Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, located off the northwest coast of Africa and administered as part of the Canary Islands autonomous community. The island is dominated by a central volcanic massif and has a mix of coastal resorts, historic towns and protected natural areas.

The principal natural highlight is a stratovolcano that reaches 3,718 m, the highest point in Spain, set within a national park that receives large numbers of visitors for hiking, geological interest and astronomy. Coastal areas offer beaches and tourism infrastructure while the northern and eastern highlands provide laurisilva forests and steep sea cliffs.

The island has long been an Atlantic stop for maritime routes and today is a major tourist destination with ferry and air links to the other islands and to mainland Spain. The largest towns and port facilities serve as transport hubs for tourism and commerce.

Geographically Tenerife lies in the central group of the Canary archipelago and sits roughly 300 km west of the Moroccan coast.

• Protected area: The central volcanic area is protected as a national park and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its geological and ecological significance.
• Summit access: A cable car provides access close to the summit area, with the top station at high altitude requiring a short scramble or permit to reach the true summit.

What to See #

• Teide: A volcanic peak that reaches 3,718 m and dominates the island's landscape; the surrounding national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife: The island capital and an important port city situated on the northeastern coast with ferry links to the other Canary Islands.
• Anaga Rural Park: Rugged northern mountain area with laurisilva and coastal cliffs, popular for hiking routes and viewpoints.