Origins of the island

As the rest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is also a son of Pluton. While the volcanic development of the eastern islands started more than 20 Million years ago, the oldest mountain ranges of Tenerife arised from the Atlantic much later (about 8 to 12 Million years ago).

At least 3 Million years ago it was believed that there were 3 islands with the Anaga, Teno and Valle San Lorenzo mountain ranges. In a tremendous volcanic process the old central volcano and the great mountain range (Cumbre Dorsal) melted together into what we know today as Tenerife.

Presumably the top of the volcano did not explode but collapsed in it's own crater and is now one of the greatest collapsed craters of the world (Las Cañadas). This oval crater is at it's longest distance about 17Km long.

500.000 years ago the last stage of volcanic activity in Tenerife took place. The 'Pico Viejo' (old peak) erupted first and some time later the higher 'Pico del Teide'. This last one has on it's top a sulphur coat surrounding it. The last volcano eruption in Tenerife happened near the village of Santiago del Teide in 1909.