Discovering Tenerife: between volcanoes, traditions and modernity

Located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Morocco, Tenerife is the largest of the eight islands that make up the Canary archipelago — a Spanish territory shaped by a subtle blend of European, South American, and African influences.

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With an area of over 2,000 km² and nearly one million inhabitants, the island offers an astonishing diversity of landscapes, climates, and atmospheres.

It is dominated by Mount Teide, a volcano rising to 3,715 meters—the highest peak in Spain—whose silhouette shapes the island’s landscape and strongly influences its climate. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this giant is the geological and symbolic heart of Tenerife.

A brief look at economic developments

• For several centuries, Tenerife’s economy was based on agriculture: sugar cane, vineyards (especially the malvasia wine, highly prized in Europe), and later bananas were the island’s main resources. But in the 20th century, Tenerife also faced economic difficulties, leading to a significant wave of emigration, particularly to Latin America.

  
  

• A major turning point came in the 1960s with the rapid rise of coastal tourism. The development of modern infrastructure, the construction of airports and seaside resorts gradually transformed the island’s economy — and landscape — especially in the southern part.

North and South: two contrasting faces

Tenerife is often described as an island of contrasts:

• The south, sunnier but more arid, is home to most of the island’s large tourist resorts (Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos…). There, you’ll find long beaches, a lively atmosphere, and modern infrastructure.

• The north, greener and more humid, has preserved a more authentic and traditional character. It’s where you’ll find historic villages (such as Garachico, La Orotava, or Icod de los Vinos), lush nature, and a more rural and peaceful kind of tourism.

  
  

This contrast gives the island a rich and varied identity that appeals to visitors with very different expectations.

 Tenerife today

Today, tourism is the main economic driver of the island, although agriculture (especially banana production) and the service sector still play an important role. Tenerife is also a land of welcome and cultural blending, where Canarian traditions endure while embracing a population from all over the world.

With its mild, spring-like climate all year round, volcanic landscapes, forests, beaches, traditional villages, and numerous festivals, Tenerife is both accessible and full of surprises — an ideal place for hiking, relaxing, exploring… or even settling down. 😊

An island facing the challenges of tourism

But this attractiveness also has a downside. The rapid development of mass tourism has concrete impacts on the daily lives of local residents:

• The housing market is increasingly strained: many homes are converted into short-term holiday rentals, reducing availability for residents and driving up prices. In some villages, it is becoming very difficult for young people and local families to find housing.

• Natural resources — such as water, energy, and natural spaces — are under growing pressure, especially during peak tourist seasons.

• Some popular sites suffer from overtourism, which affects both their preservation and the quality of life of the local population.

Faced with these challenges, it is essential to reflect on how to balance welcoming visitors — crucial for the local economy — with protecting the environment and social fabric.

The future of Tenerife likely lies in a more sustainable, respectful, and balanced form of tourism, one that highlights the island’s natural and cultural wealth… while safeguarding the well-being of those who call it home.