In the core of the island of Tenerife, above the sea of clouds, we find the most visited National Park in Europe where volcanic cones and lava flows form an extraordinary set of colors and shapes. This setting, with the Teide volcano and its 3.715 meters of altitude, the highest mountain in Spain, is a unique paradise for nature lovers.
Teide National Park
Unique paradise
The Teide National Park was created in 1954 in recognition of the volcanic uniqueness of the place. With an area of 18,990 hectares, almost 190km 2 or more than 23,000 football fields, it is the largest and oldest of the national parks located in the Canary Islands. In order to protect this ecosystem, it is surrounded by a Peripheral Protection Zone of 7,515 hectares and the Corona Forestal Natural Park with 46,612 hectáreas, which together with other protected areas, represent 48.6% of the total surface of Tenerife.
Teide National Park
Unique Paradise
In the core of the island of Tenerife, above the sea of clouds, we find the most visited National Park in Europe where volcanic cones and lava flows form an extraordinary set of colors and shapes. This setting, with the Teide volcano and its 3.715 meters of altitude, the highest mountain in Spain, is a unique paradise for nature lovers.
The Teide National Park was created in 1954 in recognition of the volcanic uniqueness of the place. With an area of 18,990 hectares, almost 190km 2 or more than 23,000 football fields, it is the largest and oldest of the national parks located in the Canary Islands. In order to protect this ecosystem, it is surrounded by a Peripheral Protection Zone of 7,515 hectares and the Corona Forestal Natural Park with 46,612 hectáreas, which together with other protected areas, represent 48.6% of the total surface of Tenerife.
In 2007 UNESCO inscribed it in the World Heritage List under the Natural Asset category
More than 1,000 invertebrates and 200 plant species
Among its fauna, the invertebrates are outstanding, with more than 1,000 catalogued species, 45% of them are endemic to the Canary Island, plus a score of different birds, among which we highlight the Blue Chaffinch (Fringilla teydea ssp. teydea), a bird exclusive from Tenerife. Together with them, survive in a dry climate, with low rainfall per year, more than 200 plant species with an extraordinary biological value. These include 65 species that only exist in the Canary Islands, 33 that are unique to the island of Tenerife, 6 that are exclusive only to the Teide National Park and another 6 whose 95% of their speciment are found inside the Park.
Due to its exceptional nature, one reigns over all, the Teide violet. This purple flower only grows over 2,500 meters of altitude. The other big star of the Park is the red tajinaste. A plant whose blosson grows up to three meters in height that dyes in spring with its intense color the hillsides of the volcano.
The Teide National Park is well adapted for visits
The access roads are correctly signposted, with a wide network of viewpoints where we can stop and enjoy spectacular landscapes, two visitors centers, an ethnographic museum and an information point next to the Parador de las Cañadas.
”We also recommend visiting the Telesforo Bravo visitor center, in Villa de La Orotava
Raquel Rodríguez and Carmelo GonzálezFounders of AsterArk
The quality of its sky make it one of the best places in the world to practice Astronomy.
The influence of the trade winds allows us to enjoy an annual average of more than 300 days of clear skies in the Park, where at sunrise and sunset the shadow of the majestic silhouette of Mount Teide is projected over it. And at nightfall, stars, planets, nebulae and galaxies are unveiled before our eyes.
The quality of its sky, free of light pollution, low turbulence and great transparency make it one of the best places in the world to practice astronomy. Thanks to its atmospheric excellence, in the Izaña area we find the Teide Observatory, one of the most prestigious facilities at an international level in this Science. Without a doubt, enjoying the night from this natural space is one of the best experiences that we can recommend on the Island of Tenerife.
Teide National Park visitors regulations
Please do not forget that if you find the Park in good conditions it is because the visitor before you scrupulously followed the visiting rules. These are considered infringing behaviors:
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The collection of stones, plants, animals and any of their parts and offal.
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The extraction or alteration of any archaeological object.
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Driving with vehicles off the roads and tracks open to the public
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The dumping of garbage or rubble.
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Paint the rocks or write names by using them.
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Make or start fires.
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Circulate in the reserve areas and on trails for which authorization is required without having it.
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The wild camping.
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The establishment of any sales point.
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The installation of all kinds of posters or advertisements.
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The use of any weapon that is not for hunting, and when it is authorized.
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The liberation of exotic animals in the grounds of the Park.
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The introduction and release of chemical or biologically active substances into the environment.
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Carrying out professional commercial cinematography and video activities without authorization from the Park Administration.
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The use of radios or instruments at high volume.
Help us preserve the Park!
Tips and recommendations for visiting the Park
If you want to make a visit, you should take into account that practically the entire Park is more than 2,000 meters high, so it should be considered a high mountain area with extreme weather. Therefore, and to avoid unexpected problems in your visit, remember these details:
Appropriate clothing and footwear
Wear hiking shoes and warm clothing even if it is hot, as weather conditions can change quickly in high mountain.
Avoid heat stroke
Protect yourself against heat stroke and high luminosity by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap or hat.
Ascent to the Peak
Oxygen levels and pressure in the Park are lower than at sea level, so the ascent to Teide Peak can be dangerous for people with delicate health or advanced age, especially those suffering from cardiopulmonary problems.
It’s easy to get lost
Inside the Park, and contrary to what it might seem, it is not difficult to get lost: do not take tours that you do not know or are not indicated and avoid walking alone.
Ice and snow
At certain times of the year, some areas of the Park are covered by ice or snow, which can be dangerous.
Caution with bees
During the spring, beehives are installed in some designated areas which are marked. However, care must be taken with bees, avoiding disturbing them by getting too close to the hives.
If you go to the Park at night
Enjoy the spectacular scenery at night and try not to disturb the fauna with loud noises or unnecessary lights and do not venture out alone.
Contact the staff
Contact Park staff when you intend to take a special or dangerous route. More information here.
