Plizio Visual Lab
Teide
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Mountain
Mount Teide is a massive stratovolcano located on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands and is the highest point in Spain, reaching an elevation of 3,715 meters. From its base on the ocean floor, it rises approximately 7,500 meters, making it the third tallest volcanic structure in the world. The volcano is the centerpiece of the Teide National Park, which was established in 1954 and covers about 190 square kilometers of unique volcanic landscape. Its geological significance lies in its complex caldera system and diverse volcanic formations, including lava flows and craters that provide insight into the islands formation. In 2007, the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional natural beauty and its scientific importance for understanding geological processes. The summit remains dormant, with its last eruption occurring in 1909 from the Chinyero vent, and it continues to be a major site for astronomical observation due to its high altitude and clear skies.
Explore on the map
How well do you know Spain?
Find cities, landscapes and regions in 10 varied challenges on the interactive map.
Start the map quiz
10 challenges
Your journey, your memory
A postcard from Teide
Turn your own photo into a personal postcard with a local stamp. Free and no sign-up required.
Create a postcard- Location: Canary Islands, Spain
- Highlights: Ermita de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves · Roque Cinchado · Roque de la Grieta
- Nearby: Santiago del Teide (17 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 17 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 20 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 25 | 32 | 22 | 15 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 25 | 35 | 39 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The imposing volcano is typically accessible via well-maintained, winding roads that lead directly through the fascinating national park. Many visitors use the popular cable car to overcome the last strenuous section up to just below the soaring summit.
Best season
A visit is basically possible all year round, with spring and autumn often offering the most pleasant temperatures for hikes in the vast crater. In winter, snowfall and icy winds can certainly occur at this enormous and highly exposed altitude.
Terrain & paths
The environment is characterized by a barren, bizarre lava rock landscape that is highly reminiscent of a distant planet and is often very uneven. Official paths are mostly well marked, but off these, the loose scree very quickly becomes unpredictable.
What to bring
Despite the often hot coasts, warm clothing, a windproof jacket, and absolutely sturdy footwear are mandatory up in the high alpine volcanic zone. Strong sun protection and sufficient drinking water must never be missing from your well-packed backpack.
Parking
Parking spaces are generally available at the base station of the cable car as well as at designated viewpoints throughout the national park. Since the crowds are mostly immense in high season, a very early arrival or the use of organized tours is recommended.
Safety
The enormous altitude can unexpectedly lead to dizziness or mild shortness of breath in some visitors, so one should always move very slowly. For the ultimate summit ascent, a special, official permit obtained in advance is strictly required in most cases.
Time needed
For simply taking the cable car and spending time at the mountain station, half a day is typically sufficient to fully enjoy the expansive views. Extensive hikes through the bizarre rock formations of the crater, however, can easily fill an entire vacation day.
Geography
Facts
- Highest peak in Spain (3,715 m)
- Third tallest island volcano on Earth
- UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007
- Last volcanic eruption occurred in 1909
- National Park covers 18,990 hectares
- Major site for global astronomy
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
Motorhome dimensions
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Teide (11)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is a permit required for the summit?
Yes, a free online permit is required for the final stretch to the summit, booked weeks in advance.
Does the cable car run in all weather?
No, in case of strong winds, operations are suspended for safety reasons.
How cold is it at the summit?
Even in summer, it can be around freezing at the top. Warm clothing is always necessary.
Can you get altitude sickness?
At 3718m, the air is thinner; move slowly and drink plenty of water.
Where is the best place to park?
There are parking lots at the cable car station, but they usually fill up quickly in the mornings.
Teide: where is it located?
Teide is located in Canary Islands, Spain.
Teide: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ermita de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, Roque Cinchado, Roque de la Grieta.
Teide: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Teide: why is it worth visiting?
Mount Teide is a massive stratovolcano located on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands and is the highest point in Spain, reaching an elevation of 3,715 meters.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Spain →
Nearby cities
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Palmas is the largest city in the Canary Islands, located on Gran Canaria.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz is the capital of the island of Tenerife.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
A UNESCO World Heritage city that served as the blueprint for many colonial cities in the Americas, home to the oldest university in the …
Playa Honda
Playa Honda is a lively coastal town on Lanzarote, known for its long seaside promenade and proximity to the airport.
🗺️
Arrecife
Arrecife is the vibrant capital of Lanzarote, known for its coastal fortifications and the picturesque Charco de San Ginés lagoon.
Costa Adeje
Costa Adeje is the exclusive gem of southern Tenerife, known for its luxurious 5-star hotels, world-class beaches, and modern shopping ce…
Maspalomas
Maspalomas is famous for its vast shifting sand dunes and the historic lighthouse at the southern tip of Gran Canaria.
🗺️
Puerto del Rosario
The capital of Fuerteventura, a bustling port city that serves as the island's administrative and commercial hub.
Puerto de la Cruz
The charming port city in northern Tenerife combines Canarian tradition with modern tourism and is famous for its black volcanic sand and…
Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen is the most popular tourist center of Lanzarote, known for its kilometers of sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Ingenio
A historic town on Gran Canaria, known for its traditional embroidery, sugar cane past, and the stunning Guayadeque Ravine.
Candelaria
An important pilgrimage site in Tenerife, famous for its black sand beaches and imposing statues.
El Rosario
El Rosario is a diverse municipality in Tenerife, stretching from pine forests down to a vibrant, sunny eastern coastline.
San Isidro
A lively commercial hub in southern Tenerife, strategically located near the airport and the famous beaches of El Médano.
Güímar
Discover the mysterious Pyramids of Güímar and the stunning volcanic landscape of the Malpaís nature reserve in this charming town in Ten…
History & landmarks
Adeje
A historic town in southern Tenerife, blending cultural heritage with the dramatic natural beauty of the Barranco del Infierno ravine.
Icod de los Vinos
Home to the famous thousand-year-old Dragon Tree and a hub of Canarian wine production located at the base of Mount Teide.
Garachico
A picturesque coastal town in Tenerife, renowned for its natural lava pools and a rich history following the volcanic eruption of 1706.
Cliffs of Los Gigantes
These monumental basalt cliffs on the west coast of Tenerife rise up to 800 meters almost vertically from the Atlantic.