Mount Teide – Height, Hiking Tips and Cable Car Guide

Mount Teide, the towering centrepiece of Tenerife, is not just the highest peak in Spain—it is an active volcano, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a magnet for hikers, stargazers, and travellers from around the world. Rising 3,718 metres (12,198 feet) above sea level, its presence dominates the island and has shaped both its landscape and its history.

Standing on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, this stratovolcano of the Vesubian type remains technically active, although its last eruption occurred over a century ago. For anyone planning a visit, understanding its height, its geological activity, and the practical ways to explore it is essential.

Whether you aim to ride the cable car to the upper station or hike the long trail to the summit, Mount Teide offers an experience that blends natural wonder with accessible adventure. This guide covers everything from the volcano’s dimensions and eruption history to the permits required for a summit hike.

How tall is Mount Teide and is it an active volcano?

• Mount Teide is one of the world’s tallest volcanoes when measured from its ocean floor base, ranking third after Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
• Despite being active, Teide is heavily monitored and safe for visitors – the 1909 eruption was minor and from a side vent.
• The cable car provides easy access to near the summit, but reaching the very top (crater) requires a free permit, often booked weeks in advance.
• Teide National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a Starlight Reserve, offering extraordinary stargazing conditions.

How tall is Mount Teide?

The official modern measurement of Mount Teide stands at 3,718 metres (12,198 feet) above sea level, making it the highest point in Spain. Older sources occasionally cited a height of 3,715 metres, but the 3,718-metre figure is now the accepted standard.

What is less well known is the volcano’s true scale when measured from its base on the ocean floor. From that point, Teide reaches an astonishing 7,500 metres (24,606 feet), according to multiple sources including Aptos Ambassador and UNESCO. This makes it the third-tallest volcano in the world after Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa in Hawaii.

Is Mount Teide an active volcano?

Yes, Teide is an active stratovolcano of the Vesubian type. It remains under constant scientific surveillance by the Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN) using a network of seismometers, GPS, and gas sensors. The current volcanic alert level is green, meaning normal activity with no imminent risk.

Despite its active status, the volcano poses no danger to the millions of visitors who explore it each year. Experts describe it as a dormant but monitored system.

When did Mount Teide last erupt?

The most recent eruption from the Teide volcanic system occurred on 18 November 1909 from the Chinyero vent, located on the northwestern flank of the volcano. This was a relatively minor event that did not threaten populated areas.

Prior to that, the last eruption within what is now Teide National Park took place in 1798 at the secondary peak Pico Viejo (also known as Mount Chahorra). An earlier, more destructive eruption in the early 18th century buried the town and harbour of Garachico with lava, a major historical event documented by Britannica.

How does Mount Teide compare to other volcanoes?

When measured from the ocean floor, Teide’s total elevation of 7,500 metres places it third globally, behind only Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa in Hawaii. Its above-sea-level height of 3,718 metres makes it the highest peak in Spain and on any Atlantic island.

How can I visit Mount Teide by cable car or hike?

How do I take the cable car up Mount Teide?

The Teide Cable Car (Teleférico del Teide) offers a quick ascent from the base station at 2,356 metres to the upper station La Rambleta at 3,555 metres. The ride takes about eight minutes and provides dramatic views of the volcanic landscape.

Tickets must be booked in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, as the cable car is extremely popular. No permit is required to ride the cable car itself, but reaching the final trail to the summit crater requires a separate free permit.

What are the best hiking trails on Mount Teide?

For those who prefer to hike, the Montaña Blanca trail is the main route. It is approximately 9 km long and takes between 6–7 hours to reach the peak. The trail begins at the Montaña Blanca car park and winds through volcanic terrain up to the summit.

Other popular routes include the circular path around Pico Viejo and the shorter walk from La Rambleta to the summit via the Telesforo Bravo trail (40–50 minutes). For overnight hikers, the Refugio del Teide mountain shelter at 3,200 metres provides a place to rest before the final ascent.

Official maps are available from Teide National Park visitor centres and online. Key trails are clearly marked with signposts, but carrying a physical or digital map is recommended.

What is included in a Mount Teide excursion?

Guided excursions typically bundle cable car tickets with a guided hike and sometimes include stargazing experiences. Many operators offer sunset or sunrise visits, which are highly sought after for the dramatic colours over the volcanic landscape.

Excursions may also include transport from hotels in Tenerife, making them a convenient option for visitors who prefer not to drive. Some tours combine a cable car ride with a walk to the summit via the permit-only trail. For those looking to extend their travel planning, our guide to Sea Salt – Food Seasoning or Clothing Brand? Complete Guide offers useful insights into everyday essentials.

Where is Mount Teide located and how do you pronounce its name?

Where is Mount Teide located?

Mount Teide is situated on the island of Tenerife, part of the Canary Islands, which belong to Spain. It is the centrepiece of Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site designated in 2007 due to its outstanding geological significance, stunning beauty, and unique biodiversity.

The national park covers 18,990 hectares and is the most visited national park in Spain and Europe. Its altitude and low light pollution make it a premier location for observing the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and planets, earning it recognition as a Starlight Reserve.

How do you pronounce Mount Teide?

Pronunciation varies between languages. In Spanish, it is pronounced [tei̯ˈðe] — roughly “tay-DAY”. In English, common pronunciations include [taɪˈdeɪ] (“ty-DAY”) or simply [tiːd] (“teed”). All are widely accepted.

Mount Teide eruption timeline: when did key volcanic events occur?

1. Prehistoric – Formation of the Teide–Pico Viejo volcanic complex.
2. 1492 – Christopher Columbus reported an eruption during his voyage, though this was likely from a different vent.
3. 1706 – Eruption of the Boca Cangrejo vent, which buried the town and harbour of Garachico.
4. 1798 – Eruption of Mount Chahorra (Pico Viejo), the last eruption within the national park.
5. 1909 – Last eruption from the Chinyero vent, a minor event on the northwestern flank.
6. 2007 – Teide National Park declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
7. 2025 – Ongoing monitoring; volcano remains active but dormant with no signs of imminent eruption.

What is certain and what remains uncertain about Mount Teide?

What is the meaning and background of Mount Teide?

Geologically, Mount Teide is a stratovolcano formed above a hotspot in the Atlantic Ocean. It is the centrepiece of an active volcanic system that includes the Pico Viejo dome, and its formation dates back hundreds of thousands of years.

Culturally, the mountain held deep significance for the indigenous Guanche people, who considered it a sacred place. Today, it is a powerful symbol of Tenerife and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Touristically, Teide National Park is the most visited national park in Spain and Europe. It attracts hikers, stargazers, cable car riders, and nature enthusiasts from across the globe. The park’s volcanic landscapes have also served as a backdrop for films such as Clash of the Titans (standing in for Mars) and Doctor Who.

What are the key sources of information about Mount Teide?

“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

“The Teide volcano is monitored with a network of seismometers, GPS, and gas sensors to detect any signs of reactivation.”

— Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN)

What should I know before visiting Mount Teide?

For a successful visit, it is wise to monitor the IGN website for volcanic activity updates, book cable car tickets and summit permits well in advance (they often sell out), and check weather conditions before setting out. Cloud cover and high winds can affect visibility and safety, especially at the summit.

Consider visiting during shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) for milder weather and fewer crowds. And don’t forget to explore the unique biodiversity of the park: it is home to rare plant species found nowhere else on Earth, as noted by Night Skies Tenerife.

For more travel insights, you might also find our guide to Sea Salt – Food Seasoning or Clothing Brand? Complete Guide useful for understanding everyday essentials.

Frequently asked questions about Mount Teide