Surviving pirate attacks

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From the 15th century, Tenerife was regularly besieged by pirates, who unfortunately were guided by the mighty Teide volcano rising high above the heart of the Island.

Another factor that encouraged the presence of pirates in the area was the archipelago's position as a crossing point for vessels from America laden with treasures and spices.

The coastal areas of Rincón de la Luz were so often the victim of these attacks that the Islanders decided to build castles and fortresses here to fend them off, and some of these buildings still stand. Over time, the pirate's incursions grew more and more frequent, to the extent of trying to take control of the Island.

The British corsairs were particularly persistent in this endeavour, but the Island's inhabitants put up a tough fight to ensure they never achieved their goal.