Teide - eng.discoverexperience

Don’t miss this national park, a natural wonder given to us by nature and visited by millions of people every year. Enjoy wonderful volcanic landscapes, endemic vegetation and varied fauna.

Please remember that when passing through and visiting the Teide National Park, you must show the utmost respect for the peace and conservation of this place.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Teide National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007 as a Natural Asset and national park since 1954, stands out for its volcanic and biological uniqueness.

Located in the heart of Tenerife, it is home to the Teide-Pico Viejo volcanic complex, 3.715 meters above sea level, and a caldera considered one of the best examples of volcanism in the world.

With almost 19.000 hectares, it is the largest and oldest national park in the Canary Islands, surrounded by the Corona Forestal Natural Park (46.612 hectares). Its rich landscape includes cones, lava flows and a unique biodiversity with numerous endemic species.

It also has the European Diploma of the Council of Europe and is part of the Natura 2000 Network.

ACCESSES

The Park has four access roads:

North: TF-21 from La Orotava to Las Cañadas (Portillo de la Villa) (31 km).
East: TF-24, which starts from La Laguna to Portillo de la Villa (30 km).
South: TF-21 from Granadilla, passing through Vilaflor to Las Cañadas (Boca de Tauce) (km 57.5).
West: TF-38 from Chío to Las Cañadas (Boca de Tauce) (km 8.3).

SEE STATUS

Public bus lines to access the national park:

TITSA – Line 348 from Puerto de la Cruz to Parador del Teide.
TITSA – Line 342 from Costa Adeje station to El Portillo.

We recommend that in case of possible changes in schedules, please, be aware of possible changes on the TITSA website.

TEIDE POINTS OF INTEREST

Volcán Teide-Pico Viejo

The Teide stratovolcano (3.715 m) and the Pico Viejo crater, form the volcanic complex of the Teide National Park, Tenerife. Explore this geological wonder!
Roques de García

Iconic volcanic formations sculpted by erosion, of basaltic rocks and views of Teide, are perfect for hiking and photography.
Cráter de Pico Viejo

The Pico Viejo crater, part of the Teide-Pico Viejo complex, impresses with its 800 m diameter and basaltic lava formations. Explore its grandeur!
Catedral y Llano de Ucanca

Impressive phonolitic volcanic chimney 120 meters high that opens the way to an endorheic basin with a variety of lavas, strata, sediments and particular terrains.
Las Narices del Teide

Two volcanic craters that were formed during the last historical eruption within the Teide National Park in 1798. This eruption lasted three months and expelled a large amount of lava through a fissure in the northwest slope of Pico Viejo, creating these characteristic craters that today can be seen from the viewpoint of the same name.
Observatorio del Teide

It is an important international astronomical center at an altitude of 2.400 meters. Dedicated to solar observation and astronomy since 1964, it has been key in discoveries, as its privileged location makes it an ideal place for the investigation of the universe.
Minas de San José

This former mining area shows the volcanic strength of the region with pumice plains and unique rock formations, creating an environment that evokes the surface of Mars. In addition, space agencies such as ESA and NASA have tested prototype rovers for planetary exploration.
Montaña de Guajara

It is the highest summit of the mountainous cirque surrounding the caldera of Las Cañadas del Teide. It offers spectacular panoramic views of the Teide volcano, as well as of the entire caldera and, on clear days, of the neighboring islands. Its ascent, through well-defined trails, allows hikers to enjoy the unique volcanic flora and fascinating geological landscape.
Pico del Teide

With its 3.715 meters of altitude, it is the highest point in Spain. The ascent to its summit, either on foot or using the cable car in its final stretch, rewards with unparalleled panoramic views of the island of Tenerife and the Canary archipelago, especially at sunrise and sunset.
La Fortaleza

In ancient times, this place was of great importance for the Guanches, the aborigines of Tenerife, who considered it a sacred site and used it as a refuge and natural fortress. From its summit, there are panoramic views of the northern slope of the island, the Orotava Valley and the Teide itself.
Roque Cinchado

It is one of the most emblematic and photographed rock formations of the Teide National Park. This unique monolith, located in Roques de García, is the result of differential erosion of ancient lava flows.
La Tarta del Teide

It is a stratified structure of layers of lava of different colors and textures, stacked horizontally, reminiscent of the layers of a cake. This curious formation is a visual testimony of the successive volcanic eruptions that have shaped the landscape of Teide over time.
Montaña Blanca

Volcanic cone formed by accumulation of pyroclastic materials, mainly pumice of light color. It is located at 2800 meters above sea level and its last eruption occurred more than 2000 years ago.

LANDSCAPE, FLORA AND FAUNA

An Otherworldly Volcanic Landscape
It dominates a landscape sculpted by millions of years of volcanic activity. The Las Cañadas caldera, solidified lava flows and formations such as the Roques de García create a lunar scenario that fascinates geologists and visitors alike. This volcanic landscape, with contrasts between arid slopes and secondary cones, is ideal for hiking and photography.

