Climbing Mount Teide: A Guide to Visiting Spain’s Highest Peak

How to Visit and Climb Mount Teide: options, routes & tips

As one of the most breathtaking destinations in the Canary Islands, Teide National Park is packed with hiking trails, viewpoints, picnic areas, and some of the world’s clearest starry skies. You can reach the upper slopes by several different means. In this guide, you’ll find every option, route, tip, and answer to common questions so your visit is a success.

Teide: how to get there and how to go up

You can reach Teide by car from anywhere on the island. There are also public buses (guaguas) that connect both the north and south with Teide National Park.

To get higher up the mountain, you can:

• Take the cable car,

• Hike one of the official trails, or

• Book an organised excursion.

It’s accessible to everyone thanks to good roads and multiple transport options. From the moment you start ascending, you’ll enjoy the island’s stunning scenery, with plenty of chances to pull over at viewpoints along the way.

Where is Mount Teide and how high is it?

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, Mount Teide rises to 3,718 metres (12,198 ft), making it the highest point in Spain.

Teide is a volcano visible from almost anywhere on the island, surrounded by spectacular volcanic landscapes. As the country’s highest peak, it offers breathtaking views of the Canary Islands. Keep in mind that weather conditions vary greatly across the area and with elevation, so factor this in when planning your visit.

Visiting Mount Teide: what to see and do

Among the must sees in Teide are Roques de García and the many panoramic viewpoints that offer vistas over the sea of clouds and the neighbouring islands. You can also visit the Teide Observatory, one of the most important in the world, or simply drive the scenic roads that cross the park and get lost in its landscapes.

If you love hiking, Teide offers spectacular routes with views straight out of a movie. There are easy trails for beginners and more demanding ones for those seeking adventure.

A magical experience is watching the sunset from Las Cañadas del Teide; when night falls, the park becomes an ideal stage for stargazing, holding one of the world’s most important certifications for dark skies.

The best viewpoints on Teide

• Mirador de La Tarta: Named for the striking layers of volcanic sediment that make the slopes look like a layered cake. From here you get a panoramic view of Teide and geological formations that tell the story of the island’s eruptions.

• Mirador de La Ruleta: In the very heart of Las Cañadas, this lookout is famous for postcard-worthy shots of Teide alongside the Roques de García. It’s one of the most visited spots and a must on your route.

• Mirador de Chío: Perfect for watching the sea of clouds at sunset, with Teide in the background framed by lava flows and pine forests. Located on the southwest side; on clear days you can see the neighbouring islands.

• Mirador de Samara: Less crowded and ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. From here you can see recent lava flows and volcanic landscapes, with spectacular sunsets.

Driving up Mount Teide: recommended routes

One of the most comfortable ways to reach Teide is by car. The road network lets you access the park from different parts of the island, each with its own unique scenery. Here are four recommended routes:

From La Orotava

This ascent is truly one of the most impressive. The road winds through forests and Canary Island pines before opening onto volcanic landscapes. On this route you’ll find Mirador de La Tarta, perfect for a stop to take in the views before continuing.

From Vilaflor

This road passes through Spain’s highest municipality, surrounded by pine forests and charming rural scenery. It’s a quiet, very picturesque climb, with access to trails leading into volcanic areas such as the surroundings of Montaña Blanca.

From Guía de Isora

The route via Chío offers spectacular contrasts, recent lava flows and a strongly volcanic landscape. On the way up you can access the Sámara Trail, one of the top recommendations for enjoying nature.

From La Laguna or Santa Cruz

Known as the Carretera de La Esperanza, it’s one of the longest but also one of the most beautiful routes. It crosses vast pine forests and offers viewpoints such as Ayosa or La Crucita, with panoramic views of Teide and, on clear days, neighbouring islands.

Both the TF-21 and the TF-38 are considered the best roads for enjoying Teide National Park. The former connects the north and south of the island, crossing the heart of the park. The latter is shorter and less busy, offering a quieter, more authentic experience. Together they make a perfect loop for those who want to discover Teide by car.

Driving up Teide from Puerto de la Cruz and other starting points

• From the southeast (Candelaria, Güímar): the TF-24, also called Carretera de La Esperanza is one of the most impressive routes thanks to its viewpoints and the dense pine forest it crosses before reaching the volcanic plateau. Ideal when coming from Santa Cruz or Candelaria.

