Teide National Park

Mount Teide was named by the indigenous people of Tenerife: The Guanches saw it as the gateway to hell (“Echeide”) and the seat of the fire-spewing god Guayote. Its cone-shaped silhouette, often capped with snow, is visible from many points on the island, and Pico del Teide boasts several superlatives! At 3,715 meters, it is the highest mountain in Spain and, rising 7,500 meters from the ocean floor, the third-highest island volcano on Earth. Teide National Park is the most visited national park in Europe and, since 2014, the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site to be designated a “Destino Starlight” due to its exceptionally clear skies. Furthermore, the Teide Observatory is the world’s largest solar observatory. A visit to this magical area is a must for most Tenerife visitors.

Many travelers think only of climbing or taking the cable car up Teide, but you don’t have to go all the way to the top to enjoy this natural spectacle! Teide National Park spans nearly 19,000 hectares and offers a vast array of activities.

The Formation of Teide in Fast-Forward

Around 8 million years ago, Tenerife was formed from three volcanoes: Teno, Anaga, and Adeje—the three “corners” of the island’s current shape. After these volcanoes became dormant, a massive new volcano, Las Cañadas, emerged at the island’s center. Over multiple eruptions, its slopes collapsed into the crater, gradually forming the two cones of Teide and its neighboring peak, Pico Viejo.

What makes this area unique: The massive crater of the ancient Las Cañadas volcano was filled with erosion and volcanic material to the point where a high plateau formed at 2,000 meters, spanning 17 kilometers in diameter—the present-day Caldera de las Cañadas. The southern rim still features crater walls up to 500 meters high, making it one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas.

Tips for Visiting Teide National Park

Anyone who thinks volcanic landscapes are barren and lifeless will be amazed by Teide National Park. The diverse rock formations and minerals create a stunning palette of colors ranging from white and yellow to deep red, black, and even jade green. Besides these colors, the park’s unique rock formations and ever-changing flora make every visit a new experience. From April to June, a spectacular burst of wildflowers contrasts beautifully with the volcanic terrain.

The park features an extensive network of viewpoints, parking areas, and hiking trails. It is easily accessible from all directions — our Villa ARTE, for example, is just 40 km from the El Portillo Visitor Center in the north.

A scenic and easy circular hike takes you around the Roques de Garcia, home to the famous rock formation “Roque Cinchado”—also known as the “Finger of God”—as well as La Catedral. Just a little further south, don’t miss “Los Azulejos,” where the rocks shimmer in vibrant turquoise hues!

From the El Portillo Visitor Center, hiking trails lead through the Arenas Negras, offering spectacular views of Teide National Park and the high plateau of Llano de Maja. The visitor center is also the starting point for the 16-kilometer “Siete Cañadas” trail (PNT 04), following the historic royal trade route Camino Real de Chasna. One of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the park is reached via a steep and rocky circular hike up Alto de Guajara, the highest peak of the crater wall.

The variety of excursion possibilities in the national park is nearly endless—feel free to ask us for our favorite recommendations or explore hiking suggestions on TenerifeON, the official tourism platform. There are also numerous guided tours available, including stargazing excursions for astronomy enthusiasts.

Reaching the Summit of Teide

Climbing Teide requires excellent fitness and proper equipment (snow can fall at any time in the upper sections!). A more convenient option is the cable car, which takes you to 3,555 meters at La Rambleta station, offering a stunning viewpoint over the Caldera de las Cañadas. One of the most spectacular sights is when the trade winds push clouds against the caldera’s edge, forming a breathtaking “sea of clouds.”

From Mirador La Rambleta, several trails extend, such as the 30-minute walk to Mirador de Pico Viejo or the 25-minute trail to Mirador de la Fortaleza. To hike the “Telesforo Bravo” trail to Teide’s summit (about 40 minutes), you need a permit from the national park administration. Important: Secure your permit several weeks in advance and book your cable car ticket online as well.

Update: As of late 2024, the national park administration has introduced visitor restrictions for the hiking trails leading to La Rambleta. If you plan to ascend on foot, you must choose your route and reserve a time slot in advance. Park rangers will require proof of your permit. Registration is available via the TenerifeON platform.