The Enchanting Tale of Tenerife’s History

The history of Tenerife, like that of the entire Canary Islands, dates back approximately 12 million years. The stunning landscape, peculiar formations, and unique ecosystem are all the result of tectonic plate collisions and powerful volcanic eruptions that shaped the terrain of these modern-day Canary Islands.

As an autonomous region of Spain, the Canary Islands are situated close to the equator, surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Among the seven islands in the archipelago, Tenerife stands as the largest, covering an area of 2034 square kilometers and boasting a population of around 1 million people. The modern capital is Santa Cruz de Tenerife, located in the northern part of the island.

Long before the arrival of seafarers, the Canary Islands were inhabited by a people known as the Guanches, which translates to “Sons of Tenerife” in their language.

These ancient islanders were characterized by their tall stature, fair skin, blond hair, and blue eyes, a unique contrast to the typical image of island dwellers under the equatorial sun.

The origin of this people remains a mystery, a subject of speculation for historians and a source of beautiful myths for mythologists. Some historians even propose a connection between the ancient inhabitants of Tenerife and a long-lost race that once inhabited Atlantis.

Despite their primitive lifestyle, the Guanches had a complex social hierarchy. Each tribe was governed by a mensée (leader) and a council of elders. They lacked metalworking skills and weapons but were skilled in mummifying their dead and had a secret method of applying paint to fabrics that resisted fading under the scorching equatorial sun. The Guanches crafted clay stamps, similar to those found in modern-day Mexico.

According to legends, the ancient islanders worshipped the sun, stars, and the imposing Mount Teide. They deified spirits, venerated their ancestor Tara, and revered the highest deity, known as Achman. Engaging in agriculture and livestock farming, they made a dish called gofio from corn and barley flour, a delicacy still present in the Canary Islands’ cuisine today.

Studies conducted under the patronage of Thor Heyerdahl have revealed that the Guanches constructed stone pyramids for ritual purposes, bearing a striking resemblance to step pyramids found in Peru, Mexico, and other parts of the world. These pyramids can still be seen in the Ethnographic Park of the Pyramids of Guimar, located in the town of Guimar in the island’s north.

The Spanish conquest of the Canary Islands began in the 15th century, but it was not an instantaneous victory. The Guanches, armed only with sticks and stones, resisted the Spanish conquistadors for a prolonged period.

One of their leaders, Benahoro, led fierce resistance against the conquistador Alonso de Lugo. However, weakened by prolonged warfare and epidemics, the Guanches eventually surrendered in 1496 and were enslaved, marking a new chapter in Tenerife’s history.

Cultural and ethnic assimilation with the Spanish began, and the islanders gradually embraced Catholic Christianity, following the example of their leaders. As a result, little remains of the Guanches’ culture except for their traditions, legends, and enigmatic myths about their origins.

An intriguing site worth exploring is the Museum of Tenerife’s History. Its exhibits provide insight into the cultural and social heritage of the ancient inhabitants.

The museum boasts a considerable collection of maps of the Canary Islands, some dating back to the 16th century. Located in the historical center of La Laguna, the museum is housed in the 1593-built Casa Lercado mansion.

Tourism on Tenerife started developing as early as the late 19th century, beginning in the northern part of the island with the establishment of the first resort in Puerto de la Cruz.

In the 1970s, the artificial development of the southern region commenced, centered around Los Gigantes. The massive, modern complex of hotels and shops in Las Americas grew in the 1970s and 1980s, now standing as a tourism hub on the island.

Presently, approximately 70% of the island’s local population is engaged in the tourism industry. Additionally, a significant portion is involved in agriculture, as the Canary Islands rank second globally as exporters of bananas. Tenerife’s captivating history and vibrant present make it a destination that continues to allure visitors from all corners of the world.