Mount Teide (via Mount Teide Cable Car)

The cable car of Mount Teide climbs the side of the highest mountain in Spain, and it is the easiest way to reach the high volcanic landscape of the centre of Tenerife, one of Tenerife’s signature experiences. Teide is a volcano that rises 3,715 metres above sea level, and it is the third-highest volcanic structure in the world when measured from the ocean floor, a huge cone that stands in the middle of an enormous crater, the Las Cañadas caldera. The summit area is protected as Teide National Park, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007 for its geological importance, and it is one of the most visited national parks in Europe.

The cable car begins at a base station at about 2,356 metres, in the caldera, reached by road from the north and south of the island, and the ascent to the upper station, La Rambleta, at 3,555 metres, takes about eight minutes. During the climb, the car rises over lava fields and rock slopes, and in the right conditions it passes through or above the layer of clouds that often covers the lower slopes. At the top, the air is thin and cool, often well below the temperature at the base, and the landscape is stark, with ochre and grey rock, patches of yellow sulphur and steaming fumaroles. The views from the viewing platforms reach over the caldera, to the crater of Pico Viejo, the neighbouring volcano, and across the sea to the other Canary Islands on a clear day, with Gran Canaria and La Gomera appearing on the horizon.

From La Rambleta, paths lead to viewpoints, including routes of different lengths, but the final stretch, about two hundred metres of altitude to the summit of the Pico del Teide, is protected, and a free permit is required to walk it, which must be requested in advance through the national park authorities because numbers are limited. Climbing without a permit is not allowed, and the hike is steep and strenuous at altitude. For visitors who do not take that route, the upper station and the trails around it provide spectacular scenery.

The altitude matters. At 3,500 metres, people unused to height may feel breathless, dizzy or have a headache, and those with heart or breathing problems, pregnant women and young children should consider the risks. Warm clothing, sunglasses, sun protection and water are essential, since the sun is intense and the wind is cold. The cable car does not run when winds are strong or in bad weather, so the operation can be interrupted, and it is wise to check the status on the day of the visit.

Tickets can be bought online or on site, and advance booking is strongly recommended, because queues can be long and places are limited, particularly in the high season. The cable car operates daily from the morning until late afternoon, with the last ascent earlier than the last descent. Prices vary by category, and there are reduced prices for residents.

The park also has walks at the base, including the Roques de García, striking rock formations beside the road, and a visit to the observatory of Teide, and a full day gives time for both. The landscape was used as a film location for many productions.