Visit Teide National Park

If there is truly a must-see not to miss in Tenerife, it is without a doubt Teide National Park. That’s why I’ve put together an entire guide for you on this famous park in Tenerife. It’s the volcanic heart of the island, listed by UNESCO. There’s the summit of Teide, but also all the trails that wind around it, with very varied landscapes unfolding. They’re all more beautiful than the next and especially lunar! To give you an idea, you can go from lava fields to golden rock fields in just a few minutes.

As for me, I went there twice, two years apart, and I can tell you I had the same crush each time, but while discovering the national park differently. Even if I didn’t take the cable car to go to the summit, because I wanted to hike and cross the park at my own pace, I guarantee you it’s already spectacular. As a little anecdote, a local actually advised me to linger around the volcanic vents around Teide, because, contrary to what we think, the lava didn’t only come out of the summit.

And then, given the altitude, without going to the top, you’re already above the clouds, with this feeling of flying over everything. In any case, I recommend dedicating a full day of your vacation in Tenerife to the park. Honestly, it’s worth it! Whether you prefer hiking or chaining viewpoints, there’s really plenty to do. I recommend taking your time and enjoying these moments and landscapes.

If you absolutely want to climb to the summit of Teide, it’s totally possible! You even have several options available to you: the cable car, hikes led by a guide, and the ascent of the crater with a permit. The goal is to show you all these solutions so you can choose the one that suits you best.

So, let’s start with the first option, which is also the most popular one to go up to the summit of the volcano without too much physical effort. It still lets you go up to 3,555 meters of altitude in just a few minutes, while enjoying an incredible view over the landscapes of the whole park. Once at the top, you will have three marked trails, including one that leads almost to the summit (but you need a special permit, I’ll tell you more about that below).

It’s a great experience that attracts quite a lot of people, especially in high season. If you really want to take the cable car, I recommend booking your tickets in advance on the official website so you’re not disappointed. Another little tip: it’s better to take it early in the morning or late in the afternoon, not only to avoid the crowds, but also to enjoy beautiful light (you’ll get your best shots).

Last practical info: note that the cable car departs from the station, which is at 2,350 m of altitude and usually runs from 9 am to 5 pm, depending on the weather. Because yes, weather conditions are important to take into account. In case of strong wind, it can be closed; remember to check on the same day. Plus, with Tenerife’s microclimates, you never know what to expect. The day I went, it was cloudy down below and sunny at the park: I was lucky!

For hiking enthusiasts, you can absolutely go up on foot to La Rambleta, the cable car arrival point. The start is from Montaña Blanca, located at around 2,350 meters of altitude. I’ll let you do the math, but that’s quite a bit of elevation gain! Let’s just say it’s a difficult hike, with gorgeous landscapes. It’s simple: you’ll climb through lava fields and other lunar landscapes, you’ll be right in the middle of it!

You should allow between 5 and 6 hours to go up and between 3 and 4 hours to go back down, but it all depends on your pace. Of course, I recommend setting out well equipped and with warm clothes: it cools down quickly as you go up. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the caldera and even the neighboring islands, like La Gomera. And if you requested and obtained the special permit, you can continue your route to reach the summit at 3,718 meters. In any case, it’s a real adventure waiting for you!

I already told you a bit about it, but access to the summit of Teide is highly regulated, you can’t just go whenever you want. Once you reach La Rambleta, access to the crater and the summit is via the PNT-10 Telesforo Bravo trail. To be allowed to go there, you must request a free permit on the official website of the national park. To give you an idea, the number of authorizations is limited to 200 people per day, split into four time slots. So you can imagine the spots go very fast: book well in advance!

Make sure to take your authorization and your ID with you: there are guards constantly monitoring access to the trail, it’s a protected area. This last stretch of the climb is done in just 40 minutes from La Rambleta, but it is quite steep. You’ll be doing 400 meters of elevation gain in 40 minutes, which is pretty impressive. And then, of course, it becomes more and more difficult to breathe at such altitude. Plus, up there, you’ll have a 360° view over all of Tenerife and even over the other nearby islands. It’s clearly the highlight of the show! I’m actually thinking I’ll have to go back to Tenerife a third time just to experience this, haha.

If you didn’t manage to get the permit to access the summit, or if you simply forgot, you still have options to enjoy stunning views. From La Rambleta, there are three marked trails with free access. The best known is trail no. 12 “Mirador de la Fortaleza,” which offers an incredible view over the north of the island and the sea of clouds. Trail no. 11 “Mirador Pico Viejo” is also worth the detour: you can see the colorful crater of Pico Viejo and, in good weather, the islands of La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma in the distance.

