Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, has a rich and complex history that dates back to the pre-Hispanic era, when it was inhabited by the Guanches, a Berber-origin people. These ancient inhabitants lived in small, independent kingdoms called "menceyatos," each ruled by a mencey (king).
Guanche society was based on a simple economy combining herding, rudimentary agriculture, and a deep connection to the island's natural resources. The Spanish conquest, initiated in 1494 by Alonso Fernández de Lugo, was a long and bloody process that ended in 1496 with the final submission of the Guanches. Key moments included the First Battle of Acentejo, where the Guanches defeated the Spaniards, and the Second Battle of Acentejo, which sealed the conquerors' ultimate victory.
After the conquest, Tenerife became an important agricultural and commercial hub, cultivating sugarcane and later vineyards that produced wines renowned across Europe. In the 20th century, tourism reshaped the island, drawn by its mild climate, natural wonders like the majestic Mount Teide, and the Santa Cruz Carnival, one of the most famous in the world.