El Teide Volcano, Tenerife

El Teide- mysterious sleepy volcano of Canary Islands.

Fascinated by the volcanoes but too scared to go to Iceland to see it in action?

No problem! Tenerife Island is exactly what you need! Don’t listen to the people who are only familiar with this island through the holiday packages. Yes, there are many affordable flights a day which can take you there from all the major European cities. From London it is 4 hours flight. But then, let others to get sub burned and drunk by the swimming pool (you can do it later). Hire the car and enjoy the ride. Gas is so cheap here, no need to rely on public transport.

El Teide volcano is based in the heart of the island and is 3700 meters above the sea level. This is the highest Spanish mountain. And it is 48 km in circumference.
Before you get to the cable car (which is 25 Euros return ride per person) you will drive through the stunning scenery, which is called Moonscape- films like Planet of Apes, Cosmic Odyssey and Star Track were all, filmed here.

Be careful to wear lots of warm clothes! Even if it is +25, it is going to be -1 on the top of the volcano with the strong wind, which gives you immediate headache.

Being above the clouds is very exciting. Landscape around looks like another planet. There are occasional spots of ice, which shines on the sun here and there. You can even go inside of the volcano’s summit! But make sure to obtain a free permit (obtainable from the Park office in Santa Cruz, Calle Emilio Calzadilla, 5 – 4th floor) beforehand.

written by neja on 2010-04-30 #places #mountains #spain #volcano #location #tenerife #atlantic-ocean #el-teide #above-the-sea-level #3700-meters