And if you prefer to stay lower down, there are several viewpoints accessible by car, such as Mirador de Llano de Ucanca or Mirador de Minas de San José, which are just as impressive. I did them and I’ll tell you more about them below! I already told you at the beginning of the article, but even without going up to the summit, you’ll be blown away. Teide National Park is just incredible to explore, with its reliefs and its different colors.

Going back to the beach, the sea is calm because it’s protected by rocks. You can swim there peacefully, even if you have kids. As a little anecdote, what surprised me was Adeje’s microclimate: it’s hot and dry, which makes the heat bearable. Whereas just before, I had stopped a few kilometers away, and it was humid and windy. I want to tell you that this is the magic of Tenerife’s microclimates: you’ll notice it quickly!

Speaking of Costa Adeje, even though it’s not cheap to stay there, if you want to treat yourself, there are some very beautiful hotels in Adeje.

As I was telling you, beyond the summit, there are lots of things to do and see in Teide Park. Between the lava fields, the ocher rocks, the pine forests and the viewpoints above the clouds, I have some amazing memories. The advantage is that there are trails suitable for all levels. For my part, I did some of it by car and others hiking. It all depends on your time on site and your fitness.

Also, since Tenerife’s landscapes are very varied, the island is an excellent playground for anyone who loves hiking. If you’re interested, I tell you more in my guide on the best hikes in Tenerife. In the meantime, I’ll let you discover the ones around Teide.

If you look for info on Teide National Park, you will come across this hike first. It’s simply the most famous in the entire park. The advantage is that it’s very easy and forms a loop that takes 1 h 30, or even 2 h, from the Parador de las Cañadas del Teide. Throughout the route, you have a view of the summit of Teide and you discover different rock formations. They are very big and particular. At every turn, you want to go further to discover more!

Among these rock formations, there is Roque Cinchado: it is huge and leaning, you often see it on Tenerife postcards. And it was a setting I loved, with all its colors: between black lava, golden rocks and blue sky, it’s just wow! I admit that, since it’s well known, I was afraid of running into quite a lot of people on the way. But everyone stops at the Parador de las Cañadas del Teide and leaves without taking the hiking trails. So, even if you see quite a lot of cars and people in front, don’t hesitate to go all the way to the trail. I only ran into a few people and I was able to take the time to enjoy the gorgeous viewpoints that unfolded as I went along.

To change the scenery and go on wilder and less frequented trails, the Guajara hike should please you. It’s simple: it offers one of the best views of Teide. It will take you up to around 2,700 meters of altitude and overlooks the entire caldera of Las Cañadas. It’s a 9 km loop with 600 meters of elevation gain. So it’s done in 4 or 5 hours, depending on your pace. Let’s just say the climb is a bit sporty, so you need to be well prepared.

If you’re motivated, you’ll leave either from the Parador de las Cañadas del Teide or from the Degollada de Guajara parking lot. Once up there, you’ll be treated to a real 360° show, still above the clouds. Plus, it’s a gorgeous place to watch the sunset! But you need to be well equipped and prepared for the descent.

I would say it’s not really a hike, but rather a long walk. It can be done over 16 km, one way only. But of course, you can turn back much earlier if you’re short on time, for example. Back in the day, it was one of the trails that connected the north to the south of Tenerife. Even if it’s an easy-level walk, you always need to be well equipped, with good shoes, water, and a cap: there isn’t a single bit of shade. And since you’re high up, you can get sunburned quickly without realizing it (I especially had one at the end of the day, haha).

Since it’s a long trail, it gives you the chance to see lots of landscapes: ocher-colored rocks, black lava, desert and a few slightly greener areas. Honestly, if you like varied panoramas, in my opinion, it’s one of the best hikes to do. Plus, there weren’t that many people.

It’s simply the second-highest peak in all of Tenerife, just after Teide, at 3,135 meters. To give you an idea, it’s located behind the Teide volcano and offers an unobstructed view over the caldera and the neighboring islands, such as La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma. To get there, the easiest way is to leave from La Rambleta (the cable car terminus, remember). From this spot, a small trail leads to the viewpoint over the crater of Pico Viejo. It’s an old volcano with golden, red and black hues! You should allow about 2 h round trip from the cable car.

If some people want to go further, it’s possible to do the full climb from Montaña Blanca or Boca Tauce. However, it’s not a hike to take lightly: you should expect more than 1,000 meters of elevation gain. It’s up to you!

