Tenerife is an island that is known and recognized in the world for many reasons. Surfers come every year to tame the waves all over the island, even hosting international professional competitions, while lovers and newlyweds see the place as a paradise and perfect spot for honeymoons, at the same time explorers discover the wonders of the Teide and its flora and fauna. 

Now, there is another aspect that really stands out and for what the island of Tenerife should be known for as well, which is the architecture that has characteristics that make it so unique from historical, social and technical perspectives. Let's learn more about the features of Tenerife's architecture, types and influence in the cities' landscapes and general view of the island. 

Details about Tenerife's Architecture 

The architectural nature of Tenerife involves two general sorts: contemporary or modern architecture and traditional or classic architecture. The thing is, both of them have evolved greatly and are present in the island's landscape, complementing each other as well from many centuries ago to the buildings carried out in the 21st century. 

While changes and improvements have been added over time, different traditional architectural styles from the past remain and combine with the modern buildings. Therefore, contemporary constructions shared the cityscape with structures belonging to baroque and neoclassical, gothic and postwar edifications, at the same time appearing clear architectural modernism. 

Before getting to know the main examples of the traditional and modern architecture in Tenerife, it is worth highlighting that Portugal and Andalucía inspired it greatly, as well as Spain in general. Casonas and traditional homes are great examples of that, having strong proper description though that makes Tenerife's architecture very original. 

Traditional architecture in Tenerife 

Traveling through the island, the traditional architecture can be seen in every place and enriching the landscape for sure. Of course, historical places and old towns and regions have more examples of this style, since some of them were built several centuries back. 

La Laguna is one of the most recommended places in Tenerife to see this, being a Historical Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO and an historical complex with very characteristic views and buildings, such as little houses built with wood. 

La Orotava is another great example of the classic architecture in the island, known for its balconies and declared as a historical and artistic patrimony of the island. Such balconies are decorated when Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife takes place, as well as the interior patios in which owners sell products and make the place ideal for visitors to come and buy souvenirs. 

Other places with evident historical value from the traditional architecture point of view in Tenerife are: Garachico, Cacerio de Masca, Casa Lercaro and the religious buildings and churches with years of being built can be included in this section as well, such as Basílica de Nuestra Señora Candelaria, Iglesia de la Concepcion and Palacio de Nava. 

Modern architecture in Tenerife 

With no doubt, the cityscape in Tenerife looks quite modern and sophisticated and this is thanks to the contemporary architecture and buildings that have been added over the recent years, using different techniques that are represented in amazing structures, with outstanding designs and state-of-the-art engineering. 

Clear examples of this is the Auditorium Adan Martin Tenerife, being definitely a destination to attend to if architecture is a topic of interest or simply by going and enjoying an amazing building. The auditorium was designed by the architect Santiago Calatrava, having a very sophisticated roof that covers the place and stands out as a bend over tip.  

Another building to highlight is the Centro Magma Arte Y Congreso, which was inaugurated in 2005 and was designed by the architects Felipe Rufiño and Fernando Menis, residents of Tenerife. The structure was created and inspired by the sea and waves that make the island known, occupying a total surface of about 22.000 square meters. 

Other buildings with modern styles and designs to see are: Cabildo Insular de Tenerife, Centro Internacional de Ferias y Congresos, Scenic Art School, Santisimo Redentor Church and Facultad de Bellas Artes. a

Tenerife is the biggest and most populated region of the Canary Islands; the Spanish archipelago that is one of the most visited places worldwide, due to its amazing natural destinations, incredible landscapes, long coastline and beaches, comfortable weather the entire year and a great set of outdoor resources such as parks and big mountains. 

Unsurprisingly, the previous description makes Tenerife a great destination with many places to go to, for all types of tourists and with plenty of available things to do in the “Island of Eternal Spring”, which some call the island thanks to its unmistakable and almost unrepeatable weather in the Atlantic Ocean. Here are some of the recommended things to do in Tenerife: 

Hiking in the Masca Mountain and Valley

Hiking is a very popular activity in Tenerife and Masca is the perfect region to do that: combining an impressive mountain with a gorgeous valley below it, very close to rocky beaches. 

Located on the northwestern side of the island, hikers can travel up to seven kilometers of trail with amazing sights before getting downhill. Some tourists and adventurers come to the island due to the scenery offered by places like Masca and others. 

The experience can be carried out thanks to many local companies specialized in offering the trail over Masca mountains, the valley and rocky beaches below it with sights that will make visitors feel like they are on Mars. 

Teide National Park 

When visitors arrive in Tenerife, one destination that is almost mandatory to visit is the Teide National Park. The Teide is the highest mountain in Spain by reaching more than 3.700 meters over sea. Also, this natural wonder in the island is the largest volcano in Spain and third in the world in terms of diameter and height. 

The incredible thing about the Teide is that it is located in central Tenerife, so the national park is a must destination when coming to the island. The views from every part of the mountain are incredible, with activities that include from hiking to bicycle roads, trips in buggy cars and more. 

The Teide National Park offers amazing volcanic landscapes, the greenest of forests with simply astonishing pines. However, for many people and visitors the ultimate experience is to see the Teide from above thanks to the cable car, from where the surroundings islands and a variety of sights and surfaces on the mountain can be seen

The Guimar Pyramids 

Southeastern Tenerife has the town of Guimar that offers the possibility to visit its pyramids, with six free-standing buildings that are impressive to the eye and of course from a cultural and historical point of view. 

These pyramids were built in the 19th century by natives of the island, and according to different studies they did not use mortar or similar resources, which is remarkable. The Guimar Pyramids have become a very popular destination in Tenerife, since the place has a very unique and exotic appeal that is hard to find on the island or in the archipelago for that matter. 

Adán Martín Auditorium

For those Tenerife visitors that are looking for some of the benefits and destinations the place has, respecting architecture and art, the Adán Martín Auditorium is a must with no doubt. This destination is considered an iconic and recognized sculpture and architectural piece that follows modern styles and art approaches in the island, being the perfect spot to come respecting culture and architecture. 

Every day, at the Adán Martín Auditorium, exhibitions, art galleries, music presentations and other events are offered, so the place and the activities carried out inside are very related with culture. And of course, inside the venue different options for eating and dining are available with a terrace restaurant, from which views are incredible to see the island and to take some great pictures. 

The auditorium is located in the capital of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and is open from Monday to Saturday, with special events, presentations and galleries every week to attract visitors and culture lovers in general.