The Ultimate Guide to Teide National Park: A Journey to the Heart of Tenerife

 The Ultimate Guide to Teide National Park: A Journey to the Heart of Tenerife

With our guide to Teide National Park, you will get a valued information’s of this stunning natural wonder in the heart of Tenerife. You will learn about the rich history and geology of the park, including its past eruptions and its status as an active volcano.

But the most important you will also discover the various types of excursions available, from mountaineering to stargazing, and gain insights into the best places to stay, dine, and explore while visiting the park. Whether visiting as a day trip or an extended stay, our guide will provide all the information needed to make the most of a trip to Teide National Park and experience its beauty and wonder for oneself.

Teide National Park

Tenerife is an island that is known for its breathtaking landscapes, stunning beaches, unique experience. It is home to one of the most stunning and unique national parks in the world, the Teide National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is situated in the central region of the island and covers an area of over 18,990 hectares.

It is the one of most visited national park in Europe and −by 2015− the eighth most visited in the world, with some 3 million visitors yearly. The park is named after the tallest volcano in Spain, Mount Teide, which is also the third-highest volcano in the world, its height is 3,718 meters. Teide National Park is one of the most unique and fascinating natural wonders in the world, with a rich history dating back millions of years. This towering mountain has been an active volcano for many millennia, and its eruptions have shaped the landscape that we see today.

The Teide National Park is a perfect destination for those seeking a unique and breathtaking experience. With its stunning sunsets and clear night skies, the park is one of the best places for stargazing.With its high altitude and lack of light pollution, the park provides a clear and unobstructed view of the night sky.

 

History

Volcano Teide was a sacred mountain for its aboriginal Guanches, and it was considered a mythological mountain. During the eruptions Guanches were going to Teide and lighting bone fires to scare Guayota (principal malignant deity). Guanches believed that the mountain was the gate to hell (Echeyde).

Teide National Park was declared as a national park in 1954, making it one of the oldest national park in Spain. The park was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007 due to its unique geological and cultural values.

One of the most notable eruptions occurred in 1706 Montañas Negras eruption destroyed the town and principal port of Garachico, as well as several smaller villages. This flow created some of the unique volcanic formations that can be seen in the park today, such as the Roques de Garcia, Zapatilla de La Reina, and Mirador de Boca Tauce. Despite its active status, Teide is considered to be a relatively safe volcano, and eruptions are rare and usually small. The last volcanic eruption was in 1909 from the El Chinyero vent.

Famous Movies Recorded in the Park

Teide National Park has been a popular location for filming movies and TV shows. A few famous movies recorded in the park include: Clash of the Titans – 2010, Fast and Furious 6, Planet of the Apes – 1968, and Exodus: Gods and Kings. The park’s unique landscapes and breathtaking views have made it a popular location for filmmakers looking for a unique setting.

Visiting Teide National Park

Teide can be visited any time of the year. If you’re a hiker, stargazer, or simply someone who enjoys stunning natural landscapes, Teide is really unique place to see. With a diverse range of attractions and excursions available you will find a many ways to enjoy this natural wonder.

So, be sure to include a visit to Teide National Park in your itinerary. Whether you choose to climb to the summit, take a cable car ride, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the park, you’re sure to leave with a lifetime of memories and a greater appreciation for the beauty and majesty of nature.

Climate

Teide National Park is located at an altitude of 2,000 meters, which makes its climate significantly different from the rest of Tenerife. The park experiences a high-altitude desert climate, characterized by hot summers and warm winters, high temperatures during the day and low temperatures at night. The average temperature in the park ranges from 4°C to 22°C, with the coldest months being December, January and February. During the winter months, it is not uncommon for the park to receive snow, particularly on the higher elevations. Visitors are advised to bring warm clothing, especially if they plan on hiking or visiting the summit of Teide.

Teide weather forecast here.

Points of Interest in Teide National Park

In addition to Mount Teide, there are several other points of interest in Teide National Park that are worth visiting. One of the most famous is the Roques de Garcia, a rock formation that is said to resemble a castle. Another must-visit destination is the Zapatilla de La Reina, a large rock formation that towers over the surrounding landscape.

The Mirador de Boca Tauce and Mirador de Las Narices is another popular spot, offering stunning views of the park and the surrounding areas. Finally, the Arenas Negras is a black sand beach located in the park, offering a unique and otherworldly landscape.

Cable car Info

One of the most popular ways to explore Teide National Park is by taking a cable car. The Teide Cable Car offers a journey to the summit of Mount Teide, where visitors can admire stunning views of the park and the surrounding landscapes.

The cable car journey starts at the station located in the heart of Teide National Park and takes you to a height of 3,555 meters above sea level in just 8 minutes and covers a distance of 3.5 kilometers. The cable way has two stations. The base station, at 2,356 m (7,730 ft), is accessible by car, with 220 parking slots (Parking spots go fast!), a bar, restaurant and a souvenir shop on-site. The upper station at La Rambleta is 3,555 m (11,663 ft) above sea level and has Spain’s highest payphone.

Rambleta has views of the Seven Cañadas and the Ucanca Valley. Trails lead to north-facing La Fortaleza and south-facing Pico Viejo (second highest volcanoof 3,135 meters) viewpoints. There is also restricted access to the top crater of Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain at 3,718 m (12,198 ft) above sea level, by the Telesforo Bravo trail.

