Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is home to an extraordinary natural treasure: the Teide volcano. Over the centuries, this stone giant has moulded the island's landscape and culture, leaving a permanent mark that resonates through time.

Discover the secrets and wonders that make Teide so fascinating and inspiring.

History and Geology

The volcano was formed around 200,000 years ago, and there are various theories about the origin of the volcanic complex, such as a gravitational slide or the sinking of the crater. The giant cone that is now known as Mount Teide is a stratovolcano formed by endless successive eruptions that have accumulated layer upon layer of volcanic debris over the centuries.

The biodiversity of the Teide National Park is outstanding. The slopes and tops of the volcano are home to species endemic to Tenerife, such as the blue finch, the canary-eared bat and the canary lizard.

Teide is the highest peak in Spain, rising to 3,718 metres above sea level. It is also the third largest volcano in the world from its base. UNESCO recognised its importance by designating the area around it, the Teide National Park, as a World Heritage Site in 2007, making it the second most visited national park in the world.

A mystical legacy

In addition to its physical grandeur, the Teide volcano has been revered as a cultural and spiritual symbol by local inhabitants for centuries. For the indigenous people of the Canary Islands, known as Guanches, Teide was called Echeyde, a word that evoked the concept of hell. According to the legend passed down through the generations, Guayota, an evil figure, kidnapped the Sun God and imprisoned him inside the volcano, plunging the entire island into darkness. Faced with this terrible situation, the Guanches called on Achamán, their supreme god, for help. Achamán confronted Guayota, freeing the sun and sealing the mouth of the volcano, bringing light and safety back to the island.

Exploring the Teide

You can reach the base of the Teide volcano by car or public transport. For those who choose to drive, parking is available nearby, providing convenience and easy access to the area. In addition, for travellers who prefer to use public transport, bus number 348 operates daily, running from the city of Puerto de La Cruz to Teide. This option offers an affordable and practical alternative to reaching the volcano, allowing visitors to enjoy the magnificent volcanic landscape of the Teide National Park with ease.

To climb to the top of the volcano, you can choose between walking - the park has 41 walking routes to enjoy the magnificent scenery - or taking the cable car. You need a special permit to go up to the crater, as this area is restricted to 200 visitors a day to preserve as much of this natural space as possible.

Points of interest

The Teide National Park has several viewpoints where you can and should stop to contemplate the views: 23 viewpoints within the national park and 3 viewpoints that you can reach from the top of the Teide cable car station.

Among the best viewpoints are the La Tarta Viewpoint, which offers an impressive view of the layered rock formations known as "La Tarta", and the Chipeque Viewpoint, which offers a spectacular view of the peak of Teide and the surrounding volcanic formations. Another highlight is the Los Roques Viewpoint, where visitors can admire the impressive rock formations known as "Los Roques" and enjoy breathtaking views of the Teide volcano in the background.

As well as offering spectacular viewpoints from which to enjoy the volcanic landscape, Teide National Park is also home to a world-renowned astronomical observatory. The Teide Observatory is one of the most important astronomical observatories in the world due to its excellent climatic and atmospheric conditions for observing the sky. Located at an altitude of approximately 2,390 metres, the observatory has a variety of telescopes and observation instruments that are used by scientists all over the world to study the universe. In addition to its research facilities, the Teide Observatory also welcomes visitors with an interest in astronomy.

Teide National Park also has a Visitor Centre, where visitors can learn more about the geology, ecology, and history of the area through interactive exhibitions, information on trails and activities, as well as useful guidelines for exploring the park.

For those who want to enjoy a break to eat, there are a few options. Although the offer is limited, Teide National Park has a few restaurants offering local and international dishes, as well as refreshing drinks, allowing visitors to recharge their batteries while exploring the park's natural wonders.

Activities and Adventures

In Teide National Park, the options for activities and adventures are as vast as the volcanic landscape that surrounds it. Visitors have the opportunity to explore spectacular trails as they wind between craters, rock formations and canary pine forests, offering a unique hiking experience in a singular volcanic environment. It's also possible to go on trips by bicycle, quad bike or even jeep, offering an exciting way to explore the park's rugged terrain. The island's unique geography provides ideal flying conditions for paragliding, with rising air currents that allow for long and exciting flights.

Star gazing is also a popular activity due to the exceptionally clear night sky and low light pollution, allowing visitors to contemplate the wonders of the universe under the twinkling stars of the Teide.

The imposing and majestic Teide volcano is truly at the heart of Tenerife, both geographically and culturally. At every step, visitors are enveloped by the beauty and grandeur of this unique setting, leaving them with lasting memories of a truly unforgettable experience.

If you want to see other attractions or have other experiences when you visit Tenerife, explore the tours and activities selected for you. 

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