146 deaths). The 2002 floods and 2005 Tropical
Storm Delta caused further damage. The 1982 Statute of Autonomy granted
the Canary Islands self-governing status within Spain.
Today,
Tenerife’s economy is tourism-driven (over 7 million visitors annually,
focused on beaches, Teide, and culture). Agriculture (bananas, tomatoes,
wine) and services persist. Population is ~972,000 (2026 estimate), with
significant foreign-born residents. Guanche heritage is proudly
preserved in museums (e.g., mummies, artifacts), festivals, and
identity—blending with Spanish and global influences in Carnival (one of
Europe’s largest), cuisine (gofio, wines), and toponyms.
Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, is a volcanic island
in the Atlantic Ocean renowned for its dramatic, diverse geography
shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity, erosion, and
orographic effects. It sits centrally in the Canary archipelago,
approximately 300 km (186 mi) off the northwest coast of Africa and
about 1,000 km (621 mi) from the Iberian Peninsula. Its coordinates span
roughly 28° to 29° N latitude and 16° to 17° W longitude, placing it
just north of the Tropic of Cancer.
Size, Shape, and Location
Tenerife covers 2,034.38 km² (785.48 sq mi), making it the largest
island in the Canary Islands and the broader Macaronesia region. Its
coastline stretches 342 km (212.5 mi), the longest in the archipelago.
The island has a roughly triangular or irregular shape, formed by the
fusion of three ancient volcanic massifs (Anaga in the northeast, Teno
in the northwest, and Adeje in the south) connected by later central
volcanism. It would fit into a rectangle roughly 90 km wide by 80 km
high, with a road perimeter of about 358 km. Small barren islets and
rocks (e.g., Roques de Anaga, Roque de Garachico, Fasnia) add minor
area.
Geological Origin and Formation
Tenerife is entirely
volcanic, built from the ocean floor over millions of years. The oldest
rocks date back around 7 million years (Miocene epoch), with initial
underwater eruptions forming pillow lavas. It originated as three
separate shield volcanoes (Ancient Basaltic Series) that merged into one
island starting about 3 million years ago through intense central
volcanism. Key phases include the Pre-Cañadas and Cañadas structures,
fissural eruptions creating the Dorsal Range (about 1 million years
ago), and massive gravitational landslides around 800,000–200,000 years
ago that carved major valleys.
The island remains active, with four
historical eruptions recorded: 1704–1706 (multiple vents, including one
that buried the town of Garachico), 1798 (Chahorra), and 1909 (Chinyero
cinder cone). Its porous, permeable volcanic soils absorb water readily
but create challenges for surface hydrology.
Topography and Major
Landforms
Tenerife’s landscape is dominated by extreme relief. The
central feature is the Teide-Pico Viejo stratovolcano complex, crowned
by Mount Teide (Pico del Teide) at 3,715 m (12,188 ft)—Spain’s highest
point and the third-tallest volcanic structure in the world when
measured from its ocean-floor base (roughly 7,500 m total height). It
sits within the immense Las Cañadas caldera, a semi-caldera covering
about 130 km² filled with lava, ash, and sedimentary deposits. Notable
features here include colorful hydrothermal rocks (e.g., Los Azulejos)
and the Llano de Ucanca basin.
Peripheral massifs add variety:
Macizo de Anaga (northeast): Ancient (up to 5–7 million years old),
rugged with peaks to 1,024 m (Cruz de Taborno), steep gorges, and dense
vegetation.
Macizo de Teno (northwest): Even older (~7.4 million
years), highest at 1,342 m (Mount Gala), featuring dramatic Acantilados
de Los Gigantes cliffs dropping up to 500 m vertically.
Macizo de
Adeje (south): Eroded, with Roque del Conde at 1,001 m.
Connecting ridges (dorsals) like Pedro Gil, Abeque, and the southern
Adeje dorsal feature smaller cones and lava fields. Deep barrancos
(ravines/gorges) such as Barranco del Infierno, Masca, Ruiz, and Fasnia
crisscross the island, formed by erosion and landslides. Major valleys
include the fertile Valle de La Orotava and Valle de Güímar, created by
massive flank collapses.
Volcanic tubes (e.g., Cueva del Viento, one
of Europe’s largest) and lava fields (malpaís) further define the
terrain. Teide National Park (189.9 km², UNESCO World Heritage Site)
protects much of the central volcanic landscape.
Coastal Features
The coastline is predominantly rugged and steep, especially in the north
and west, with cliffs plunging into the Atlantic. Beaches total about 67
km, mostly black volcanic sand or pebbles in the north (e.g., around El
Médano) and some finer, lighter sands in the south and southwest.
Tourist development has transformed southern shores, while northern
coasts remain more dramatic and wave-exposed.
