Pico del Teide Tenerife

Pico del Teide was aflame as Christopher Columbus passed this way. The sailors took it for an ill omen, Columbus for a good one. Before the Spanish conquest, the Guanche people of Tenerife and the other islands too revered this conical mountain crested with snow and fire. It could erupt again at any time, though for a century or so at a stretch the volcano remains dormant, its occasional murmurings no more threatening than the purring of a sleeping lion. The most recent eruption was a small one in 1898, and the volcano has been quiet since; it has made some noises of late and scientists are monitoring any risk.

Over many millennia, Pico del Teide's eruptions have added more and more land to the island of Tenerife, though the terrain all around the volcano is a blasted landscape of twisted rock and debris, a devastation that thrills and amazes visitors. This region now has protected status within the Parque Nacional del Teide I 661. Although not an attraction, not an entertainment, not even particularly accessible, and offering nothing but its dignified presence, Pico del Teide ranks first among the 'musts' of Tenerife. Pico del Teide is a mere remnant of the original Tenerife volcano, the cone of which at some point blew itself to pieces in a massive eruption The relics of the cone surround Pico del Teide in a ring of lesser volcanic outlets, which are known as the Caldera de las Canadas.

The 3,718m mountain does not always permit people to visit, guarding itself in mist. Snow or powerful winds sometimes even when the weather is fine down on the coast In the height of summer, heat can be a problem, often reaching 40C. However, on fine, calm days the summit can be approached either on foot in around 3 hours or, more usual, by teleferico cable car in 8 minutes. The cable car can, however, involve long waits (over an hour is not unusual).

Permits are required for the final 163m above the terminal, a steep scramble on loose scree. A single well-worn footpath rakes its way to the summit from the car park below Montana Blanca, close to the lower cable car terminal. Only experienced walkers, properly equipped, should attempt any other route. It is easier to walk up than down, so consider taking the cable car one way. The path first climbs Montana Blanca, which you may consider rewarding enough by itself. Bear in mind that altitude sickness may be a problem, so go slowly to minimize this risk.

On this final climb to the top, there's a whiff of sulphur in the air and a real sense that Pico del Teide means business. You pass impressive smoke holes some 50m across. Take this climb gently, carry water with you, wear a sun hat and sunglasses, and carry a light sweater to wear at the summit Whether by foot or by teleferico, the view is dramatic and the experience unforgettable.