The Guanches of Tenerife

Although they’re long gone, assimilated completely into the genetic lineage of their Spanish conquerers, the aboriginal inhabitants of the Canary Islands have a strong presence in Canarian culture. Before submitting to the Europeans, the Guanches lived on the islands for around two thousand years, and have left a large footprint.

The Original Canarians
The earliest evidence of human settlement on Tenerife dates back to 600 BC, with discoveries at the Cueva de los Guanches, in Icod de los Vinos. Modern analysis of their remains has identified them as closely related to the Berber people of Northern Africa, and it’s reasonable to assume that a group of Berbers migrated to and settled the Canary Islands long ago……

CONTINUE READING on our Tenerife Tavel Blog!