Don’t miss Teide National Park, the natural jewel of the Canary Islands! Nestled in the heart of Tenerife, this site is home to Spain’s highest point, the majestic Teide volcano, which rises proudly to an altitude of 3,718 meters. The park will fascinate you with its lunar landscapes, spectacular volcanic formations, petrified lava fields and unique flora that has adapted to these extreme conditions.
In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of the park’s must-see wonders: viewpoints, hiking trails, museums and activities. We’ll also be sharing our practical tips for making the most of your visit.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Visiting Teide: Essential tips + map
Teide National Park: map + getting around
It’s easy to get around Teide National Park by car. There is a road from north to south, in good condition with one lane in each direction. Stops are well signposted and parking areas highly visible.
To help you find your way around, here’s a map of Teide with our favourite attractions:
Driving time:
- Between Ethnographic Museum Juan Évora and Observatorio = 40 minutes
- Costa Adeje to Teleferico = 1h
- Los Gigantes to Teleferico = 1h
- Puerto de la Cruz to Teleferico = 1h10
- Santa Cruz to Teleferico = 1h20
Must-see attractions
If you’re very short of time, and can just cross and stop 3 times, go for it:
- Minas de San Jose
- Roque de Garcia
- Mirador Llano de Ucanca
And the other stop not to be missed is the cable car.
Essential advice: when, how…
Before we share the details of our favorite stops along the road through the park, here are our essential tips to know before you climb!
- Times: The park can be visited all year round, at any time of day. However, the Visitor Centers and the Juan Evora Museum have their own opening hours.
- Price: admission to the park is free. Only the cable car and observatory are chargeable.
- And you need a permit to hike to the top of the volcano – see here.
- Visit early in the morning or late in the day for easy parking (ideally before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.). The parking lots are not large.
- For the cable car, online booking is imperative. Demand is strong all year round, and slots fill up fast.
- Take a hat and sunscreen to protect you from the sun. And bring plenty of water, especially if you’re hiking.
- Bring gloves and hats if you climb to the top of Teide early in winter.
- Wear closed shoes for greater comfort (volcanic picon fits easily underfoot).
- Take the time to drive in both directions, as the views are spectacular and different.
How to visit Teide Park
Option 1: Rent a car
Advantages: you can stop at absolutely any parking lot to admire the views. You can go at any time.
Disadvantages: no guide to teach you more than the signs, and no one to stay in the car if there’s no room.
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
Option 2: guided tour
Advantages: You can concentrate on the scenery, you don’t need to find parking, you learn more about the park’s geology and history.
Disadvantages: You’re not free to stay as long as you like at the various stops, you’re always surrounded by people.
One of our favorite excursions: see program and availability
Or see all our guided tour options (during the day or in the sun to see the stars).
Option 3: Public transport
Two buses run through Teide National Park: Route 342 (from Costa Adeje) and Route 348 (from Puerto de la Cruz).
But you are dependent on the frequency of the bus.
1. Roques de Garcia – Teide’s top attraction
Why do we love?
Roque de Garcia are majestic rock formations. We were fascinated. They are one of the park’s most emblematic views. The jagged silhouettes of the volcanic rocks tell the story of the island’s tumultuous geological history, with their colorful strata. What’s more, their sculptural forms seem to defy gravity at times.
The famous Roque Cinchado, nicknamed “the finger of God”, stands at the center of this complex. You won’t be able to miss it (photo above).
Advice
- Duration: 1h-1h30 for the complete loop, but you can walk just part of the way.
- Parking: Large, but as this is the most-visited area, the parking lot fills up quickly.
- Facilities: Restaurant, toilets, information point across the main road. Be careful when crossing!
- View: Panoramic view of the Caldera and Teide
- Tip: Come early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best light.
- In the opposite parking lot is the Visitor Center Canada Blanca (our stop 9 on this list).
2. Minas de San Jose
Why do we love?
