Excursion to El Teide and the historic town of La Orotava

Trip to El Teide and the historic town of La Orotava

El Teide, Spain’s most-visited national park, is located in the centre of the island and its summit rises up to an altitude of 3,715 metres, making it the highest mountain in Spain and the third-largest volcano in the world. The volcanic landscape of this extraordinary, monumental natural space, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transports visitors to other worlds. A modern cable car allows one to - very conveniently - come extremely close to the summit and enjoy the spectacular views it affords.

Spain's most-visited national park

Inside the perimeter of the national park, which can be visited free of charge by car or public transport, there are several restaurants and cafeterias, as well as other services. It also has a visitor centre, in the El Portillo area, with an interesting exhibition devoted to the park and its abundant natural treasures. In winter, snow covers the highest ground several times a year, while the brightest sun shines in the island’s coastal areas. In any case, it is always advisable to take some warm clothes with you in winter months, as well as sunscreen.

Walk around the historic town of La Orotava

A trip to El Teide can be rounded off with a tour of the historic quarter of La Orotava. Listed as a historic-artistic site, a stroll around its lively, welcoming cobbled streets will lead us among buildings of great historical value, like the church of La Concepción, which dates back to the 18th century, beautiful stately homes and outstanding examples of the traditional island architecture with the famous Canarian balconies on their façades. Many shops in the area offer one the chance to acquire authentic artisanal products.

La Orotava

Excursión al Teide y La Orotava - galeria2

Excursión al Teide y La Orotava - galeria3

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Map of Excursion to El Teide and the historic town of La Orotava

Sustainability

Never leave waste of any type lying around, including cigarette butts. Leftover food leads to a proliferation of rats and wild cats, which pose a serious threat to the fauna.
Use the waste- paper baskets and, insofar as possible, separate and place your recycling waste in the appropriate containers.
Do not throw any waste or other objects into the sea.
Respect the animals. Do not bother them or feed them. If you see an injured specimen, you can call the emergency number: 112. Do not pick flowers or plants.
Do not pick up or take away stones or any other item from the natural environment. And do not move them to pile them up into sadly famous 'towers'.
In natural spaces and at viewpoints, do not leave the trail or the spaces designated for people to be in.
Respect and look after the area's historic and cultural heritage, along with the public furniture and items for visitors, such as information panels or telescopes and binoculars.