This paper aims to examine the Portuguese influence in Tenerife during the Iberian Union period. We will analyse the importance of this community from a quantitative point of view, in comparison to other communities, and from a qualitative point of view, to find out the true extent of this foreign influence upon the Canary Islands. Additionally, it is significant here to consider the kind of activities the Portuguese developed in the Canary Islands, as well as knowing their birth regions, which could help to contextualize the traditionally close links between the Canary Islands, the Azores and Madeira. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]