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Mountain · Puerto de la Cruz, Canary Islands
Teide National Park
National park in the center of Tenerife, with the Teide volcano at 3,715 meters, the highest point in Spain, lava fields, the Roques de García and a cable car. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Teide National Park
The Parque Nacional del Teide occupies the center of Tenerife, above 2,000 meters in altitude, inside the caldera of Las Cañadas, a large depression about 16 km in diameter formed by collapses and ancient eruptions. In the middle of it rises the Teide, a volcano 3,715 meters high, the highest point in Spain, alongside Pico Viejo. The park was created in 1954 and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007.
The landscape looks otherworldly: black lava fields, ash cones, reddish, yellow and greenish rocks, and plants that exist only there, like the red tajinaste, which usually blooms in May and June. The Roques de García, rock formations carved by erosion, are near the Parador and are the most photographed spot.
The cable car rises from the base, at about 2,350 meters, to the La Rambleta station, around 3,555 meters, in roughly 8 minutes. From there short trails lead to viewpoints. The final stretch to the summit requires a national park permit, requested online in advance and with limited places.
The altitude can cause discomfort, and the weather changes quickly: it's cold at the top even in summer, and the cable car stops in strong wind or ice. At night, a clear sky makes Teide one of the world's prime places for stargazing.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
A full day, including the cable car and the short trails.
Best time
Early in the morning, before cable car lines and afternoon clouds, on clear spring and autumn days. In winter, snow can close the road and the cable car; check before going up.
How to get there
From Puerto de la Cruz, about a 1-hour drive via the TF-21 road, passing through La Orotava. There is a bus with one departure per day and many tours. From the south of the island you also go up via the TF-21, through Vilaflor.
Tip
Buy cable car tickets online for a timed entry and, if you want to reach the summit, apply for the park permit weeks in advance. Bring a jacket, water, sunscreen and sunglasses. Ascend slowly if you feel the altitude and avoid it with small children or if you have heart problems.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Teide National Park
How high is Teide?
3,715 meters, the highest point in Spain.
Do you need permission to climb the summit of Teide?
Yes, for the final section from the cable car station to the summit. It is requested online from the national park in advance and places are limited.
Does the Teide cable car always operate?
No. It stops for strong wind, ice, or snow, sometimes without advance notice. Check conditions on the day.
Is it cold on Teide?
Yes. At the summit temperatures are low even in summer and there can be snow in winter. Bring a coat.