Tenerife

Tenerife
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For other uses, see Tenerife (disambiguation).
Tenerife
Island
Clockwise from top: Dracaena draco, Roques de Anaga, Teide

National Park, Traditional Canarian house and Auditorio de
Tenerife.
Flag
Map showing location of Tenerife
Coordinates: 28167N 163620WCoordinates: 28167N 16

3620W
Country Spain
Autonomous community Canary Islands
Province Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Capital and Largest City Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Pop.

221,956)
Area
Total 2,034 km2 (785 sq mi)
Highest elevation (Teide) 3,718 m (12,198 ft)
Population (2014)
Total 889,936[1]
Density 442/km2 (1,140/sq mi)
Ethnicities Spanish, other minority groups
Time zone UTC (UTC0)

Summer (DST) UTC+1 (UTC+1)
Website www.tenerife.es
Tenerife (/tnrif/; Spanish: [teneife]) is the largest and most populated island of the seven Canary
Islands.[2] It is also the most populated island of Spain,[2] with a land area of 2,034.38 square
kilometres (785 sq mi) and 898,680 inhabitants,[3] 43 percent of the total population of the Canary
Islands.[2] Tenerife is the largest and most populous island of Macaronesia.[4]
About five million tourists visit Tenerife each year, the most of any of the Canary Islands. [5] It is one of
the most important tourist destinations in Spain[6] and the world.[6] Tenerife hosts one of the world's
largest carnivals and the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is working to be designated as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.[7]
Served by two airports, Tenerife North Airport and Tenerife South Airport, Tenerife is the economic
centre of the archipelago.[8][9] The 1977 collision of two Boeing 747 passenger jets at Tenerife North
Airport, resulting in 583 deaths, remains the deadliest aviation accident in world history.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the island and the seat of the island council (cabildo insular).
The city is capital of the autonomous community of Canary Islands (shared with Las Palmas),
sharing governmental institutions such as presidency and ministries. Between the 1833 territorial
division of Spain and 1927, Santa Cruz de Tenerife was the sole capital of the Canary Islands. In
1927 the Crown ordered that the capital of the Canary Islands be shared, as it remains at present. [10]
[11]
Santa Cruz contains the modern Auditorio de Tenerife, the architectural symbol of the Canary
Islands.[12][13]
The island is home to the University of La Laguna; founded in 1792 in San Cristbal de La Laguna, it
is the oldest university in the Canaries. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is the second to
have been founded on the island, and is the third of the archipelago. The city of La Laguna was
capital of the Canary Islands before Santa Cruz replaced it in 1833. [14]
Teide National Park, a World Heritage Site in the center of the island, has Teide, the highest
elevation of Spain, the highest of the islands of the Atlantic Ocean, and the third-largest volcano in
the world from its base.[15] Also located on the island, Macizo de Anaga since 2015 has been
designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.[16] It has the largest number of endemic species in
Europe.[16]
Contents
[hide]
1Toponymy
2Demonym
3History
o 3.1Territorial organisation before the conquest (The Guanches)
o 3.2Spanish conquest
o 3.3Slavery and plantations
o 3.4Emigration to the Americas
o 3.5Military history
o 3.6Modern history
4Geography
5Geology
o 5.1Origins and geological formation
o 5.2Orography and landscape
5.2.1Central heights
5.2.2Massifs
5.2.3Dorsales
5.2.4Valleys and ravines
5.2.5Coastline
5.2.6Volcanic tubes
6Climate
o 6.1Water
o 6.2Pollution and air quality
7Flora and fauna
o 7.1Prehistoric fauna
o 7.2Protected natural areas
8Administration
o 8.1Law and order
o 8.2Government
o 8.3Municipalities
o 8.4Counties
o 8.5Flags and heraldry
9Natural symbols
10Demographics
11Economy
o 11.1Tourism
o 11.2Agriculture and fishing
o 11.3Industry and commerce
12Historical heritage
o 12.1Monuments
o 12.2Archeological sites
13Culture and arts
o 13.1Literature
o 13.2Painting
o 13.3Sculpture
o 13.4Music
o 13.5Architecture
o 13.6Crafts
o 13.7Traditional celebrations
13.7.1Carnival of Santa Cruz
13.7.2Pilgrimages (Romeras)
13.7.3Holiday of the Virgin of Candelaria
13.7.4Holiday of the Cristo de La Laguna
13.7.5Corpus Christi
13.7.6Easter
14Religion
15Education
o 15.1Science and research
o 15.2Museums
16Media
17Transport and communications

o 17.1Roads
o 17.2Airports
o 17.3Ports
o 17.4Buses (guaguas)
o 17.5Taxis
o 17.6Tramway
17.6.1Railway plans
18Sports
19Healthcare
20Gastronomy
o 20.1Fish
o 20.2Meat
o 20.3Canarian wrinkly potatoes
o 20.4Mojos
o 20.5Cheeses
o 20.6Gofio
o 20.7Confectionery
o 20.8Wines
21International relations
o 21.1Twin towns Sister cities
22Image gallery
23See also
24References
25External links
Toponymy[edit]
The island's indigenous people, the Guanches, referred to the island as Achinet or Chenet in their
language (variant spellings are found in the literature). According to Pliny the
Younger, Berber king Juba II sent an expedition to the Canary Islands and Madeira; he named the
Canary Islands for the particularly ferocious dogs (canaria) on the island.[17] Juba II and Ancient
Romans referred to the island of Tenerife as Nivaria, derived from
the Latin word nix (nsg.; gsg. nivis, npl. nives), meaning snow, referring to the snow-covered peak of
the Teide volcano.[18] Later maps dating to the 14th and 15th century, by mapmakers such as Bontier
and Le Verrier, refer to the island as Isla del Infierno, literally meaning "Island of Hell," referring to the
volcanic activity and eruptions of Mount Teide.
The Benahoaritas (natives of La Palma) are said to have named the island, deriving it from the
words tene ("mountain") and ife ("white").[citation needed] After colonisation, the Hispanisation of the name
resulted in adding the letter "r" to unite both words, producing Tenerife. [19][20]
The 18th-century historians Juan Nez de la Pea and Toms Arias Marn de Cubas, among
others, state that the island was likely named by natives for the legendary Guanche king, Tinerfe,
nicknamed "the Great." He ruled the entire island in the days before the conquest of the Canary
Islands by Castilla.[21]
Panorama of Teide National Park
Demonym[edit]
The formal demonym used to refer to the people of Tenerife is Tinerfeo/a; also used colloquially is
the term chicharrero/a.[22] In modern society, the latter term is generally applied only to inhabitants of
the capital, Santa Cruz. The term "chicharrero" was once a derogatory term used by the people of La
Laguna when it was the capital, to refer to the poorer inhabitants and fishermen of Santa Cruz. The
fishermen typically caught mackerel and other residents ate potatoes, assumed to be of low quality
by the elite of La Laguna.[22] As Santa Cruz grew in commerce and status, it replaced La Laguna as
capital of Tenerife in 1833 during the reign of Fernando VII. Then the inhabitants of Santa Cruz used
the former insult to identify as residents of the new capital, at La Laguna's expense. [22]
History[edit]
The earliest known human settlement in the islands date to around 200 BC, by Berbers known as
the Guanches.[23]
Territorial organisation before the conquest (The Guanches) [edit]
Guanche mummy in Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
About one hundred years before the conquest by king Juba II, the title of mencey was given to the
monarch or king of the Guanches of Tenerife, who governed a menceyato or kingdom. This role was
later referred to as a "captainship" by the conquerors. Tinerfe el Grande, son of the mencey Sunta,
governed the island from Adeje in the south. However, upon his death, his nine children rebelled and
argued bitterly about how to divide the island.
Two independent achimenceyatos were created on the island, and the island was divided into
nine menceyatos. The menceyes within them formed what would be similar to municipalities today.
[24]
The menceyatos and their menceyes (ordered by the names of descendants of Tinerfe who ruled
them) were the following:
Territorial map of Tenerife before the conquest
Taoro. Menceyes: Bentinerfe, Inmobach, Bencomo and Bentor. Today it includes Puerto de
la Cruz, La Orotava, La Victoria de Acentejo, La Matanza de Acentejo, Los Realejos and Santa
rsula.
Gmar. Menceyes: Acaymo, Aaterve y Guetn. Today this territory is made up of El

Rosario, Candelaria, Arafo and Gmar
Abona. Menceyes: Atguaxoa and Adxoa (Adjona). Today it

includes Fasnia, Arico, Granadilla de Abona, San Miguel de Abona and Arona.
Anaga. Menceyes: Beneharo and Beneharo II. Today this territory spans the municipalities
of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and San Cristbal de La Laguna.
Tegueste. Menceyes: Tegueste, Tegueste II y Teguaco. Today this territory is made up
of Tegueste, part of the coastal zone of La Laguna.
Tacoronte: Menceyes: Rumn and Acaymo. Today this territory is made up

of Tacoronte and El Sauzal
Icode. Menceyes: Chincanayro and Pelicar. Today this territory is made up of San Juan de la
Rambla, La Guancha, Garachico and Icod de los Vinos.
Daute. Menceyes: Cocanaymo and Romn. Today this territory is occupied by El

