Mount Teide: The Peak of Tenerife - Legends, Geology & Astronomy
Explore Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak. Discover Guanche legends of the demon Guayota, the massive Las Cañadas caldera, and the world-class Teide Observatory.
Mount Teide (Pico del Teide) is more than just a mountain; it is the soul of Tenerife and a geological titan of the Atlantic. Standing at an impressive 3,715 meters (12,188 ft) above sea level—and rising approximately 7,500 meters from the ocean floor—it is the highest point in Spain and the third-highest volcanic structure in the world when measured from its base. This dormant stratovolcano, nestled within the spectacular Las Cañadas caldera, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant natural landmarks in Europe.
1. Guanche Mythology: The Home of Guayota
Before the Spanish conquest, the indigenous inhabitants of Tenerife, known as the Guanches, held Teide in both awe and terror. To them, the mountain was Echeyde, a sacred place that served as the portal to the underworld and the dwelling of the malevolent deity Guayota.
The Legend of the Sun’s Kidnapping
The ancient Guanche folklore tells of Guayota kidnapping Magec, the god of the sun and light, and imprisoning him within the volcano’s depths. The world was plunged into a terrifying, eternal darkness, and the earth shook with the demon’s fury. Desperate, the Guanches prayed to Achamán, their supreme god and creator of the heavens.
Achamán descended to earth, fought a cataclysmic battle against Guayota, and successfully rescued Magec, restoring light to the Canary Islands. To prevent Guayota from ever escaping again, Achamán sealed the demon within the mountain, crowning the volcano with a whitish cap—the summit crater we see today. Even now, the sulfurous gases (fumaroles) that waft from the peak are said to be the breath of the trapped demon. The name “Teide” itself is a Hispanicized version of the Guanche word Echeyde, which literally translated as “Hell” or “The home of the demon.”
Sacred Sites and Mummies
Archaeologists have discovered that the Guanches used the high-altitude areas of Teide for spiritual rituals and burial sites. Several Guanche mummies have been found in caves around the caldera, naturally preserved by the dry, cold air. These “xaxos” (mummies) provide a link to a civilization that lived in harmony with the volcano long before European sailors set eyes on its peaks.
1492: The Fire that Lit Columbus’s Way
There is a fascinating historical footnote linking Teide to the discovery of the New World. In 1492, as Christopher Columbus sailed past the Canary Islands on his first voyage to the Americas, he recorded a “great fire” in the Orotava Valley in his ship’s log.
- The Eruption: Historians and geologists generally agree that Columbus witnessed a volcanic eruption on Tenerife, though likely not from Teide’s summit but from a flank vent (possibly Boca Cangrejo).
- The Omen: The sight of the burning mountain terrified his crew, who saw it as a bad omen for their journey into the unknown. Columbus, however, used it to demonstrate his knowledge of nature (citing Mount Etna) to calm their fears.
2. Geological Evolution: A Giant Rising from the Sea
The history of Mount Teide is a saga of fire, landslides, and rebirth. Tenerife was formed approximately 10 to 12 million years ago through the merging of three separate volcanic islands (Anaga, Teno, and Adeje). However, the Teide we recognize today is a relatively “young” feature in geological terms.
The Las Cañadas Caldera
The most striking feature of the landscape is the Las Cañadas caldera, a massive elliptical depression measuring 16 km by 11 km. For decades, geologists debated how this crater formed. The prevailing theory today is that it was created by a series of catastrophic mega-landslides, where the entire northern flank of the island collapsed into the sea, followed by a vertical collapse of the magma chamber. The floor of this caldera is situated at 2,000 meters above sea level and is filled with ancient lava flows of incredible colors.
Astrobiology: The Mars Connection
The caldera is not just a geological wonder; it is a planetary analog.
- Testing Ground: Because the dry, rocky, UV-blasted conditions of Las Cañadas closely resemble the surface of Mars, the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA frequently use the park to test planetary rovers.
- The Search for Life: In 2010, researchers testing the “Bridget” rover confirmed that if life existed on Mars, instruments tested on Teide would be capable of detecting it. The park is a key training ground for the robotic explorers of the future.
The Formation of Teide-Pico Viejo
Following the caldera collapse around 170,000 years ago, new volcanic activity began to build the Teide-Pico Viejo complex. Layer upon layer of basaltic and phonolitic lava accumulated, eventually creating the twin peaks. Teide’s summit, known as El Pitón, is the most recent addition, formed by viscous lava flows that have given it its distinctive pointed shape. The last summit eruption produced the famous “Black Lavas” (Lavas Negras) that can be seen flowing down the side of the mountain today.
3. Astronomy: A Window to the Universe
Mount Teide is not only a geological treasure but also a world-class scientific hub. Its height and the clarity of the Atlantic sky make it one of the best locations on Earth for astronomical observation.
