Teide is the highest mountain in Spain, and with an altitude of 3,715 metres (12,188 ft) it is visible from practically every point on the island. Now the question is, what is there to see near Mount Teide? Besides visiting the highest peak in the country, there are many more attractions in the area.
In fact, many tourists believe that Mount Teide itself is the only major attraction in the area and that it is enough to climb to the top and return with the much-desired photo. But the real charm is in the spots surrounding the Teide National Park.
For example, viewpoints suspended over seas of clouds, mountain villages, sudden changes of landscape... This area has some of the best road routes in Tenerife and renting a car is the only way to reach all these corners with absolute freedom.
Los Roques de García, the most famous volcanic postcard picture
If you are wondering what to see near Teide National Park, one of the most charming places to visit is Los Roques de García. The landscape is formed by huge rock formations, lava plains and the volcano in the background. The protagonist of this area is the Roque Cinchado, a formation that seems impossible to be supporting itself.
Once you are in the area, you have to walk along the circular trail that allows you to enjoy other volcanic profiles, petrified lava flows and incredible panoramic views. The Teide National Park is one of the most unique natural areas of the Spanish geography.
What to see near Mount Teide? San José Mines and the Ucanca Plain
One of the great attractions of the Teide National Park, and the island of Tenerife in general, is that the road is part of the experience. The path to any destination is laden with spectacular views.
The section that crosses the San José Mines and Ucanca Plain is one of the most spectacular on the island. You will find pumice stone fields, ochre tones and black lava flows on both sides. At some points along the route, you won’t see a single house or village, only mountains and rocks. During the trip, there are many places where you can stop and enjoy the views or take pictures.
Vilaflor, Spain's highest village
In this trip of things to see in the Teide National Park, you will reach Vilaflor. It is the highest village in Spain, but you will be surprised by the change of tones compared to the mineral and rocky landscape.
Located more than 1,400 metres (4600 ft) above sea level, this small municipality is the highest village in Spain and an essential stop if you come to the Teide National Park from the south of the island. The key things to see in the area are the Canarian pine forests, traditional houses and a quiet mountain atmosphere.
If you are looking for something to do in Tenerife beyond beach tourism, this is the spot for you. On top of all that, the air here seems cleaner than usual.
Chipeque Viewpoint and Ortuño Viewpoint, Mount Teide over a sea of clouds
We could practically make a route through all the viewpoints of Tenerife as there are some for all tastes, but these two are the best known to contemplate Mount Teide from a distance. And depending on your luck, you will get completely clear views or you will find yourself in a sea of clouds from the summit. Actually, both options are great from the Chipeque Viewpoint and Ortuño Viewpoint.
Also, the special thing is that no matter how many times you stop at these two viewpoints, you will always get a different view.
La Orotava, the perfect end to the northward descent
Don’t end the route by returning back the way you came. Our recommendation is to go down to the La Orotava Valley to end the day with a very different landscape. Along the way, the rock will gradually give way to vegetation, crops and an intense green.
And when you arrive in La Orotava, one of the most beautiful historic centres in Tenerife awaits, with wooden balconies, cobbled streets, stately houses and squares for lunch or dinner.
Already decided what to see in the Teide National Park? The most convenient option is to rent a car with OK Mobility at Tenerife South Airport (TFS) and design your own route, because the freedom of travelling by car allows you to reach villages and viewpoints that would be unthinkable otherwise.
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