Tanque, Los Silos, Buenavista del Norte and Santiago del Teide.
Adeje. Menceyes. Atbitocazpe, Pelinor, and Ichasagua. It included what today are the
municipalities of Gua de Isora, Adeje and Vilaflor
The achimenceyato of Punta del Hidalgo was governed by Aguahuco, a "poor noble" who was an
illegitimate son of Tinerfe and Zebenzui.
Spanish conquest[edit]
Alonso Fernandez de Lugo presenting the native kings of Tenerife to Ferdinand and Isabella
Tenerife was the last island of Canaries to be conquered and the one that took the longest time to
submit to the Castilian troops. Although the traditional dates of conquest of Tenerife are established
between 1494 (landing of Alonso Fernndez de Lugo) and 1496 (conquest of the island), it must be
taken into account that the attempts to annex the island of Tenerife to the Crown of Castile date back
at least to 1464.[25] For this reason, from the first attempt to conquer the island in 1464, until it is
finally conquered in 1496, 32 years pass.
In 1464, Diego Garcia de Herrera, Lord of the Canary Islands, took symbolic possession of the
island in the Barranco del Bufadero (Ravine of the Bufadero),[26] signing a peace treaty with the
Guanche chiefs (menceyes) which allowed the mencey Anaga to build a fortified tower on Guanche
land, where the Guanches and the Spanish held periodic treaty talks until the Guanches demolished
it around 1472.[27]
In 1492 the governor of Gran Canaria Francisco Maldonado organized a raid that ended in disaster
for the Spaniards when they were defeated by Anaga's warriors. In December 1493, the Catholic
monarchs, Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, granted Alonso Fernndez
de Lugo the right to conquer Tenerife. Coming from Gran Canaria in April 1494, the conqueror
landed on the coast of present-day Santa Cruz de Tenerife in May, and disembarked with about
2,000 men on foot and 200 on horseback.[28] After taking the fort, the army prepared to move inland,
later capturing the native kings of Tenerife and presenting them to Isabella and Ferdinand.
The menceyes of Tenerife had differing responses to the conquest. They divided into the side of
peace (Spanish: bando de paz) and the side of war (Spanish: bando de guerra). The first included
the menceyatos of Anaga, Gmar, Abona and Adeje. The second group consisted of the people of
Tegueste, Tacoronte, Taoro, Icoden and Daute. Those opposed to the conquest fought the invaders
tenaciously, resisting their rule for two years. Castillian forces under the Adelantado ("military
governor") de Lugo suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Guanches in the First Battle of
Acentejo on 31 May 1494, but defeated them at the Second Battle of Acentejo on 25 December
1494. The Guanches were eventually overcome by superior technology and the arms of the
invaders, and surrendered to the Crown of Castile in 1496. [29]
Slavery and plantations[edit]
As in the rest of the islands, the Spanish enslaved many of the natives, especially those who had
resisted them. Many of the natives died from new infectious diseases, such as influenza and
probably smallpox, to which they lacked resistance or acquired immunity. For a century after the
conquest, many new colonists settled on the island, including immigrants from the diverse territories
of the growing Spanish Empire, such as Flanders, Italy, and Germany.
As the population grew, it cleared Tenerife's pine forests for fuel and to make fields for agriculture for
crops both for local consumption and for export. Sugar cane was introduced in the 1520s as a
commodity crop on major plantations; it was a labor-intensive crop in all phases of cultivation and
processing. In the following centuries, planters cultivated wine grapes, cochineal for making dyes,
and plantains for use and export.[30]
Emigration to the Americas[edit]
Tenerife, like the other islands, has maintained a close relationship with Latin America, as both were
part of the Spanish Empire. From the start of the colonization of the New World, many Spanish
expeditions stopped at the island for supplies on their way to the Americas. They also recruited
many tinerfeos for their crews, who formed an integral part of the conquest expeditions. Others
joined ships in search of better prospects. It is also important to note the exchange in plant and
animal species that made those voyages.[31]
After a century and a half of relative growth, based on the grape growing sector, numerous families
emigrated, especially to Venezuela and Cuba. The Crown wanted to encourage population of
underdeveloped zones in the Americas to pre-empt the occupation by foreign forces, as had
happened with the English in Jamaica and the French in the Guianas and western Hispaniola (which
the French renamed as Saint-Domingue). Canary Islanders, including many tinerfeos, left for the
New World.
The success in cultivation of new crops of the Americas, such as cocoa in Venezuela and tobacco in
Cuba, contributed to the population exodus from towns such as Buenavista del Norte, Vilaflor, or El
Sauzal in the late 17th century. The village of San Carlos de Tenerife was founded in 1684 by
Canary Islanders on Santo Domingo. The people from Tenerife were recruited for settlement to build
up the town from encroachment by French colonists established in the western side of Hispaniola.
Between 1720 and 1730, the Crown moved 176 families, including many tinerfeos, to the
Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. In 1726, about 25 island families migrated to the Americas to
collaborate on the foundation of Montevideo. Four years later, in 1730, another group left that
founded San Antonio the following year in what became Texas. Between 1777 and 1783, More
islanders emigrated from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to settle in what became St. Bernard Parish,
Louisiana, during the period when Spain ruled this former French territory west of the Mississippi
River. Some groups went to Western or Spanish Florida.[31]
Emigration to the Americas (mainly Cuba and Venezuela) continued during the 19th and early 20th
century, due to the lack of economic opportunity and the relative isolation of the Canary Islands.
Since the late 20th century, island protectionist economic laws and a strong development in the
tourism industry have strengthened the economy and attracted new migrants. Tenerife has received
numerous new residents, including the "return" of many descendants of some islanders who had
departed five centuries before.[31]
Military history[edit]
Admiral Nelson wounded at Tenerife
The most notable conflict was the British invasion of Tenerife in 1797.[32] On 25 July 1797,
Admiral Horatio Nelson launched an attack at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, now the capital of the island.
After a ferocious fight which resulted in many casualties, General Antonio Gutirrez de Otero y
Santayana organized a defense to repel the invaders. Whilst leading a landing party, Nelson was
seriously wounded in his right arm by grapeshot or a musket ball, necessitating amputation of most
of the arm.[33] Legend tells that he was wounded by the Spanish cannon Tiger (Spanish: Tigre) as he
was trying to disembark on the Paso Alto coast.[30]
On 5 September 1797, the British attempted another attack in the Puerto Santiago region, which
was repelled by the inhabitants of Santiago del Teide. Some threw rocks at the British from the
heights of the cliffs of Los Gigantes.
The island was also attacked by British commanders Robert Blake, Walter Raleigh, John
Hawkins, Woodes Rogers.[34]
Modern history[edit]
Between 1833 and 1927, Santa Cruz de Tenerife was the sole capital of the Canary Islands. In 1927
the government ordered that the capital be shared with Las Palmas, as it remains at present.[10]
[11]
This change in status has encouraged development in Las Palmas.
Tourists began visiting Tenerife from Spain, the United Kingdom, and northern Europe in large
numbers in the 1890s. They especially were attracted to the destinations of the northern towns
of Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.[35]Independent shipping business, such as the
Yeoward Brothers Shipping Line, helped boost the tourist industry during this time, adding to ships
that carried passengers.[36] The naturalist Alexander von Humboldt ascended the peak of Mount
Teide and remarked on the beauty of the island.
Before his rise to power, Francisco Franco was posted to Tenerife in March 1936 by a Republican
government wary of his influence and political leanings. However, Franco received information and
in Gran Canaria agreed to collaborate in the military coup that would result in the Spanish Civil War;
the Canaries fell to the Nationalists in July 1936. In the 1950s, the misery of the post-war years
caused thousands of the island's inhabitants to emigrate to Cuba and other parts of Latin America.
Tenerife was the site of the worst accident ever in commercial aviation. Known as the "Tenerife
airport disaster", in which 583 people were killed, the airliner collision took place on 27 March 1977,
at Los Rodeos airport in the north of the island when two Boeing 747 airplanes collided.
Geography[edit]
The oldest mountain ranges in Tenerife rose from the Atlantic Ocean by volcanic eruption which gave
birth to the island around twelve million years ago. [37] The island as it is today was formed three
million years ago by the fusion of three islands made up of the mountain ranges
of Anaga, Teno and Valle de San Lorenzo,[37] due to volcanic activity from Teide. The volcano is
visible from most parts of the island today, and the crater is 17 kilometres (11 miles) long at some
points. Tenerife is the largest island of the Canary Islands and the Macaronesia region.[4]
Geology[edit]
Map of Tenerife
Tenerife is a rugged and volcanic island sculpted by successive eruptions throughout its history.
There are four historically recorded volcanic eruptions, none of which has led to casualties. The first
occurred in 1704, when the Arafo, Fasnia and Siete Fuentes volcanoes erupted simultaneously. Two
years later, in 1706, the greatest eruption occurred at Trevejo. This volcano produced great
quantities of lava which buried the city and port of Garachico. The last eruption of the 18th century
happened in 1798 at Caadas de Teide, in Chahorra. Finally, and most recently, in 1909 that formed
the Chinyero cinder cone, in the municipality of Santiago del Teide, erupted.[38]
The island is located between 28 and 29 N and the 16 and 17 meridian. It is situated north of
the Tropic of Cancer, occupying a central position between the other Canary Islands of Gran
Canaria, La Gomera and La Palma. The island is about 300 km (186 mi) from the African coast, and
approximately 1,000 km (621 mi) from the Iberian Peninsula.[39] Tenerife is the largest island of the
Canary Islands archipelago, with a surface area of 2,034.38 km2(785 sq mi)[40] and the longest
coastline amounting to 342 km (213 mi).[41]
In addition, the highest point, Mount Teide, with an elevation of 3,718 m (12,198 ft) above sea
level is the highest point in all of Spain,[42] is also the third largest volcano in the world from its base in
the bottom of the sea. For this reason, Tenerife is the tenth highest island worldwide. It comprises
about 200 small barren islets or large rocks including Roques de Anaga, Roque de Garachico,
and Fasnia adding a further 213,835 m2 (2,301,701 sq ft) to the total area.[40]
Origins and geological formation[edit]
Tenerife formation
Tenerife is an island created volcanically, building up from the ocean floor 2050 million years ago.[43]
According to the theory of plate tectonics, the ascent of magma originating from the Earth's mantle is
produced by the effects of tectonic activity from faults or fractures that exist at the oceanic plate.
These fractures lie along the structural axes of the island itself, forming themselves from the
Alpine orogeny during the Tertiary Period due to the movements of the African plate.
Underwater fissural eruptions originated from the pillow lava, which are produced by the rapid
cooling of the magma when it comes in contact with water, obtaining their peculiar shape. This
pillow-lava accumulated, constructing the base of the island underneath the sea. As this
accumulation approached the surface of the water, gases erupted from the magma due to the
reduction of the surrounding pressure. The volcanic eruptions became more violent and had a more
explosive character, and resulted in the forming of peculiar geological fragments. [43]
After long-term accumulation of these fragments, the birth of the island occurred at the end of
the Miocene Epoch. The zones on Tenerife known as Macizo de Teno, Macizo de Anaga and Macizo
de Adeje were formed seven million years ago; these formations are called the Ancient Basaltic
Series or Series I. These zones were actually three separate islands lying in what is now the
extreme west, east, and south of Tenerife.[44]
A second volcanic cycle called the Post-Miocene Formations or Latest Series II, III, IV began three
million years ago. This was a much more intense volcanic cycle, which united the Macizo de Teno,
Macizo de Anaga and Macizo de Adeje into one island. This new structure, called the Pre-Caadas
Structure (Edificio pre-Caadas), would be the foundation for what is called the Caadas Structure I.
The Caadas Structure I experienced various collapses and emitted explosive material that
produced the area known as Bandas del sur (in the present-day south-southeast of Tenerife).[43]
Subsequently, upon the ruins of Caadas Structure I emerged Caadas Structure II, which was
2,500 metres (8,202 feet) above sea level and emerged with intense explosive activity. About one
million years ago, the Dorsal Range (Cordillera Dorsal) emerged by means of fissural volcanic
activity occurring amidst the remains of the older Ancient Basaltic Series (Series I). This Dorsal
Range emerged as the highest and the longest volcanic structure in the Canary Islands; it was 1,600
metres (5,249 feet) high and 25 kilometres (16 miles) long. [43]
About 800,000 years ago, two gravitational landslides occurred, giving rise to the present-day
valleys of La Orotava and Gmar.[43]Finally, around 200,000 years ago, eruptions started that raised
the Pico Viejo-Teide area in the centre of the island, over the Las Caadas caldera.[43]
Orography and landscape[edit]
The uneven and steep orography of the island and its variety of climates has resulted in a diversity
of landscapes and geographical and geological formations, from the Teide National Park with its
extensive pine forests, juxtaposed against the volcanic landscape at the summit of Teide
and Malpas de Gmar, to the Acantilados de Los Gigantes (Cliffs of the Giants) with its vertical
precipices. Semidesert areas exist in the south with drought-resistant plants. Other areas range from
those protected and enclosed in mountains such as Montaa Roja and Montaa Pelada, the valleys
and forests with subtropical vegetation and climate, to those with deep gorges and precipices such
as at Anaga and Teno.
Central heights[edit]
The principal structures in Tenerife, make the central highlands, with the TeidePico Viejo complex
and the Las Caadas areas as most prominent. It comprises a semi-caldera of about
130 km2 (50 sq mi) in area, originated by several geological processes explained under the Origin
and formation section. The area is partially occupied by the Teide-Pico Viejo strato-volcano and
completed by the materials emitted in the different eruptions that took place. A known formation
called Los Azulejos, composed by green-tinted rocks were created by hydrothermal processes. [30][43][45]
South of La Caldera is Guajara Mountain, which has an elevation of 2,718 metres (8,917 feet), rising
above Teide National Park. At the bottom, is an endorheic basin flanked with very fine sedimentary
material which has been deposited from its volcanic processes, and is known as Llano de Ucanca. [30]
[43][45]
The peak of Teide, at 3,718 metres (12,198 feet) above sea level and more than 7,500 metres
(24,606 feet) above the ocean floor, is the highest point of the island, Spanish territory and in the
Atlantic Ocean. The volcano is the third largest on the planet, and its central location, substantial
size, looming silhouette in the distance and its snowy landscape give it a unique personality. [46] The
original settlers considered Teide a god and Teide was a place of worship.
In 1954, the whole area around it was declared a national park, with further expansion later on. In
addition, in June 2007 it was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.[47] To the west lies the
volcano Pico Viejo (Old Peak). On one side of it, is the volcano Chahorra o Narices del Teide, where
the last eruption occurred in the vicinity of Mount Teide in 1798.
The Teide is one of the 16 Decade Volcanoes identified by the International Association of
Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI) as being worthy of particular study in light
of their history of large, destructive eruptions and proximity to populated areas.
Massifs[edit]
The uneven contours of the Anaga massif
The Anaga massif (Macizo de Anaga), at the northeastern end of the island, has an irregular and
rugged topographical profile where, despite its generally modest elevations, the Cruz de Taborno
reaches a height of 1,024 metres (3,360 feet). Due to the age of its material (5.7 million years), its
deep erosive processes, and the dense network of dikes piercing the massif, its surface exposes
numerous outcroppings of both phonolitic and trachytic origin. A large number of steep-walled
gorges are present, penetrating deeply into the terrain. Vertical cuts dominate the Anagan coast, with
infrequent beaches of rocks or black sand between them; the few that exist generally coincide with
the mouths of gorges.[30][43][45]
Teno massifCliffs of the Giants area
The Teno massif (Macizo de Teno) is located on the northwestern edge of the island. Like Anaga, it
includes an area of outcroppings and deep gorges formed by erosion. However, the materials here
are older (about 7.4 million years old). Mount Gala represents its highest elevation at 1,342 metres
(4,403 feet). The most unusual landscape of this massif is found on its southern coast, where
the Acantilados de Los Gigantes ("Cliffs of the Giants") present vertical walls reaching heights of 500
metres (1,600 feet) in some places.[30][43][45]
The Adeje massif (Macizo de Adeje) is situated on the southern tip of the island. Its main landmark is
the Roque del Conde ("Count's Rock"), with an elevation of 1,001 metres (3,284 feet). This massif is
not as impressive as the others due to its diminished initial structure, since in addition to with the
site's greater geologic age it has experienced severe erosion of its material, thereby losing its
original appearance and extent.[30][43][45]
Dorsales[edit]
The Dorsal mountain range or Dorsal of Pedro Gil covers the area from the start at Mount La
Esperanza, at a height of about 750 m (2,461 ft), to the center of the island, near the Caldera de Las
Caadas, with Izaa, as its highest point at 2,390 m (7,841 ft) (MSLP). These mountains have been
created due to basaltic fissural volcanism through one of the axis that gave birth to the vulcanism of
this area.[30][43][45]
The Abeque Dorsal was formed by a chain of volcanoes that join the Teno with the central insular
peak of Teide-Pico Viejo starting from another of the three axis of Tenerife's geological structures. On
this dorsal we find the historic volcano of Chinyero whose last eruption happened in 1909. [30][43][45]
The South Dorsal or Dorsal of Adeje is part of the last of the structural axis. The remains of this
massive rock show the primordial land, also showing the alignment of small volcanic cones and
rocks around this are in Tenerife's South.[30][43][45]
Valleys and ravines[edit]
Valleys are another of the island's features. The most important are Valle de La Orotava and Valle de
Gmar, both formed by the mass sliding of great quantities of material towards the sea, creating a
depression of the land. Other valleys tend to be between hills formed by deposits of sediments from
nearby slopes, or simply wide ravines which in their evolution have become typical valleys. [30][43][45]
Tenerife has a large number of ravines, which are a characteristic element of the landscape, caused
by erosion from surface runoff over a long period. Notable ravines include Ruiz, Fasnia and Gmar,
Infierno, and Erques, all of which have been designated protected natural areas by Canarian
institutions.[30][43][45]
Panorama of Valle de La Orotava
Coastline[edit]
The coasts of Tenerife are typically rugged and steep, particularly on the north of the island.
However, the island has 67.14 kilometres (41.72 miles) of beaches, such as the one at El Mdano,
surpassed only in this respect by the island of Fuerteventura.[48] There are many black sand pebble
beaches on the northern coast, while on the south and south-west coast of the island, the beaches
have typically much finer and clearer sand with lighter tones.[30][43][45]
Volcanic tubes[edit]
Lava tubes, or volcanic pipes are volcanic caves, usually in the form of tunnels formed within lava
flows more or less fluid reogentica duration of the activity. Among the many existing volcanic tubes
on the island stands out the Cueva del Viento, located in the northern town of Icod de los Vinos,
which is the largest volcanic tunnel in the European Union and one of the largest in the world,
although for a long time was even considered the largest in the world.
Climate[edit]
Tenerife is known internationally as the "Island of Eternal Spring" (Isla de la Eterna Primavera).
[49]
The island, which lies at the same latitude as the Sahara Desert, enjoys a warm tropical climate
with an average of 1824 C (6475 F) in the winter and 2428 C (7582 F) in the summer. It has
a high annual total of days of sunshine, and low precipitation in all but the mountain areas. The
moderate climate of Tenerife is controlled to a great extent by the tradewinds, whose humidity is
condensed principally over the north and northeast of the island, creating cloud banks that range
between 600 and 1,800 metres (2,000 and 5,900 feet) in height. The cold sea currents of the Canary
Islands also have a cooling effect on the coasts and its beaches, while the topography of the
landscape plays a role in climatic differences on the island with its many valleys. The moderating
effect of the marine air makes extreme heat a rare occurrence and frost an impossibility at sea level.
The lowest recorded temperature in downtown Santa Cruz is 8.1 C (46.6 F), the coldest month on
record still had a relatively mild average temperature of 15.8 C (60.4 F).[50]Summer temperatures
are highest in August, with an average high of 29 C (84 F) in Santa Cruz, similar to those of places
as far north as Barcelona and Majorca, because of the greater maritime influence. At a higher
elevation in La Laguna, the climate transitions to a Mediterranean climate with higher precipitation
amounts and lower temperatures year round. The climate of Santa Cruz is very typical of the
Canaries, albeit only slightly warmer than the climate of Las Palmas.
Major climatic contrasts on the island are evident, especially during the winter months when it is
possible to enjoy the warm sunshine on the coast and experience snow within miles, 3,000 metres
(9,843 feet) above sea level on Teide.[45] There are also major contrasts at low altitude, where the
climate ranges from arid (Kppen BWh) on the southeastern side represented by Santa Cruz de
Tenerife to Mediterranean (Csa/Csb) on the northwestern side in Buena Vista del Norte and La
Orotava.[51]
The north and south of Tenerife similarly have different climatic characteristics. The windward
northwestern side of the island receives 73 percent of all precipitation on the island, and the relative
humidity of the air is superior and the insolation inferior. The pluviometric maximums are registered
on the windward side at an average altitude of between 1,000 and 1,200 metres (3,300 and 3,900
feet), almost exclusively in the La Orotava mountain range.[45] However, although climatic differences
in rainfall and sunshine on the island exist, overall annual precipitation is low and the summer
months from May to September are normally completely dry. Rainfall, similarly to that of Southern
California, can also be extremely erratic from one year to another.[52]
[hide]Climate data for Santa Cruz (19812010)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep
28.4 31.2 35.4 35.2 36.4 37.1 42.6 40.4 39.3