Minas de San José is a former mining area that bears witness to the region’s intense volcanic activity. We were surprised by the lunar atmosphere of the landscapes, with smooth or stony surfaces and lots of color.
Traces of mining operations blend harmoniously with the natural landscape. it’s sure to be a favorite stop for geology buffs.
Advice
- Duration: Between 15 minutes and 1 hour, depending on how long you want to explore the area.
- Parking: Medium
- Facilities: None
- Tip: Bring good shoes as the terrain is rugged and contains picon (small lava gravel).
3. Teleferico de Teide
Why do we love?
The cable car offers a unique experience of climbing to the summit of Mount Teide. We were impressed by the speed with which we were propelled into a high-altitude environment. The cable car is very steep.
It offers an unbeatable view of the crater and the entire park.
Be careful, though, it’s a very touristy place. There are a lot of you in the cable car cabins, and there’s not much at the top.
Advice
- Duration: 1h to 3h (including waiting time and visit to the summit if you wish)
- Parking: Very large
- Facilities: Cafeteria, store, toilets, information point
- Please reserve your tickets here
- And if you want to hike to the summit from the top of the cable car, you need to have booked an uatorization.
- In winter, it can be cold at the summit
- The ground around the top station (excluding the panorama terrace) is very difficult to walk on.
4. Visitor Center El Portillo: Museum and botanical garden
Why do we love?
At El Portillo, you’ll discover an interpretation center on the park’s unique ecosystem. Start at the museum, with interactive exhibits that explain the island’s geological formation and the remarkable adaptation of its vegetation to extreme conditions.
Advice
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Parking: Large (80 spaces)
- Facilities: Interpretation center, toilets, store, botanical garden
- Wear closed-toe shoes for greater comfort
5. Mirador Llano de Ucanca
Why do we love?
Our favorite viewpoint, with the vast desert plain, the Roques de Garcia in the middle ground and the volcano in the background. The ochre and reddish colors of the plain vary according to the light of day, creating different moods at every hour.
Advice
- Duration: 5 to 15 minutes
- Parking: small
- Facilities: none, information panels
- For the photo: The viewpoint faces north
6. Mirador Los Azulejos
Why do we love?
From this vantage point, you’ll discover a very colourful geological formation. We were amazed by the green, blue and white hues that streak the rock, creating a natural painting effect on the wall. These unusual colorations are due to hydrothermal alteration of the rocks.
Advice
- Duration: 5 to 15 minutes
- Parking: Medium
- Facilities: none, information panels
- Tip: Colours are brighter in wet weather (but not often).
- For the photo: The viewpoint faces west
7. Zapatos de la Reina
Why do we love?
The Queen’s Shoe is a curious rock formation. Don’t just look at it from the parking lot. Take the small path to get a much better perspective. The site offers an excellent example of how lava solidified to create surprising shapes.
Advice
- Duration: 15 to 20 minutes
- Parking: small
- Facilities: none, information panels
- For the photo: the viewpoint offers different perspectives. View of Zapatos in the photo above: facing east
8. Teide by night: stargazing, hotel
Why do we love?
Teide National Park is also famous for its light pollution-free stargazing. You can get a glimpse of it in the Visitor Center, but you can also come at night to see it for yourself.
2 options
- book your guided tour with sunset and stargazing – see options and availability
- or you can spend one or more nights in the park at the Parador de la Canadas del Teide. But book early as this is the only hotel. See photos, prices and availability
9. Visitor Center Cañada Blanca
Why do we love?
Near the Roques de Garcia, this visitor center offers an introduction to the park’s geological history. We appreciated the quality of the exhibits, which clearly explained the formation of Teide and its impact on the island. Models and audiovisual presentations show how the volcano has evolved over time, and how traditional life in the region has evolved.
Advice
- Duration: 30 minutes to 1h30, depending on your interest in reading the information.
- Parking: large
- Facilities: Interpretation center, toilets, information point, restaurant
- There’s a chapel next door
- Free
- Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
10. Mirador Los Poleos
Why do we love?
