Teide National Park is a place you simply can’t miss when visiting Tenerife. Mount Teide is not only the island’s highest point, but also the highest mountain in all of Spain. Its summit rises over 3,700 meters above sea level, dominating the landscape from almost anywhere on the island and it can even be seen from neighboring islands. The area offers a completely different world compared to the lush northern part of Tenerife; greenery gives way to a barren, dry, volcanic landscape that feels almost like stepping onto another planet.
We had a rental car for the entire week, and it turned out to be absolutely the right choice. Having a car gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace, and visiting Teide National Park is much easier when you can go whenever you want. You can reach Teide by bus as well, but that requires more planning—so it’s best to check the schedules in advance. The biggest advantage of renting a car is the flexibility to stop wherever the scenery is too stunning to just drive past. The roads in Tenerife are in great condition, so driving is easy even though the routes wind through the mountains.If you prefer not to rent a car and public transport feels too complicated, there are also plenty of organized day trips to Teide. You can find several ready-made options from different starting points on sites like GetYourGuide.
La Ruleta Vista Point – Scenery and History at the Foot of Teide
La Ruleta is a popular stop and one of the most famous viewpoints in Teide National Park. It’s located next to the Cañada Blanca Visitor Center, where you’ll also find free parking along the roadside. The visitor center includes a small café, restrooms, and information boards and exhibits explaining Teide’s geology, vegetation, and volcanic history. There’s also a hotel right next to it (Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide) for those who want to stay overnight at the foot of the volcano.
From the La Ruleta viewpoint, you’ll have a stunning view directly toward the Teide summit, and you immediately feel the area’s unique, almost Mars-like atmosphere. You can easily spend a long time here just admiring the view. Below you spreads a vast lava field and crater-like valley, harsh and awe-inspiring in its desolation. The whole area was formed by an ancient volcanic eruption.
Teide is still an active volcano, with its last eruption occurring in November 1909, thankfully a calm one, leaving behind only a small rocky lava flow visible today.
Several hiking trails start from the viewpoint, including the popular Roques de García Loop. Even if you’re not planning to hike, La Ruleta is still worth a stop. The view is incredible and offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially on a clear day when the Teide summit stands out sharply against the blue sky.
Roques de García – A Scenic Loop Trail at the Base of Teide
There are several hiking routes throughout Teide National Park, but one of the most well-known and accessible is Sendero Roques de García, a 3,5-kilometer circular trail. It starts right at the Mirador de La Ruleta viewpoint, and parking is available along the road near the visitor center.
The trail winds through lava fields and rock formations, with the Teide peak visible almost the entire way. It’s relatively easy and can be done comfortably in sneakers. Along the route, there are plenty of scenic spots for photos and breaks. One of the highlights is Roque Cinchado, the famous “collared” rock pillar, one of the park’s most iconic landmarks.
The elevation gain is about 200 meters, but the loop isn’t strenuous, and anyone with basic fitness can complete it. If you’d like an easier version, walk counterclockwise and turn back before the steep descent, you’ll still see the best views without the climb back up. We completed the full loop and highly recommend it!
The air is very dry here, so bring a water bottle. The landscape is completely different from the rest of Tenerife, no lush forests here, just lava, sand, and stone. You truly feel like you’re walking through a world sculpted by a volcano.
Roques de García is a fascinating and layered rock formation created millions of years ago by erosion shaping an ancient caldera into its current form. Teide National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and among its many trails, this one is one of the easiest and most rewarding.
Teide Cable Car – Above the Clouds in Minutes
If you want to see the views from the top of Teide, the easiest way is to take the Teleférico del Teide, the cable car. The lower station is located at about 2,300 meters, and the ride takes just a few minutes to reach 3,550 meters.
A one-way ticket costs around €23.50 (round-trip €47). It’s best to book tickets online in advance, as they often sell out quickly, especially during peak season. Keep in mind that weather conditions can affect the operation of the cable car.
From the upper station, several trails lead out for short walks, but reaching the actual summit requires a special permit, which you can apply for free through the park’s official website. Be sure to apply well in advance—sometimes months ahead—as visitor numbers are strictly limited to protect the fragile environment.
Our original plan was to take the cable car up and then hike down—a 10 km route descending about 1,400 meters. It would have been a perfect way to combine the summit and hiking experience, but this time our schedule and ticket availability didn’t align. The cable car tickets were sold out, so we’ll have to save that for next time. All the more reason to return!
The Photogenic TF-21 Road
The TF-21 road, which passes the Visitor Center, is one of the most photographed spots on the island—a perfect Instagram location. Of course, we stopped for pictures (and we weren’t the only ones). Almost everyone pauses here, even briefly, to take in the dramatic landscape and the straight road stretching toward Mount Teide. The best photo spot is found when heading south from the Visitor Center, where the road slopes gently downhill.
Sunset at Teide – The best spots
Teide National Park is also one of the best places in Tenerife to watch the sunset. Most of the time, you’ll be above the clouds, making it an unforgettable experience.
We watched the sunset from Mirador de Chipeque, one of the most popular viewpoints for this. You won’t be alone here, but there’s plenty of space for everyone. You’ll need your own car, as public transportation doesn’t run late. From here, you can admire the Teide summit rising above a sea of clouds while the sun sets beautifully on the horizon—truly a must-see experience on Tenerife!
On the opposite side of Teide, there are also great spots to catch the sunset along the TF-38 road, heading toward the island’s west coast. Mirador de los Poleos, for example, offers stunning views framed by small Canarian pine trees, creating a unique atmosphere. These spots are easily accessible by car, and it’s best to arrive a bit before sunset to choose your perfect vantage point.
Driving and Practical Tips
🚗 A car is almost essential if you want to properly explore the Teide area. Public transport only goes partway, and buses run infrequently. Rental cars are easy to compare on websites such as rentalcars.com.
⛽ Fuel up beforehand—most gas stations are down by the coast.
🥪 Bring snacks and water. Services in the park are limited, so having your own food lets you enjoy the day at a relaxed pace.
🌡️ Temperature varies a lot: it can be over +25°C at the beach but drop to around +10°C up on Teide, with strong winds—so bring warm clothing.
One of Tenerife’s Most Breathtaking Destinations
Teide is truly the monument of Tenerife, a national park that shows the island from a completely different perspective. Here you can walk through volcanic landscapes, admire dramatic views, go hiking, stand above the clouds, and watch the sunset in stunning surroundings. Teide National Park is absolutely one of the top day trip destinations when visiting Tenerife.
