Mount Teide
Spain's highest peak, an active volcano with surreal volcanic landscapes and unparalleled stargazing opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Mount Teide
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Spain's highest peak, an active volcano with surreal volcanic landscapes and unparalleled stargazing opportunities.
"It's like walking on the moon, and the air is so clear. People who visit Tenerife and don't go there are missing the best place on the whole island."
Book Summit Permits Early
Summit permits are free but limited. Book online weeks in advance to avoid disappointment.
Wear Proper Footwear
Sturdy hiking shoes are essential, especially if aiming for the summit. Trainers are often required.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mount Teide Summit
Summit
Stand atop Spain's highest peak for breathtaking, otherworldly volcanic landscapes. Requires a permit.
Teide Cable Car
Base Station
Ascend to nearly 3,600 meters for panoramic views of the volcanic caldera and beyond.
Volcanic Landscapes
National Park
Explore a surreal, moon-like terrain with unique rock formations and vast craters.
Stargazing
National Park
Experience unparalleled night skies, perfect for observing stars and constellations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Permits for the Summit
Altitude Acclimatization
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Summit Permits Early
Summit permits are free but limited. Book online weeks in advance to avoid disappointment.
Wear Proper Footwear
Sturdy hiking shoes are essential, especially if aiming for the summit. Trainers are often required.
Acclimatize to Altitude
Take it slow, stay hydrated, and be mindful of breathing difficulties at higher elevations.
Cable Car Tickets
Book cable car tickets online in advance to save time and guarantee your spot.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Summit Permits Early
Summit permits are free but limited. Book online weeks in advance to avoid disappointment.
Wear Proper Footwear
Sturdy hiking shoes are essential, especially if aiming for the summit. Trainers are often required.
Acclimatize to Altitude
Take it slow, stay hydrated, and be mindful of breathing difficulties at higher elevations.
Cable Car Tickets
Book cable car tickets online in advance to save time and guarantee your spot.
Dress in Layers
Temperatures can vary significantly. Bring warm clothing, even in summer.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mount Teide for its absolutely stunning, otherworldly landscapes that feel like another planet. The cable car offers breathtaking views, and the stargazing opportunities are unparalleled. Some find the cable car pricey and mention the need for summit permits booked in advance.
"Absolutely stunning views, like from different planet. Make sure you stick to the trail, you are not allowed to go anywhere apart from 1 or 2 designated paths without permit."
klio 19
"What a fantastic place. We have travelled a lot in our lives and have never seen anything that comes up to this place. It's like walking on the moon and the air is so clear. Great cafe at the top with lovely cake and great coffee. We went three times in 26 days holiday and couldn't get enough of it. People who visit tennerife and don't go there are missing the best place on the hole island"
Robert Russell
"As wrote many people before, you need the permission. But also to get to the top, from some point is required to have high hiking shoes and other equipment. Due to the bad weather (also the cable line was closed that day) and bad shoes the guards didn't allow as to continue to the top. Yes, it is high mountain, we could be better prepared, but in the permission was nothing about required equipment.
But even if don't get to the top the mountain itself and nature around is beautiful experience."
Dominik Jelínek
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular ways to visit Mount Teide are by car or by joining a guided tour. Driving offers flexibility, with routes like the TF-21 providing scenic access. Guided tours often include transportation and can be a convenient option for those who prefer not to drive. +1
Yes, you can drive to Mount Teide. The roads are well-maintained and offer spectacular views. Parking is available at the cable car station and various viewpoints within the national park.
Yes, public buses (guaguas) operate to Mount Teide, though schedules can be limited. Check the local TITSA bus company for routes and timings.
The travel time to Mount Teide varies depending on your starting point in Tenerife. From the south coast (e.g., Costa Adeje), it typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours by car.
Many visitors find Mount Teide tours worthwhile for the convenience and guided insights. Tours often cover transportation, cable car tickets, and sometimes include stops at scenic viewpoints. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Mount Teide National Park itself is free. However, you need tickets for the cable car and a separate permit to hike to the summit.
Cable car tickets for adults are around €38 return, and for children around €19. It's advisable to book these online in advance to secure your spot and potentially avoid queues.
A permit to hike to the summit of Mount Teide is free but must be booked online through the official national park website well in advance, as spots are limited.
