10 Things You Didn't Know About Tenerife
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Tenerife, the largest island in the Canary archipelago, is known for its mild climate all year round, volcanic sandy beaches and the imposing Mount Teide. However, beyond the tourist clichés, the island hides a series of curiosities that surprise even the most experienced travelers.
From historical battles to mysterious pyramids and massive carnivals, there are many things you didn’t know about Tenerife that deserve to be discovered. This article will take you beyond the typical tourist brochures to get to know the hidden and fascinating side of this Atlantic jewel.
Mount Teide is not only the highest peak in Spain
Mount Teide, at 3,718 metres high, is known as the highest point in Spain. But one of the things you didn’t know about Tenerife is that this volcano not only dominates the landscape, but also science. Teide National Park is a landmark for researchers from all over the world due to its geological similarity to Mars. In fact, the European Space Agency has carried out tests there simulating planetary missions.
Another surprising fact is that, if measured from the seabed, Mount Teide exceeds 7,500 metres in total altitude, making it one of the highest volcanoes on the planet. In addition, its surroundings have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2007, which demonstrates both its natural and cultural value.
It is also a benchmark for astronomical observation thanks to its clean sky and no light pollution. The Teide Observatory is one of the most important in the northern hemisphere.
The thousand-year-old dragon tree is not so ancient
The Ancient Dragon Tree of Icod de los Vinos is one of the botanical icons of Tenerife, and its twisted silhouette has become a symbol of the island. However, one of the things you didn’t know about Tenerife is that the famous dragon tree isn’t really a thousand years old. The most recent studies estimate their age at around 800 years, which is still impressive, but less than the name suggests.
This tree belongs to the Dracaena draco species, and is one of the largest and oldest specimens in the world. The sap that emanates from its trunk acquires a red color in contact with the air, which has led to the call “dragon’s blood” and has been traditionally used in natural medicine and mystical rituals.
In the Guanche culture, magical properties were attributed to it. Today, the Drago Milenario is part of the Parque del Drago, where visitors can admire this botanical jewel that, although not millenary, is still unique in its kind.
Tenerife was the scene of an attack by Lord Nelson
Among the things you didn’t know about Tenerife, the island was the scene of a battle against one of the most famous admirals in history: Horatio Nelson. In 1797, the leader of the British navy attempted to conquer the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, but was defeated by Spanish forces under the command of General Antonio Gutierrez.
During the assault, Nelson lost his right arm after being hit by a bullet, and the operation resulted in a total failure for the British. The defence organised by the people of Tenerife was so effective that even the enemies were allowed to retreat with honours, a gesture that marked an episode of rare military chivalry.
Today, history is proudly remembered in Santa Cruz. The remains of the Castle of San Cristóbal can be visited under the Plaza de España, and a plaque commemorates the defeat of the famous admiral. This historical curiosity adds a layer of depth to Tenerife’s history that few tourists know about.
The Carnival of Tenerife is one of the largest in the world
Among the things you didn’t know about Tenerife, there is probably the fact that its Carnival is considered one of the most important on the planet, only surpassed by that of Rio de Janeiro. The city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife hosts this celebration every year that combines spectacular parades, costume contests, murgas, comparsas and a contagious energy that floods the streets for weeks.
What many do not know is that in 1987, the Tenerife Carnival broke a Guinness record by bringing together more than 250,000 people in a concert by Celia Cruz, becoming the largest outdoor gathering ever recorded at that time. In addition, this carnival was declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest in 1980.
The event has a different theme each year, and one of the most anticipated moments is the election of the Carnival Queen, with costumes that weigh more than 100 kilos. For many travellers, discovering this festive and colourful side of Tenerife is a surprise that goes far beyond the landscape and climate.
Santa Cruz was the capital of the Canary Islands alone
Today, the capital of the Canary Islands is shared between Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. However, one of the things you didn’t know about Tenerife is that, for almost a century, Santa Cruz was the only capital of the archipelago.
This exclusive status lasted from 1833, when Spain was administratively reorganized, until 1927, when it was decided to share political power between the two islands for reasons of balance and social pressure. From then on, the capital was shared.
During this period, Santa Cruz hosted the main political and administrative institutions of the Canary Islands, which strengthened its urban and cultural development. The city still preserves vestiges of this golden age in buildings such as the Palacio de Carta or the old Cabildo Insular.
This historical fact often goes unnoticed by many visitors, but it provides a different perspective on Tenerife’s role in regional history.
The pyramids of Güímar are still a mystery
Although many think that pyramids are only found in Egypt or America, one of the things you didn’t know about Tenerife is that there are also pyramids here, specifically in the municipality of Güímar. These stepped structures have piqued the curiosity of archaeologists and tourists alike.
For years it was thought that they were simple agricultural stacks. However, researcher Thor Heyerdahl defended its pre-Hispanic origin and possible ceremonial use, based on its astronomical orientation. The pyramids are aligned with solar phenomena such as the summer solstice, which adds an aura of mystery to their existence.
The Pyramids of Güímar Ethnographic Park allows visitors to tour these structures and learn about the different theories about their origin. Although their exact function is still a matter of debate, the pyramids of Güímar are a clear example that Tenerife keeps secrets that have not yet been fully revealed.
Tenerife is home to one of the most extreme races in the world
Another thing you didn’t know about Tenerife is that the Tenerife Bluetrail is held on this island, one of the most demanding ultratrail races in Europe. It is a competition that crosses the island from the coast to the top of Mount Teide, passing through different climatic levels and radically different landscapes.
The hardest modality, the Ultra, covers more than 100 km with a cumulative elevation gain of more than 7,000 meters. The runners start in the early morning at sea level and reach 3,555 meters, where oxygen is scarce and fatigue multiplies.
This race not only tests physical and mental endurance, but also shows the natural wealth of Tenerife: laurel forests, volcanic areas, trails between pine forests and snow-capped peaks in winter. Participating or simply witnessing this event is a unique way to experience the island from a different and extreme perspective.
The unknown Tenerife awaits you
As you have seen, there are many things you didn’t know about Tenerife that make this island much more than a sun and beach destination. Behind each landscape, each village and each tradition, there are hidden stories and curiosities that surprise and enrich the visitor.
Exploring the hidden side of Tenerife allows you to connect with its deepest essence, a mixture of wild nature, historical heritage and secrets yet to be discovered. Whether you’re a frequent visitor or planning your first visit, we encourage you to look beyond the obvious.
Tenerife is an island to observe carefully. Because many times, the most fascinating thing is right where no one is looking.