Record high C (F)
(83.1) (88.2) (95.7) (95.4) (97.5) (98.8) (108.7) (104.7) (102.7)
21.0 21.2 22.1 22.7 24.1 26.2 28.7 29.0 28.1

Average high C (F)
(69.8) (70.2) (71.8) (72.9) (75.4) (79.2) (83.7) (84.2) (82.6)
18.2 18.3 19.0 19.7 21.0 22.9 25.0 25.5 24.9
Daily mean C (F)
(64.8) (64.9) (66.2) (67.5) (69.8) (73.2) (77) (77.9) (76.8)
15.4 15.3 15.9 16.5 17.8 19.5 21.2 21.9 21.7

Average low C (F)
(59.7) (59.5) (60.6) (61.7) (64) (67.1) (70.2) (71.4) (71.1)
9.4 8.1 9.5 9.4 12.0 13.4 16.5 14.6 16.5

Record low C (F)
(48.9) (46.6) (49.1) (48.9) (53.6) (56.1) (61.7) (58.3) (61.7)
31.5 35.4 37.8 11.6 3.6 0.9 0.1 2.0 6.8

Average rainfall mm (inches)
(1.24) (1.394) (1.488) (0.457) (0.142) (0.035) (0.004) (0.079) (0.268)
Average rainy days ( 1.0 mm) 8.0 7.2 6.9 5.5 2.9 0.9 0.2 0.8 2.7
Mean monthly sunshine hours 178 186 221 237 282 306 337 319 253
Source #1: Agencia Estatal de Meteorologa[53]
[hide]Climate data for Tenerife South Airport (19812010)
29.3 30.0 34.0 35.6 37.7 36.2 42.9 44.3 41.8

Record high C (F)
(84.7) (86) (93.2) (96.1) (99.9) (97.2) (109.2) (111.7) (107.2)
Average high C (F) 21.7 22.0 23.1 23.1 23.9 25.4 27.7 28.4 27.9
(71.1) (71.6) (73.6) (73.6) (75) (77.7) (81.9) (83.1) (82.2)
18.4 18.5 19.3 19.5 20.4 22.1 24.0 24.7 24.5

Daily mean C (F)
(65.1) (65.3) (66.7) (67.1) (68.7) (71.8) (75.2) (76.5) (76.1)
15.2 15.0 15.6 16.0 17.0 18.8 20.2 21.1 21.1

Average low C (F)
(59.4) (59) (60.1) (60.8) (62.6) (65.8) (68.4) (70) (70)
9.0 9.8 9.6 12.2 13.0 14.6 16.8 17.1 16.6

Record low C (F)
(48.2) (49.6) (49.3) (54) (55.4) (58.3) (62.2) (62.8) (61.9)
16.6 19.9 14.7 7.4 1.1 0.1 0.1 1.3 3.6

(0.654) (0.783) (0.579) (0.291) (0.043) (0.004) (0.004) (0.051) (0.142)
Average rainy days ( 1.0 mm) 1.8 2.2 1.9 1.1 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.6
[hide]Climate data for La Laguna (19812010) Tenerife North Airport (altitude: 632 m)
Record high C (F) 25.6 26.9 33.2 33.0 37.6 37.9 41.4 41.2 38.0
(78.1) (80.4) (91.8) (91.4) (99.7) (100.2) (106.5) (106.2) (100.4)
16.0 16.7 18.2 18.5 20.1 22.2 24.7 25.7 24.9

Average high C (F)
(60.8) (62.1) (64.8) (65.3) (68.2) (72) (76.5) (78.3) (76.8)
13.1 13.4 14.5 14.7 16.1 18.1 20.2 21.2 20.7

Daily mean C (F)
(55.6) (56.1) (58.1) (58.5) (61) (64.6) (68.4) (70.2) (69.3)
10.2 10.0 10.7 10.9 12.0 14.0 15.7 16.6 16.5

Average low C (F)
(50.4) (50) (51.3) (51.6) (53.6) (57.2) (60.3) (61.9) (61.7)
3.2 3.4 2.0 4.2 6.0 8.5 8.5 7.0 9.2

Record low C (F)
(37.8) (38.1) (35.6) (39.6) (42.8) (47.3) (47.3) (44.6) (48.6)
80 70 61 39 19 11 6 5 16
(3.15) (2.76) (2.4) (1.54) (0.75) (0.43) (0.24) (0.2) (0.63)
Average rainy days ( 1.0 mm) 11 10 10 10 7 4 3 3 5
Average relative humidity (%) 76 75 71 74 72 73 69 69 71
[hide]Climate data for Vilaflor 1,378 metres (4,521 feet) (Temperatures:19831995; Precipitation:194
13.5 14.4 16.0 16.1 18.3 21.2 27.4 27.9 23.5

Average high C (F)
(56.3) (57.9) (60.8) (61) (64.9) (70.2) (81.3) (82.2) (74.3)
9.4 10.2 11.7 11.9 13.8 16.7 22.7 23.0 19.2

Daily mean C (F)
(48.9) (50.4) (53.1) (53.4) (56.8) (62.1) (72.9) (73.4) (66.6)
5.4 6.0 7.3 7.2 9.5 12.2 18.0 18.5 14.8

Average low C (F)
(41.7) (42.8) (45.1) (45) (49.1) (54) (64.4) (65.3) (58.6)
49.4 51.2 34.1 24.4 2.7 0.4 0.0 0.8 7.5

Average precipitation mm (inches)
(1.945) (2.016) (1.343) (0.961) (0.106) (0.016) (0) (0.031) (0.295)
Source: Gobierno de Canarias[59]
Buenavista del Norte
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D
167 95 70 18 12 9 1 3 4 90 207 122
17 17 17 17 19 20 22 23 23 21 19 17
12 11 12 12 13 14 17 18 17 16 15 13
Average max. and min. temperatures in C

Precipitation totals in mm
Source: [60]
[show]Imperial conversion
Water[edit]
The volcanic ground of Tenerife, which is of a porous and permeable character, is generally the
reason why the soil is able to maximise the absorption of water on an island of low rainfall,
with condensation in forested areas and frost deposition on the summit of the island also
contributory causes.[61]
Given the irregularity of precipitation and geological conditions on the island, dam construction has
been avoided, so most of the water (90 percent) comes from wells and from water galleries
(Horizontal tunnels bored into the volcano) of which there are thousands on the island, important
systems that serve to extract its hydrological resources.[62] These tunnels are very hazardous, with
pockets of volcanic gas or carbon dioxide, causing rapid death.[63]
Pollution and air quality[edit]
The Canary Islands have low levels of air pollution thanks to the lack of factories and industry and
the tradewinds which naturally move away contaminated air from the islands. According to official
data offered by the Health and Industry Ministry in Spain, Tenerife is one of cleanest places in the
country with an air pollution index that is below the national average. [64]Despite this, there are still
agents which affect pollution levels in the island, the main polluting agents being the refinery at
Santa Cruz, the thermal power plants at Las Caletillas and Granadilla, and road traffic, increased by
the high level of tourism in the island. In addition at the island of Tenerife like at La Palma light
pollution must be also controlled, to help the astrophysical observatories located in the island's
summits.[65] Water is generally of a very high quality, and all the beaches of the island of Tenerife
have been catalogued by the Ministry of Health and Consumption as waters suitable for bathing. [66]
Flora and fauna[edit]