Climate and
Microclimates
Tenerife exhibits striking climatic diversity due to
trade winds, cold ocean currents, and high orography. Coastal areas are
generally hot semi-arid to arid (Köppen BSh/BWh), with mild winters
(18–20°C) and warm summers (24–26°C), low rainfall (~200–300 mm/year,
mostly winter), and high sunshine (over 3,000 hours annually in the
south). Higher elevations and the north experience subtropical
Mediterranean influences (Csb/Csa), cooler and wetter due to orographic
lift from northeast trade winds that form a persistent cloud layer
(600–1,800 m).
The north and northeast are lush and humid (rain
shadow effect protects the south and southwest, which are drier and
sunnier). Altitude zones range from subtropical lowlands to cool pine
forests and alpine conditions above 2,000 m (Teide can see frost and
snow). This creates distinct vegetation belts and supports exceptional
biodiversity.
Hydrography and Ecosystems
Surface water is
scarce due to porous volcanic rock; there are no permanent rivers, only
seasonal barrancos that channel runoff. Water comes mainly from wells,
horizontal galleries (tunnels), condensation in forests, and summit
frost. The orography and microclimates produce one of Europe’s richest
floras (~1,400 plant species, over 100 endemics), with zones from
coastal xerophytic shrubs to laurel forests (laurisilva), Canary pine
woodlands, and high-mountain specialists. Fauna includes endemic
reptiles, birds, invertebrates, and marine species.
Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands (2,034 km²), boasts
extraordinary biodiversity for its size. Its volcanic origins, isolation
in the Atlantic (off northwest Africa), and dramatic topography—from sea
level to Mount Teide at 3,718 m—create a wide range of microclimates and
habitats. This has fostered high endemism: roughly 1,400 vascular plant
species, with about 200 endemic to the Canary Islands and 140–150 unique
to Tenerife. Over 800 flora and fauna species are found nowhere else on
Earth. The Canary Islands as a whole represent just 1.5% of Spanish
territory but hold more than half of the country’s endemic species.
Vegetation forms six main bioclimatic zones shaped by altitude, trade
winds (bringing humidity to the north), and rainfall gradients. Fauna is
less diverse on land (especially mammals) but rich in invertebrates,
birds, reptiles, and marine life. Many species are relics from the
Tertiary period or evolved in isolation.
Flora of Tenerife
Tenerife’s plants show striking adaptations to drought, salinity, high
UV, temperature swings, and volcanic soils. Many are succulents, woody
shrubs, or tall perennials. Protected areas like Teide National Park
(UNESCO World Heritage), Anaga Rural Park, and Teno Rural Park preserve
much of this diversity.
1. Coastal and lowland xerophytic zone
(0–700 m)
Dominant in arid south and coastal areas: drought- and
salt-tolerant shrubs. Key species include:
Euphorbia canariensis
(cardón or Canary spurge) — candelabra-shaped succulent that dominates
"cardonal-tabaibal" formations.
Euphorbia balsamifera (sweet tabaiba)
— coastal, especially south.
Succulents like Aeonium species, Kleinia
neriifolia (verode), and halophytes such as Limonium pectinatum (sea
lavender), Crithmum maritimum (sea fennel), Astydamia latifolia, and
Schizogyne sericea.
2. Thermophilous (thermophilic) woodland
(200–600/700 m)
Transitional dry forests with moderate temperatures.
Iconic trees:
Dracaena draco (Dragon Tree) — ancient, long-lived
(centuries), legendary "dragon's blood" resin; now rare in wild but
iconic in Tenerife (especially Anaga and Teno).
Phoenix canariensis
(Canary Island palm) — tall, endemic symbol.
Junipers (Juniperus
turbinata), wild olive (Olea europaea subsp.), and shrubs like Lavatera
acerifolia (malva de risco).
3. Laurel forest (Laurisilva or
Monteverde, 500–1,200 m, mainly humid north)
Lush, evergreen
subtropical "cloud forest" in ravines and north-facing slopes (e.g.,
Anaga Rural Park). A living fossil from Tertiary times, fed by
trade-wind fog. Dense canopy of broad-leaved trees with rich understory
of ferns, mosses, lichens, and epiphytes. Key species:
Laurus
novocanariensis (Canary laurel)
Ocotea foetens (viñatigo)
Persea
indica
Myrica faya (faya)
Erica arborea (tree heath)
Ilex
canariensis or I. perado subsp. platyphylla (hollies)
Ferns like
Woodwardia radicans.
4. Macaronesian heathland (1,000–1,500 m)
Transitional shrubby zone above laurel forests.
5. Canary pine
forest (800–2,000 m)
Extensive in drier southern and central
mountains. Dominated by the endemic, fire-resistant Pinus canariensis.
Understory includes rockroses and brooms.
