How the Canary Islands and Tenerife were formed: the fascinating story of a volcanic archipelago.
- Jan 15
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 15
The Canary Islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwestern coast of Africa, are some of the most extraordinary places on Earth. We don’t always wonder how the Canary Islands were formed, but it’s a truly fascinating story that goes back millions of years. The islands were formed by volcanic activity that shaped their landscape for millions of years. Each island has its own unique geological history, and Tenerife is one of the oldest and most fascinating of the bunch. Let’s see how each island was formed over time.
How the Canary Islands Were Formed - Timeline
20 million years ago – Formation of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, the oldest islands in the archipelago. Their volcanic activity began the earliest, and the islands gradually began to emerge from the ocean.
14-15 million years ago – Formation of the island of Gran Canaria. Its volcanic history lasted for millions of years and in the central part of the island there is an extinct volcano.
12 million years ago – The beginning of the formation of the island of La Gomera. Its picturesque gorges and cliffs are a testament to millions of years of erosion.
11 million years ago – Birth of the island of El Hierro. It is the smallest and youngest of the main islands, whose volcanic eruptions occurred even in historical times.
3-7 million years ago – Formation of Tenerife. The island was formed from the merger of three major volcanic massifs: Anaga, Teno and Valle de San Lorenzo. Their activity merged into one larger volcanic complex – today known as the Teide volcano.
2-3 million years ago – Formation of La Palma Island. It is one of the most volcanically active islands, and the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano in 2021 is proof of that.
Geology of Tenerife: the history of the Teide volcano
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, owes its formation to complex volcanic processes. The Teide volcano, rising to 3,715 meters above sea level, is the third highest volcano in the world measured from the ocean floor. Its activity has shaped the island for millions of years, creating characteristic volcanic landscapes, valleys and cliffs.
The first volcanic massifs – Anaga, Teno and Valle de San Lorenzo – were active independently before they merged into one island. The Teide volcano, which grew from their connection, shaped the central part of the island. The last eruption took place in 1909 on the Chinyero cone, which is evidence of the still active volcanic nature of Tenerife.
Canary Islands: a unique natural heritage
The Canary Islands are not only paradise beaches, but also a fascinating testimony to the geological history of our planet. Each of the islands tells its own story, and their volcanic origins attract nature and geology lovers from all over the world. Today, we can admire their diversity - from the desert landscapes of Lanzarote to the lush forests of Tenerife and La Gomera.
If you want to learn more about Tenerife and its history, follow my blog. I am preparing a guide full of inspiration and practical tips to help you discover the magic of this island.
Comments