The island of Tenerife has a remarkable ecological diversity in spite of its small surface area, which
is a consequence of the special environmental conditions on the island, where its distinct orography
modifies the general climatic conditions at a local level, producing a significant variety
of microclimates. This diversity of natural microclimates and, therefore, habitats, means that a rich
and diverse flora (1400 species of plants) exists on the island, with well over a hundred entirely
endemic to Tenerife.[67] Endemic species include Viper's bugloss, Teide white broom, Teide violet etc.
The fauna of the island has many endemic invertebrates and unique reptile, bird and mammal
species. The fauna of Tenerife includes some 400 species of fish, 56 birds, five reptiles, two
amphibians, 13 land mammals and several thousand invertebrates, along with several species
of sea turtles, whales and dolphins.
The vegetation of Tenerife can be divided into six major zones that are directly related to altitude and
the direction in which they face.
Lower xerophytic zone: 0700 metres (02,297 feet). Xerophytic shrubs that are well
adapted to long dry spells, intense sunshine and strong winds. Many endemic species: spurges,
cactus spurge (Euphorbia canariensis), wax plants (Ceropegia spp.), etc.
Thermophile forest: 200600 metres (6601,970 feet). Transition zone with moderate
temperatures and rainfall, but the area has been deteriorated by human activity. Many endemic
species: juniper (Juniperus cedrus), dragon trees (Dracaena draco), palm trees (Phoenix
canariensis), etc.
Laurel forest: 5001,000 metres (1,6003,300 feet). Dense forest of large trees,
descendants of tertiary age flora, situated in a zone of frequent rainfall and mists. A wide variety
of species with abundant undergrowth of bushes, herbaceous plants, and ferns. Laurels, holly
(Ilex canariensis), ebony (Persea indica), mahogany (Apollonias barbujana), etc.
Wax myrtle: 1,0001,500 metres (3,3004,900 feet). A dryer vegetation, poorer in species. It
replaces the degraded laurel forest. Of great forestry importance. Wax myrtles (Myrica faya),
tree heath (Erica arborea), holly, etc.
Pine forest: 8002,000 metres (2,6006,600 feet). Open pine forest, with thin and unvaried
undergrowth. Canary Island pine (Pinus canariensis), broom (Genista canariensis), rock rose
(Cistus spp.), etc.
High mountain: over 2,000 metres (6,600 feet). Dry climate, intense solar radiation and
extreme temperatures. Flora well adapted to the conditions.[67]
Gallotia galloti, a wall lizard species endemic to Tenerife
Canary Islands dragon tree

Tenerife bugloss
Prehistoric fauna[edit]
Before the arrival of the aborigines, the Canary Islands and especially the island of Tenerife, were
inhabited by endemic animals now mostly extinct. These specimens reached larger than usual sizes,
because of a phenomenon called Island gigantism.
Among these species, the best known in Tenerife were:
The giant lizard (Gallotia goliath) inhabited the island of Tenerife from the Holocene until the
fifteenth century AD. It was a specimen reaching a length of 120 to 125 centimeters. [68]
The giant rat (Canariomys bravoi): Fossils mostly dating from the Pliocene and Pleistocene.
Its skull reached up to 7 centimeters long, so it could have reached the size of a rabbit, which
would make it quite large compared to European species of rats. Tenerife Giant Rat fossils
usually occur in caves and volcanic tubes associated with Gallotia goliath.[69]
The giant tortoise (Geochelone burchardi): A large tortoise, similar to those currently found
in some oceanic islands like the Galpagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean and the Seychelles in
the Indian Ocean. Remains found date from the Miocene; this tortoise may have inhabited the
island until the Upper Pleistocene, apparently becoming extinct because of volcanic events long
before the arrival of humans. Its shell measured approximately 65 to 94 centimetres (26 to
37 inches).[70]
Skull of Canariomys bravoi.
Mummified specimen of Gallotia goliath.

Fossilized femur of Geochelone burchardi.

Protected natural areas[edit]
Map showing the classification of protected areas in Tenerife
Nearly half of the island territory (48.6 percent),[71] is under protection from the Red Canaria de
Espacios Naturales Protegidos (Canary Islands Network for Protected Natural Areas). Of the 146
protected sites under control of network in the Canary Islands archipelago, [72] a total of 43 are located
in Tenerife, the most protected island in the group. [73] The network has criteria which places areas
under its observation under eight different categories of protection, all of them are represented in
Tenerife. Aside from Parque Nacional del Teide, it counts the Parque Natural de Canarias (Crown
Forest), two rural parks (Anaga and Teno), four integral natural reserves, six special natural
reserves, a total of fourteen natural monuments, nine protected landscapes and up to six sites of
scientific interest. Also located on the island Macizo de Anaga since 2015 is Biosphere
Reserve[16] and is the place that has the largest number of endemic species in Europe. [16]
Administration[edit]
Law and order[edit]
Building of the Presidency of the Canaries Autonomous Government in Santa Cruz

Tenerife island's government resides with the Cabildo Insular de Tenerife[74] located at the Plaza de
Espaa at the island's capital city (Palacio Insular de Tenerife). The political Canary organization
does not have a provincial government body but instead each island has its own government at their
own Cabildo. Since its creation in March 1913 it has a series of capabilities and duties, stated in the
Canary Autonomy Statutes (Spanish: Estatuto de Autonoma de Canarias) and regulated by Law
14/1990, of 26 July 1990, of the Rgimen Jurdico de las Administraciones Pblicas de Canarias.[75]
The Cabildo is composed of the following administrative offices; Presidency, Legislative Body,
Government Council, Informative Commissions, Spokesman's office.
Government[edit]
Tenerife is an autonomous region in which belongs to Spanish territory. Therefore, it is under
monarchy of King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia. The island has a tiered- government system and it
has a special status within the European Union in which it holds lower tax rates compared to other
regions. Santa Cruz has half of the regional government departments and parliament and it is there
that the governor is elected by the Canarian people. Afterwards, they are appointed by Madrid.
There are fifteen members of parliament which work together in setting legislation, organising
budgets and improving the economy.[76]
Municipalities[edit]
Map of Municipalities in the island of Tenerife
The island, itself part of a Spanish province named Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is divided
administratively into 31 municipalities.
Only three municipalities are landlocked: Tegueste, El Tanque and Vilaflor. Vilaflor is the municipality
with the highest altitude in the Canaries (its capital is 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) high).
The largest municipality with an area of 207.31 kilometres (128.82 miles) is La Orotava, which
covers much of the Teide National Park. The smallest town on the island and of the archipelago
is Puerto de la Cruz, with an area smaller than 320 square kilometres (124 square miles).[40]
It is also common to find internal division, in that some cities make up a metropolitan area within a
municipality, notably the cities of Santa Cruz and La Laguna.
Below is an alphabetical list of all the municipalities on the island:
Adeje
Arafo
Arico
Arona
Buenavista del Norte
Candelaria
Fasnia
Garachico
Granadilla de Abona
La Guancha
Gua de Isora
Gmar
Icod de los Vinos
La Matanza de Acentejo
La Orotava
Puerto de la Cruz
Los Realejos
El Rosario
San Cristbal de La Laguna
San Juan de la Rambla
San Miguel de Abona
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa rsula
Santiago del Teide
El Sauzal
Los Silos
Tacoronte
El Tanque
Tegueste
La Victoria de Acentejo
Vilaflor
Counties[edit]
The counties of Tenerife have no official recognition, but there is a consensus among geographers
about them:[77]
Abona
Acentejo
Anaga
Valle de Gmar
Icod
Isora
Valle de La Orotava
Teno
Flags and heraldry[edit]
Coat-of-arms of Tenerife
The Flag of Tenerife was originally adopted in 1845 by the navy at its base in the Port of Santa Cruz
de Tenerife. Later, and at present, this flag represents all the island of Tenerife. It was approved by
the Cabildo Insular de Tenerife and the Order of the Government of the Canary Islands on 9 May
1989 and published on 22 May in the government report of the Canary Islands and made official. [78]
The coat-of-arms of Tenerife was granted by royal decree on 23 March 1510 by Ferdinand the
Catholic at Madrid in the name of Joan I, Queen of Castile. The coat-of-arms has a field of gold, with
an image of Saint Michael (the island was conquered on the saint's feast day) above a mountain
depicted in brownish, natural colors. Flames erupt from the mountain, symbolizing El Teide. Below
this mountain is depicted the island itself in vert on top of blue and silver waves. To the right there is
a castle in gules, and to the left, a lion rampant in gules. The shield that the Cabildo Insular, or Island
Government, uses is slightly different from that used by the city government of La Laguna, which
utilizes a motto in the arms' border and also includes some palm branches. [79]
Natural symbols[edit]
Main article: List of animals and plants symbols of the Canary Islands
The official symbols from nature associated with Tenerife are the bird blue chaffinch (Fringilla
teydea) and the Canary Islands dragon tree (Dracaena draco) tree.[80]
Fringilla teydea
Dracaena draco
Demographics[edit]
Locals at the Semana Santa (Easter) in Los Realejos
According to INE data of 1 January 2011, Tenerife has the largest population of the seven Canary
Islands and the most populated island of Spain with 908,555 registered inhabitants, of whom about
25 percent (220,902) live in the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and nearly 50 percent (424,200) in
the metropolitan area of Santa CruzLa Laguna.[81] Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the city of San
Cristbal de La Laguna are physically one urban area, so that together they have a population of
over 382,331 inhabitants.[82][83]
After the city of Santa Cruz the major towns and municipalities are San Cristbal de La
Laguna (144,347), Arona (72,328), La Orotava (40,644), Adeje (38,245), Los
Realejos (37,224), Granadilla de Abona (36,224), and Puerto de la Cruz (31,131). All other
municipalities have fewer than 30,000 inhabitants, the smallest municipality being Vilaflor with a
population of 1,900. In addition to the registered population, there are numerous non-registered
residents, primarily tourists.
Demographic evolution of Tenerife
Recently Tenerife has experienced population growth significantly higher than the national average.
In 1990, there were 663,306 registered inhabitants, which increased to 709,365 in 2000, an increase
of 46,059 or an annual growth of 0.69 percent. However, between 2000 and 2007, the population
rose by 155,705 to 865,070, an annual increase of 3.14 percent.[84]
These results reflect the general trend in Spain where since 2000 immigration has reversed the
general slow down in population growth, following the collapse in the birth rate from 1976. However,
since 2001 the overall growth rate in Spain has around 1.7 percent per year, compared with 3.14
percent on Tenerife, one of the largest increases in the country.[85]
Economy[edit]
Harbour
Tenerife is the economic capital of the Canary Islands.[8][9] At present, Tenerife is the island with the
highest GDP in the Canary Islands.[86] Even though Tenerife's economy is highly specialized in
the service sector, which makes 78 percent of its total production capacity, the importance of the rest
of the economic sectors is key to its production development. In this sense, the primary sector, which
only represents 1.98 percent of the total product, groups activities that are important to the
sustainable development of the island's economy. The energy sector which contributes 2.85 percent
has a primary role in the development of renewable energy sources. The industrial sector which
shares in 5.80 percent is a growing activity in the island, vis-a-vis the new possibilities created by
technological advances. Finally, the construction sector with 11.29 percent of the total production has
a strategic priority, because it is a sector with relative stability which permits multiple possibilities of
development and employment opportunities.[87]
Tourism[edit]
Puerto de la Cruz, in the North, during winter, featuring background snowy mountains
Tourism is the most prominent industry in the Canaries, which are one of the major tourist
destinations in the world.
In 2014, 11,473,600 tourists (excluding those from other parts of Spain) came to the Canary Islands.
Tenerife had 4,171,384 arrivals that year, excluding the numbers for Spanish tourists which make up
an additional 30 percent of total arrivals. According to last year's Canarian Statistics Centre's
(ISTAC) Report on Tourism the greatest number of tourists from any one country come from the
United Kingdom, with more than 3,980,000 tourists in 2014. In second place comes Germany
followed by Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, France, Ireland, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, Finland,
Switzerland, Poland, Russia and Austria.
Tourism is more prevalent in the south of the island, which is hotter and drier and has many well
developed resorts such as Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos. More recently coastal
development has spread northwards from Playa de las Americas and now encompasses the former
small enclave of La Caleta (a favoured place for naturist tourists). After the Moratoria act passed by
the Canarian Parliament in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, no more hotels should be built on the island
unless they are classified as 5 star-quality and comprise different services such as golf courses or
convention facilities. This act was passed with the goal of improving the standard of tourism service
and promoting environmentally conscious development.
Evening sunset at the beach Playa De Las Americas, Tenerife
The area known as Costa Adeje (Las Amricas-Los Cristianos) has many world-class facilities and
leisure opportunities besides sea and sand, such as quality shopping centres, golf courses,
restaurants, water parks (the most well-known being Siam Park (Tenerife)), animal parks, and a
theatre suitable for musicals or a convention centre.
In the more lush and green north of the island the main development for tourism has been in the
town of Puerto de la Cruz. The town itself has kept some of its old-harbour town charm mixed with
northern European influences. Still, the tourist boom in the 1960s changed the outlook of the town,
making it cosy and cosmopolitan at the same time, and a favourite for the more mature traveller
(notably the German and Spanish tourist).
In the 19th and most of the 20th century large numbers of foreign tourists came, especially British,
showing interest in the agriculture of the islands. With the world wars, this sector weakened, but the
start of the second half of the century brought new forms of tourism. Due to its warm climate, the first
emphasis was on Puerto de la Cruz, and for all the attractions that the Valle de la Orotava offered,
and following the promotion sun and beaches, around 1980 the tourist boom was born in south
Tenerife. The emphasis was on cities like Arona or Adeje, shifting to tourist centres like Los
Cristianos or Playa de Las Americas, which now house 65 percent of the hotels on the island.
Tenerife receives more than 5 million tourists every year; of the anary islands Tenerife is the most
popular. However, this data also reflects the large quality of resources that tourism consumes
(space, energy, water etc.)[30][88]
Agriculture and fishing[edit]
The Botanic Gardens in Puerto de la Cruz
Since tourism dominates the Tenerifian economy, the service sector is the largest. Industry and
commerce contribute 40 percent of the non-tourist economy.[89] The primary sector has lost its
traditional importance on the island to the industrial and service sectors. Agriculture contributes less
than 10 percent of the island's GDP, but its contribution is vital, as it also generates indirect benefits,
by maintaining the rural appearance, and supporting Tenerifian cultural values.
Agriculture is centred on the northern slopes, and is also determined by the altitude as well as
orientation: in the coastal zone, tomatoes and bananas are cultivated, usually in plastic enclosures,
these high yield products are for export to mainland Spain and the rest of Europe; in the drier
intermediate zone, potatoes, tobacco and maize are grown, whilst in the south, onions are important.
[30]
View of fields around Anaga
Bananas are a particularly important crop, as Tenerife grows more bananas than the other Canary
Islands, with a current annual production of about 150,000 tons, down from the peak production of
200,000 tons in 1986. More than 90 percent of the total is destined for the international market, and
banana growing occupies about 4200 hectares.[90] After the banana the most important crops are, in
order of importance, tomatoes, grapes, potatoes and flowers. Fishing is also a major contributor to
the Tenerifian economy, as the Canaries are Spain's second most important fishing grounds.
Industry and commerce[edit]
Commerce in Tenerife plays a significant role in the economy which is enhanced by tourism,
representing almost 20 percent of the GDP, with the commercial center Santa Cruz de Tenerife
generating most of the earnings. Although there are a diversity of industrial estates that exist on the
island, the most important industrial activity is petroleum, representing 10 percent of the island's
GDP, again largely due to the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife with its refinery. It provides petroliferous
products not only to the Canaries archipelago but is also an active in the markets of the Iberian
Peninsula, Africa and South America.
Historical heritage[edit]
Monuments[edit]
Castillo de San Andrs, declared of National Tourist Interest Center
There are many monuments on the island, especially from the time after the conquest, we can
highlight the Cathedral of San Cristbal de La Laguna, the Church of the Conception of La
Laguna and the Church of the Conception in the capital. The Baslica de Nuestra Senora de la
Candelaria can be found on the island (Patron of Canary Islands). Also noteworthy on the island are
the defensive castles located in the village of San Andrs, as well as many others throughout the
island.
Among other impressive structures is the Auditorio de Tenerife, one of the most modern in Spain,
which can be found at the entry port to the capital (in the southern part of Port of Santa Cruz de
Tenerife). Another prominent structure is the Torres de Santa Cruz, a skyscraper 120 metres (390
feet) high (the highest residential building in Spain and one of the tallest skyscrapers in the Canary
Islands).[91]
Archeological sites[edit]
The island also has several archaeological sites of Guanche time (prior to the conquest), which
generally are cave paintings that are scattered throughout the island, but most are found in the south
of the island.
Two of the most important archaeological sites on the island are the Cave of the Guanches, where
the oldest remains in the archipelago have been found, [92] dating to the 6th century BC,[93] and
the Caves of Don Gaspar, where the finding of plant debris in the form of carbonized seeds indicates
that the Guanches practiced agriculture on the island.[92] Both deposits are in the town of Icod de los
Vinos.
Other important sites of archaeological site of Los Cambados and the archaeological site of El
Barranco del Rey both in Arona.[94] One could also highlight the Cueva de Achbinico (first shrine
Marian of the Canary Islands, Guanche vintage-Spanish). In addition there are some buildings
called Gmar Pyramids, whose origin is uncertain.
There are also traces that reveal the Punic presence on the island, as in the wake commonly called
"Stone of the Guanches" in the town of Taganana. This archaeological site consists of a structure
formed by a stone block, large, outdoor, featuring rock carvings on its surface. Among these is the
presence of a representation of the Carthaginian goddess Tanit,[95] represented by a bottle-shaped
symbol surrounded by cruciform motifs. It is thought that the monument was originally an altar of
sacrifice linked to those found in the Semitic[95] field and then reused for Aboriginal ritual of
mummification.[95]
Culture and arts[edit]

