This National Park, totaling some 13,570 hectares in size, was created by the volcano Teide, 3.718 meters in height, the highest mountain of Spain, the highest elevation in all the Atlantic Ocean and the third largest volcano in the world. The largest eruption was in 1492; in 1798 there was another smaller eruption and the most recent was in 1909. Teide has around 12 million cubic meters of volcanic material at its sides, those formations being popularly called the noses of Teide.

The park itself lies at around 2,000 metres above sea level and in winter snow falls, gale winds blow and the roads are sometimes closed off. During the summer months this arid landscape which gives the impression of having walked into a cowboy movie, can reach temperatures above 40ºC. Access to the now extinct volcano is either by foot or by cable car that will carry you almost to the very summit, from there you may climb the peak by foot. The volcano's huge crater has an impressive circumference of around 80 kilometers. From the peak, on a clear day, you are in heaven and have breathtaking views of Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. This is the Canary Islands most visited tourist attraction and must not be missed. Teide is home to several rare species of plants, such as the Guanche Rose of which are known only some 50 examples in the world, the Teide Violet and lizards amongst other things.

Entering or leaving the park from the south of the island gives you impressive views of La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma whilst climbing (or descending) from the north takes you through the Esperanza forests and gives you birds-eye views of Santa Cruz, Puerto de la Cruz, La Oratava valley and views over the cloud of Gran Canaria.