Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and home to an incredibly diverse and unique range of flora, much of which is endemic to the island.
This is largely due to its distinct climatic zones, ranging from lush subtropical forests to arid, rocky landscapes. The island's geological history, largely shaped by volcanic activity, has created an array of ecosystems that provide ideal conditions for the evolution of a variety of plant species.
Amongst this rich flora are some special orchids – a small but distinctive band of their kind, and these are the primary target of our visit to the island. In a good year it is possible to see at least half of the island’s orchid species and, of course, plenty more of the island’s wildflowers, birds and butterflies. Tenerife is home to two endemic pigeons, Bolle’s Pigeon Columba bollii, and Laurel Pigeon Columba junoniae and, famously, the spectacular Blue Chaffinch Fringilla teydea. We may also bump into the island’s endemic gecko!
The isolation of Tenerife from the rest of Europe and Africa has allowed its wildlife, and in particular its plant life, to evolve independently leading to the development of many endemic species.
Tenerife's unique ecosystems are vital for maintaining the island’s ecological balance. These ecosystems are highly varied and in a single day it is possible to experience deserts, evergreen forests, an extensive alpine zone and even subtropical rainforests. The Canary Islands are well-known for harbouring the relict laurisilva forests, and Tenerife has large areas of these that persist and still thrive. The presence of these ancient forests contributes to the island's well-deserved reputation as a living relic of prehistoric flora.
During the course of our stay we will explore these varied ecosystems and, while we’ll always be on the look-out for orchids, we’ll not be oblivious to the other wildlife we will inevitably encounter while also enjoying some welcome winter sun. Guests may wish to consider planning a family holiday around our Orchids of Tenerife tour, as the island is not over-busy at this time of year and provides ample opportunities for non-wildlife-related relaxation.
