History of La Matanza de Acentejo
La Matanza de Acentejo (“The Massacre” of Acentejo) is a town in the north-east of the island of Tenerife. This area has an exceptional wealth of history and natural beauty. It is also of great historical importance, since its name comes from the famous battle of 1494 when the Guanches defeated the Spanish army. With their superb knowledge of the land, the Guanches managed to ambush the Spanish conquistadors. Following the orders of Bencomo, the mencey (king) of Taoro, they divided their men into two blocks. While Bencomo led the vanguard of the battle, his brother Tianguro attacked the Spanish army from one side. The conquistadors got into great difficulty handling their cavalry in unknown terrain and were defeated. After the battle, the colonisers, led by captain Alonso Fernández de Lugo, were forced to withdraw.
A year later, in December 1495, the Guanches faced the Spanish army yet again. The conquistadors won this second battle and named the adjoining town La Victoria de Acentejo (“The Victory” of Acentejo). After the Spanish conquest, La Matanza de Acentejo was one of the most populated places on the island.
Natural heritage
It is history that defines La Matanza de Acentejo, but its vegetation is also spectacular and deserves special mention. And not just for its beauty, but because these are nature reserves. These include the Las Lagunetas and Costa de Acentejo Protected Landscapes, which are inhabited by different kinds of seabirds. Las Lagunetas is also protected on the European level and is classified as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA). This enclave is also of great botanical interest since a highly valued plant known as Lotus Vine (Lotus maculatus) grows there.
The coastal area and the cliffs are covered by scrubland with Frankenia capitata, Canary buckthorn, sea lettuce, Tabaibal cactus and St. John’s Wort. Scrubland with Canary Island wormwood and Rumex lunaria cover the hills, while Fayal-Brezal and pine trees can be seen at higher altitude. Also, from Los Nateros you can enjoy the wonderful views of the farming plots, the Mountains of San Antonio and a chestnut wood.
The northern coasts of Tenerife
Tenerife’s warm climate means you can enjoy the sea all year round. La Matanza de Acentejo has a black sandy beach in the town, known as El Caletón. The beach is 60 metres long and 20 metres wide and is usually very crowded at high season. It also has a place for anchoring boats. If you want to continue discovering the coast, you can find other spectacular beaches in the northern part of Tenerife island, without needing to travel too far.
Come and visit La Matanza de Acentejo
With its history, beauty, culinary prestige and culture, La Matanza de Acentejo has become one of the most popular destinations on the island of Tenerife. We encourage you to visit the town on your next holiday. You can discover its history, go hillwalking, spend time in the sea and walk through its picturesque streets.
