Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest and most populous island of the Canary Islands, an autonomous community of Spain located in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa. It covers about 2,034 square kilometres and has a population of around one million. The island’s principal city is Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which serves as the administrative capital of the island; the Canary Islands designate two official capitals for the archipelago, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Geography and climate: The island is dominated by the Teide volcanic complex, including Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain at 3,718 metres. The landscape ranges from black-sand beaches and dry southern areas to laurel forests in higher elevations, producing a variety of microclimates over short distances.

History: The island was inhabited by the Guanche indigenous people before the Spanish conquest in the 15th century and became part of the Crown of Castile. It developed as a gateway for Atlantic trade and tourism. The last volcanic eruption on Tenerife occurred in 1909 at Montaña Chinyero.

Economy and culture: Modern Tenerife is dominated by tourism, with agriculture such as bananas and tomatoes continuing in designated areas. The island is renowned for the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, one of the largest carnivals in the world. Transportation includes two international airports, Tenerife North (Los Rodeos) and Tenerife South (Reina Sofía), and a major commercial port in Santa Cruz.

Protected areas and heritage: Teide National Park, centered on Mount Teide, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (designated 2007). The historic town of San Cristóbal de La Laguna on Tenerife is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site (designated 1999).