Visit Teide National Park in Tenerife

Mount Teide in Tenerife

When travelling around the island of Tenerife, you will not fail to notice Mount Teide and decide that you would like to find out more about it.   Head to Parque Nacional del Teide [Teide National Park] and you will not be disappointed.  A great day out for all the family there is plenty to do on this popular tour.

Covering 189sq km, the whole park lies above 2,000m and is strictly prohibited from development.  You can visit by car, coach, by bike and even by foot on one of the numerous smaller tracks. If you have a head for heights, take the cable car [teleferico] up to 163m below the summit. 

If the cable car is your choice of transport, you will need to go near to the Parador de Canadas del Teide in La Orotava as it is just 4km from this hotel that the trip starts. 

You will be able to go to the visitors centre on the El Portillo pass for an introduction to the National Park.  For those who want to explore on foot, detailed maps of the Park can be obtained from the centre although you can take advantage of one of the free guided walks that sets out from here.

To get here by coach, the number 348 leaves Puerto de la Cruz one a day at 09:15 arriving at the Parador at 11:30 with the return trip starting at 16:00.  If you are in the south of the island, you will need to catch the 342 that leaves Playa de las Americas at 09:15 arriving at El Portillo at 11:45.  The return trip starts back at 15:15

If you get the chance, probably the best route to Teide National Park is along the crest of the Cumbre Dorsal. You will get the most wonderful views of the Orotava Valley below and along the route you will be able to stop at various miradores [viewing points] for some great photo opportunities

If you are on foot, and fairly fit, then we would recommend the Paisaje Lunar [Lunar Landscape] which is only accessible by walking. Here you will find strange columns and shapes appearing out of the unearthly landscape in the middle of nowhere.  However, beware as this is a 12km round trip.

Please remember that the ascent of Pico del Teide is the most exhilarating experience, but should only be undertaken by experienced walkers.   It may be hot at the bottom of the mountain, but once reaching the top you may find snow so take some warm clothing with you and plenty of water for rehydration.