Mount Teide

This souring volcano with a height of 3718 metres.Take in the beauty of its lunar like landscape and look out for a diversity of flora and fauna as you scale up the fascinating Mount Teide volcano In the Canary Islands.

Declared a national park in 1954, the Parque Nacional de las Cañadas del Teide includes an enormous volcanic crater 30 miles (48 km) in circumference, out of which rises Mount Teide at a staggering 12,200 feet (3,718 metres), making it the highest peak in the whole of Spain.

Driving up to the national park is an interesting experience; from the sunny south coast you drive up towards a town called Vilaflor with its alpine-like scenery. As you travel higher still above the clouds, the terrain changes dramatically and suddenly becomes an amazing lunar landscape.

The park itself lies at around 6,562 feet (2,000 metres) above sea level and in winter can be covered in snow. Temperatures during this time often drop to below freezing, while in the summer months they frequently go above 40 celsius.

The best way to reach the highest point of the peak is by cable car. Once at the top, you can walk around and take in the amazing sights. Here, you are almost at the summit but the only way to reach the mouth of the volcano is to get permission beforehand from the national park’s office in Orotava via the website where you can apply for a permit.

Alternatively, guided walks up the volcano are available, but please remember that you will need a fairly high level of fitness to endure the climb, which takes around six hours. Also, it is worth bearing in mind to bring along warmer clothes and appropriate footwear.