It is renowned as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, receiving nearly five million visitors annually, and is renowned for its vibrant Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria are the two cities serving as the co-capitals of the autonomous community of the Canary Islands, having been chosen as such in 1927 following the Crown’s decree.
This change in power had been prompted by the 1833 territorial division of Spain, prior to which Santa Cruz was the only capital of the Canary Islands. Santa Cruz is host to the modern Auditorio de Tenerife, the architectural symbol of the Canary Islands.
The island is home to the University of La Laguna, the oldest university in the Canaries, founded in 1792 in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, the second most populous city on the island.
The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is Teide National Park, located in the centre of the island. The park encompasses Mount Teide, the highest elevation in Spain and the highest amongst all islands in the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the third-largest volcano in the world, when measured from its base. Additionally, the Macizo de Anaga (massif) is designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2015.
Tenerife boasts the largest number of endemic species in Europe, and is served by two airports, Tenerife North Airport and Tenerife South Airport. As a result of its breathtaking beauty and wide range of activities available, Tenerife is an incredibly popular destination and is sure to be remembered for years to come.