The Teide Observatory
Established in 1964, the Teide Observatory (Observatorio del Teide) is home to some of the world’s most sophisticated solar telescopes. Scientists here study the sun’s magnetic field and the internal structure of stars. The “law of the sky” (Ley del Cielo) in the Canary Islands regulates light pollution to ensure that the observatory remains one of the premier sites for seeing the deep cosmos. This law even restricts flight paths over the area to prevent vapor trails from interfering with telescope readings.
Starlight Destination
UNESCO and the Starlight Foundation have designated the Teide National Park as a “Starlight Destination,” acknowledging its exceptional qualities for stargazing. On clear nights, visitors can observe 83 of the 88 recognized constellations and the spectacular arc of the Milky Way with unparalleled clarity. Astro-tourism has become a major industry in Tenerife, with specialized guides leading tours into the heart of the park for midnight observation sessions.
4. Unique Biodiversity: Life in the Lava
The harsh, high-altitude environment of Teide has given rise to a unique ecosystem. Many of the plants and animals found here are endemic, meaning they exist nowhere else on the planet.
The Tajinaste Rojo
The most iconic plant of the park is the Tajinaste Rojo (Echium wildpretii). During the spring (May and June), this plant grows a massive, conical flower spike that can reach three meters in height, covered in thousands of tiny red blossoms. It is a stunning sight that draws thousands of photographers every year. After flowering, the plant dies, leaving behind a skeletal silver structure that persists for several months.
High-Altitude Fauna and the Teide Violet
The park is also home to the Teide Violet (Viola cheiranthifolia), which holds the record for being the highest-flowering plant in Spain, growing even on the edges of the summit crater at over 3,700 meters. Among the animals, the Teide wall lizard is ubiquitous, sunning itself on the dark volcanic rocks. The Canary Islands long-eared bat and the Teide blue chaffinch are other key residents of this high-altitude volcanic desert.
5. Tourism and Exploration: Walking on Mars
With over 4.5 million visitors annually, Teide is the most visited national park in Europe. Its otherworldly landscape, often compared to the surface of Mars, has served as a filming location for numerous Hollywood films, including Clash of the Titans, One Million Years B.C., and Star Wars.
Routes to the Summit
- Telesférico del Teide: Most visitors take the cable car, which ascends from the base station to La Rambleta (3,555 m) in just eight minutes.
- Montaña Blanca Route: For the more adventurous, the hike from Montaña Blanca is a challenging five to six-hour trek through pumice deserts and ancient lava flows. It passes the legendary “Huevos del Teide” (Teide’s Eggs)—massive black rhadoliths of obsidian.
- Altavista Refuge: Hikers often spend the night at the Altavista Refuge to reach the summit for sunrise, an experience described by many as life-changing. From here, the shadow of the mountain can be seen extending toward the horizon.
The Summit Permit
To protect the fragile ecosystem of the peak, the final climb from La Rambleta to the summit crater (Path No. 10 - Telesforo Bravo) requires a free but limited permit issued by the National Park office. Only 200 permits are issued per day, and they are usually booked out two to three months in advance.
6. Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Mount Teide still active?
Yes, Teide is considered a dormant but active volcano. Its last eruption occurred in 1909 from the Chinyero vent on the northwestern flank. While there is no immediate sign of an eruption, the presence of active fumaroles (sulfur gas vents) at the summit indicates that the volcanic system is still alive. These vents release gases at temperatures of up to 86°C.
How cold is it at the top of Teide?
The temperature at the summit can be significantly lower than at the coast. It is common to have a 15-20°C difference between the beaches of Las Américas and the peaks of Las Cañadas. Even in summer, temperatures can drop below freezing at night, and snow is common from December to March. Visitors are always advised to bring warm clothing, even if it feels hot at their hotel.
Can I see Africa from the summit?
While many locals claim you can see the African coast on extremely clear days, it is scientifically improbable due to the curvature of the Earth and the distance (approx. 300 km). However, you can perfectly see the other islands: Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro.
Why is the sand in some areas of the park green or blue?
The colorful landscapes of Las Cañadas are caused by different mineral compositions in the lava. Green colors often come from the mineral olivine, while blue and greenish-blue hues can result from hydrothermal alteration—the reaction of volcanic rocks with superheated water and gases that creates minerals like chlorite and secondary silica.
What is the shadow of Teide?
One of the most spectacular phenomena is the shadow of Mount Teide at sunrise and sunset. The volcano casts the largest shadow in the world over the sea. Interestingly, despite the mountain’s irregular shape, its shadow is a perfect triangle due to the perspective of the sun hitting the peak. Seeing the shadow of the mountain projected onto the island of Gran Canaria at sunset is a bucket-list experience.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Data |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 3,715 m (12,188 ft) |
| Crater Diameter | Approx. 80 m |
| Last Significant Eruption | 1909 (Chinyero) |
| Designation | UNESCO World Heritage (since 2007) |
| National Park Area | 18,990 hectares |
| Nearest Town | Vilaflor (14 km) |
Mount Teide is a testament to the duality of nature—a place of destructive power and immense beauty. Whether you are interested in mythology, science, or simply breathtaking views, the “Peak of Tenerife” offers an experience that is truly out of this world.