Tenerife has some spectacular geology to hike, walk and explore. From impressive mountains and rock structures to awe inspiring gorges (or barrancos in Spanish).
The archipelago started to form some 17 million years ago rising from the sea bed. Each island is an independent rock rising from the sea at more than 3000m which means the emerged parts only represent about 10% of the total.
Tenerife was formed from 3 islands which merged together. It rises from a depth of 3000m to 3718m that being Mount Teide, the highest point on the island. The first of these 3 islands formed 12 million years ago was the Anaga peninsula. Then between 6-8million years ago 2 other islands, Teno in the north west and Roque del Conde in the south were formed.
Subsequent constructive episodes of volcanic activity resulted in the rest of our lovely island which includes Mount Teide and Pico Viejo volcanoes and the Caldera Rim in the centre of the island.
There is some fascinating geology to see and explore which makes hiking a pleasure. From impressive rock structures in the National Park, to lunar landscapes, lava flows and impressive barrancos on many other parts of the island.
We have many walks that explore this geology as follows:
