Experiences
Mount Teide on Tenerife: how to reach the top of Spain's highest mountain
A volcanic landscape above the clouds, a cable car towards the summit and some of the best stargazing in Europe. How to visit Mount Teide, and where to stay in the national park and by the sea.
The road climbs through pine forest and out above the clouds. Suddenly the landscape is red, brown and black, with lava flows and strange rock formations, and above it all looms Teide. Down on the coast it is beach weather, but up here the air is thin and cool.
Mount Teide is the highest mountain in Spain, and the national park around it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can take the cable car almost to the top, walk the final stretch with a permit or stay after dark for the stars. Here is how.
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How to experience Mount Teide
Book the experience: See tours and activities on Tenerife
The cable car
The cable car runs from the foot of the mountain up towards the summit crater and takes just a few minutes. From the top station, short paths lead to viewpoints. Buy tickets in advance, and remember it closes in strong winds.
To the summit
The final path to the summit crater needs a separate free permit from the national park, which must be booked well ahead. Without a permit you can walk to the viewpoints near the top station.
Roques de García
A short loop walk winds between rock formations with Teide behind. One of the most famous views on Tenerife.
Stargazing
The air above Teide is clear and dark, and an important observatory sits here. Many tours head up after sunset to look at the stars through telescopes.
More to do on Tenerife
Masca: a tiny village in a deep gorge in the west of the island.
Los Gigantes: tall cliffs plunging into the sea. Boats take you out to see whales and dolphins.
Anaga: green mountains and laurel forest in the north-east.
Where to stay on Tenerife
To see Teide in peace, stay in the national park. For sun and swimming, stay on the coast and drive up for a day.
Parador de las Cañadas del Teide
The Parador is the only hotel inside the national park, with Teide right outside the window. You have the park to yourself early and late, and the stars at night.
Book your stay: See rooms at Parador de las Cañadas del Teide
The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama
The west coast of Tenerife.
The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama
Abama is on the west coast looking out to La Gomera, with a golf course, pools and a path down to the sea.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama
The Villas at Bahia del Duque
In Costa Adeje.
The Villas at Bahia del Duque
The Villas at Bahia del Duque are in Costa Adeje, by the beach. Private villas with pools and service from the hotel next door.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Villas at Bahia del Duque
Hotel Botanico & The Oriental Spa Garden
Gardens and spa in Puerto de la Cruz.
Hotel Botanico & The Oriental Spa Garden
The Botanico is in Puerto de la Cruz on the north coast, set in large gardens with a spa. A good base for visiting Teide from the north.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Botanico & The Oriental Spa Garden
When is the best time to visit Mount Teide?
Spring and autumn: good walking conditions and clear air.
Summer: hot and dry. Start early.
Winter: there can be snow on the summit, and the cable car may close in wind or ice.
Mount Teide FAQ
How high is Mount Teide?
Teide is the highest mountain in Spain, more than 3,700 metres above sea level.
Can I walk to the summit?
Yes, but the final path requires a free permit from the national park.
Do I need to book the cable car?
It is wise to buy tickets in advance, especially in high season.
Where should I stay?
The Parador in the park for peace and stars, or the coast for sun and swimming.
Can I see the stars from Teide?
Yes, several tours go up after sunset.