Date of publication 28/01/2026
An island born of fire: Stories, secrets, and curiosities of Tenerife
These hotels in Tenerife open a window to curiosity. Looking through it means seeing beyond, always with the Atlantic Ocean in the background. Nicknamed “the island of eternal spring,” this volcanic destination holds many stories and secrets that will captivate you with its welcoming personality.
Its original inhabitants, the Guanches, lived in caves to protect themselves from the harsh climate and wild animals. They organized themselves into small kingdoms called menceyatos. Their existence flowed in perfect harmony with nature. After the arrival of Spanish settlers in the 15th century, the island, known until then as Achinech or Chinet, which could be translated as “my land”, became an important commercial bastion of the Crown of Castile. In 1833, Santa Cruz de Tenerife was named the capital of the Canary Islands.
You’ll be impressed by its blend of cultures and landscapes. Let yourself be surprised by the traditions, nature, climate, or cuisine on your next trip with these fun facts about Tenerife.
An island born from fire: Tenerife’s volcanic origin
Despite being between 10 and 12 million years old, Tenerife is the youngest territory in the Canary Islands in geological terms. It could be said to have been born from fire. Initially, there were three distinct islands, Adeje, Anaga, and Teno, that formed as lava accumulated on the ocean floor (submarine phase). Over time, they emerged to the surface (volcanic building phase). In the third stage, starting 3 million years ago and continuing to the present day (central building phase), the Las Cañadas complex was formed, and later, Mount Teide.
Today, Tenerife’s 11 volcanoes and more than 300 volcanic cones continue to show activity. Its landscape changes almost imperceptibly every day. Exploring its ever-changing landscapes, which seem to come from another planet, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Discover more in this 7-day Tenerife guide.
The past and present of Tenerife meet at Iberostar Selection Sábila, one of the best hotels in Costa Adeje. In this 5-star resort, specially designed for adults and located beachfront, you’ll feel the omnipresence of a wild environment. Its gastronomic market with 7 themed kitchens, its spa with Canarian aloe vera treatments, and its bright décor make it an ideal romantic retreat.
Teide: Not only the highest peak in Spain
Turn your next stay at hotels in Tenerife into an opportunity to view nature with fresh eyes. Did you know that, in addition to being the highest peak in Spain, Mount Teide is also the highest volcano in Europe and the third highest in the world? At 3,715 meters above sea level, from base to summit, it exceeds 7,500 meters. In fact, most of its structure is underground. Some areas are perfect for extreme sports: hiking and trekking, mountain biking, climbing, mountaineering, or paragliding.
In 2007, Mount Teide was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the category of Natural Good. Its most recent eruption (relatively recent) was recorded in 1909. Its depths continue to rumble today. The Teide National Park, covering nearly 190 square kilometers, protects the only subtropical high-mountain habitat in Europe. Its flora includes endangered plants such as silver thistle and pajonera grass; and rare, stunning flowers like the red and blue tajinaste. Among the animals, you'll find the Tenerife lizard, finches, osprey, and the Tenerife bee-eater.
Microclimates in just a few kilometers
Seafront hotels in Tenerife invite you to experience one of its peculiarities: microclimates that change every few kilometers. Although it may seem unbelievable, the island has more than 20 distinct climatic zones. On the Tenerife beaches and natural pools in the south, you’ll enjoy good weather and warm temperatures year-round. For example, Costa Adeje averages more than 300 sunny days annually. The water remains between 20ºC and 23ºC, while the ambient temperature hovers around 23ºC on average.
Not far from there, in locations like La Orotava or Tacoronte on the northern coast, the climate is much wetter and cooler, with a higher chance of rain, storms, and fog in the mornings and afternoons. The inland foothills are characterized by an oceanic or subhumid microclimate, slightly cooler than at the beach. In high-altitude areas above 1,500 meters, like Teide, there’s a dry and continental microclimate, with warm summers, cold winters, and even recurring snowfall in the craters surrounding the volcano.
Living prehistoric forests
Have you ever walked through a living prehistoric forest? Tenerife is famous for its forest ecosystems, which originated at least 7 to 9 million years ago. In Anaga Rural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, lies the largest laurel forest in Europe. It is believed to have formed around 20 million years ago. The climatic phenomenon that has made its survival possible is linked to the trade winds. If you’re wondering where the name “laurisilva” comes from, it refers to the tree that dominates this habitat: the laurel. Other plant species such as heather, ferns, mosses, and lichens make up this ancient humid forest.
This magical place is located around 90 kilometers from Costa Adeje. The road journey from the main hotel areas in Tenerife takes about an hour and a half by car. You can also join guided bus excursions. Once there, you can explore its trails either on foot or by bicycle.
The island is a global reference in astronomy
A fascinating fact about Tenerife that will excite astronomy lovers is that its sky is legally protected. Thanks to this, light pollution is strictly regulated. The 1988 Sky Law guarantees this protection. Furthermore, its clear and cloudless sky has earned it the title of Starlight Destination, awarded to the best places in the world for stargazing. On clear days, from the Teide National Park—at over 2,000 meters above sea level—you can observe 83 of the 88 official constellations.
Consider this romantic plan if you're organizing a trip with your partner to the island. JOIA Salomé by Iberostar is one of the highest-rated adults-only hotels in Tenerife. In this superior category resort, located beachfront, there are suites with butler service and terraces that blend seamlessly with the ocean and the sky. Its fine dining and luxury spa are designed to help you connect with yourself and the surrounding environment.
Pirates, trade, and Atlantic routes
There are many types of vacations possible, and they can all be found on this unique island with an enigmatic personality. If you’re visiting Tenerife with kids, tell them a pirate story. From the 15th century until well into the 19th century, piracy in the Canary Islands was a constant, as the islands were a strategic point for trade between Europe, Africa, and America. Various trade routes passed through the islands, transporting valuable goods that pirates tried to intercept. One of the most famous pirates was Amaro Pargo, born in San Cristóbal de la Laguna; however, there were legendary figures of all nationalities, including English, French, and Berber.
The little ones will love hearing these tales, and they’ll also enjoy staying at family-friendly hotels in Tenerife, such as Iberostar Selection Anthelia. This all-inclusive resort has its own pirate ship in the Aquafun kids' area, with slides and pools specially designed for them. Located in front of Playa de Fañabé, the resort is based on a sustainable 5-star philosophy, with 5 restaurants, 3 bars, views of the vast Atlantic, and wellness facilities you won’t want to leave.
Beaches "that shouldn't be there"
From hotels with water slides in Tenerife to golden sand beaches “that shouldn’t be there.” At least, not naturally. This is the case of Playa de las Teresitas, with sand brought from the Sahara in the 1970s, when such actions were even ecologically permissible. In this way, an old coastline of pebbles, rocks, and black sand was transformed into a leisure oasis for families, stretching 1.3 kilometers. Today, the beach offers all the necessary services for a comfortable and relaxing day, with access for people with reduced mobility and baby strollers. The same is true for Playa de Las Vistas in Los Cristianos.
Enjoy the sun and the sea at Iberostar Waves Bouganville Playa, a 4-star family accommodation that blends seamlessly with the blue of the sea. Located on the San Eugenio Promenade, just 20 meters from Playa del Bobo and next to the Puerto Deportivo Colón, it has a colorful atmosphere with exciting leisure options for all ages. The rooms are adapted, including the adults-only Star Prestige category, which offers private areas, and there’s also a bike station for renting, storing, or repairing bicycles.
Traditions that are still very much alive
The Tenerife Carnival is not its only internationally famous tradition. On the contrary, the island of eternal spring remains true to its vibrant customs. Among them is lucha canaria, a traditional form of wrestling that takes place in the sand. You may have also heard of the silbo gomero, an ancient communication system using whistles, which was—and still is—used to communicate over long distances between ravines and valleys.
The calendar of romerías (traditional pilgrimages) includes authentic festivities like that of San Benito Abad, celebrated in Santa Cruz on the second Sunday of July. It has been declared a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest. This celebration honors the countryside and agriculture. Each year, the gala to elect the romeros and romeras (pilgrims) brings together hundreds of people. Paradoxically, these and other traditions are not mere folklore for tourists, but rather a profound cultural experience that you will have the chance to immerse yourself in. Approach it with excitement and a curious traveler’s mindset while staying at All-Inclusive hotels in Tenerife.
A cuisine marked by blending
Tenerife's cuisine blends its Guanche roots with European and Latin American influences. When you try it, you’ll notice it doesn’t resemble any other cuisine in Spain. Local products such as artisanal goat cheeses, volcanic wines, ancient potatoes, prepared “arrugás” with mojo picón or mojo verde, honey, millo (the corn used to make gofio), and bananas add flavor, originality, and, most importantly, a sense of belonging and community.
You can't leave the island without trying the typical Canarian food in a guachinche, a traditional food house usually found in rural areas in the north. For centuries, these family-owned establishments have served homemade dishes paired with the best wines from the region. Sancocho, a stew made with salted fish, sweet potato, and mojo, bubangos, similar to zucchinis, ropa vieja, arepas canarias, baifo (goat meat), or churros are also common items on the menu.
Now that you know almost everything about the island of Tenerife, this natural phenomenon made of fire and stories, all that's left is to decide which of our hotels in Tenerife suits your plans best.
