Spain – Canary Islands
CANARY ISLANDS – TENERIFE
- 6 days
- couples, w/ older kids
- year-round
The Canary Islands are a great place for hiking all year round. In the case of Tenerife, however, you should expect a bit more challenging hiking involving considerable elevation changes. Of course, everything can be easily adapted to your needs and wishes. Tenerife is a really beautiful island! In less than a week you will get to know its eastern and southern parts. You will visit wonderful trails, including the legendary Masca trail. You can easily manage without a car here as the bus connections work very well. But it takes some planning. Ppack your comfortable hiking shoes and get going!
Hike up Spain's highest mountain and the world's third highest volcano, Pico del Teide – more or less by cable car. Beautiful views on two walking routes: Los Roques de García and the circuit around Chinyero Volcano.
You’ll need proper hiking boots and a bigger snack for today. Pack a swimsuit, towel, and some decent clothes for a night out at the restaurant.
If you plan your trip early enough, book your entrances to Pico del Teide, Spain’s highest mountain at 3,718 m. There are a limited number of permits, and they tend to disappear very quickly. Permits are free and only cover the last 700 m or so, the route from the top cable car station to the summit. You can comfortably take the cable car to the top: buy your tickets online and well in advance. The other option is to hike up, but beware this is a really difficult route with an elevation gain of more than 1,300 metres! Ideally you should go up first thing in the morning; the cable car runs from 9am. Then you don’t have to keep track of time all day and it will be easier to organize your day. Don’t forget to take some warm clothes with you, it can get quite cold up there. From the accommodation to the bottom station of the cable car it is almost 1.5 hours by car (route here).
If you can’t get a permit to go to the summit or can’t get the cable car tickets, that’s fine, drive around Pico dele Teide and stop for shorter walks or views; it’s worth it too.
After climbing Pico del Teide, drive just a short distance (route here) to Los Roques de García. There is a really lovely walking circuit that is not too difficult (map).
Then drive a short distance (route here) to Chinyero Volcano. From the car park there is a well-marked, easy walking circuit of about 6 km (here). The trail goes through pine forest and lava field, the views are great.
Then you just have to drive to the beach. We chose the town beach (route here) in La Caleta. After a good swim, we put on some smart clothes and went for dinner at the Mirlo La Caleta restaurant. It was a great choice. Then we just had to transfer back to our accommodation (route here).
Alternatives: If you don’t want to go to the rocky city beach, go to the beautiful sandy Abama Beach. Watching the sunset from here is beautiful.
Pico del Teide is the highest mountain in Spain and the third highest volcano in the world (3,718 m). A cable car will take you a little below the summit. You have to walk the last 200 metres or so, but only if you have a permit. The number of permits issued is limited, so you have to make your reservation well in advance (several months in advance even). Use the web link at this POI to book your permits. Don’t forget to also book your cable car ride early, as it doesn’t have much capacity either. Pack warm clothes for the trip, it can get quite cold up there. You can also walk the whole way up, without taking advantage of the cable car, you will only need a permit for the last section, i.e., from the top station of the cable car. If you do walk, plan well, it’s not exactly easy and definitely only for experienced hikers.
A circular route among the amazing rock formations near Pico del Teide. Most visitors just stop for a short walk and a few photos. Take a circular walking tour of a few kilometres. The views are great, and the rock formations are incredible.
A circular route around the Chinyero volcano. The easy and beautiful route leads through forest paths and lava sea. The views are perfect! Parking is available at the trailhead. Bring plenty of water and a small snack.
Smaller urban rocky beach with ladders to enter the water. There are no facilities. Still, it’s a nice place for a swim. Parking is available in the adjacent streets.
Very nice restaurant with great gastronomy. Excellent wine selection and very tasty food. Especially the appetizer absolutely delighted me. The prices match the quality of the restaurant. You’ll feel better here in some smarter clothes.
Niky Malečková
17.07.2024
1286
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