How to Enjoy Tenerife

Tenerife is part of the beautiful Canary Islands which has excellent weather and intriguing Atlantic culture to offer the pleasures of the sea, nature and culture. There is such a varied offering at Tenerife where one can soak in breathtaking landscapes or engage in rich traditions and cultures.

Two established tourist centers are available to assist tourists; one is in the north while the other is in the south.

How it came about

Tenerife is an island formed 3 million years ago as part of the oldest mountain ranges in the Atlantic Ocean which exists since 12 million years ago. Tenerife Island was a formation of 3 islands from Anaga, Valle de San Lorenzo and Teno mountain ranges which the Teide volcano melted together.

This volcano can be seen from many areas on the island with a crater as big as 17 km in diameter. The volcanic last erupted in 1909 near Santiago del Teide village.

Tenerife holds an interesting history whose story is depicted from the many monuments and museums on the island.

History of Tenerife

The Spanish empire conquered Tenerife about 500 years ago through Alonso Fernandez de Lugo. On May 31st 1494, the Spanish king ordered Alonso to obliterate the island’s last natives but they, the Guanches, were able to ward off the attack through the Raoro king who stepped in with his soldiers to cause a massacre of 2000 Spaniards with Alonso being badly injured.

Now, the town where the dreadful event took place is called la Matanza, for massacre in Spanish. Today, there exists a big stone wall which has a Guanche victory signal to indicate the victory, close to the highway.

The Spanish crown managed to overcome Tenerife on December 25th 1495 when the Guanches were destabilized by a plague. Thus, the Guanche culture and existence became extinct.

Little is known about the Tenerife natives, the mysterious Guanches except that they were dangerous and feared by other canary island inhabitants. They were supposedly cavemen who buried their dead inside the caves.

It may be that the Guanches originated from northwest Africa as some Bereber origin symbols were found engraved on a stone, but no one really knows.There existed at least 9 kings in Tenerife whose lava statues once stood on the beach on Candelaria, right in front of the Basilica but have been eroded away over the years.

What to see in Tenerife

There is a beautiful lagoon near the Añaza harbor. More interestingly is Lake Martiánez which is an impressive collection of natural pools founded by Lanzarote César Manrique, a famous artist.

The famed Botanical Gardens outside the city and the Loro Park aviary are lovely visit areas while in Tenerife. These tourist spots are accessible easily by car or even on foot, as they are quite near the city.

There are many forms of relaxation in Tenerife for tourists, such as sunbathing and frolicking in the sea and beaches at various tourist resorts at southern Tenerife where the weather is better.

Accommodations and good food are easily available for a tourist’s comfort. There are many smaller tourist resorts along the southern coast which are worthy of your visit while in Tenerife.

You can experience windsurfing at El Médano or check out Los Gigantes’ impressive cliffs. Water sports are readily available if you wish to have a fun day at the sea or beach.