Explore the routes available in the trails section to experience this natural wonder.

Unique flora adapted to the extreme
The flora of Teide is a testimony to the resilience of nature. Endemic species such as the Violeta del Teide, a delicate flower that grows at high altitude, and the Tajinaste Rojo, with its spectacular spikes, color the landscape in spring. These plants, adapted to volcanic soils and extreme conditions, are unique to Tenerife.

Fauna that defies the altitude
The fauna of Teide National Park is equally fascinating. The lizard, agile and common in the volcanic rocks, coexists with birds such as the kestrel and the eared bat, adapted to the altitude. Endemic insects, such as unique beetles, complete this unique ecosystem.

Tajinaste rojo

It is a unique plant of Teide. In spring, it stands out for its tall spike of red flowers, creating a beautiful contrast with the volcanic landscape and attracting bees. It is a symbol of the biodiversity of the summits of Tenerife.
Violeta de Guajara

Small shrub closely related to the Violeta del Teide, from which it differs in that it can reach a larger size (up to 1 meter in diameter and 50 cm in height) and by slight differences in some foliar and floral features. It is found in stony areas in the vicinity of Alto de Guajara.
Pinzón Azul

It is a bird endemic to the pine forests of Teide (Tenerife) and Gran Canaria. The male is bright blue and the female, grayish. Its song is heard in the pine forests where it eats seeds and insects. It is a symbol of the Canary biodiversity and is protected.
Violeta del Teide

It is an endemic species of the island of Tenerife. It is a herbaceous, perennial, creeping or somewhat erect plant between 5-25 centimeters high. It grows above 2400 meters of altitude reaching up to 3600 meters in the terminal zone of the Pico del Teide.
Lagarto tizón

It is a reptile endemic to Tenerife. Adult males are dark with blue spots, and females are smaller and brownish. They are diurnal, eat insects and are seen in the sun in rocky areas.
Murciélago orejudo

It is endemic to Tenerife, and is one of the seven species of bats that inhabit the Canary Islands. It is characterized by having large ears, which has given rise to the common name. It is in danger of extinction.
Retama del Teide

Woody shrub with numerous long branches, it is found in the high mountain ecosystem. It is endemic to the islands of La Palma and Tenerife, in the latter is also considered one of the dominant plant formations of the landscape of Las Cañadas del Teide. It is a protected species and is in the process of recovery.
Rosalillo de Cumbre

Today it is the most abundant species in the area. It lives between 2000 and 2500 meters of altitude, in the clearings of the Retama and Codeso formation. This shrub can reach up to one meter in height.
Malpica

It is an endemism of Tenerife, it is a shrub 50-100 cm high. Highly branched from its base and provided with a strong root. It is found between 1600 and 2200 meters altitude.
Canario

The canary is native to the Canary Islands, Madeira and the Azores. It is estimated that today there are about 160.000 pairs of this species, of which approximately half, about 90.000, are found in the Canary Archipelago. It is a small bird (13 cm long) with a short bill.
Cardo de Plata

It is a perennial plant with a thickened root, a rosette of silvery-grayish leaves and yellowish flowers in very large, globular flower heads. It grows above 2.000 meters above sea level, in valleys, endorheic plains and slopes.
Cernícalo Vulgar

It is a small-medium sized falcon, measuring between 31 and 37 cm in length and between 69 and 78 cm in wingspan, and the females are larger than the males. It is strictly protected, inhabiting many places in the archipelago.
Mantis del Teide

Endemic species of Tenerife that lives in Las Cañadas del Teide and the pine forest area, above 1.300 meters of altitude. It is a nocturnal mantis that hunts small insects with its powerful raptorial legs.
Mariposa Manto de Canarias

Butterfly endemic to the Canary Islands, fast and active flight. The wings of the males are bluish and the females are brownish. It is observed in the central and western islands of the archipelago but where it is most abundant is in Las Cañadas del Teide.

WHAT TO DO IN TEIDE

Discover the Teide National Park, a natural treasure in Tenerife with unique experiences.

Drive along the TF-21, a road dotted with viewpoints that reveal the beauty of the park. Visit the El Portillo Visitor Center, with its botanical garden, and the Cañada Blanca Center to explore the geology, flora and fauna. Stroll through Los Roques de García, where the lava flows and vegetation are captivating. Do you need more? We recommend you to visit the Ethnographic Museum Juan Évora and the Interpretation Center of the Teide National Park “Telesforo Bravo”.

Centro de Visitantes de El Portillo: open to the public from 9:00 am to 4:15 pm.
Centro de Visitantes de Cañada Blanca: open from Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 16:00 hours. Closed: December 25, 1 and 6 January.
Centro de visitantes Telesforo Bravo: Morning and afternoon hours, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
Museo Etnográfico Juan Évora: Open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., every day of the week.

