Have you ever thought about what it feels like to visit a volcano? Not the kind that erupts in movies, but one that silently dominates the landscape, holding centuries of history beneath its surface. That’s what Mount Teide in Tenerife is like—a place where nature shows its power in the most epic way.

I visited Mount Teide during my trip to Tenerife, and it was the highlight of my journey. This dormant volcano, standing at 3,718 meters, is the highest point in Spain. You can see its peak from almost anywhere on the island, rising above the clouds. It’s not just a mountain; it’s part of a national park full of rugged beauty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting Teide is like traveling to another planet, with landscapes so unique and alien that you might forget you’re still on Earth.

Starting the Journey

I was staying in Puerto de la Cruz, a lively town on Tenerife’s northern coast. It’s a great place to relax and explore, but reaching places like Mount Teide requires a bit of planning. Public transport on the island mostly sticks to the main cities, so I had to rent a car.

I ended up with a Kia Rio from SIXT rentals—a decent car but definitely not the best for mountain roads. If I were to do it again, I’d go for an SUV. The drive to Mount Teide is steep, with sharp turns and long climbs. My little car struggled at times, but it made the journey even more memorable.

The road out of Puerto de la Cruz starts off easy, winding through lush green valleys filled with banana plantations and small villages. But as I climbed higher, the scenery changed completely. The greenery disappeared, replaced by rocky, volcanic terrain.

The Drive to Remember

The drive itself was an adventure. The road twists and turns as it climbs, with the occasional steep incline that made me grip the steering wheel a little tighter. At times, I feared that the car might even ask for an oxygen mask, especially on those stretches where the incline seemed almost vertical. There were moments when I kept one hand on the handbrake, just in case.

But every tough stretch of the drive came with a reward—a stunning view. As I gained altitude, I could see the Atlantic Ocean stretching endlessly, with the island’s coastline far below. The city of Puerto de la Cruz looked like a tiny speck in the distance. The air became cooler and fresher, a welcome change from the warm, humid weather at sea level.

One of the most striking parts of the drive was how the landscape kept changing. At the lower altitudes, it was all about green hills and forests. But higher up, the vegetation thinned out, and the road was surrounded by volcanic rocks, ash, and strange formations that looked as if they belonged on Mars.

Exploring the Teide Caldera

After a challenging yet exciting drive, I finally reached the Teide Caldera. This is a massive, flat valley surrounded by steep volcanic cliffs, created by ancient eruptions. Stepping out of the car, I was immediately struck by how quiet it was. The only sounds were the wind and the crunch of volcanic gravel underfoot.

Walking through the caldera felt like exploring an alien landscape. The ground was covered in jagged rocks and patches of ash, with colors ranging from deep black to rusty red. The formations here are incredible—some looked like frozen waves of lava, while others stood tall like ancient sculptures carved by nature.

The air was cool and dry, with a faint mineral scent carried by the breeze. It felt strange to be standing in a place that had been shaped by volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. I took my time wandering around, stopping every few minutes to take in the scenery.

The Observatory and Beyond

I had researched about the presence of this observatory beforehand and was a part of my plan. However the lack of internet connection, reliable maps and the lack of people in the region made me think twice. What if my car broke down? What would happen if I got lost without GPS? Also, I had a long way to drive back down before it got dark in the mountains.

I decided to take the risk and drove a bit further to visit the Teide Observatory based on my paper map. This is one of the best places in the world for stargazing, thanks to its high altitude and clear skies. Even though I wasn’t allowed inside, simply standing in front of it was an amazing experience.

The observatory’s white domes stand out against the dark volcanic landscape. It’s a simple yet striking sight, and it made me think about all the discoveries being made there. As someone who has always been fascinated by space, this was a special moment for me.

Heading Back

The drive back down the mountain was just as memorable as the journey up. With the sun beginning to set, the landscape took on a golden glow. Shadows stretched across the volcanic rocks, and the view of the island below became even more stunning.

As I descended, I thought about everything I had seen and felt that day. Mount Teide wasn’t just a place to visit; it was an experience that connected me to the raw power of nature. From the challenging drive to the alien landscapes and the peaceful silence of the caldera, every moment felt special.

If you ever find yourself in Tenerife, I can’t recommend a trip to Mount Teide enough. It’s not just about reaching the summit or ticking a box on your travel list. It’s about the journey, the changing landscapes, and the feeling of standing in a place that’s both ancient and alive.