A little further along one of the roads leading up to the Park, from Los Gigantes, we loved stopping at this viewpoint. The strategic location allows us to observe the transition between different ecosystems, from pine forests to arid volcanic zones.
Advice
- Duration: 5 to 20 minutes
- Parking: small
- Facilities: None, information panels
- View to the sea from south and west, view to the volcano (as in photo) from east.
11. Astronomical observatory
Why do we love?
The observatory is one of the best sites in the world for astronomical observation. We were fascinated by the concentration of telescopes of different sizes and origins, testifying to the international importance of this scientific site. The altitude and purity of the air create optimal conditions for observing the sky, attracting researchers from all over the world. The white domes of the telescopes stand out against the volcanic landscape, creating a striking contrast with the natural environment. We were particularly impressed by the commitment of the scientists who explained their work to us during the guided tour.
Advice
- Duration: 1h30 (guided tour only)
- Parking: Medium
- Facilities: Research center
- Tip: Book your visit several weeks in advance here
- Latest news on the official website here
12. Mirador Narices del Teide
Why do we love?
Another viewpoint offering a different perspective on the volcano. Here you can observe the “nostrils of Teide”, the eruptive vents that bear witness to the volcano’s past activity. The preserved volcanic cones, darker than the surrounding landscape, are fascinating.
Advice
- Duration: 5 minutes to admire the view, longer if you’re hiking
- Parking: medium
- Facilities: none, explanatory panels
- Tip: bring binoculars to observe the details of the volcanic formations.
- Photo: the view faces north-east
Teide hikes
The national park is also known for its hiking. Here are some of the most popular.
Sendero Roques de García
- Departure point: Parador Canada Blanca
- Distance: 3 km (loop)
- Duration: 1-2 hours depending on your photo mood!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Interest: This trail circles the park’s emblematic rock formations. It’s ideal for families and offers magnificent views of Teide and La Caldera, with a spectacular arid landscape.
Montaña Guajara
- Departure point: Cañada Blanca Visitor Center
- Distance: 9 km (round trip)
- Duration: Approx. 5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Why to visit: This trail offers breathtaking views of Mount Teide and the surrounding countryside. You will pass through pine forests and volcanic expanses and reach 2,718 metres
Montaña Blanca – Pico del Teide
- Departure point: Montaña Blanca parking lot (2300 m)
- Distance: 8 km (one way)
- Duration: 5 hours (one way)
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Interest: This trail leads to the summit of Mount Teide, culminating at 3718 m. It passes through spectacular volcanic landscapes, including the “Eggs of Teide”. A permit is required to access the crater, unless you arrive before dawn. Book here.
Pico Viejo
- Departure point: Parking Narices del Teide
- Distance: 13.9 km (round trip)
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Interest: This hike offers impressive views of the lava flows and crater of Pico Viejo. It is ideal for experienced hikers.
Siete Cañadas
- Departure point: El Portillo Visitor Center
- Distance: 16 km (linear)
- Duration: Approx. 4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Interest: This trail crosses a variety of landscapes, from caldera walls to basaltic flows. Perfect for long-distance hikers
Samara hike
- Starting point: Mirador de Samara
- Distance: 5 km (loop)
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Interest: A peaceful stroll through a unique volcanic landscape
And many more…
See the list on the Alltrails website here.
Other attractions and viewpoints in Teide National Park
Juan Evora Museum
Juan Évora was the last inhabitant of the area to preserve the traditional way of life. This Juan Évora museum immerses visitors in the natural and cultural history of the region. This interpretation center traces the island’s geological evolution, ancestral traditions and the importance of the volcano in Guanche culture.
Times: 9am to 3:45pm.
Mirador Boca Tauce
Mirador de Boca Tauce is located at the intersection of several main roads leading to the park. It allows you to admire the immense lava field and the two peaks: Pico Viejo and Pico Teide.
