Hiking in Tenerife

Pico del Teide is the highest mountain in Spain at 3,715 metres, and unlike almost any other great summit it stands on a subtropical island in the Atlantic — a perfect volcanic cone rising from a vast, otherworldly crater plateau of lava fields and twisted rock that has stood in for other planets on film.

Climbing it is a hike through volcanic desert to real altitude, ending on a summit that still steams gently from fumaroles, with the shadow of the peak thrown across a sea of cloud and the neighbouring Canary Islands floating on the horizon at dawn.

The final push to the very top is protected by a permit system that caps numbers, which keeps even Spain's busiest peak feeling earned.

Whether done in a long day or split with a night at the high refuge, it is a genuinely dramatic mountain in an improbable, sun-warmed setting.

A long, non-technical but demanding hike through volcanic terrain to real high altitude — ash, lava and pumice underfoot, little shade, and thinning air toward 3,715 metres.

From Teide National Park's plateau the trail climbs to the Altavista refuge and on to the summit cone, where fumaroles still steam and the views over a sea of cloud and neighbouring islands are extraordinary. The very final section to the top is gated by a capped permit.

It can be done in a big day or, better, split with a night at the refuge for a dawn summit. Expect cold and wind up high even when the coast is warm, and possible winter snow.

To stand on the actual summit you need a free permit for the final cone, capped daily and booked well ahead online — or stay overnight at the Altavista refuge, which lets you climb the top early before the permit hours.

Hike it much of the year, spring to autumn being easiest; winter can bring snow and closures, and the cable car (to 3,555 m) shortens the day but doesn't include the summit permit.

Base in the national park or nearby, start early, and acclimatise if you can — the altitude is real. Carry water, warm windproof layers and sun protection, and check permit availability and weather before committing.