Even though I loved the entire park, Samara is one of my favorite hikes. It’s easy and accessible, allowing you to cross the volcanic landscapes up close without too much physical effort. Already, when you arrive, the Samara viewpoint sets the tone. You’re on terrain of small black stones with the famous Canary pines that you only see in certain areas of the national park, and nowhere else on the island. Plus, you get a gorgeous view of Pico Viejo and the summit of Teide.

To give you an idea, there’s an elevation gain of just over 200 meters, nothing to do with some of the hikes I told you about, haha! Not many people take the time to wind through these landscapes: I was all the more able to enjoy the panoramas and the moment. The first time, I had skipped this hike, and I can tell you I’m glad I did it on my second visit. I really recommend it!

Even if you don’t do the full hike, I recommend at least stopping at the Minas de San José viewpoint. For total immersion, it’s always better to take the trails through the mines. It’s one of my favorites in the park. You really feel like you’re on Mars: you walk on golden sand in the middle of volcanic rocks. To show you I’m not exaggerating, there have even been movies filmed here, like Star Wars and Clash of the Titans.

Practically speaking, the hike is easy to access and is a loop of about 5 km with a slight elevation gain. The color palette is just incredible, between the light yellow dunes, the red and black rocks, and always the gorgeous Teide volcano in the background. There are people in the areas closest to the road, but as soon as you get a bit farther away, you quickly find yourself alone enjoying these unique landscapes. Don’t miss this spot, it’s exceptional!

To end on a high note, nothing better than the Narices del Teide hike, also called Narices de Chahorra. It’s the walk I did on my first visit and that a local had recommended to me. It’s very little known to tourists and yet, it’s impressive. On the one hand, that’s not a bad thing, because we were alone the whole hike. The experience was all the more incredible! What makes this hike unique is that it’s located where the last volcanic eruption of Teide took place in 1798, which created several volcanic vents on the flank of Pico Viejo.

From the hike, you can clearly see the path of the lava from the vents of the crater, while finding yourself in the middle of the lava fields. It really made an impression on me! To give you an idea, the route is 9 km round trip and it’s a moderate level. I would say the hardest part is walking through the lava fields, because the stones are quite large, and you often end up with minor ankle aches.

If you like wilder and more impressive hikes, I recommend the Narices del Teide one.

Now that we’ve seen the best hikes in Teide National Park, I suggest we take a quick look at all the essential information that could be useful to you.

I would say it depends on your goal once you’re there. To explain it better, if you absolutely want to go up to the summit of Teide, the best period will not necessarily be the same as for hiking in the park. More concretely:

• In winter (December to March): the scenery is magical and the summits are covered in snow. It’s sometimes complicated to go up to the summit, since the cable car is often closed because of wind or frost. You can normally do some hikes in the park, but you’ll need to check before going, and above all dress warmly.
• In spring and fall: in my eyes, these are the best times to explore Teide National Park. The weather is mild and quite pleasant. Plus, there are fewer people than in high season, in summer. I went at both these times and I really enjoyed my experiences on site.
• In summer: at least, there’s not too much risk of bad weather. You can take the cable car and do your hikes peacefully. It’s generally hot in the rest of the island, whereas in the park, it’s pleasant — around 20 degrees.

Basically, you can go to Teide at any time of year, but the scenery will of course be different depending on the period you choose. If you’re hesitating about the best time to visit Tenerife in general, I invite you to read our full article on the ideal time to go to Tenerife.

Let me reassure you right away: Teide is very easy to access… as long as you organize yourself properly! For now, here are all the options available to you:

• By car: it’s the simplest way. From the south, just take the TF-1 then the TF-38 or the TF-21. It goes up, but the roads are wide and well done for 1 h, or even 1 h 30 depending on your arrival point. From the north, you have to go up via the TF-21 or the TF-24: it winds, but it’s beautiful! To enjoy the best viewpoints, there are often parking lots more or less big, even if some fill up quickly.
• By bus (TITSA): basically, there are two lines that go to Teide: 342 from Costa Adeje and 348 from Puerto de la Cruz. For both, the terminus is at the cable car departure. But there are few departures: one outbound in the morning and one return in the afternoon. I recommend checking the schedule carefully to organize your visit on site.
• Organized excursions: to let yourself be guided from start to finish, whether from the north or the south of Tenerife, several organizations offer this type of outing to Teide, picking you up directly from your accommodation. Some include the cable car, sunset watching or even stargazing.

We agree, vacations go by super fast… So, I would say it depends on the time you have ahead of you. Teide National Park is huge, and it can be discovered in different ways, and especially at different paces. Some travelers devote half a day to it, while others spend a full day there, or even the evening.