Mirador Izana
Mirador Izaña is close to the astronomical observatory. From this vantage point, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mount Teide. This site is particularly popular at sunrise, when golden hues illuminate the volcanic landscape (view to the south-west).
Mirador Tabonal Negro
The Mirador Tabonal Negro, not far from the Teide cable car, is a viewpoint overlooking the Siete Cañadas, a vast expanse of volcanic landscape. You’ll appreciate the contrast with the lava. The name “Tabonal Negro” comes from a sharp stone called tabona, used by the Guanches to make cutting tools.
Geology, geography and history of Teide National Park
Training
The formation of Teide began around 200,000 years ago, after the partial collapse of the Las Cañadas volcano, which created the vast caldera – an elliptical depression measuring 16 x 11 km (best seen from the cable car).
Teide is a stratovolcano, formed by the successive accumulation of lava flows and pyroclastic deposits.
Today, Le Teide rises to 3,715 meters, making it the highest point in Spain and the third-largest volcanic structure in the world after the Hawaiian volcanoes Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.
Over the past 20,000 years, most eruptions have taken place around its base, creating secondary structures such as Montaña Blanca and Pico Viejo.
Guanche period and Spanish conquest
Tenerife’s first inhabitants, the Guanches, considered Teide a sacred mountain and the center of their cosmogony. They called it Echeide (“hell”), believing it housed Guayota, an evil deity.
After the Spanish conquest of Tenerife in 1496, Guanche practices were partially adopted. However, new activities developed, such as sulfur and pumice extraction. The Teide also became a landmark for navigation and a subject of study for European scientists from the 17th century onwards.
Modern history
With the rise of tourism in the 19th century, Teide became a popular destination. In 1954, it was declared a national park, becoming the first in the Canaries and the third in Spain.
In 2007, the park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional volcanic landscapes and geological significance.
Frequently asked questions
Is Teide National Park worth a visit?
Absolutely! Tenerife’s Teide National Park offers spectacular volcanic scenery, dominated by Spain’s highest peak. Its unique rock formations, endemic flora and panoramic views make it a must-see destination for nature lovers.
The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Is it free to visit Teide?
Access to the national park is free. You can discover 85% of the attractions free of charge.
There is a charge for the cable car and the visit to the observatory.
To access the summit of the volcano, you need to book a permit.
Is the Teide volcano still active?
Yes, Teide is still considered an active volcano, although its last indirect eruption dates back to 1909 (eruption of Chinyero, on the western flank). It is considered dormant, stable and safe for visitors.
The Teide-Pico Viejo volcanic system still exhibits fumarole activity, with gas and steam emissions that can be observed near the summit.
The volcano is constantly monitored by the Canary Islands Volcanological Institute (INVOLCAN).
Where to eat in Teide National Park?
The best thing to do is take a picnic and sit back with a view to enjoy it. But be sure to take all your garbage with you.
Otherwise, there are a few restaurants, but none of them are highly rated. We have not tested them.
- At the Parador de las Canadas del Teide with local dishes
- Breakfast and brunch at the bottom of the cable car
- Restaurante Bambi, to the north
- Papillon restaurant, north
- Restaurante El Portillo, to the north, with local dishes
- Restaurante Las Estrellas with sea view on the way down to Los Gigantes
North to south or south to north
The choice is extremely difficult. If you can, drive in both directions, as the views are beautiful and different.
If I absolutely, truly have to choose… north to south in the morning and south to north in the late afternoon.
Films shot on Teide
It’s not true that the Star Wars and Planet of the Apes films were shot on Teide.
Few films have actually been shot on Teide and Tenerife in general, and they are not well known.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
- Best of
What to do in Tenerife
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful roads
Amusement parks
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track (coming soon)
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Tenerife
How to get around
How to rent a car in Tenerife
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Where to stay in Tenerife
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 1 week – 10 days
- The must-dos
Dolphin watching in Tenerife (coming soon)
Teide National Park
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava (coming soon)
Garachico
Village of Masca
Pyramids of Güimar
