Activities to Do in Mount Teide
The Teide Cable Car ride covers 1,199 meters uphill in 8 minutes, staying 30 meters above the mountain, ideal for those afraid of heights. For taking this ride, consider booking the ride in advance from our website. Key things to do in Teide include taking this ride and witnessing the beautiful surrounding landscapes of Mt. Teide.
To summit Mount Teide, start from Montaña Blanca. Hike to Altavista Refuge on day 1, then continue to La Rambleta cable car station. On day 2, take the cable car to 3,555 meters and hike the final 163 meters to the summit. Trails to La Fortaleza for Northern Tenerife views and Pico Viejo for Southern Tenerife are also famous.
Know More: History of Teide Cable Car
Mount Teide boasts over 37 trails. Trail 11 leads to La Fortaleza for panoramic views, while Trail 12 takes you to Pico Viejo for caldera vistas. Additionally, Trail 16 circles the base, and Trail 8 offers a journey to Roques de García. Trail 17 showcases lava formations in the Las Cañadas caldera.
Must Read: How to get to Teide Cable Car
Stargazing is one of the top things to do in Mount Teide. In addition to Orion, Ursa Major, Scorpius, and Cassiopeia, you can see other notable celestial formations. The Andromeda Galaxy is visible, which includes the Pleiades cluster and Orion Nebula. Centaurus shines with Alpha and Beta Centauri, and the Southern Cross, stands out.
Also Checkout: FAQs of Teide Cable Car
Mount Teide is a top spot for volcano photography, with many viewpoints. Key locations include Los Poleos, offering views over jagged lava rocks; Pinar de Chio, with green forest contrasts; and Montaña Las Cuevitas, with notable elevation signs. For stunning shots, try Mirador de las Narices del Teide, Boca Tauce, and Llano de Ucanca.
For a unique Tenerife taste, consider visiting Bodega Reveron on TF-51 between Vilaflor and Arona. Their red wines, enriched by Mount Teide's volcanic soil, are crafted from the native Listán Negro grape. Bodega Reveron, at 1,300 meters on Mount Teide's slopes, is among the highest-altitude vineyards and visiting here is one of the top things to do in Mount Teide.
You May Also Book: Mount Teide Tour with Cable Car
Watching the sunset from Mount Teide provides clear views of La Gomera and the Atlantic Ocean. The sunset, lasting 30 to 40 minutes, features the volcano’s shadow, known as Teide's pyramid, stretching across the landscape and sea. This view offers a dramatic contrast with the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding terrain of the Orotava Valley.
Here you might spot rare fauna like the Canary Island lizard, the Teide violet, and the striking blue chaffinch. Noteworthy plants include the Teide broom which thrives in volcanic soil and the Tabaiba, adapted to harsh conditions. Spotting these species highlights the ecological diversity, adding to the list of unique things to do in Teide.
Tour to experience unique Roques de García, famous for the "Finger of God" formation. Explore trails such as Montaña Blanca with its volcanic pumice fields, Roques de García, and Siete Cañadas. Enjoy views of Orotava Valley and La Gomera, and stargaze to see the Andromeda Galaxy and Zodiacal Light.
The Teide Observatory, requiring pre-booking for tours, offers a unique experience where you can observe sunspots, solar flares, and the solar corona. This research helps predict geomagnetic storms, while understanding radiation risks for astronauts and flights. It offers valuable insights into space weather.
FAQ's
Is Teide worth visiting?
Yes, at 12,188 feet, Mount Teide offers stunning views of Tenerife's Costa Adeje and nearby islands like La Gomera. The terrain features ancient lava flows and Roques de García. For stargazing, Teide is exceptional, offering clear views of Orion and the Milky Way at night.
How to reach Mount Teide?
To reach Mount Teide, you can drive from Costa Adeje in the south, La Orotava in the north, or Puerto de la Cruz in the east. From these towns, use highways TF-21, TF-24, or TF-38. Public buses are also available from Santa Cruz, La Laguna, and Los Cristianos.
Is it better to go to Teide in the morning or afternoon?
Visiting in the morning is preferable due to cooler temperatures (5-10°C) and clearer skies for better visibility. Afternoons can be warmer, around 15-20°C, but might bring clouds. Morning visits generally provide a less crowded experience and stunning vistas.
Can you see the Milky Way from Mount Teide?
Yes, with very low light pollution, the Milky Way is vivid. You can also see the Andromeda Galaxy, Pleiades, Hyades, and other star clusters. Among the top things to do in Teide are enjoying unobstructed views of the Galactic Core and star fields.
Is it cold up Mount Teide at night?
Yes. Temperatures can be around 5-10°C (41-50°F). Due to high altitude, even during warmer months, it's wise to dress warmly. At this elevation strong winds can intensify the cold. Being an alpine climate, it experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night.