Mount Teide – Guide to Height, Cable Car, Hikes & Permits

Mount Teide towers over the island of Tenerife as the highest peak in Spain and the third-tallest volcano on Earth when measured from its base on the ocean floor. This active stratovolcano sits at the heart of Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws millions of visitors each year. The combination of raw volcanic landscapes, accessible cable car rides, and the challenge of a summit hike makes it a destination unlike any other in Europe.

Teide National Park preserves one of the most dramatic volcanic environments on the planet. Lava formations such as Los Roques de García, vast calderas, and an ecosystem of native Canarian species create a terrain that has been compared to the surface of Mars. At the same time, the mountain holds deep cultural significance — the Guanche people, the original inhabitants of Tenerife, considered it a sacred place.

For modern visitors, the experience ranges from a quick cable car ascent to a multi-hour hike requiring advance permits. Understanding the practical details — from height and volcanic status to ticket prices and trail rules — is essential before setting foot in the park.

How tall is Mount Teide?

• Mount Teide is the third-tallest volcano in the world when measured from its ocean floor base.
• It is the highest peak in Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Despite being active, the volcano is closely monitored and poses no immediate threat to visitors.
• The cable car makes the volcano accessible, but summit hikes require advance permits.
• The last eruption (Chinyero, 1909) was a minor flank event; the main cone has not erupted in over 1,000 years.

Mount Teide Height and Location

The summit of Mount Teide reaches 3,718 metres above sea level, confirmed by satellite surveys. From its base on the ocean floor, the total height is approximately 7,500 metres, making it the third-tallest volcano in the world after Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. The mountain lies in the centre of Tenerife, within the boundaries of Teide National Park. The park is accessible by car from major towns on the island, and interactive maps are available at visitor centres and online for planning hikes and cable car access. The Teide Observatory, situated at 2,371 metres, is the world’s largest solar observatory and adds a scientific dimension to the region.

Mount Teide on the Map

The national park sits in the centre of the island, crisscrossed by roads that connect it to coastal resorts. Official park maps are available at the El Portillo and Telesforo Bravo visitor centres. Digital maps on the Volcanoteide.com site provide interactive trail information. The Tenerife ON app also offers navigation tools and weather updates.

Is Mount Teide an active volcano?

Yes, Mount Teide is classified as an active stratovolcano, though it is currently dormant. The Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (INVOLCAN) monitors the volcano round the clock, tracking seismic activity, gas emissions, and ground deformation. Small earthquakes and gas plumes are detected regularly, but they remain at levels that do not indicate an imminent eruption. The volcano is considered safe for visitors who follow park guidelines.

Mount Teide Active Status

The Teide-Pico Viejo complex is the dominant volcanic system on Tenerife. It has been dormant for centuries, but volcanic activity on the island continues at subsidiary vents. The most recent eruption in the region occurred in 1909 from the Chinyero vent, a minor flank event that did not involve the main summit. INVOLCAN publishes regular updates on volcanic conditions, and the Spanish National Geographic Institute (IGN) also maintains monitoring data.

Mount Teide Last Eruption Details

The last eruption on the flanks of Teide was the 1909 Chinyero event. It was a relatively small eruption that produced lava flows but caused no casualties. The main Teide-Pico Viejo cone has not erupted since the 9th century AD. Scientists consider future eruptions possible, but no signs of immediate activity have been observed. The park preserves ancient lava flows and eruption evidence that continue to be studied for geological research.

How does the Mount Teide cable car work?

The Teleférico del Teide cable car provides the quickest route to the upper reaches of the mountain. It runs daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting, and reservations are strongly recommended. The base station sits at 2,100 metres, and the upper station, La Rambleta, stands at 3,555 metres. The ride takes about eight minutes and offers panoramic views over Tenerife and the neighbouring islands.

Mount Teide Cable Car Tickets and Prices

Round-trip tickets cost €44.50 for adults and €20.50 for children aged 3 to 13. Children under 3 are not permitted on the cable car. Tickets must be booked in advance online, and visitors are asked to arrive 20 minutes before their scheduled ride. Parking at the base station is free. The lower station also features a children’s exhibition on volcanic history and Guanche culture, open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with admission at €3 for adults and free for children under 13.

What to Expect on the Cable Car Ride

The ascent takes about eight minutes, crossing vast lava fields and rock formations. At La Rambleta, visitors can walk short, permit-free trails to viewpoints such as Pico Viejo and La Fortaleza. The altitude can cause breathlessness, and those with heart or respiratory conditions should consult a doctor before travelling to the upper station. Warm clothing is essential even in summer, as temperatures at the top are significantly cooler than at sea level.

What are the best hikes on Mount Teide?

