Caldeira de las Cañadas, Volcanic caldera in Tenerife, Spain
The Caldeira de las Cañadas is a vast volcanic depression on Tenerife that stretches across a huge area, ringed by steep walls and dramatic slopes. The floor of this sunken landscape reveals volcanic features throughout: crater formations, hardened lava, and dark rocks create a raw, striking terrain.
This depression formed roughly 200,000 years ago when a massive volcano collapsed, leaving behind the sunken crater visible today. That ancient collapse shaped the geological foundation of what is now Teide National Park and its volcanic features.
The Guanches, the indigenous people of the Canary Islands, saw this vast depression as a place tied to their spiritual beliefs. Their stories about the landscape show how dramatic natural formations shaped the imagination and traditions of ancient inhabitants.
A rental car from one of the island terminals is the most convenient way to reach this area and explore the grounds independently. The site is open year-round, but weather at higher elevations can change quickly, so plan for shifting conditions and bring suitable clothing.
Within this volcanic valley sits an astronomical observatory where scientists take advantage of exceptional atmospheric clarity and very low light pollution. These special conditions make this location one of Europe's most valuable places for studying the night sky.
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