The cable car is available year-round and offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. But make sure to buy your cable car tickets in advance (waits of over two hours are not uncommon, especially during peak season and do get sold out) or book an organized excursions to avoid the queue.

Please note that people with cardiovascular conditions, pregnant women, and children under the age of 3 are not allowed on the Cable Car, because of the risks posed to their health by the altitude.

How to get to Teide Cable car : 

• Teide cable car location.
• Cable car parking location.

Mount Teide Summit Climb and Certificate to Reach the Top

Not everybody that go up with a cable car can do the hike all the way to the peak since access is restricted to just 200 people a day. In order to have an access to the top of mouth Teide you need to have a permit which can be obtained online ahead of time from the Reservas de Parque Nacionales website.

The climb to the summit is challenging and requires a good level of physical fitness, but the views from the top are breathtaking and make the effort worthwhile.

You can get more information about certificate and information how to reach the top here.

Mount Teide Hikes

There are so many more Mount Teide hike options than just number 10 to the summit and number 7 up Montana Blanca. In fact, there are 37 officially designated trail options in the park (many with views of the volcano) covering nearly 400 kilometers of ground. Since nearly everyone who visits the national park focuses on the volcano cone and the summit, if you decide to hike in the park, you’ll likely have the trail all to yourself!

Visiting a Winery

The rich, volcanic soil  produces some very fine and very unusual wine varietals. We recommend visitors to Tenerife stop at the winery, Bodega Reveron. The winery is located between Vilaflor and Arona on your way down towards Los Christianos.

Where to Stay While Visiting Mount Teide

You can either visit as a Teide day trip, or stay overnight on the volcano. If you want to stay overnight, there are two good options:

• Altavista Mountain Refuge
• Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide

Both of these accommodations offer unique and memorable experiences for those looking to truly immerse themselves in the beauty of Teide National Park. Altavista Mountain Refuge is a rustic and comfortable mountain refuge located near the summit of Mount Teide located at 3,260 metres. It offers basic but cozy accommodations for those who want to stay overnight on the volcano. With breathtaking views of the surroundings and the night sky, Altavista is an ideal option for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the peace and serenity of nature.

On the other hand, the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide is a luxurious hotel located within the park. It offers comfortable rooms and a range of amenities, including a restaurant and bar, pool, and hot tub. It’s the perfect option for those who want to pamper themselves while exploring the park.

Regardless of your choice, both of these options provide easy access to the park and the many exciting activities and excursions it has to offer.

Where to Eat on Mount Teide

There are several dining options for those visiting Mount Teide, including:

1. Restaurante Papillon: This restaurant offers stunning views of the volcano and serves a variety of local and international cuisine.
2. Restaurante La Bamby and Restaurant el Portillo: Both of these restaurants serve traditional Spanish cuisine and are located near the cable car station.
3. Restaurante Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide: This restaurant is located in the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide hotel and offers a fine dining experience with a focus on local ingredients.
4. Cable Car Snack Kiosk and Buffet: If you’re looking for a quick bite during your cable car ride, the snack kiosk and buffet offer a variety of light refreshments and snacks.

What to Bring on Your Trip

If you’re planning a trip, your experience will be greatly enhanced if you come prepared. We recommend bringing:

• Camera: The views are second-to-none anywhere in the world.
• Warm clothes: It can get cold up on the summit, even in summer. Be sure to pack warm clothes and dress in layers. It seems strange to bring warm clothes to a best destination like Tenerife, but you’ll thank us!
• Sunscreen and sunglasses: The sun can be very intense in Tenerife. Be sure to pack sunscreen!
• Water bottle: You should bring a large water bottle for your trip.
• Headlamp: If you are planning to climb up and stay at the Altavista Refuge, you will definitely need a headlamp. To experience sunrise on Mount Teide requires you to leave the refuge well before dawn.

Different Types of Excursions Available to Choose From

Teide National Park offers a variety of excursions to suit visitors of all interests. Explore the park’s stunning volcanic landscapes on a guided bust tour, guided hikes, 4×4 jeep adventures or go on your own with a car and take in the beauty of the place.

There are numerous Mount Teide tours and excursions that will drive you and direct you to the highlights within the national park. Please note, not all of the excursion packages allow enough time to take the cable car to the summit. Where the cable car is included, we’ve noted it.

The private guided excursions are as well a great option that suite your needs. We can organize private excursions for big and small groups.

One of the most unique and awe-inspiring experiences offered in Teide National Park is the Teide Stargazing Excursion. This excursion takes place after sunset and offers a stunning view of the night sky, as well as the opportunity to learn about the stars and constellations from knowledgeable guides. The clear sky, combined with the high altitude of Teide National Park, makes it an ideal location for stargazing. During the excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to use telescopes to view the stars up close and in detail.

Final thoughts

Visiting Teide was by far one of the most memorable things we did in Tenerife. If it’s worth visiting? Well absolutely YES!

Of course, when thinking about Tenerife, we have the beach, sun and a relaxing moment in mind. However, you will not regret a trip to Mount Teide during your trip to the Tenerife! This is such a unique place; it would be a pity to miss it.

Whether with a guide or on your own, at the foot of the volcano or at the top of the volcano, you will enjoy your experience!

If you have planned a relaxing holiday in the Canary Islands, spending a day on a guided excursion can allow you to enjoy the park without having to deal with the logistics. It is also a place of choice for a romantic evening under the stars.

If you have any questions about Teide or some aspect of the article Guide to Teide National Park, do not hesitate to post a comment below.

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