The mountain roads which twist and turn around the dominant Mount Teide are embraced by the flourishing flora and a crisp, cool breeze that whistles through the trees.
Here, subspecies of the kestrel soar through the crystal sky to reach the imposing deep emerald Canary Island Pines, whilst Algerian hedgehogs scuttle between bushes of Canary Island Wallflowers.
This lush, natural paradise gives way to an alien volcanic landscape, where bizarre rock formations populate the sparse environment. Red and ochre walls of jagged stone rise up and reveal the magnificent Mount Teide towering above Tenerife at an impressive height of 3,718m: the highest point in Spanish territory. The surrounding area, known as Teide National Park, was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2007 and is the most popular National Park in Europe, with an astonishing 3.5 million visitors every year.
Incandescent yellow and white smouldering rocks encompass the crater at the summit of Mount Teide whilst wisps of sulphurous steam escape from fumaroles, a small reminder that it is a dormant volcano. From here, the incredible volcano awards guests with spectacular views of Tenerife and across the shimmering ocean to the neighbouring islands of Gran Canaria, El Hierro, La Palma and La Gomera. On overcast days, Mount Teide offers visitors the chance to witness the ‘sea of clouds’ which forms around the volcano and stretches over the island, giving an ‘other-worldly’ feel.