"Teide" originates from the Guanche word echeyde, which translates to "hell" or "home of the evil one". It was considered a sacred, mythical, and feared volcano by the aboriginal inhabitants of Tenerife, who believed the evil deity Guayota lived inside it.
The mountain's peculiar name derives from the Spanish version of its Guanche name Echeyde or Echeide, which essentially means hell in the indigenous Guanche language.
Before the 1496 Spanish colonization of Tenerife, the native Guanches referred to a powerful figure living in the volcano, which carries light, power and the sun. El Pico del Teide is the modern Spanish name.
The word Tenerife is believed to come from the Guanches' language, specifically from the term teni iru, which roughly translates to snow-capped mountain. This name aptly reflects the island's most prominent landmark, Mount Teide, a dormant volcano with snow-capped peaks.
According to legend, Guayota (the devil) imprisoned Magec (the god of light and the sun) within bowels of the volcano, plunging the world deep into darkness. Only by appealing to the supreme god, Archaman, could the Guanches hope for the return of Magec and light to the world.
In Tenerife, don't stick only to tourist traps like Playa de las Américas, ignore beach safety flags (red means danger!), leave valuables visible in cars or unattended, fall for timeshare or animal photo scams, forget warm clothes for Mount Teide, and don't assume all beaches are safe from sewage or strong currents; instead, explore the north, respect locals, and stay alert for petty theft.
In Tenerife, it is not considered rude not to leave a tip, as it is understood to be voluntary when the professional service provided is good. The standard at bars and restaurants is to leave a tip of 5 to 10% of the bill, depending on how much it adds up to.
At the time of medieval European engagement, the Canary Islands were inhabited by a variety of indigenous communities. The pre-colonial population of the Canaries is generically referred to as Guanches, although, strictly speaking, Guanches were originally the inhabitants of Tenerife.
The domestic canary is a domesticated form of its wild ancestor, which are named after Spain's Canary Islands. Common canaries are approximately 5 inches (13 cm) to 6 inches (15 cm) long, and weigh approximately 15 grams (0.53 oz) to 20 grams (0.71 oz).
Tenerife's flag looks like Scotland's because both feature the St. Andrew's Cross (a white saltire on blue) due to shared history and patron saint, with popular theories suggesting Tenerife adopted it as a tribute to Scottish sailors after a battle with the British or as a Masonic symbol, though the exact origin isn't formally documented. St. Andrew is the patron saint of both Scotland and Tenerife, providing a religious link, while a naval battle in 1797 is a strong historical theory for its adoption.
The largest volcanic island is Iceland, the entirety of which was formed from volcanic eruptions from the mid-Atlantic Ridge, upon which it sits. Measuring 103,000 km² (39,768 miles²) in area, Iceland is essentially ocean floor exposed above the ocean surface.
In 2025, David Beckham and Victoria Beckham are almost equal in wealth. Both are estimated to be worth about $450 million each. Together, their combined net worth is close to $900 million.
To avoid the obstruction of pipes or not contaminating the water, it's recommended to put toilet paper in the bin, instead of flushing it down in the toilet. Tap water in Tenerife is drinkable.
Drinking water in Tenerife comes largely from seawater desalination plants and some underground springs. This process, while making the water safe, affects its taste and the presence of minerals like sodium and chlorine, which can be unpleasant for many people.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common. It's most prevalent in larger cities and particularly during holidays, festivals and weekends.
Bold colors like red and mustard are popular, and Spaniards aren't afraid to wear flamboyant shoes or accessories. Also, they tend to dress according to the season, rather than the actual weather.
