Why Tenerife is The Most Beautiful Place in the Canary Islands

Off the northwest coast of Africa is the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife. This island offers a carefree vacation in a place of unique, special natural beauty.

Especially dear to Europeans looking for the sun in the heart of winter, with temperatures of 25–30 degrees all year round, it is rightly one of their most popular choices!

Tenerife could be said to be the whole Earth in miniature. Its endless shores have their character and special beauty. Its exotic and remote landscapes and beaches keep an open embrace for all its visitors every single year.

Tenerife is a destination for the whole year and a haven for lovers of the sun and the beaches. So waste no time and book your tickets for the best experiences on the best of the Canary Islands!

Tenerife’s name throughout the ages

The presence of life on the island starts from 200 BC. with the tribe being called Guanches and the island “Achinet” or “Chenet”. Later, the ancient Romans called the island “Nivaria”, from the Latin word nieve, which means snow. This was probably due to the snow covering the volcano top.

Several years later, during the last Medieval centuries, maps of the times called the island “Island of Hell”, again because of the volcano. This time though, the reference was clearly to its eruptions.

But what about “Tenerife”? Its current name comes from the local words Tene (mountain) and ife (white) but after the colonization by the Spanish, the letter “r” was added resulting in the current name.

A little bit of geography…

The largest island of the Canary Islands, which geographically belong to the African continent, is an island full of contrasts. Off the northwest coast of Africa, it offers a carefree vacation in a place of unique, special natural beauty.

Tenerife, also known as “the island of eternal spring”, is the largest and most populous of the seven Canary Islands. On the one hand, we have its green North with some of the main resorts being Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Puerto de la Cruz. On the other side, there is the dry and African climate in the southern part of the island, with Playa de las Americas and Los Christian being the main resorts.

Tenerife is part of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Region. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the island’s capital and seat of the cabildo insular (island government). It is also the co-capital of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands along with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with which it shares government institutions such as the Presidency, Parliament and Ministries.

Fun Fact: With a population of almost a million people, it is the most populous island in Spain!

Tenerife’s volcano

Like the rest of the neighbouring islands, Tenerife is an island of volcanic origin. The last of the eruptions that created the island took place about 3.5 million years ago, although small “moans” can still be heard.

So, if you are looking to experience some real volcanic activity, a visit to Tenerife’s volcano is the best option. Where to find it? Up on Mount Teide!

Mount Teide is in Tenerife

Of all its natural landscapes, Mount Teide is the most famous one. The highest point in Spain, Mount Teide reaches 3,718 metres in height and is one of the most beautiful places to explore. It is the most visited national park in Spain, hence you know that it is a place you must absolutely visit!

Click here to book your tickets to the best tours and adventures on Mount Teide.

But why is Mount Teide so special? Mount Teide has been established as a UNESCO National Park, recognized for its unique beauty. There, you will encounter lush vegetation, a landscape that will leave you gazing for hours and the third largest volcano in the world!

If you want to find out about more of the best National Parks in Spain, read our article by clicking here!

What to do in Tenerife

Tenerife is an ideal destination for all ages, with various theme parks and water sports to entertain you. As an island influenced by two nations, its local flavours and cuisine are something you can spend days discovering. Finally, its natural landscapes can fill your days with adventurous getaways.