Tenerife

Tenerife ( TEN-ə-REEF-(ay); Spanish: [teneˈɾife] ; formerly spelled Teneriffe) is the largest and most-populous island of the Canary Islands, an autonomous community of Spain, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwestern coast of Africa. With an area of 2,034.38 km2 (785.48 sq mi) and a population of 972,018 in 2026, it is the largest island in Macaronesia, and the most populous island in both Macaronesia and Spain. Tenerife is dominated by Teide, a volcanic peak that is the highest mountain in Spain and the highest point in the Atlantic islands. The island was inhabited by the Indigenous Guanche people before its incorporation into the Crown of Castile in 1496. Today, Tenerife is the political, economic, and demographic centre of the Canary Islands. Its capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, shares the status of capital of the autonomous community with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, while nearby San Cristóbal de La Laguna is home to the University of La Laguna and one of the two sites declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on the island. Tenerife is known for its diverse landscapes, which range from volcanic peaks and pine forests to coastal cliffs and subtropical valleys. The island contains Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Macizo de Anaga, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Owing to its varied environments and long geographic isolation, Tenerife supports a large number of endemic plant and animal species. Tourism is a major component of the island's economy, and Tenerife is one of Spain's most visited destinations. It is also known for the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, one of the largest carnival celebrations in the world.