6. High mountain and
summit zone (>2,000 m, especially Teide National Park)
Harsh alpine
conditions: intense sun, frost, low moisture, volcanic ash/lava. Over
50% endemism. Teide NP alone has ~168–220 vascular plants (many park- or
Tenerife-endemic). Blooms spectacularly in spring (April–June).
Standouts:
Spartocytisus supranubius (Teide/white broom) — dominant
shrub with white flowers.
Echium wildpretii (red tajinaste or "tower
of jewels") — biennial giant (up to 3 m) with striking red/pink flower
spikes; iconic in Las Cañadas.
Viola cheiranthifolia (Teide violet) —
delicate purple flowers, one of Europe’s highest-altitude flowering
plants.
Others: Echium auberianum (blue bugloss), Erysimum
scoparium (Teide wallflower), Argyranthemum teneriffae (Teide daisy),
Descurainia bourgeauana (flixweed), Pterocephalus lasiospermus
(rosalillo de cumbre), and Stemmacantha cynaroides (silver thistle).
Many Asteraceae (daisies, thistles) and Echium species are Tenerife
endemics or near-endemics.
Fauna of Tenerife
Terrestrial
vertebrates are limited (no native large mammals), but invertebrates
explode in diversity. Marine life is rich due to surrounding Atlantic
waters.
Invertebrates
~3,000 terrestrial species, ~40% endemic
(highest in Teide NP: 1,400+ species, many park-endemic). Includes
unique beetles, butterflies (e.g., endemic Canarian Cleopatra Gonepteryx
cleobule), spiders, and insects adapted to volcanic habitats. They form
the base of many food webs.
Reptiles and Amphibians
No native
snakes. 5 reptile species, mostly endemic lizards:
Gallotia galloti
(Tenerife lizard) — common, diurnal, up to 30+ cm, often with blue
markings; herbivorous/insectivorous.
Gallotia intermedia (Tenerife
spotted/giant lizard) — critically endangered, restricted to Teno
cliffs.
Geckos like Tarentola delalandii (Tenerife wall gecko,
nocturnal).
Skinks (Chalcides viridanus).
Amphibians: 2 introduced
species (e.g., frogs near water bodies).
Birds
~56 resident
species + many migrants (200+ recorded annually). Endemics/subspecies
tied to specific habitats:
Fringilla teydea (Tenerife blue chaffinch)
— striking blue male; pine forests.
Columba bollii (Bolle’s pigeon)
and Columba junoniae (white-tailed laurel pigeon) — laurel forests.
Anthus berthelotii (Berthelot’s pipit) — widespread endemic.
Others:
wild canary (Serinus canaria), Tenerife goldcrest, Canary chiffchaff,
seabirds (shearwaters, petrels), and raptors like kestrel and osprey
(endangered).
Mammals
Only native terrestrial mammals are bats
(~5 species). Endemic: Plecotus teneriffae (Canary long-eared bat). Many
introduced: rabbits, rats, hedgehogs, mouflon (in Teide for hunting),
feral goats/cats.
Marine Fauna
Exceptionally diverse: ~400
fish species (e.g., parrotfish, hogfish). 21 cetacean species (resident
bottlenose dolphins and short-finned pilot whales off the southwest
coast make it a top whale-watching spot). Sea turtles (loggerhead
common). Invertebrates like urchins support reef ecosystems.
The island's main industry, tourism, has already contributed to
widespread environmental degradation in Tenerife. The excessive
building, the disposal of the garbage and the fresh water supply of the
crowds have a particularly negative effect on the flora and fauna. The
"Ley de Espacios naturales de Canarias" ("Law for the Declaration of the
Canary Islands' nature reserves") passed in 1987 stipulates that
ecological crimes should be punished more severely and fewer building
permits should be issued. Ultimately, the law had little effect because
it was not able to be enforced. A trend reversal, however, took place in
the consciousness of the island population: educational measures and
campaigns by environmental protection organizations such as the
"Coordinadora Ecologista de Tenerife" are bearing fruit, and the number
of members in these associations is growing steadily. Another step
towards nature conservation is the creation of access restrictions for
national parks.
There is currently a discussion about the extent
to which the Teide National Park should be made accessible to hikers and
nature lovers. More than 2.5 million explorers visit the park annually.
400,000 of them alone use the Teleferico cable car to get to the summit
area. To protect the area more, Teide Park was recently enlarged from
13,571 to 19,522 hectares (ranking fifth in terms of Spanish national
park area) by adding new regions around the Cañadas. Since the regions
around Mount Teide benefit the least from tourism, but have to bear the
greatest damage, they were given more influence. There is now discussion
about whether the park should be subject to a fee, no cars should be
allowed behind the Cañadas and instead buses should chauffeur tourists
through the volcanic landscape.
It is not yet clear whether or
when these plans will be implemented in the (near) future.
Spanish is spoken on the island. In the tourist centers you can get along well with English and German, there are restaurants where the menu is in 10 different European languages.