The National Park Teide is the largest and oldest of the Canary Islands’ parks. Its landscape revolves around the largest volcano in Spain: the peak of Teide, which last erupted in 1798. The peak of Teide rises to 3718 meters above sea level; it is surrounded by a majestic caldera 17 km in diameter and 2000 meters, Las Cañadas. This circus is in fact formed of two half calderas separated from the other by the Roques de García.
The volcanic nature of site is the great symbol of Tenerife. It offers magnificent views with its forest of Canarian pine and desert landscapes formed by lava passing of a lunar style to a chaotic style in an instant. The volcanic cones and lava flows form a fabulous set of colors and shapes, hosting a diverse flora and great biological point of view.
In 1954, the National Park Teide is inaugurated to protect an extraordinary landscape, a unique ecological value, which stretches around the titanic volcano. The National Park Teide, declared a Natural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO is the most visited park in Spain.
The etymology of the word Teide (pronounced “té-i-dé”) comes from the word Guanche “echeide” which means “hell”. For the aborigines of Tenerife’s volcano environment was taboo effect.
In his travel in the four main islands of the African seas, Jean-Baptiste Bory de Saint-Vincent wrote about what he calls peak Peak of Teneriffe that it is “one of the most beautiful mountains of the world”.
The first ascent was made in 1582 by sir Edmond Scory.
The Circus of Las Cañadas is a spectacular collapsed volcanic cone rising to over 2000 meters above sea level and dominated north by the peak of the Teide (3 718 m).
The rocks García, located at the foot of the volcano Teide, reaching 120 meters high. It is a formation of volcanic rocks original shapes, color red or blue (due to the presence of copper).
Plain Ucanca is a 300 hectares of volcanic extent, with impressive dimensions, where only the color scheme of the lava and silence prevail.
Los Corralles
The Visitor Center El Portillo
The cable car station
A cable leads in 8 minutes until a viewpoint located at 3500 m altitude where you can enjoy an absolutely fabulous panorama. In good weather, we see the seven islands of the archipelago.
Today we can reach the summit of the volcano through a cable whose starting point (2 356 m) is built on the edge of the road. We reached the platform of Arrival (3 555 m) in 8 minutes.
The observatory of Izaña
The astronomical observatory in Tenerife Izaña is an ideal place for stargazing; researchers from around the world study the universe due to the exceptional weather and environmental conditions of the National Park Teide.
Hiking trails
Various marked trails allow a thorough discovery of its different aspects.
The bravest can then climb the slopes on foot to reach the summit and discover a sulphurous crater 45 m deep and 70 m in diameter. Special authorization is required to perform the last 200 meters to the summit.
Flora
Fauna
The Teide home to unique plant and animal species in the world. The main attraction of the park lies above all in its flora: 139 recorded higher plants, 50 of which are endemic to the Canary Islands.
The diversity of plants is astounding: Teide broom (Spartocytisus supranubius), red echium (Echium wildpretii), viper blue (Echium auberianium) jewels tower (Bencomia exstipulata) (Descurainia bourgaena), scabious vertices (Pterocephalus lasiospermus) knapweed false artichoke (Stemmacantha cynaroides) ... the purple of the Teide (Viola cheiranthifolia), which has the honor of being the Spanish flower blooming highest.
As for wildlife, the most important species in the park are the invertebrates. More than 700 species of insects have been identified, for example, 50% are endemic to the area.
There are some species of reptiles (like the firebrand lizard (Gallotia galloti)) and birds (Egyptian vulture, sparrow hawk, kestrel, red kite).
Mammals are scarce, with the exception of sheep, rabbits and 5 bat species.
Unique building that is erected in the Park, the interior recreates the ambience of a cozy high mountain home both in the communal rooms and bedrooms. From here one can contemplate impressive panoramic views of “Teide”.
The Parador, located in the natural crater of “Las Cañadas del Teide” to more than 2000 meters above sea level, invites guests to contemplate impressive panoramic views of the summit of Teide, Crater Chaorra and the Montaña Blanca.
Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide
The restaurant works perfectly and offers a wonderful panoramic view.
It is a pleasure to taste the dishes of exquisite and original Canary in the restaurant of the Parador. These include, among others, the pot-au-feu canary, rabbit in salmorejo, and “papas arrugas y mojos” (small potatoes in sauce).