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Since the past, navigators who cut through the island’s waters were taken aback by the great size of Teide volcano, whose peak can be seen many miles before reaching Tenerife. The Greek historian, Herodotus, who traveled along whole of the North African coast, named it Atlante (Atlas). Others called it ‘Columna del Cielo’ (Heaven’s Column). Teide completely dominates the Island and is almost conical in shape. It has been inactive since the 17th Century, although the mark left by fire and the lava which it spewed out remains unalterable on the whole Island. Although recently scientists say that Teide can become active in the near future.
In winter a thin layer of snow covers it like a white blanket, erasing the ochre, blue and green shading from the landscape which typifies it in warmer seasons. People living in Tenerife like to go to Teide in winter, so they can see snow and enjoy a different weather.
This mountain is inhabited by a bird exclusive to the Canaries, known as the Teide finch and on its slopes grows a pale blue flower, the Teide violet.
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