As a child, I was mesmerised by James Bond movies, particularly the ones like Moonraker, which were all about space exploration - I even had evil tendencies like Hugo Drax, wanting to set up a flying human stud farm and own an entire solar system!
Well, move on thirty odd years and I'm still firmly planted on Planet Earth and I'm still waiting to make enough wealth to buy my own space shuttle. That aside, everything else worked out well, sort of. You see, one of the many reasons that I travel to the Canary Islands so often, and more so Tenerife, is that it reminds me of what life might be like on Mars. The Canary Islands are not just about Nude Beaches, Tenerife or Abandoned Hotel Atlante del Sol, Lanzarote. In fact, the volcanic hangover from all of those exploding volcanoes millions of years ago has left a rather stunning set of drives in its wake. Mount Teide being one my favourites.
Suggested itinerary
Start your day by driving to the magnificent village of Vilaflor, the highest village in Tenerife and gateway to the Teide National Park. Here, you'll find some really nice little cafes, a patisserie selling excellent locally produced pastries and, if you want to stay here, a wonderful little independently run hotel - Ziggy's (no relation to seedy 80's UK nightclubs of a similar name!).
There is plenty of free parking and you can easily while away a good hour or two here.
As you leave Vilaflor you'll soon come into roads with wooden crash barriers, pictured left. You're now in the Teide National Park where drone flying is banned and there are several purpose built stopping areas to take some of the best photo's on the island.
If you're a bird spotter, you'll also find some of the worlds rarest species nesting in the trees, usually around early May time. During my visit I was educated on some such feathered flying machines by a very excited German couple. To be fair, they were very engaging.
Driving a little further and a lot higher, through the winding quiet open roads, you'll soon find yourself at one of my favourite spots on the planet. It's a designated parking spot on your right, with simply stunning views of not only Mount Teide, but also giving you that Planet Mars feeling - you could actually think you're on a barron deserted alien planet somewhere.
Get some photographs here but be warned, it's also a stopping point for coaches and dune buggy groups. But if you wait for them to go (they don't stay long), you'll love it, like I do.
Before you get to the Teide Cable Car base station, don't forget to stop at Cañada Blanca. Parking can be limited here so arrive early if you can, and then head over to get some simply stunning photo's of the road you've just driven up - as well as getting some outstanding photo's of the crater that was formed many millions of years ago.
Your next stop is the Teide Cable Car base, and you're going to go up to near enough the top of Mount Teide on the cable car. At this point, here are some very practical hints and tips:
- You must book in advance - tickets sell out quickly and because the winds up here can be strong, the knock-on impact of previous days closures (strong winds close the cable car for days at a time), mean that demand is huge. Don't expect to just turn up and get the next cable car. Book your cable car ride here
- The cable car is one of the most popular attractions on the island so parking is manic. Get here by 11am or hope for the best!
- The base station now features two electric car charging stations, so you can top up while you're on the cable car
- You can apply for a permit to walk from the top station the final mile to the very top of Teide - it's a tough climb but walkable without too much gear. I made a video the day I did it - click here to see. Permits are free but limited to 200 per day - click here to apply
- The cable car top station elevates you to 11,500ft in about 8 minutes. But it's cold, so bring a jacket
- The on-site restaurant services all types of dishes for lunch
- Use the excellent Titsa bus service, if driving isn't for you
The ride up to the top cable car station is simply awesome, and perfectly safe. Because of the high altitude, it may not be suitable for those with breathing problems but for those who do make it, there is no better experience (in my opinion).
Most days you'll be above the cloud base and the quietness up here is amongst the best in the world.
Once you've returned back to Earth (or the base station), you have a choice of where to go next.
You can turn left out of the car park and that will eventually take you to either Santa Cruz or Puerto de la Cruze, in the north of the island.
Or, do what I did, turn right, go back down past Cañada Blanca and when you get to a fork in the road, this time turn right on to TF-38 towards Los Gigantes. I like this road because you've initially got nothing but flat fields of volcanic rock - it's a wonderful view. You also get some more really great photo opportunities as you slowly descend back to the southern resorts.
Do be aware though, the weather changes rapidly here. All four photo's above were taken within five minutes of each other. The thick driving mist leaves as soon as it arrives.
Directions:
Start your day in Vilaflor, then drive up through the Teide National Park, stopping as you wish to take photo's at any of the designated photo stopping points.
Do book a ride on the cable car and then return on the TF-38 back to the south (and sea level).
Total drive time, including the cable car and lunch, around 5 hours.
For two other great drives, follow these links:
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