How to Visit Mount Teide — Without a Car
Written by Audrey Marie
Winter is the time to see Spain’s tallest peak dusted with flurries
While traveling there are some places — some moments — that can never be unseen.
Copper grains piling into never-ending dunes in the desert. Impossibly blue waves combing over the ocean’s frothy surface. Whatever the scene, it touches your heart in an irrevocable way.
Mount Teide is one such place. As the volcano looms through the clouds, it’s an image you’ll keep long after you’ve left the island.
Do you want to visit this unforgettable place, but are uncertain how to without a car? If so, this is for you. Read on to discover how to reach Spain’s tallest peak without a car.
Island Backdrop
El Teide might be in Spain, but it’s not in Europe. At least, not geographically.
Residing in the Canary Islands, one of Spain’s 17 autonomous communities, it sits off the western coast of Africa.
Tenerife, the largest and most populous of the eight islands, hosts this 3,715 meter volcano. The Canary Island’s most iconic symbol, it’s a source of pride for those who live here, the Canarios, or “Canarians.”
Canarian Tips
Canario, a Spanish dialect, is spoken in the Canary Islands. Its unique words are threaded by a thick accent.
Two Halves
Rainbows are a common sight in the northern capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Cada isla tiene su encanto. “Every island has its charm,” is a beloved Canarian saying. It applies just as well to the north and south of Tenerife.
Before planning your Mount Teide adventure, decide where to stay: north or south.
Covered with vegetation and perfect for hiking, the north is where many locals live. The south is best known for beautiful beaches and warm weather. It’s also where most tourists stay.
Masts touch the horizon as sunset colors gleam at Las Vistas in the south
Of course there’s many variations within these two halves of the island. Tenerife is full of microclimates.
Whether you stay in the sunny south or verdant north, you can’t go wrong: each is beautiful in its own way.
By Guagua
Perhaps it’s the stress of driving while on vacation, your budget, or the thought of maneuvering Tenerife’s unfamiliar, twisting roads. Whatever the reason, Mount Teide can be reached without renting a car.
There are guided tours with transport provided. However, we’ll focus on how to get there by public transport.
There are two buses — or guaguas in Canario — to get there. One coming from the north, the other from the south. Both buses run one return journey per day, every day of the week. It may not be flexible, but it’ll get you there and back.
Also, there’s a bus to travel within the national park surrounding Mount Teide.
Grab a window seat on the guagua and watch the stunning scenery flash past you. The ride alone makes your ticket worthwhile, but the volcano awaits.
Guagua Routes
If You’re Staying in the North: Take bus 348 from Puerto de la Cruz. It departs from the station at 9:30; the trip back starts at 16:00 from the Parador del Teide, the last stop on this route.
If You’re Staying in the South: Take bus 342 from the Costa Adeje station at 9:25. Or catch it at the Los Cristianos station at 9:40. The trip back starts at 15:15 from the El Portillo, the last stop on this route.
Within the Park: During each day there are five return routes throughout the park, about one per hour starting around 11:00. The arrivals and departures of buses 348 and 342 are included in this. Otherwise, use bus 341.
Purchase tickets upon entering the bus. Or, the cost is covered by the Travelcard, which allows for unlimited use during one day or seven days. This information is sourced from the official Titsa website. Check it out to learn more.
Above the Clouds
A viewpoint below Mount Teide’s peak, accessible without a permit
The only thing better than standing at the base of a volcano is standing on its peak.
To get to the top of El Teide, take the teleférico, or “cable car.” Hiking up the mountain is possible, but there’s not enough time when taking the bus.
Balmy breezes reshape into wintry winds as altitude increases. Don’t let the drastic change in temperature get the better of you. Bring a jacket and pants along, even during summer.
This pathway is the highest point accessible unless you have a permit
The cable car delivers passengers 163 meters from the top, rather than all the way. This is because there’s a limit on how many people can access the peak: 200 per day.
To summit the highest point in Spain, try to reserve your permit at least three months in advance.
However, don’t worry if you can’t get the permit. Nothing can tarnish this breathtaking view. Look at the puffy clouds beneath you. Breathe in the crisp air. See how the island’s edges dissolve into the blue of the sea.
Cable Car Tips:
To purchase cable car tickets, go to the official website, Volcano Teide; a return ticket costs €40.
Reserve your free peak-permit on the national parks website; bring official identification with you.
There are short hiking trails after exiting the cable car.
Due to weather, there are days when the cable car is unable to operate.
El Teide is steep: you can’t see the many cable car towers beneath
Suggested Route:
Relying on public transport imposes constraints. There’s enough time for a great experience, but that time needs to be managed carefully. Here’s a recommended schedule:
Exit bus at Teleférico del Teide stop
Arrange time of the cable car ticket to be near arrival; however allow a margin, buses can run late
Ride to the top and hike the trials or to the peak, depends if you have permit
Ride down and catch inter-park bus to the Parador del Teide stop
Walk through Roques de Gracía; grab a bite to eat
Return to Parador del Teide stop; catch bus departing at 16:00 toward either direction
Take it easy: do what you’re able to in the time you have. Most importantly, be on time for the bus back.
The Cinched Rock
The park’s most famous rock makes for an iconic picture
Do you want to see a rock famous enough to be printed on money?
Head to the Roques de Gracía, next to the Parador del Teide stop. There, discover one very special rock: Roque Cinchado. Once you see it, you’ll understand why it was awarded a place on the peseta bill.
Its rocky layers are formed of different substances, the bottom ones are eroding faster than the top ones. The resulting rock looks upside down.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the volcano, this rock is one of the best photo opportunities of El Teide.
Afterwards, do some hiking. Paths crisscross the park. Examine volcanic rubble as you walk; listen to the gentle murmur of insects that call this place home.
Enjoy the unique flora and fauna of Teide National Park
Nice to Know
Parador del Teide: it has a restaurant, bathroom and gift shop.
Teleférico: it has a cafe, bathroom and gift shop at its base, plus another bathroom at the top.
Unforgettable Scene
The volcano dons a different face during summer
Before returning to the guagua, take one last glimpse. There is El Teide. Perhaps it’s covered in powdery snow, or surrounded by leafy bushes. Vast terrain encircles it. Snap a picture in your mind. This is one of those moments you won’t forget.
