If you’re in Tenerife, then a family trip to the top of Mount Teide is a MUST! Here’s what you need to know…

What is it?

Mount Teide is the biggest volcano in the Canary Islands. Located in the centre of Tenerife, it’s 3718 metres tall and surrounded by 189 square kilometres of stunning National Park.

I have to admit that after weeks of surfing, waterslides and beaches, my kids were only mildly interested in seeing the volcano…until I told them about the cable car.

You’d think visiting an active volcano would be enough to excite them but it was only when I mentioned the concept of ascending said volcano in a metal box, dangled on a metal wire that they actually got fully on board.

Once you reach the top of the cable car you can can explore the volcanic terrain, play with the snow (season depending), admire the unbelievable views and even hike to the summit and peer into the crater of the still active volcano.

How to get there?

If you’ve got a car then it’s a really great drive, otherwise there are plenty of coach tours to tag onto. You’ll head up into the National Park and make your way through thick, ancient forests until you get closer to the centre and into the more rocky terrain.

You’ll then continue your journey above the clouds, taking in the outstanding views of the volcano, mountains and on a clear day, the seaside towns too. Be sure to pull in at the viewpoints along the way, you’ll spot them easily just look for the camera signs at the side of the road.

It’s all windy mountain roads but don’t let that put you off. It’s wide enough for two cars to pass comfortably all the way along and the edge of the road is lined with thick barriers to keep you safe.

How much does it cost?

To visit the Teide National Park is free, you just drive in. If you want to take the cable car up to the top, it’s not quite so free.

I strongly recommend that you book your cable car tickets in advance. Unlike us. On our first trip we drove all the way there only to be told that they’d sold out of tickets for the day and we’d have to go back another time.

Cable car prices are not hugely expensive but not especially cheap either:

Adult – 27 Euro / Child – 13 Euro (3 to 13 years)

The cable car takes you to the upper station where there’s lots of space to explore and enjoy the views but if you want to hike the last 200 metres to the crater then you’ll need to obtain a free permit at least 2 days in advance.

What To Take With You:

Lots of water (to help prevent altitude sickness), your camera and warm clothes. It can drop right down to -6 at the top and is often snow capped in the winter. We saw lots of shivering tourists in shorts and t-shirts at the top!

Don’t miss:

The rock paths at the top cable car station. Take your time and follow the paths through the volcanic rocks. You’ll find some awesome view points and epic photo opportunities.

Don’t Forget:

To empty your phone or camera! There are so many photo opportnities that I ran out of space on my phone mid video at the top of the volcano… rookie mistake on my part!

Other Important Stuff You Need To Know: The altitude is pretty high up there, so it’s not recommended for people with high blood pressure or heart problems. On our visit we all felt a little short of breath/headachey at the top and Josh (12) felt a bit nauseous too.