As for me, I would recommend spending a whole day there to properly go around the park and not miss anything. You can easily do the tour of the viewpoints, some bits of hikes, or even go up by cable car. If you only stay for half a day, you’ll still get a nice overview, but I think you’ll be left wanting more… I’ve never stayed in the evening, but I think it must be magical: between the sunset and stargazing.

To sum it all up: between 3 and 5 h, you’ll get a nice but quick overview; between 6 and 8 h, a real immersion and the highlight of the show if you stay for the evening.

To follow up, here are some itinerary ideas to discover Teide National Park and find the one that suits you.

1. A “Hikes and viewpoints” day

That’s what I chose to do the two times I went, for a good exploration of the park. I can recommend going early and starting with the Roques de García hike. Remember, it’s a loop trail that takes 1 h 30 to 2 h. You can then continue with the Minas de San José to dive into a lunar setting. Take your time! Then, don’t miss the Chipeque viewpoint, the Narices de Chahorra one and the Parador, for a golden sunset over the volcanic reliefs.

Honestly, it can be done very well without too much physical effort, even if the sun beats down quite a bit (I was still tired at the end, but it was great!). I think it’s a good itinerary to discover several very diverse sides of the park!

2. A “Panoramic roads” day

If you prefer a more relaxed visit and you’re with family, I recommend following the road through the park while stopping at the most unmissable spots. From the south, you’ll go up via the TF-38 through Chío or the TF-21 through Vilaflor: both are very beautiful. The landscapes are rather desert-like and rocky in this area (they’re also easier). If you go up from the north, the roads are gorgeous, but they wind more and require more concentration than in the south. They’re lined with Canary pine forests. The one from La Orotava was closed for a while because of the fires two years ago: you can still see it on some parts, but it’s still gorgeous.

Once you arrive, whether from the south or the north, I recommend stopping at the viewpoints of La Ruleta, Minas de San José, Los Poleos… and more! The order will simply depend on your arrival point. That will make for a relaxed day, with very beautiful photos! Right in front of the start of the Roques de García hike, there is the park cafeteria, if you didn’t plan a picnic. Well, I won’t lie, it’s a bit pricey for what it is… but that’s often the case in tourist spots.

3. A “Teide ascent” day

If you absolutely want to go to the summit of the Teide volcano, just remember to book your ticket for the cable car and your permit to walk on the crater in advance. The cable car ride is quick, so once at the top, you can take your time and even walk to other viewpoints on the crater, like Pico Viejo and La Fortaleza, with superb panoramas over Tenerife and, in clear weather, over other Canary Islands. You’ll probably go back down in the late afternoon, after spending the day up there.

For more itinerary ideas around the volcano and elsewhere on the island, feel free to check our article on the best itineraries in Tenerife.

I think you got it, I rather recommend bringing your picnic. That way, you can stop at any parking lot when you’re hungry, without any hassle. And besides, it’s super nice to eat with a view over the lava and the volcano.

If you prefer to sit down, there’s only one restaurant in the park, or rather a cafeteria. It’s located exactly at the Parador de las Cañadas del Teide. The advantage is that it offers a superb view over the volcano and its summit. Of course, prices are a bit high, but it can help out if you didn’t plan anything or if you want to refuel after a hike.

So, even though it’s not possible to stay directly in the park, you can always sleep nearby. The advantage is that you can stay both in the north and in the south of Tenerife, while staying close to Teide. In the south, you can stay in Los Gigantes, while in the north, you can stay in Puerto de la Cruz. In the meantime, here are some good addresses:

High budget

Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur: a 5-star hotel in colonial style, located in Costa Adeje, with gorgeous panoramas over the ocean. To complete the luxury experience, you’ll enjoy five pools surrounded by lush gardens, a spa, and spacious rooms.

Mid-range budget

Catalonia Oro Negro: located in Playa de las Américas, this hotel offers good comfort and excellent value for money. The rooms are simple and bright: you’ll have everything you need for a great stay in Tenerife.

Affordable budget

Hotel Don Cándido: a small hotel located in a quiet area, in Puerto de la Cruz, with a pleasant little pool, a rooftop terrace offering a view over Teide and clean rooms with a balcony. Plus, the welcome is always with a smile: you’ll feel good there!

I hope you enjoyed the visit to Teide National Park. In my eyes, no matter what you choose to do there, Teide and its park are simply incredible. It’s a well-preserved area, even though it attracts many tourists.

If I can mention another volcanic park in the Canary Islands that impressed me, it’s the one in the Los Volcanes National Park, in Lanzarote. It’s completely different and smaller, but just as beautiful to explore.

See you very soon to discover other must-sees in Tenerife!

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to discover the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife and Lanzarote, so that I could share these island paradises with you. Two real favorites of mine!

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