While you can sometimes buy cable car tickets on the day at the station, it's highly recommended to book online in advance, especially during peak season, to guarantee your ride and avoid long waits.
The Teide Cable Car typically operates daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the last ascent at 3:00 PM. Hours can vary seasonally and due to weather conditions. Always check the official website.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
At Mount Teide, you can ride the cable car for stunning views, hike designated trails, explore the volcanic landscape, and, with a permit, ascend to the summit. Night tours for stargazing are also popular.
Hiking to the summit requires a permit and good physical condition due to the altitude. The trails within the national park vary in difficulty, but many are accessible.
Wear layers as temperatures change. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are essential, especially if you plan to hike. Bring sun protection and a jacket, as it can be windy and cool.
On clear days, it's possible to see views of La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro from higher vantage points on Mount Teide.
Yes, families can enjoy the cable car ride and exploring the accessible parts of the national park. The otherworldly landscape is fascinating for children. Ensure children are comfortable with heights.
🎫 ⭐ Night Tours & Stargazing
Absolutely! Mount Teide is renowned for its exceptional stargazing opportunities due to its high altitude, clear skies, and minimal light pollution. It's considered one of the best places in the world for astronomy.
Yes, guided Mount Teide night tours are available and highly recommended for stargazing. These tours often include transportation and expert guides to point out constellations.
A Mount Teide night tour typically involves a scenic drive up the volcano, a stop for sunset views, and then dedicated stargazing sessions with telescopes, often accompanied by explanations of the cosmos.
For general access to the national park at night for stargazing, no specific permit is usually required unless you are part of a guided tour that includes access to specific observatories or areas.
Several tour operators offer Mount Teide night tours, often including transportation from major tourist areas. Look for companies specializing in stargazing excursions for the best experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting with children, focus on the accessible viewpoints and the cable car experience. Ensure they are dressed warmly, as it can be significantly cooler at altitude. While the summit hike requires a permit and might be too demanding for younger children, the areas accessible by cable car offer plenty of wonder. Pack snacks and drinks, and be mindful of the altitude's effect on younger ones.
🌌 Stargazers and Astronomy Enthusiasts
Even if you don't join a tour, finding a safe spot away from the cable car station after dark can offer incredible views of the stars. The lack of light pollution means the Milky Way is often visible in breathtaking detail. Consider bringing a star chart or a stargazing app to enhance your experience.
🥾 Hikers and Adventurers
Beyond the summit, the national park offers numerous trails through its dramatic volcanic terrain. Ensure you have appropriate hiking boots, as they are often mandatory for certain routes. Always check weather conditions before setting out and carry sufficient water and supplies for your hike.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Mount Teide Volcano
+1Visitors can explore this incredible environment via the Teide Cable Car, which whisks you up to an altitude of 3,555 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views. From the upper station, designated trails allow you to wander through the volcanic ash and rocks, marveling at the scale of the crater and the surrounding Canary Islands on clear days.
For those seeking the ultimate experience, a permit is required to hike the final section to the absolute summit. This permit is free but must be booked well in advance, as availability is limited. The hike to the summit offers unparalleled views and a profound sense of accomplishment.
Experiencing Mount Teide by Night
Many visitors opt for Mount Teide night tours to fully immerse themselves in this celestial spectacle. These excursions often include transportation from coastal resorts, a chance to witness a spectacular sunset from high up the volcano, and guided stargazing sessions. Expert guides use telescopes to point out constellations, planets, and other celestial wonders, providing an unforgettable experience.
Even without a formal tour, simply being at Mount Teide after dark offers a chance to witness the Milky Way in stunning detail. It's a magical contrast to the volcanic landscapes seen during the day, offering a different, yet equally awe-inspiring, perspective of this natural wonder.
Hiking and Trails on Mount Teide
Popular trails include the path to Pico Viejo viewpoint, offering dramatic crater views, and the Roques de García trail, which circles iconic rock formations. These trails allow visitors to appreciate the diverse flora, such as the resilient Teide violet, and the stark beauty of the volcanic landscape up close.
When planning a Mount Teide hike, it's crucial to wear appropriate footwear, such as hiking boots or sturdy trainers, as you may be denied access to certain areas if you don't have them.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit