The importance of the volcanic presence in Tenerife is indisputable, as you can see in the Mount Teide or at some of the most emblematic beaches like Los Cristianos and El Bollullo. Arid and eroded landscapes with dark colors are some of the evidence of this origin of the largest island of the Canary Islands.

Origin and creation of the island of Tenerife

It is estimated that Tenerife was formed about 20-50 million years ago and, according to the ‘Theory of plate tectonics’, this happened because of the rise of basaltic magma that come from the ocean floor. Some researchers estimate that the first islets to stay afloat (first phase of creation) were those in the Anaga, Teno and Adeje boroughs. At the time, some manifestations reached 1,000 meters.

From there, the island underwent several phases of creation in which it experienced a stop of volcanic activity over millions of years until a volcanism string reactivated sporadically. This caused the rise of another parts of the island of Tenerife, such as the Dorsal mountain or the La Orotava and Güímar valleys.

Photo: Astrofoto Gran Canaria

El Teide, one of the largest volcanoes in the world

Finally, after the latter creation around 200,000 years ago, the first eruptions originated the emblematic stratovolcano Teide-Pico Viejo on the Caldera de Las Cañadas. It is still the highest point in Spain with 3,718 meters above sea level, and also it is the third largest volcano on Earth with its 7,500 meters above the ocean floor. Therefore Tenerife is positioned as the tenth highest island in the world.

Both the Teide-Pico Viejo complex as the Dorsal mountain range are the most active areas of the island because of the eruptions that have occurred in both zones between 1704 and 1909. The last eruption of the Pico Viejo was in 1798 and lasted three months, the longest episode suffered in the island.

Photo: El coleccionista de instantes

The origin of Tenerife is the cause that nowadays we can enjoy a mixed scenery without leaving the island: ravines and cliffs, coasts and beaches, mountains, valleys, volcanic caves and wooded areas. Remember that the Teide National Park was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

If you want to discover it with your own eyes, do not miss the opportunity to visit Tenerife. Our Jardines de Nivaria*****, Roca Nivaria***** y Colón Guanahaní**** hotels are located in the area of Costa Adeje, one of the first ones of the island.

Cover photo: perlaroques

Adrián Hoteles
Hotel Tenerife