Teide National park is the largest national park in the Canary Islands. One trip that must be on every visit to Tenerife. A unique landscape of crater volcanoes and rivers of petrified lava surrounds the majestic silhouette of Teide volcano, which at 3,718 meters is the highest peak in Spain.
You just cannot ignore that magnificent National Park. These otherworldly landscapes are bound to leave you speechless. The clean air that fills your lungs while wandering among the solid volcanic magma feels almost insignificant in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is certainly a symbol of Tenerife. In 2007, the Teide National Park became UNESCO World Historic Site within UNESCO Natural Assets. It boasts a European Diploma from the European Council a part of the network site Natura2000. Certainly, this park deserves recognition.
When you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of the resorts of Tenerife head on an excursion to the Mount Teide National Park. This is one national park that everyone should visit at least once. The awe-inspiring views and opportunity to stand 200 meters from the mouth of a dormant volcano can’t be beaten.
Tenerife is a popular resort island in the Canary Islands, Spain. With its unique mix of mountains, forests, lakes, and beaches, it is not surprising that Tenerife is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. The natural beauty of the island with its mild winters and great summer climate makes it a truly special destination.
It’s a good idea to go to Mount Teide National Park to get away from the crowds of Playa De Las Americas. You have played hard and you need some time to replenish your batteries before you head back for the next round of surfing and partying! It is easy to move between the resorts on the coast and the natural beauty of Mount Teide National park.
You’ve come to the Canary Islands to have a good time but don’t forget that there are lots of varieties of fun. The scenic beauty of Mount Teide, the most visited National Park in the Canary Islands is waiting for you and, from the resorts, it’s just a bus ride away!
The 7 most iconic species of Las Cañadas del Teide
Teide is an impressive mountain landscape that is richly rich with over 60 native species and has a variety of colors. Life at a range of 2,000 meters can be achieved, and the evidence that the Teide National Park is the best example of high-altitude volcanos in the Canaries is found in the fact that its water flows are dominated mainly by invertebrates. Visiting Teide is one of the top things to do with kids in Tenerife, and I’ll guarantee memories for a lifetime.
Covering an area of 20,000 hectares (49,500 acres), Teide National Park is a protected area with many endemic reptiles among them. Among these are the emblematic reptile Tenerife Lizard, Gallotia galloti, and the Gran Canaria Skink, Ophisaurus granulosus.
The birdlife found at Tenerife’s park is diverse with some 30 species of birds that nest there. The most commonly seen birds include teide blue finches, betherlot’s pippits, wild canaries, and kestrels. Other birds that you may see include the northern shrike (Lanius excubitor), the African blue tit (Parus caeruleus teneriffae), or the chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita).
Want to see how MOUNT TEIDE is looking right now?
But the invertebrates (that is, those with no backbone) are by far the most abundant creatures in Teide National Park. Over 1,400 species of invertebrates are present, including some 100 native species. As for spiders, they are particularly numerous, and their presence is often seen as a sign that a site is safe from larger predators.
The blossom contains a protein called apis, and this allows the bee to eat it for energy and create lovely honey.
Keep an eye out for these iconic animals roaming around Las Cañadas del Teide:
- Tenerife Lizard (Gallotia galloti galloti)
- Wild Canary (Serinus canaria)
- Teide finch (Fringilla t. Teydea)
- Barbary partridge (Alectoris barbara)
- Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita canarienses)
- African blue tit (Parus caeruleus teneriffae)
- Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus canariensis)
Three things you never knew about Mount Teide
Although nearly anything is known about the volcanic phenomenon (the Canary Islands originally known as Echeye and considered to be a religious mountain), Mount Teide still has some secrets you need to know: within the park, there are almost 1000 archaeological excavations and other interesting places of historical interest. It was created 40,000 years ago in archaeological terms. The terrain in this region is among the most fertile on earth as volcanic debris enlivens soils with enormous amounts.
What should I do at Mt Teide?
One of the best experiences that the park provides is the cable car ride. The base is a height of 2 356 m (9,729ft) which climbs at a height of 3,555 m to the peak. The trip between them takes about 8 minutes. When you climb to the highest point of the mountain you get incredibly spectacular views. However even assuming you take the cablecar to the highest station, you cannot say your journey has reached Spain’s highest point. It has a way that takes you up the crater on foot.
The trek from the lower station to the top takes about three hours. The last section of the path is up steep steps and takes you to the peak of Mount Teide. The peak is surrounded by a volcanic crater. This crater is called the caldera. There is an observatory at the top of the mountain that provides great views of the island and the surrounding sea. The observatory has a restaurant in it where you can enjoy some delicious food and drink. The mountain is an active volcano and is very dangerous.
Since this is one of Spains’ highest places, do bear in mind to dress accordingly. It can be both windy and chilly up here, even though it’s very hot under the clouds.
History of Teide National Park, Tenerife
The Teide National Park combines many factors. It is also among Spain’s earliest national parks and the most visited. It’s a national park that attracts about 3 million visitors every year. It is home to Spain’s highest peak (Mount Teide), one of 12 Spanish treasures. The park has so much to be excited about besides the snoozing volcanic mountains that form Mount Teide.
Stargazing
Tenerife understandably is proud of its trademark clear skies (though occasionally cloud and moonlight glare aside). Many companies offer sky-gazing sessions on the national park, such as the official guides of mountainous terrain. Tenerife Observatory offers a unique experience for those who love starry nights. Guided tours can be booked ahead of time.
Walking and hiking
The park is filled with trails and paths that are suitable for all skill levels. Its landscape varies by elevation, becoming arid and less green. For an amazing taste of what this park offers, visit Samara crater which has a gentle path that passes through lava flows and views towards the surrounding La Gomera. The round trip varies between an hour and two hours depending upon your speed. Why Don’t People Try Mount Teides?
Is Teide the tallest mountain in Spain?
Teide Peak (Spanish Pico del Teide) is a volcano peak in the center of the island Tenerife in the Santa Cruz province of Tenerife. The highest mountain in Spain measures 12198 feet (3 718 meters high).
Is Teide going to erupt again?
It hasn’t erupted since 1909 but Mount Teide has eruptive activity and is currently dormant.
How many national parks are there in Tenerife?
Teide National Park situated in the center of Tenerife Island is the biggest of the four national parks on the Canary Islands.
What is unique about Mount Teide on Tenerife?
It is the fifth-highest volcano on Earth and its high elevation makes the island around it the tenth-largest on earth. This hill is also Spain’s tallest peak. It is the highest peak in the world but does not include the Alpine mountains as it is the highest in the world.
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