Tenerife Travel Guide - History

Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, there were a number of different kingdoms that ruled the Canary Islands, the inhabitants of which were known as Gaunches. Initially the Gaunches withstood the attacks of the Spanish, led by military governor Alonso de Lugo and scored a crushing victory in the first battle of 1494.

However, resistance was short-lived and the superior power of the Spanish eventually won the day, with Tenerife becoming the last of the Canary Islands to fall to Spanish control in December 1495.

With its strategically important location, Tenerife became the target of many aggressors over the years. In 1797, Admiral Nelson launched an assault on the island. It was here that Nelson famously lost his right arm before being forced to retreat. Not to be deterred, the British made another attempt on the island, held off by the locals at Los Gigantes, which is today the location of one of the island’s favourite resorts.

Since this period, hostilities have eased, with friendlier visitors coming to Tenerife. By the late 19th century, tourists began to flock to the island and its transformation into the popular tourist destination it is today began.

Today, Tenerife is a peaceful place with a thriving tourist industry, with close to 10 million overseas visitors arriving each year.