How to connect with Tenerife's culture
Tenerife has been shaped and influenced over generations by many cultures. You'll still find remnants of the original Guanche people (thought to be Berber tribes from North Africa), plenty of sights of interest remaining from the Spanish colonisation of the island in the early 15th century, plus hints and highlights from people who have passed through this strategic point, from northern European tourists to South American travellers. What remains in Tenerife – and is still evolving – is an intriguing mosaic of cultural legacies, innovative arts and heritage projects, and an events and festivals calendar to rival any of the world's major cities.
As you stroll up to the mighty Basilica de Candelaria on Tenerife's north-west coast, you'll be under the watchful eye of nine large bronze statues, created in 1993 by the renowned Tenerife sculptor José Abad. These are the menceyes, the aboriginal 'kings' of Tenerife before the Spanish came.
Before the conquest, the island was split into nine kingdoms, the names of which are still present today in places such as Adeje, Anaga and Güímar. The city of Candelaria is famous for the Cueva de Achbinico, a cave believed to have been a place of worship for more than 3,000 years. To learn more about the Guanches, head to the Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA) in Santa Cruz where you'll discover more about these cave-dwelling people, their ways of life and their beliefs – such as in the figure of Guayota, the devil-like spirit believed to reside in El Teide volcano, unleashing flames and devastation when angered.
El Teide – Spain's highest mountain – has huge historical significance for the people who have called the island home. Nowhere more so than in the pretty, quiet town of Garachico. It was once the busiest place on the island and the most important port, where produce – particularly wine – was exported all over the world. That all came to an abrupt and devastating stop in 1706 when a volcanic eruption demolished the port and part of the town. In La Orotava, a handsome town with impressive mansion houses that were once the homes of the island's wealthy nobility, you'll find the Casa de Los Balcones, an extraordinary house with many intricately carved Canarian pinewood balconies, a traditional architectural flourish that can be seen around the island. It's a similar tale in San Cristóbal de La Laguna (La Laguna for short), which was the island's capital before Santa Cruz, and is one of Tenerife's two Unesco World Heritage Sites. Its cobblestone streets are lined with grand mansions and radiant, brightly coloured houses, and its grid format was used as the blueprint for towns and cities across Latin America, including Havana in Cuba. There are many guided walks around the historic centre, and you can also find many traditional restaurants.
In the (new) capital of Santa Cruz, the area of La Noria is also both historic and gastronomic. It's where the city was founded back in 1494 by Alonso Fernández de Lugo. The streets leading out from Iglesia Matriz de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción have an Old-World-meets-New-World vibe and come alive when the sun goes down. Nearby, you'll find a host of cultural hotspots that make up part of Tenerife's exciting arts scene, encompassing music, painting, sculpture and architecture. Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA) is a sleek and modern gallery and library with contemporary art exhibitions, in stark contrast to the classic MUNA museum next door. Down along the seafront the shimmering, gravity-defying white arc of Santiago Calatrava's Auditorio de Tenerife is hard to miss. This opera house and music venue has a popular programme of events year-round. In the city centre, the Museo de Bellas Artes offers a cooling respite from the sun and a fascinating collection of art and artifacts dating from between the 16th and 19th centuries. Don't miss the intricate façade of the Círculo de Amistad XII de Enero at the end of the street.
Visiting the island in February? You'll be forgiven for thinking that bright costumes, music and dancing are everyday life in Tenerife – and to some extent, you'd be right. But when carnaval comes to town, everyone takes part. From street parades and parties to fancy dress competitions and comparsas (groups of traditional singers, musicians and dancers), Santa Cruz de Tenerife carnival is the largest outside of Rio de Janeiro. Be sure to book accommodation early, because it's hugely popular. If you're not lucky enough to join the party in February, a trip to La Casa del Carnaval, will give you the chance to get a flavour of the spectacle by seeing the many carnaval extravagant costumes on display.
For something a little less raucous, make a beeline for the Baile de Magos in May. This is a traditional Canarian affair with typical food, music and dancing and revellers in classic Canarian dress – you can attend for free if you dress like the locals. Alternatively, head to La Orotava for Corpus Cristi in May and June to witness the incredible flower carpets that cover the town hall square in spectacular detail.
Tenerife beyond the beach
With multiple airlines flying direct to Tenerife from the UK every day, it's time to find out more, plan your travel and book your trip with the Tenerife Tourism Corporation
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