Literature[edit]
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Antonio de Viana, a native of La Laguna, composed the epic
poem Antigedades de las Islas Afortunadas (Antiquities of the Fortunate Isles), a work of value to
anthropologists, since it sheds light on Canarian life of the time. [96] The Enlightenment reached
Tenerife, and literary and artistic figures of this era include Jos Viera y Clavijo, Toms de Iriarte y
Oropesa, ngel Guimer y Jorge, Mercedes Pinto and Domingo Prez Minik, amongst others.
Painting[edit]
Toms de Iriarte y Oropesa
During the course of the 16th century, several painters flourished in La Laguna, as well as in other
places on the island, including Garachico, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Orotava and Puerto de la
Cruz. Cristbal Hernndez de Quintana and Gaspar de Quevedo, considered the best Canarian
painters of the 17th century, were natives of La Orotava, and their art can be found in churches on
Tenerife.[97]
The work of Luis de la Cruz y Ros can be found in the church of Nuestra Seora de la Pea de
Francia, in Puerto de la Cruz. Born in 1775, he became court painter to Ferdinand VII of Spain and
was also a miniaturist, and achieved a favorable position in the royal court. He was known there by
the nickname of "El Canario."[98]
The landscape painter Valentn Sanz (born 1849) was a native of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and
the Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes de Santa Cruz displays many of his works. This museum also
contains the works of Juan Rodrguez Botas (18801917), considered the first
Canarian impressionist.[99]
Frescoes by the expressionist Mariano de Cosso can be found in the church of Santo Domingo, in
La Laguna. The watercolorist Francisco Bonnn Guern (born 1874) was a native of Santa Cruz, and
founded a school to encourage the arts. scar Domnguez was born in La Laguna in 1906 and is
famed for his versatility. He belonged to the surrealist school, and invented the technique known
as decalcomania.[100]
Sculpture[edit]
The arrival from Seville of Martn de Andjar Cantos, an architect and sculptor brought new sculpting
techniques of the Seville school, which were passed down to his students, including Blas Garca
Ravelo, a native of Garachico. He had been trained by the master sculptor Juan Martnez Montas.
[101]
Other notable sculptors from the 17th and 18th centuries include Sebastin Fernndez
Mndez, Lzaro Gonzlez de Ocampo, Jos Rodrguez de la Oliva, and most importantly, Fernando
Estvez, a native of La Orotava and a student of Lujn Prez. Estvez contributed an extensive
collection of religious images and woodcarvings, found in numerous churches of Tenerife, such as
the Principal Parish of Saint James the Great (Parroquia Matriz del Apstol Santiago), in Los
Realejos; in the Cathedral of La Laguna; the Iglesia de la Concepcin in La Laguna; the basilica
of Candelaria, and various churches in La Orotava.
Music[edit]
Canarian timple
An important musician from Tenerife is Teobaldo Power y Lugo Via, a native of Santa Cruz and a
pianist and composer, and author of the Cantos Canarios.[102] The Hymn of the Canary Islands takes
its melody from the Arrorr, or Lullaby, from Power y Lugo Via's Cantos Canarios.[103]
Folkloric music has also flourished on the island, and, as in the rest of the islands, is characterized
by the use of the Canarian Timple, the guitar, bandurria, lad, and various percussion instruments.
Local folkloric groups such as Los Sabandeos work to save Tenerife's musical forms in the face of
increasing cultural pressure from the mainland.[104]
Tenerife is the home to the types of songs called the isa, fola, tajaraste, and malaguea, which are
a cross of ancient Guanche songs and those of Andalusia and Latin America.
Architecture[edit]
Pyramids of Guimar
Architecture in Santa Cruz (Plaza de Espaa)
Auditorio de Tenerife, icon of architecture in Canary Islands[105]
Tenerife is characterized by an architecture whose best representatives are the local manor houses
and also the most humble and common dwellings. This style, while influenced by those of Andalusia
and Portugal, nevertheless had a very particular and native character. [45]
Of the manor houses, the best examples can be found in La Orotava and in La Laguna,
characterized by their balconies and by the existence of interior patios and the widespread use of
the wood known as pino tea ("pitch pine"). These houses are characterized by simple faades and
wooden lattices with little ornamentation.[45]There are sash windows and it is customary for the chairs
inside the house to rest back-to-back to the windows. The interior patios function like real gardens
that serve to give extra light to the rooms, which are connected via the patio by galleries frequently
crowned by wood and stone.
Gadgets like stills, water pumps, benches and counters, are elements that frequently form part of
these patios.[45]
Traditional houses generally have two storeys, with rough walls of variegated colours. Sometimes
the continuity of these walls is interrupted by the presence of stone blocks that are used for
ornamental purposes.[45]
The government buildings and religious structures were built according to the changing styles of
each century. The urban nuclei of La Orotava and La Laguna have been declared national historical-
artistic monuments.[106]
In recent years, various governments have spearheaded the concept of developing architectural
projects, sometimes ostentatious ones, designed by renowned architectsfor example, the
remodeling of the Plaza de Espaa in Santa Cruz de Tenerife by the Swiss architects Herzog & de
Meuron. Other examples include the Playa de Las Teresitas project by the Frenchman Dominique
Perrault; the center known as Magma Arte & Congresos; the Torres de Santa Cruz; and the Auditorio
de Tenerife ("Auditorium of Tenerife"). The latter, by the Spaniard Santiago Calatrava, lies to the east
of the Parque Martimo ("Maritime Park"), in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and is characterized by its sail-
like structure, which evokes a boat, and has become a symbol for the city and island, [107] which
makes Santa Cruz de Tenerife one of the Spanish cities with the most futuristic buildings.
Crafts[edit]
Traditional costume
Distinctive representatives of craftsmanship on the island are Tenerife Lace (calado canario), which
is drawn work embroidery, and the intricate doilies known as rosetas, or rosette embroidery,
particularly from Vilaflor. The lace, often made for table linen, is produced by the intricate and slow
embroidering of a stretched piece of cloth, which is rigidly attached to a wooden frame and is
finished with illustrations or patterns using threads that are crossed over and wound around
the fijadores, or pins stuck in a small support made of cloth.[108] These decorated, small pieces are
afterwards joined, to produce distinct designs and pieces of cloth.[109]
Another Tenerife-based industry is cabinetwork. The north of the island produced various master
craftsman who created distinctive balconies, celosias, doors, and windows, as well as furniture
consisting of pieces made in fine wood. Basketmaking using palm-leaves was also an important
industry. Other materials are chestnut tree branches stripped of their leaves and banana tree fibre
(known locally as la badana).[110]
Pottery has a long history harking back to the production of ceramics by the Guanches. The
Guanches were unfamiliar with the potter's wheel, and used hand-worked clay, which gave their
pottery a distinctive look. Pottery was used to produce domestic objects such as pots and grills, or
ornamental pieces such as bead collars or the objects known as pintaderas, which were pieces of
pottery used to decorate other vessels.[30]
Traditional celebrations[edit]
Annual performance to honour "Our Lady of Candelaria" at Socorro Beach, Gmar
Carnival of Santa Cruz[edit]