For the adventurous, choose hiking routes such as Arenas Negras, La Fortaleza or Siete Cañadas, with panoramic views and different levels of difficulty. Climb to the peak of Teide by cable car or with a demanding walking route with special permission, enjoying unparalleled views.

Of course, visit the Teide observatory or from the many viewpoints, watch the sunset. In the evening, experience the magic of stargazing in one of the best skies in the world.

Network of viewpoints in the Teide National Park:

WALKING TRAILS

The Teide National Park has a wide network of 41 trails that run through the entire park and give you the opportunity to get to know it in maximum depth.

There are more than 183 kilometers of trails and only one, No. 10 Telesforo Bravo, with a length of 670 m, has restricted access (a permit is required to access Pico del Teide).

PEAK ACCESS RESERVATION

Since November 30, 2024, the Cabildo of Tenerife is implementing access controls to the Teide trails, a pioneering measure in Spain to ensure the safety and conservation of the Teide National Park.

Permits are processed on the web: TenerifeOn

COMPLETE LIST OF TRAILS

Teide: Visiting guidelines and recommendations

The following actions are prohibited:

The collection of stones, plants, animals and any of their parts and remains.
The extraction or alteration of any archaeological object.
Drive vehicles off the roads and tracks open to the public.
The dumping of garbage or debris.
Paint the rocks or write names using them.
Make or cause fires.
Circulate in reserve areas and on trails for which authorization is required and you do not have it.
Free camping.
The establishment of any point of sale.
The installation of all types of posters or advertising advertisements.
The use of any weapon that is not for hunting, and when it is authorized.
The release of exotic animals in the Park grounds.
The introduction and release of chemical or biologically active substances into the environment.
Carrying out professional commercial cinematography and video activities without authorization from the Park Administration.
The use of radios or instruments at high volume.

Please take the following into account:

When you visit the Teide National Park you must keep in mind that you will be in a high mountain environment, at more than 2000 meters high.

To avoid problems, remember these details:

Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
Always carry water.
Protect yourself against sunstroke by wearing sunglasses and a cap or hat, and protective sun creams are also essential.
Ascending the Pico del Teide is not recommended for people of delicate health or advanced age, especially for those with heart-lung conditions.
It is easy to get lost in the National Park, avoid deviating from the marked trails.
During the coldest period of year, there can be ice and snow, which can be dangerous.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER ON TEIDE

TEIDE WEATHER TODAY

Teide National Park has a subalpine continental climate with low rainfall, brief but persistent snowfall due to low temperatures, and strong winds that can reach 200 km/h, creating extreme conditions. Temperatures range from 34º C in summer to -16º C in winter, with large daily variations (up to 12º C) and up to 100 days of frost per year, influenced by the intense irradiation in a clear atmosphere. The phenomenon of “cencellada”, ice crystals on the plants, and an inhospitable environment that defies life, marked by altitude and strong sunshine.

MAPS AND RESOURCES FOR YOUR VISIT TO TEIDE

Teide National Park guide

Teide National Park viewpoints

Park brochure

Teide Map

External services to the Teide National Park

Lodging and hostelry

Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide: It has a dining room, cafeteria, bar, gymnasium, indoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi, saunas and two lounges, the main lounge and a games room; private dining rooms are also available.
Telephone: 922 38 64 15

Tourist information

Tourist information offices in Tenerife

Crafts and Local Products: Guide to stores and points of sale

In the two Visitor Centers (El Portillo and Cañada Blanca) there are stores offering publications and small samples of handicrafts, among others.

Emergencies

Tfno: 112

TEIDE NATIONAL PARK

GENERAL INFORMATION

ACCESSES

TEIDE POINTS OF INTEREST

Volcán Teide-Pico Viejo

Roques de García

Cráter de Pico Viejo

Catedral y Llano de Ucanca

Las Narices del Teide

Observatorio del Teide

Minas de San José

Montaña de Guajara

Pico del Teide

La Fortaleza

Roque Cinchado

La Tarta del Teide

Montaña Blanca

LANDSCAPE, FLORA AND FAUNA

Tajinaste rojo

Violeta de Guajara

Pinzón Azul

Violeta del Teide

Lagarto tizón

Murciélago orejudo

Retama del Teide

Rosalillo de Cumbre

Malpica

Canario

Cardo de Plata

Cernícalo Vulgar

Mantis del Teide

Mariposa Manto de Canarias

WHAT TO DO IN TEIDE

Hiking

Stargazing

See sunsets

See the sea of clouds

Cable Car Ascent

Visit the visitor centers

Discover the viewpoints

Visit the Teide observatory

WALKING TRAILS

COMPLETE LIST OF TRAILS

Teide: Visiting guidelines and recommendations

CLIMATE AND WEATHER ON TEIDE

TEIDE WEATHER TODAY

MAPS AND RESOURCES FOR YOUR VISIT TO TEIDE

External services to the Teide National Park

Discover experience

Site map

Contact us

Payment Methods