Holidays in Tenerife

One of the main attractions for holidays in Tenerife is the majestic Mount Teide, the highest point in Spain and on the island.

At its highest point, Mount Teide has an elevation of 12,198 feet (3,718 metres) and can be seen from most parts of the island.

On Your Holidays in Tenerife - Explore the Volcanic
Mount Teide and Volcanic Tunnels on the Island

This volcano is the third largest on the planet and the area surrounding it has been declared a national park and a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

What makes Mount Teide so unique is the location in the center of Tenerife Canary Islands, the substantial size of the mountain, its looming silhouette and its snowy landscape stunning personality.

While on your Tenerife holidays, find some of the largest volcanic tubes - lava tunnels in the world and the largest lava tube in Europe is located in the northern town of Icod de los Vinos.

Getting to Mount Teide on Your Holidays in Tenerife

There are four scenic roads that lead to the national park, and at the base of the mountain is the visitor centre.

You will be pleased to know that if you are not inclined to plan for an auto rental, the hotels and resorts will guide you in selecting a bus tour to Mount Teide. It's that easy.

What to Wear When Visiting Mount Teide

Since the weather up the mountain can be unpredictable, do bring a warm jacket along on your holidays in Tenerife, long trousers, hiking boots, or running shoes, and whatever else you may need depending on the season you visit.

My visit was in September so I did not need hat and gloves, but it was very cool in comparison to the hot temperatures down by the beach.

Also bring snacks and water as access to food may be sparse on the first part of your journey up the mountain.

While you are ascending the roads up to Mount Teide, you will eventually pass through a number of exquisite towns with unique restaurants and one should take the time to stop and enjoy these charming hamlets and the breath-taking views.

Holidays in Tenerife - Visit The Peak of Mount Teide

After an adventurous drive to the volcanic mountain centre on your island vacations, if you do nothing else in this national park, you must take the thrilling ride in the Teleferico (cable car) up to just below the peak.

You will feel like you are on top of the world. This 8 minute ride whisks you up to exhilarating views, and on a sunny day, you will be able to see across the entire Canary Islands archipelago.

On an overcast day, you will only see a sea of clouds. Try to plan your trip on a sunny day.

These are not your typical mountain top views. They are mind-boggling lunar volcanic views. After you have arrived with the Teleferico, there are many walking paths you can take.

The main paths are:

• Mirador de la Fortaleza
• Mirador de Pico Viejo

There are many other spectacular hikes to enjoy, but the best and most exciting walking path is:

• Oficina del Pargue Nacional del Teide.

This walking path is generally only allowed for scientists to go to the peak of Mount Teide at 3,718 metres and if you want to hike to the very top, you will need to get a permit, which allows you to the top of the peak.

If you are visiting the mountain for a day trip, then you will have to apply for a permit in advance to reach the summit.

However, if you plan to stay overnight at the lodge known as Altavista Refuge located at 3,270 metres on the mountain, you will not have to apply for the permit.

The cost of lodging is reasonable and to have spent an evening so high up in the world would be memorable to say the least.

Either option is well worth considering and guaranteed to be an exciting adventure on Mount Teide.

Here are Some Useful Sites to Help Make Your Journey to Mount Teide an Enjoyable Experience:

Taking the Telerifico up to Mount Teide

Information about Mount Teide National Park

Tenerife Science Observatories near Mount Teide

Some of the most sophisticated of Europe’s astronomical telescopes are located in Tenerife.

The Observatorio Astrofisico de Izana, not accessible to the public and the lesser known of the Canary Islands’ astrophysical research centres is dedicated to solar research.

There is an observatory in the Mount Teide region that can be included in your travel plans.

Find more information here about the Observatory in the Mount Teide Region

The drive up to the mountain to the Teleferico is exhilarating and the views of the charming villages, vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, and the change in flora are stunning.

There are many “Aha moments” as you arrive and see what Mount Teide and Tenerife are all about.

The “wow factor” is worth getting up early in the morning on your holidays in Tenerife and setting out on the journey to discover the beauty and intrigue of the peak of this island, vistas and ocean views.

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