Perhaps the most important festival of Tenerife, popular both on a national and international level, is
the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which has been declared a Festival of International Tourist
Interest (Fiesta de Inters Turstico Internacional).[111] The carnival is celebrated in many locations in
the north and south of the island, but is largest in scope in the city of Santa Cruz. [112] Contests are
celebrated, and the carnival includes bands of street musicians (murgas), groups of minstrels
(rondallas de Tenerife), masquerades (comparsas), and various associations (agrupaciones). Once
the Queen of the festival is elected, the first part of the carnival ends, and thereafter begins the
actual street carnival, in which large numbers of people gather in the centre of Santa Cruz, with the
carnival lasting ten days.[113]
Pilgrimages (Romeras)[edit]
The most traditional and widespread religious festivals on the islands are the pilgrimages
or romeras.[114] These events, which incorporate Christian and non-Christian elements, are
celebrated by various means: with wagons and floats, plowing teams and livestock, in honor of
the patron saint of a particular place. The processions are accompanied by local dances, local
dishes, folkloric activities, local arts and crafts, local sports, and the wearing of traditional dress of
Tenerife (trajes de mago).
The origins of these events can be attributed to the parties and celebrations held by the richest
classes of the island, who would gather to venerate their patron saints, to which they attributed good
harvests, fertile lands, plentiful rainfall, the curing of sicknesses and ending of epidemics, etc. They
would thus give homage to these saints by consuming and sharing the fruits of their harvest, which
included the locally cultivated wines. These have developed into processions to mark festivals
dedicated to Saint Mark in Tegueste, where the wagons are decorated with the fruits of the earth
(seeds, cereals, flowers, etc.); to Saint Isidore the Laborer in Los Realejos; to Saint Isidore the
Laborer and Maria Torribia (Saint Mary of the Head) in La Orotava; the Romera Regional de San
Benito Abad in La Laguna; Virgin of Candelaria in Candelaria; Saint Roch in Garachico; Saint
Augustine in Arafo; and the Romera del Socorro in Gmar.
Holiday of the Virgin of Candelaria[edit]
The Virgin of Candelaria is the patron of the Canary Islands; a feast is held in her honor two times a
year, in February and August. The Pilgrimage-Offering to the Virgin of Candelaria is celebrated every
14 August in this event is a tradition that representations of all municipalities of the island and also of
all the Canary archipelago come to make offerings to their patron. Another significant act of the feast
of the Virgin of Candelaria is called "Walk to Candelaria" held on the night of 14 to 15 August in
which the faithful make pilgrimage on foot from various parts of the island, even coming from other
islands to arrive at Villa Mariana de Candelaria.
On 2 February we celebrate the feast of the Candelaria. Also on this day come to town many
members of the Virgin.
Holiday of the Cristo de La Laguna[edit]
It is celebrated every 14 September in honor of a much venerated image of Christ in the
Archipelago, the Cristo de La Laguna, is held in the city of San Cristbal de La Laguna.
Corpus Christi[edit]
Soil Tapestry in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Square) in La Orotava
The religious festival of Corpus Christi is particularly important, and is traditionally celebrated with
floral carpets laid in the streets. Particularly noteworthy are the celebrations in La Orotava where a
very large carpet, or tapestry, of different coloured volcanic soils, covers the Plaza del Ayuntamiento
(town square). These soils are taken from the Parque Nacional del Teide, and after the celebration,
are returned, to preserve the National Park. The celebration of Corpus Christi in Orotava has been
declared of Important Cultural Interest among the official Traditional Activities of the Island. [115]
Easter[edit]
Among the numerous other celebrations that define Tenerifian culture, Easter remains the most
important. This is celebrated across the island, but is particularly notable in the municipalities of La
Laguna, La Orotava and Los Realejos, where elaborate processions take place on Maundy
Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Day, or "Resurrection Sunday". Holy Week in the city of San
Cristobal de la Laguna is the largest of the Canary Islands. [116]
Religion[edit]
Basilica of Candelaria, sanctuary of the Virgin of Candelaria, patron saint of the Canary Islands
As with the rest of Spain, Tenerife is largely Roman Catholic.[117] However, the practice of other
religions and denominations has increasingly expanded on the island due to tourism and
immigration, as Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Evangelicalism, Judaism and Afro-American religion.
[118]
Minority religions are stationed in the island: Chinese Religions,[119] Bah'[119] and the neopaganism
native form, the Church of the Guanche People,[119] among others.
An important Roman Catholic festival is the celebration of the feast day associated with the Virgin of
Candelaria, patron saint of the Canary Islands, who represents the union of the Guanche and
Spanish cultures.[120] The Guanches became devoted to a Black Madonna that Christian missionaries
from Lanzarote and Fuerteventura left on a beach near the present-day Villa Mariana de Candelaria,
which gave rise to the legends and stories associated with the Virgin. These legends fueled the cult
of the Virgin and the pilgrimages to Candelaria that have existed to this day on the island. Another
cult to the Virgin Mary exists in the form of Our Lady of Los Remedios (la Virgen de Los Remedios),
who is patron of the Roman Catholic diocese of Tenerife (Dicesis Nivariense).
Peter of Saint Joseph de Betancur, franciscan missionary in Guatemala born in Tenerife. It was the first canary
to be canonized by the Roman Catholic Church. This saint is very venerated in Tenerife.
In Tenerife were born two Catholic saints who were of the greatest missionaries in the American
continent: Peter of Saint Joseph Betancur and Jos de Anchieta. The first was a missionary
in Guatemala and founder of Order of Our Lady of Bethlehem (the first American-born religious
order), the second was a missionary in Brazil, and was one of the founders of So Paulo and of Rio
de Janeiro. It also highlights the figure of the mystic Mary of Jesus de Len y Delgado. This nun died
with a reputation for holiness and is highly revered throughout the Canary Islands. Her body is intact
in the Convent of Santa Catalina de Siena in San Cristbal de La Laguna.
Principal Roman Catholic places of worship on the island include:
The Basilica of Candelaria (in Candelaria): The place where the image of the Virgin of
Candelaria can be found, this sanctuary is built in neoclassical style, and is visited daily by the
parishioners, who visit the Villa Mariana out of devotion to the Virgin.
The Cathedral of La Laguna (in San Cristbal de La Laguna): The seat of the Diocese of
Tenerife (known as the Dicesis Nivariense, or Nivarian Diocese), the cathedral is dedicated to
Our Lady of Remedies (la Virgen de Los Remedios). A combination of neo-Gothic and
neoclassical architectural elements.
Real Santuario del Cristo de La Laguna (in San Cristbal de La Laguna): One of the most
important churches in the Canary Islands, it contains the venerated image of the Cristo de La
Laguna, and is a symbol of the city of San Cristbal de La Laguna.
Principal Parish of Saint James the Great (Parroquia Matriz del Apstol Santiago): Situated
in Villa de Los Realejos, this parish church was the first Christian church built on the island after
its conquest by Castilian forces. It is dedicated to Saint James the Great, as the conquista was
completed on the saint's feast day on 25 July 1496. It was, along with the Parish of the
Conception of La Laguna, one of the first parishes of the island.
The Church of the Conception of La Laguna (Iglesia de la Concepcin de La Laguna): One

of the most ancient buildings on Tenerife, its construction was ordered by Alonso Fernndez de
Lugo. It has been declared a National Historic Monument. Around this church were built the
dwellings and infrastructure that formed the nucleus of the city of San Cristbal de La Laguna.
Cathedral of La Laguna
Other important churches include the Church of the Conception in La Orotava (Iglesia de la
Concepcin); the churches of San Agustn and Santo Domingo in La Orotava; the church of Nuestra
Seora de la Pea de Francia in Puerto de la Cruz; the church of San Marcos in Icod de los Vinos;
the church of Santa Ana in Garachico; and the Church of the Conception (Iglesia de la Concepcin)
in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The first saint of Tenerife[121] and Canary Islands[122] was Santo Hermano Pedro de San Jos
Betancurt, born in the town of Vilaflor, Tenerife. His shrine is a cave in Granadilla de Abona, near the
coast, where he lived in his youth.
Another notable building on the island is the Masonic Temple of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, generally
considered the finest example of Masonic temple architecture in Spain; [123] it was the Masonic center
of the country until the military occupation of the island by the Franco regime.[124]
The headquarters of the Islamic Federation of the Canary Islands is in Tenerife; the organization was
founded to unite the Muslim communities of the Canary Islands in a common association. [125]
Education[edit]
Formal education in Tenerife began with the religious orders. In 1530, the Dominican
Order established a chair of philosophy at the convent of La Concepcin de La Laguna. Still, until
well into the 18th century Tenerife was largely without institutions of education.
Such institutions finally began to develop thanks to the work of the Real Sociedad Econmica de
Amigos del Pas ("Royal Economic Society of Friends of the Country"), which established several
schools in San Cristbal de La Laguna. The first of these was an institute of secondary education
established in 1846 to fill the gap left by the closure of the Universidad de San Fernando
(see University of La Laguna).[126]
University of La Laguna, the oldest and largest university in the Canary Islands
An 1850 annex to this building was the Escuela Normal Elemental, the archipelago's first teachers'
college or normal school, which became the Escuela Normal Superior de Magisterio from 1866
onward. These were the only institutions of higher education until the dictator Miguel Primo de
Rivera created several institutions. A turning point came around the time of the rise of the Second
Spanish Republic. From 1929 to 1933 the number of schools nearly doubled.
Shortly after this, though, the start of the Spanish Civil War and the following dictatorship
of Francisco Franco constituted a considerable reversal. Education in the hands of religious orders
had a certain importance on the island until the 1970 Ley General de Educacin ("General Law of
Education") shifted the balance from religiously based education to public education. Public schools
continued their advance during and after the post-Franco Spanish transition to democracy. Tenerife
today has 301 centers of childhood education (preschools), 297 primary schools, 140 secondary
schools and 86 post-secondary schools.[127] There are also five universities or post-graduate schools,
the University of La Laguna, the Universidad Nacional de Educacin a Distancia (National University
of Distance Learning), the Universidad Internacional Menndez Pelayo (Menndez Pelayo
International University), the Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio (University of Alfonso X the Wise) and
the Universidad de Vic (Escuela Universitaria de Turismo de Santa Cruz de Tenerife, "University
School of Tourism of Santa Cruz de Tenerife"). The largest of these is the University of La Laguna.
The Universidad Europea de Canarias (European University of the Canary Islands) is located in La
Orotava and is the first private university in the Canary Islands.[128]
Science and research[edit]
Teide Observatory, part of the Instituto de Astrofsica de Canarias (Astrophysics Institute of the Canaries)
While Tenerife is not prominent in the history of scientific and academic research, it is the home of
the Instituto de Astrofsica de Canarias (Astrophysical Institute of the Canaries). There is also an
Instituto de Bio-Orgnica Antonio Gonzlez (Antonio Gonzlez Bio-Organic Institute) at the
University of La Laguna. Also at that university are the Instituto de Lingstica Andrs Bello (Andrs
Bello Institute of Linguistics), the Centro de Estudios Medievales y Renacentistas (Center for
Medieval and Renaissance Studies), the Instituto Universitario de la Empresa (University Institute of
Business), the Instituto de Derecho Regional (Regional Institute of Law), the Instituto Universitario
de Ciencias Polticas y Sociales (University Institute of Political and Social Sciences) and the
Instituto de Enfermedades Tropicales (Institute of Tropical Diseases). This last is one of the seven
institutions of the Red de Investigacin de Centros de Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET, "Network
of Research of Centers of Tropical Diseases"), located in various parts of Spain.
Puerto de la Cruz has the Instituto de Estudos Hispnicos de Canarias (Institute of Hispanic Studies
of the Canaries), attached to Madrid's Instituto de Cultura Hispnica. In La Laguna is the Canarian
delegation of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientficas (CSIC, Superior Council of
Scientific Investigations), the Instituto Canario de Investigaciones Agrarias (Canarian Institute of
Agrarian Investigation), the Instituto de Estudios Canarios (Canarian Institute of Studies) and
the Centro Internacional para la Conservacin del Patrimonio (the International Center of the
Conservation of Patrimony).
Other research facilities in Tenerife are the Instituto Tecnolgico de Canarias, the Instituto
Vulcanolgico de Canarias, the Asociacin Industrial de Canarias, the Instituto Tecnolgico de
Energas Renovables (Technological Institute of Renewable Energy) and the Instituto Oceanogrfico
de Canarias in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Museums[edit]
Guanche mummy in the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre

Guanche figures at Pueblo Chico in La Oratava
The island boasts a variety of museums of different natures, under dominion of a variety of
institutions. Perhaps the most developed are those belonging to the Organismo Autnomo de
Museos y Centros,[129] which include the following:
Museum of Nature and Man: located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, this museum exhibits the
natural riches of the Canary Islands and of the pre-Hispanic people who inhabited these. The
Museum of Nature and Man is a world reference in regard to preservation of mummies. The
complex is composed of three museums:
The Museum of Natural Sciences
The Architectural Museum of Tenerife
The Canarian Institute of Bioanthropology
Museum of the History of Tenerife: located in the city of La Laguna, the history of museum
presents an overview of the institutional, social, economic and cultural development of the Island
in from the 15th to 20th centuries.
The Museum of Science and the Cosmos, also located in La Laguna adjacent to the property
of the Instituto de Astrofsica as a museum about the laws and principles of nature, from those of
the cosmos to those of the human body.
The Museum of Anthropology of Tenerife, in La Laguna as well, more specifically in Valle de

Guerra is a public institution for the investigation, conservation and spread of popular culture
The Centro de Documentacin Canario-Americano (CEDOCAM, Center for Canarian-

American Documentation), located in La Laguna has a mission of strengthening cultural
relations and elements of common identity between the Canaries and the Americas, through
such means as conservation, information and diffusion of their shared documentary patrimony.
The Centro de Fotografa Isla de Tenerife ("Island of Tenerife Photographic Center") located
in Santa Cruz de Tenerife offers an annual program of expositions that allows contact with
tendencies and works of various renowned and emergent photographers of the Canaries. In the
future, this center will share a headquarters with the Instituto scar Domnguez de Arte y
Cultura Contempornea (scar Domnguez Institute of Art and Culture).
The Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA, "Tenerife Arts Space") also in Santa Cruz de
Tenerife was founded to promote knowledge of the many contemporary tendencies in art and
culture among the local population and visitors, by organizing cultural, scientific, educational and
technical activities.
Independent of the Organismo Autnomo de Museos y Centros are:
The Municipal Museum of Fine Arts in the Tenerifan capital has a permanent exhibit of the
paintings and sculptures of Jos de Ribera, Federico Madrazo, Joaqun Sorolla and such
Canarian artists as Manolo Millares and scar Domnguez.
The Casa del Vino-La Baranda ("House of Wine-La Baranda"), a member of the Asociacin
de Museos del Vino de Espaa (Association of Wine Museums of Spain),[130] is located in the
municipality of El Sauzal. Its facilities include a rustic, historic hacienda, a museum of the history
of viticulture in Tenerife, a restaurant serving typical Tenerifan food, a wine store, an audiovisual
hall, and a tasting room.
The Casa de la Miel ("House of Honey") is an annex to the Casa del Vino-La Baranda, and
was established by the Cabildo Insular to support and develop the apicultural (bee-keeping)
sector on Tenerife. The visitor's center of the Casa de la Miel offers exhibits about the history of
this industry on the island and how apiculture is conducted, as well as information services and
opportunities to taste Tenerifan denominacin de origen honeys.[131]
The Museum of Iberoamerican Artisanship is located in the old convent of San Benito Abad,
in La Orotava. El centro se encuadra dentro del programa de divulgacin que ejecuta el Center
for Documentation of Artisanship in Spain and America, [132] The Foundation is financed by the
Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism; the Agencia Espaola de Cooperacin
Internacional (Spanish Agency of International Cooperation), the Comisin Nacional "Quinto
Centeneario" ("Fifth Centenary" National Commission), the Consejera de Industria y Comercio
del Gobierno de Canarias (Council of Industry and Commerce of the Government of the
Canaries), and the Cabildo Insular de Tenerife. It has five galleries, specialized in popular
musical instruments, textiles / new designs in artisanship, ceramics, fibers, and popular art.
The Archaeological Museum of Puerto de la Cruz in the city of the same name is located in a
traditional casona (a type of house dating from the 18th19th century), offers an archival
collection comprising more than 2,600 specimens of items from the Guanche culture, and a
document collection named after researcher Luis Diego Cuscoy. [133]
The Regional Military Museum of the Canaries, is located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, more
specifically in the Fuerte de Almeyda district. Its galleries present all of the military history of the
de Canaries, including the repelling of the attack by British Admiral Horatio Nelson, as well as
other events and battles waged in the islands. Separate from the Regional Military Museum are
files providing the Intermediate Military Archive of the Canaries and the Military Library of the
Canary Islands.[134]
Media[edit]
Along with many Spanish-language radio and TV stations, Tenerife has two official English-language
radio stations. Coast FM broadcasts a mix of adult contemporary music and is the only local news
service to broadcast in English. As the larger of the two stations, Coast FM can be heard across
Tenerife and much of the Canary Islands from its transmitters on 106.6, 92.2 and 89.4. Energy FM is
a non-stop music station that also broadcasts local news and information on the hour.
Transport and communications[edit]
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The island of Tenerife is served by Tenerife North Los Rodeos Airport (GCXO) and Reina Sofa
Airport (GCTS).
Los Rodeos Airport, the smaller of the two, is located near the metropolitan area Santa Cruz-La
Laguna (423,000 inhabitants). It serves inter-insular flights as well as national and European flights,
and for the last two years, a weekly service to Venezuela. Reina Sofa Airport (south) is the busiest
Airport in Tenerife, ranking 7th in Spain. It typically serves the mass of regular and vacation charter
flights constantly arriving from most of Europe. Los Rodeos Airport was also the site of the Tenerife
Airport Disaster, which killed 583 people and is the deadliest air accident in history.
The other way to arrive on Tenerife is by ferry, either to Santa Cruz de Tenerife or Los Cristianos,
near Playa de Las Amricas.
A network consisting of two fast, toll-free motorways (TF1 and TF5) encircles nearly the entire island,
linking all the main towns and resorts with the metropolitan area. The exception is in the West, from
Adeje to Icod de los Vinos, which is traversed by a smaller winding mountain road. However, plans
are in progress to complete the motorway, which caused a heavy debate between the
environmentalists and the local businessmen.
Away from the major motorways, there is a network of secondary and communal roads, varying from
wide to steep, winding narrow roads, mainly unlit and often with drops on either side of the main
carriageway surface.
Public transport on the island is provided by an extensive network of buses and run by TITSA, who
operate a fleet of modern, air-conditioned buses.[135] TITSA buses cover most of the island and they
are fairly frequent. For more than one journey, customers can purchase BonoBus cards at 15 or
25 which work out much cheaper than single cash fares; on boarding stick the BonoBus card in the
green bonobus box, and tell the driver where you want to go. The BonoBus can be purchased at
many newsagents, most bus stations, and at Tenerife South (Reina Sofia) Airport in the Alpizpa
souvenir shop, opposite gate 47 (Departures). The Bonobus is also valid on the tram in the capital,
Santa Cruz (See Below).
A rental car is sometimes a good option for discovering the remote wilderness regions, although
TITSA do operate reliable bus services in the remotest spots, such as the Teno Massif via Masca
(355), and up the Anaga mountains (247). TITSA even run two daily services up Mount Teide from
Puerto de la Cruz (348) and from Los Christianos/Las Americas (342) up to the Teide Parador,
Teleferico cable car, Montana Blanca and El Portillo. The only car rental companies that actually
have offices in the airports are: Autoreisen, Avis, Cicar, Europcar, Goldcar (only south airport) and
Hertz.[136][137][138]
The metropolitan Area formed by Santa Cruz and La Laguna is served by the Tranva de
Tenerife (Tenerife Tram) which opened in early 2007, after 3 years of intensive works. The fairly
lengthy line from Santa Cruz up the hill to La Laguna serves almost 20 stops. A second line within La
Laguna was added in 2009.
Teno, the westernmost point in the island
Roads[edit]
TF5 motorway approaching Santa Cruz
The main means of transportation in Tenerife is by highways. The most important of these are
the Autopista del Sur and the Autopista del Norte (the North and South Motorways), which run from
the metropolitan zone to the south and north, respectively. These two motorways are connected by
means of the Autova de Interconexin Norte-Sur in the outskirts of the metropolitan zone. Within the
network of roads on the island of Tenerife there are other minor roads that used to include the
highway from San Andres and Santa Cruz (Holy Cross in English).[139]
Also planned is the construction of a bypass road north of the metropolitan area of Santa Cruz de
Tenerife, La Laguna. This aims to provide dual cores to Guamasa and Acorn, by way of Los
Baldos, Centenero, Llano del Moro, El Sobradillo, El Tablero, and El Chorrillo, among other
neighbourhoods. The route will be approximately 20 kilometres (12 mi) long and will cost an
estimated 190 million euros (270 million in American dollars).[140]
Airports[edit]
Tenerife North Airport

