![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() You’ll be glad you decided to stand on the rooftop of Spain as, giddy with elation and short of breath, you take in views that sweep across the lunar valley and beyond to the islands of La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro glimmering across the Atlantic. Plan ahead and obtain a permit to go beyond this point and trek up to the crater summit, another strenuous hour on foot round-trip. The area surrounding the upper station is just 150m (500ft) short of the true Pico del Teide. ![]() It’s a tough five- to six-hour hike from the cable car base station to La Rambleta at 3555m (11,633ft). Most head up the easy way – via cable car – but you can stray away from the crowds and trek up on foot. Its eruption millions of years ago contributed to the creation of Tenerife and is now one of the island’s biggest pulls. Mt Teide isn’t exactly hidden: popping up above the lava-sculpted moonscape of the national park, it's Spain’s tallest peak and the third highest volcano in the world at 3715m (12,188ft). The serenity of Tenerife's Teide volcano at dusk © Andrea Comi / Getty Images Top of Mt Teide Which of the Canary Islands is best for you? Both have views of impressive volcanic rock formations and – if you’re inclined – are clothing optional. If you’re less inclined to hike, head to cliff-wrapped Playa de Benijo in the foothills of the Anaga Mountains, or Playa de las Gaviotas, a gorgeous scoop of dark sand below rugged cliffs, both of which are a tad busier because they accessible by car and shorter footpaths. However, it’s worth the effort to lounge on its pristine sands, surrounded by cave-pitted cliffs and rock formations. It requires a two- to three-hour hike – or a shorter boat rental – from the town of Igueste de San Andrés. Getting to back-to-nature Playa de Antequera in the northeast, which some locals consider the best beach on the island, doesn’t come easy. Some of the best northern beaches are terrifically secluded, so much so that you can only reach them on foot or by boat. The south coast beaches like Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos thrum with beach-goers, but those in the know go north instead for a slice of proper coastal wilderness and fewer crowds. Tenerife has dozens of beautiful beaches for watersports and soaking up the sun © Vanessa Nunes / Getty Images Secluded beaches of Tenerife ![]()
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