The most iconic route is the Sendero Telesforo Bravo (Trail 10), which leads from the cable car upper station to the summit. It is a steep, rocky path of 1.3 kilometres round trip with an elevation gain of 162 metres. The hike takes about two and a half to three hours round trip. A free permit is mandatory for this trail, and demand far exceeds supply.

Mount Teide Hiking Trails and Difficulty

For those who prefer to avoid the summit, several trails start from La Rambleta that do not require a permit. The Pico Viejo trail and the La Fortaleza walk offer excellent views without the logistical challenge of a summit permit. The full hike from the base via Montaña Blanca (Trail 7) takes five to seven hours and also requires a permit for the final summit section. Another option is the overnight route via the Refugio Altavista, which must be booked months in advance. Sturdy footwear, warm layers, and at least two litres of water are essential for any hike above 2,000 metres.

Permits and Rules for Hiking Mount Teide

The summit permit is free but strictly limited. Only 30 permits are issued each day for the general public, with fixed two-hour time slots between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Permits are released every Monday at 7 a.m. Canary time for the next 28 days. They are typically claimed within minutes. Booking is done through the IGN volcano portal under the “Pico del Teide Access Permit” section, selecting route PNT 10. Hikers must start their ascent within their allocated time slot and carry a passport along with the permit. Guided summit tours do not require a personal permit because the organiser secures the necessary permission. Booking a guided tour at least two weeks in advance is advisable due to high demand.

When did Mount Teide last erupt?

The volcanic history of Mount Teide spans millennia, with several notable events recorded in geological and historical records. The following timeline outlines the most significant eruptions and milestones.

1. 9th century AD — Last major eruption of the Teide-Pico Viejo complex.
2. 1492 — No volcanic activity recorded; Christopher Columbus reported seeing a “fire” during his voyage, likely unrelated.
3. 1706 — The town of Garachico was partially destroyed by a volcanic eruption. Its lava pools and Canarian architecture remain visible today.
4. 1798 — Eruption of Chahorra (Narices del Teide).
5. 1909 — Last eruption on the flanks of Teide, at Chinyero. This was a minor flank event with no casualties.
6. 2007 — Teide National Park designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7. 2025 — Ongoing monitoring by INVOLCAN and IGN; no signs of imminent eruption.

What is known and what remains uncertain about Teide’s volcanic activity?

The scientific understanding of Mount Teide is robust, but some aspects of its future behaviour remain unpredictable. The table below separates established facts from areas that still carry uncertainty.

Why does Mount Teide matter globally?

Mount Teide is a stratovolcano formed by the Canary hotspot, a geological feature that has produced a chain of islands over millions of years. The mountain is the centrepiece of Teide National Park, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 for its exceptional volcanic landscapes and geological value. The park is one of the most visited national parks in Europe, attracting travellers from around the world.

The altitude creates a unique environment. The summit zone sits above the treeline, with terrain that has been described as Martian-like. This landscape supports a range of native Canarian flora and fauna adapted to the harsh conditions. Historically, the Guanche people regarded the mountain as sacred, and the park’s Juan Évora Museum preserves ethnographic exhibits that document this cultural heritage.

The Teide Observatory, located at 2,371 metres, is the world’s largest solar observatory, adding a scientific dimension to the region’s global significance. Volcanoes on the Canary Islands are monitored by INVOLCAN and the IGN, ensuring that any changes in activity are tracked.

What do authoritative sources say about Mount Teide?

Several authoritative sources provide verified information about Mount Teide. The following quotes offer a foundation for understanding the mountain’s geological and touristic significance.

“Measured from its base on the ocean floor, Teide reaches a total height of 7,500 m (24,600 ft), making it the third-tallest volcano in the world.”

— Wikipedia – Teide

“Situated on the island of Tenerife, Teide National Park features the Teide-Pico Viejo stratovolcano that, at 3,718 m, is the highest peak on Spanish soil.”

— UNESCO – Teide National Park

“Everything you need to know before visiting Mount Teide in Tenerife. Cable car tips, permits, hiking trails & info for Spain’s highest peak.”

— My Travel Monkey

What should visitors know before planning a trip?

A successful visit to Mount Teide depends on preparation. Book cable car tickets and summit permits as early as possible. Check the official Teide National Park website and INVOLCAN for current volcanic activity alerts. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Bring hiking shoes, warm layers, a hat, gloves, two litres of water, energy bars, a headlamp, battery packs, sunglasses, a hiking pole, and your passport. Weather conditions change rapidly at altitude, so use the Tenerife ON app for real-time updates. A summit hike combined with the cable car takes about three to four hours; a full foot climb from the base takes five to seven hours. The Teide National Park is a protected environment — respect the trails, take nothing, and leave nothing behind.

Frequently asked questions about Mount Teide