Tenerife is most easily reached by air. There are two airports: Reina Sofia (or Tenerife South Airport),
in the south, and Tenerife North Airport, also called Los Rodeos, near Santa Cruz. Each has flights
to the capitals of the other islands and to cities throughout Europe, as well as to Caracas, Dakar,
and Miami. Overall, Tenerife has the highest annual passenger count and the greatest number of
arrivals, made more popular by the frequency of cheap flights from many European destinations.
Tenerife North Airport was the site of the deadliest accident in aviation history: in 1977 two Boeing
747s collided on a runway, killing 583 people. Tenerife North Airport and Tenerife South Airport
together account for the highest passenger numbers in the Islands with some 14 million passengers
annually (AENA report[141]). Of the two airports on the island, Tenerife South is the most popular
tourist destination.[142][143]
Ports[edit]
Besides air transport, Tenerife has two principal maritime ports: the Port of Santa Cruz de
Tenerife (Puerto de Santa Cruz), which serves the various capitals of the Canary Islands, especially
those in the west; and the Port of Los Cristianos (Puerto de Los Cristianos), which serves the
various island capitals of the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The first port also has passenger
services, which connect with the mainland port of Cdiz (and vice versa). There are plans to build a
new port in the south of the island, in Granadilla de Abona, and in another in the west, at Fonsala.
[144]
The Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the first fishing port in the Canary Islands with
approximately 7,500 tons of fish caught, according to the Statistical Yearbook of the State Ports
2006 (the latest of which is changing). Following this report is the largest port number of passengers
recorded. Similarly, the second port of Spain moving ship and loaded into cars, only surpassed by
the Port of Algeciras Bay.[145] In the port's facilities include a border inspection post (BIP) approved by
the European Union, which is responsible for inspecting all types of imports from third countries or
exports to countries outside the European Economic Area.
Buses (guaguas)[edit]
Tenerife has an extensive system of buses, which are called guaguas in the Canary Islands. The bus
system is used both within the cities and also connects most of the towns and cities of the island.
There are bus stations in all of the major towns, such as the Intercambiador de Transportes de
Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Taxis[edit]
There is a well-regulated taxi service on the island
Tramway[edit]
Tramway servicing between Santa Cruz and La Laguna
From 2007, the Tenerife Tram connects Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna through the suburb
of Taco. There are 20 stops and it covers a distance of 12.5 km (7.8 mi) in 37 minutes. It calls at
some points of interest including Tenerife's two major hospitals, the university complex of Guajara,
and a number of museums and theatres. Concerning its power supply, it will support development of
further wind farms to provide it with 100 percent clean energy. [146]
Railway plans[edit]
By 2005, plans for a light-rail network linking the capital with the South had been approved by both
the Tenerife Council and the Canary Islands Government, though the discussion with the central
Spanish Government stalled on budget issues.[147]The original intent was to establish two railway
systems that would serve the northern and southern sides of the island connecting these with the
capital.[148] By March 2011, these intentions had been replaced by advanced plans for a single 80 km
(50 mi) high-speed rail line, the "South Train" which would connect Santa Cruz de
Tenerife with Adeje via Santa Maria de Aaza, Candelaria, San Isidro, Tenerife South Airport, and a
main stopover station at Adeje which would be designed to service up to 25,000 passengers per day.
Trains would run every 15 minutes during rush hours, and would achieve speeds up to 220 km/h
(137 mph). The project, which involves 9 tunnels, 12 false tunnels (together 22.1 km) and 33
viaducts (8.3 km) has been budgeted at EUR 1.7 bn. It has met staunch opposition from local
environmentalists.[149] An alternate plan for a high speed Transrapid maglev has also been put
forward.[150][151]
Sports[edit]
Main article: Sport in Tenerife
On the island of Tenerife, a large number of sports are practised, both outdoors and indoors in the
various facilities available throughout the island.The sports are numerous - Diving, Rock Climbing,
Walking, Cycling, Sailing, Golf, Surfing, Go-Karting, Paragliding the all year round weather makes
it ideal for a wide variety of outdoor sports. There are also many indoor sporting facilities including
fully equipped including 'Tenerife Top Training' centre in Adeje on the South of the Island. Its most
well-known sports team is football club CD Tenerife based in Santa Cruz. The club has spent time in
the Spanish top flight, but have in recent decades primarily played in the second division of Spanish
football. Also worth mentioning is the ultramarathon CajaMar Tenerife Bluetrail, the highest race in
Spain and second in Europe,[152] with the participation of several countries and great international
repercussions.
Healthcare[edit]
Hospital Universitario de Canarias
The main hospitals on the island are the Hospital Universitario de Canarias and the Hospital
Universitario Nuestra Seora de Candelaria. Both are third-level hospitals, with specialist facilities
that serve all of the Canary Islands.[153]They are both affiliated with the education and research
network of the Universidad de La Laguna. However, they belong to different bodies, since first one is
under the directives of the Servicio Canario de la Salud (Canarian Health Service). [154][155] The Hospital
Universitario Nuestra Seora de Candelaria it is the largest hospital complex in the Canary Islands.
[156]
In addition, two new peripheral hospitals in the North and South areas of the island are being
constructed, located in the municipalities of Icod de los Vinos and Arona respectively. The Hospital
del Sur de Tenerife (Tenerife South Hospital) opened in 2015.[157] These centers will function,
according to their classification, as second level hospitals, with services of hospitalization, advanced
diagnosis, ambulances and emergencies, and rehabilitation, etc. There are also a total of 39 centers
of primary care and specialized clinics which complete the sanitary infrastructure of Tenerife. [158]
Gastronomy[edit]
Fish[edit]
Due to the geographic situation of Tenerife, the island enjoys an abundance of fish of various kinds.
The species that are consumed the most are the Combtooth blennies (viejas), as well as sea
bream (sama), red porgy (bocinegro), gold lined bream (salema), grouper (mero), and various and
abundant types of Thunnus. The Atlantic mackerel (caballa), sardine (sardine), and Jack
mackerels (chicharros) are also consumed frequently. Moray eels (morenas) are also eaten, usually
fried. Most seafood is cooked simply, usually boiled, or prepared "a la espalda" (cut into two equally
shaped pieces along the spine) or "a la sal" (baked in salt). These dishes are usually accompanied
by mojo (a local sauce) and wrinkly potatoes.[30][45]
Meat[edit]
The typical festive meat dish of marinated porc tacos is a very popular dish prepared for town
festivities in ventorrillos, bars and private homes.[159] Rabbit in salmorejo, goat, and of course beef,
pork and poultry are also regularly consumed.[30][45]
Canarian wrinkly potatoes[edit]
Canarian wrinkly potatoes, with red mojo
The fish dishes along with the meats are often accompanied by wrinkly potatoes (papas arrugadas).
This is a typical Canarian dish which simply refers to the way the cooked potatoes look. They are
boiled in their skins, in water with lots of salt, and the water is allowed to evaporate, leaving a salty
crust.[30][45]
Mojos[edit]
Mojo, a word probably of Portuguese origin, describes a typical Canarian sauce, served as an
accompaniment to food. The sauces come in a variety of colours, flavours and textures, and are
usually served cold, often in separate dishes, for the diner to choose how much to apply. Green mojo
usually includes coriander, parsley, and garlic; whilst red mojo is piquant, and made from a mix of hot
and sweet peppers. A wide variety of other ingredients are also used, including; almonds, cheese,
saffron and fried bread.[30][45] Mojos are served with most meat, and some fish, dishes, and are often
used on potatoes, or bread is dipped into them.
Cheeses[edit]
Tenerife exports about 3,400 tons of cheese per year, representing about 50 percent of the output of
the island, and about 25 percent of the entire Canary Islands. [citation needed]
After the conquest of the Canary Islands, one of the first commercial activities to be started was
cheese production. The sale of cheese provided the inhabitants with an income and cheese was
even used as a form of currency for exchange and sale, becoming a crucial product in agricultural
areas of the island.
Cheese grew to become one of the most commonly produced and consumed products on the island
and is regularly served as part of a starter course or as a snack. Farms at Arico, La Orotava and
Teno produced a variety of cheeses, including soft cheeses, cured, smoked and were mostly
handmade. Today the main product is goat cheese, although certain amounts are made from
sheep's or cow's milk, and according to the Registro General Sanitario de Alimentos, the general
health registry, around 75 different cottage cheeses are produced.[160] The cheeses of the Canaries
have generally received good international reviews, noted for their sweetness which differentiates
them from certain other European cheeses.[30][45][161] In particular, Tenerifan cured goats cheese was
awarded best cheese in the world final of the 2008 World Cheese Awards held in Dublin, Ireland.[162]
Cheeses from Tenerife now have a quality mark promoted by the Fundacin Tenerife Rural, to
standardize their quality in an attempt to publicize the qualities of the cheese and improve its
marketing.[160]
Gofio[edit]
Gofio escaldado
Gofio is one of the more traditional elements of cooking on the island, It is made with cereal
grains that are roasted and then ground. Increasingly used to make a gofio on the island is wheat
although there are other types, and they are often made with chick peas. Relatively common is a
mixed-type with wheat. It was served as main food to the guanches even before the Spanish
conquest. In later times of scarcity or famine it was a staple of the popular Canarian diet. Today it is
eaten as a main dish (gofio escaldado) or an accompaniment to different dishes, meats, fishes,
soups, desserts. Some famous cooks have even made gofio ice cream, receiving good comments
from the critics.[30][45]
Confectionery[edit]
Confectionery in Tenerife is represented and strongly influenced by La Palma, with confections
like bienmesabe, leche asada, Prncipe Alberto, frangollo, huevos moles, quesillo, etc.[30][45]
Wines[edit]
Viniculture in the archipelago, and especially in Tenerife dates back to the conquest, when the
settlers brought a variety of vines to plant. In the 16th and 17th centuries, wine production played an
important role in the economy, and many families were dedicated to the culture and business. Of
special mention is malvasa canary, considered the best wine of Tenerife and at the time one of the
most desired wines in the world, being shipped across to the major warehouses of Europe and
America.[163] Writers such as William Shakespeare and Walter Scott make reference to the wine in
some of their works.[164] Tenerife has 5 main wine growing regions. These include Abona, Valle de
Gmar, Valle de La Orotava, Tacoronte-Acentejo and Ycoden-Daute-Isora.[165]
International relations[edit]
See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Spain
Twin towns Sister cities[edit]
Tenerife is twinned with:
Miami Dade, United States.[166]
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.[167]
Image gallery[edit]

Panorama of the La Orotava Valley with Teide in the background
Teide and Roque Cinchado.
Playa de Las Teresitas in San Andrs (Santa Cruz de Tenerife).

Masca.
Auditorio de Tenerife in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Valle de La Orotava
Playa Torviscasgrey sand beach, Tenerife
Complejo Lago Martinez

Casa de la Aduana
Fishermen's Museum by (Bernard Romain)
The sun setting over Los Gigantes.
See also[edit]
Spain portal
Islands portal
Auditorio de Tenerife
Bichon Tenerife
Instituto de Astrofsica de Canarias
List of volcanoes in Spain
Observatorio del Teide
Pyramids of Guimar
San Andrs
Tenerife disaster
Tenerife News
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Tenerife

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Clockwise from top: Dracaena draco, Roques de Anaga, Teide

Coordinates: 28167N 163620WCoordinates: 28167N 16

Capital and Largest City Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Pop.

Highest elevation (Teide) 3,718 m (12,198 ft)

Time zone UTC (UTC0)

o 3.1Territorial organisation before the conquest (The Guanches)

o 3.3Slavery and plantations

o 3.4Emigration to the Americas

o 5.1Origins and geological formation

o 5.2Orography and landscape

5.2.4Valleys and ravines

o 6.2Pollution and air quality

7Flora and fauna

o 7.2Protected natural areas

o 8.1Law and order

o 8.5Flags and heraldry

o 11.3Industry and commerce

13Culture and arts

13.7.1Carnival of Santa Cruz

13.7.3Holiday of the Virgin of Candelaria

13.7.4Holiday of the Cristo de La Laguna

o 15.1Science and research

17Transport and communications

o 20.3Canarian wrinkly potatoes

o 21.1Twin towns Sister cities

Panorama of Teide National Park

Territorial map of Tenerife before the conquest

Gmar. Menceyes: Acaymo, Aaterve y Guetn. Today this territory is made up of El

Abona. Menceyes: Atguaxoa and Adxoa (Adjona). Today it

Tacoronte: Menceyes: Rumn and Acaymo. Today this territory is made up

Daute. Menceyes: Cocanaymo and Romn. Today this territory is occupied by El

The uneven contours of the Anaga massif

Teno massifCliffs of the Giants area

Panorama of Valle de La Orotava

[hide]Climate data for Santa Cruz (19812010)

28.4 31.2 35.4 35.2 36.4 37.1 42.6 40.4 39.3

21.0 21.2 22.1 22.7 24.1 26.2 28.7 29.0 28.1

15.4 15.3 15.9 16.5 17.8 19.5 21.2 21.9 21.7

9.4 8.1 9.5 9.4 12.0 13.4 16.5 14.6 16.5

31.5 35.4 37.8 11.6 3.6 0.9 0.1 2.0 6.8

Source #1: Agencia Estatal de Meteorologa[53]

Source #2: Agencia Estatal de Meteorologa[54]

[hide]Climate data for Tenerife South Airport (19812010)

29.3 30.0 34.0 35.6 37.7 36.2 42.9 44.3 41.8

18.4 18.5 19.3 19.5 20.4 22.1 24.0 24.7 24.5

15.2 15.0 15.6 16.0 17.0 18.8 20.2 21.1 21.1

9.0 9.8 9.6 12.2 13.0 14.6 16.8 17.1 16.6

16.6 19.9 14.7 7.4 1.1 0.1 0.1 1.3 3.6

Source #1: Agencia Estatal de Meteorologa[55]

Source #2: Agencia Estatal de Meteorologa[56]

16.0 16.7 18.2 18.5 20.1 22.2 24.7 25.7 24.9

13.1 13.4 14.5 14.7 16.1 18.1 20.2 21.2 20.7

10.2 10.0 10.7 10.9 12.0 14.0 15.7 16.6 16.5

3.2 3.4 2.0 4.2 6.0 8.5 8.5 7.0 9.2

Average rainy days ( 1.0 mm) 11 10 10 10 7 4 3 3 5

Average relative humidity (%) 76 75 71 74 72 73 69 69 71

Source #1: Agencia Estatal de Meteorologa[57]

Source #2: Agencia Estatal de Meteorologa[58]

13.5 14.4 16.0 16.1 18.3 21.2 27.4 27.9 23.5

9.4 10.2 11.7 11.9 13.8 16.7 22.7 23.0 19.2

5.4 6.0 7.3 7.2 9.5 12.2 18.0 18.5 14.8

49.4 51.2 34.1 24.4 2.7 0.4 0.0 0.8 7.5