Down From Orbit

An island in the Atlantic Ocean, Tenerife is one of Spain’s most visited vacation destinations. At first glance, its distance from mainland Spain may make it seem detached, but it is part of a Spanish archipelago. Tenerife is the largest island in this group, and it was the one I visited. As a student at a German university on a limited travel budget, eager to escape the dull German winter, I discovered these islands while searching for an affordable and sunny destination.

What intrigued me most was the incredible variety of landscapes, flora, fauna, and marine life. Yet the most striking natural feature is something so monumental that I spotted it miles away from my airplane window as we approached Tenerife.

Mount Teide is the highest mountain in Spain, rising 3,715 meters above sea level, and the third tallest volcanic structure in the world when measured from its base on the ocean floor. It dominates Tenerife’s skyline and sits within Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The volcano remains active, though its last eruption occurred in 1909. The unique combination of altitude, volcanic geology, and surrounding ecosystems makes it one of the most studied natural landscapes in Europe.

From Puerto de la Cruz to the Mountain

The majesty of the mountain captivated me instantly. I knew I wanted to go as far up the volcanic peak as possible. Having never driven in Spain before, I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. Mount Teide is so massive that it is visible from nearly every point on the island.

I stayed in Puerto de la Cruz, a relaxed town on Tenerife’s northern coast known for its botanical gardens, natural pools, and promenades. It is a popular tourist spot with many hotels. To reach the mountain, driving is the most practical option. I rented a Kia Rio, reliable and budget friendly, though not ideal for steep ascents. The road demands a capable vehicle; an SUV handles the gradient and switchbacks more comfortably.

Driving to Mount Teide – Roads, Challenges, and Scenic Views

After a rough start, when my car battery died and had to be jump started, I finally left Puerto de la Cruz. It was terrifying, as I was heading into a region where dealing with such problems would be nearly impossible.

The road first winds through fertile valleys lined with banana plantations and small coastal villages. Gradually, the greenery begins to thin, giving way to darker volcanic terrain as altitude increases.

Some stretches felt almost vertical. The small engine strained, and I kept one hand near the handbrake just in case. But the drive rewarded me continuously with sweeping views of the ocean, the coastline below, and the forest canopy fading into the cloud layer.

As the air cooled, the landscape became sparse and muted. The shift from coastal green to volcanic grey was gradual but complete. The drive itself became an unforgettable part of the experience.

Exploring the Mount Teide Caldera and Volcanic Landscape

After a 45 kilometer drive that took me nearly two hours (though locals do it in about one), I reached the caldera of Teide National Park. A caldera is a wide basin formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Because the park attracts many visitors, there are several roadside parking spots for breaks and viewpoints.

The ground is layered with basalt and ash, shifting in color from black to ochre. Strange rock formations, shaped by heat and time, rise like fractured walls across the plain.

Visiting the Teide Observatory – Stargazing in Tenerife

Observatories are rare to encounter, as they are situated far from cities, high above sea level, and away from light and noise pollution. I was carrying a paper map that showed an observatory not far from the cable car base, so I decided to go there.

Near the summit stands the Teide Observatory, one of the highest astronomical facilities in the world. Established in 1964 at about 2,390 meters, it is operated by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias and is one of Europe’s leading centers for solar and astrophysical research. Tenerife’s clear skies, altitude, and stable atmosphere make it an ideal place for astronomical observation.

With no GPS signal, I followed my paper map along quiet mountain roads until the observatory’s white domes appeared.

As I approached the gate, I realized that entry was restricted to scientists and staff. However, it is an excellent spot for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.

A drive to the base of Mount Teide’s cable car station and back is a perfect day trip, offering the chance to experience nature in one of the most stunning landscapes on Earth, where different biomes meet and the Atlantic stretches endlessly below.