• From the north (Puerto de la Cruz): the most classic and direct option. Ascend via La Orotava, passing laurel and pine forests with several spectacular viewpoints before entering the park. The road is winding but safe and very scenic.

• From the northwest (Icod de los Vinos, Garachico): take the TF-373 from Icod to Aguamansa, where it joins the TF-21 to continue up to Teide. A less-travelled, very picturesque alternative.

• From Kora Nivaria Beach: we recommend driving up via Güímar or Vilaflor, though whichever route you choose, you’ll enjoy the experience.

Drive up and take the cable car

One of the most complete ways to experience Teide National Park is to combine the drive with a cable car ride.

Once aboard, it takes just 8 minutes to reach the upper station, which offers some of the park’s best views over the Ucanca Valley, Las Siete Cañadas, and, on clear days, the neighbouring islands of La Palma, El Hierro, and La Gomera. It’s a truly magical spot.

Because the cable car is one of Tenerife’s most popular attractions, advance booking is recommended to secure your spot, especially in high season. Also note that weather conditions can change quickly, and service may be suspended for safety reasons. So before planning your visit, check the official cable car website for current status and review the weather forecast.

Hiking up Mount Teide: routes & difficulty

Climbing Teide on foot is a unique, authentic experience for travellers who want to feel the mountain at its fullest. It’s ideal for hikers in good shape who are eager to explore the National Park in depth. That said, it’s also the most demanding option: the elevation gain is considerable, the altitude is noticeable, and the hike requires prior preparation.

There are several ways to tackle these routes. The toughest begins at the coast a challenge that can take at least two days and is reserved for very experienced mountaineers. The more common alternative is to start inside the National Park, which shortens the distance and concentrates the experience on the best-known high-mountain trails.

Montaña Blanca Route

This is the most popular route to the summit. It starts at around 2,300 m (7,545 ft) and takes roughly 6 hours of ascent, with a high difficulty level. Along the way you’ll cross spectacular volcanic landscapes until you reach the Altavista Refuge, and from there continue towards La Rambleta.

Los Regatones Negros Route

Far less frequented and much more demanding, this route can require around 7 hours of ascent to the peak. The terrain is rougher, making it suitable only for experienced hikers.

In both cases, accessing Teide’s crater requires a free permit obtained in advance, as it is a protected area. It’s also essential to plan your route carefully, carry plenty of water, wear appropriate warm clothing, and use sun protection. Keep in mind that weather at high altitude can change rapidly.

Where to Stay for a Comfortable Visit to Teide

Choosing well-located, comfortable accommodation is key to enjoying your visit to Teide. Being close to the main roads—and having a peaceful place to rest and recharge after a full day of exploration—can make the difference between a simple trip and an unforgettable experience.

Kora Nivaria Beach is an excellent choice, combining superior comfort with a strategic location. From here, you’ll have easy access to the principal roads leading to Teide, making it simple to plan your visit. Its tranquil atmosphere also makes it the perfect place to unwind after a mountain adventure.

Koranivariabeach

Other Ways to Visit Teide: bus and organised excursions

Beyond driving or hiking, there are other great ways to visit the National Park, perfect if you’d rather not worry about driving. You can take public buses (guaguas) or join organised excursions that depart from different parts of the island.

Visiting Teide by bus (guagua)

TITSA, Tenerife’s public transport company, runs lines connecting both the south and the north to Teide.

• Line 348 departs from Puerto de la Cruz.

• Line 342 departs from Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas.
  Both routes go up to the cable car station.

Organised excursions

Another very popular option is to join an organised tour. These usually include coach transfers, a specialist guide, and tickets to various attractions such as the cable car. Tours can depart from any tourist area in Tenerife and have the added benefit of providing insights into the park’s history, geology, and flora. Many also let you combine your Teide visit with other points of interest.

These options are especially convenient if you don’t have a car, but keep in mind you’ll be tied to the timetable, both for public transport and for organised tours.

How much does it cost to visit Teide?

Visiting Teide National Park is largely free. Access to the park, walking its trails, and enjoying the viewpoints cost nothing. However, some services and special activities do require payment, so it’s worth knowing in advance:

• Teide Cable Car: return ticket is approximately €45 for adults and €25 for children.

• Organised excursions: prices vary by company and inclusions, but typically range from €30–€70.

• Teide Observatory: for astronomy enthusiasts, guided visits are available at around €25.

Exploring Teide is free, but if you want to enjoy these additional experiences, remember to factor them into your budget.