El Teide, Tenerife: Sea to Summit Volcano Challenge (8 day itinerary)

Arrival at Tenerife South and transfer to Costa Adeje where we will stay for the night close to Playa del Duque. Chance to relax, prepare for the following days adventures and relax. *** Hotel (D)

Setting off from the see this day crosses several canyons (barrancos) as we ascend away from the hustle and bustle of the coast (+1400m) B and B with roof terrace (B, L) (7.5km, +642m).

Stunning views as we climb up to our hotel for the night in Vilaflor passing the pointed and spectacular Roc de Imogue and Roc del Conde on the way. We can see Spanish broom, mastic trees, dragon trees, wild jasmine and also palm trees en route. Nestled within the Corona Forest National Park, Vilaflor has maintained the essence of a rural town. Proof of this is the cultivation of their vines, from which an excellent wine is made that must be tasted during your visit.
B and B with pool or 2* Hotel with spa (B, L) 16.7km, 7hrs

On leaving Vilaflor we walk for around an hour to reach the entrance to Paisaje Lunar. The Camino de Chasna’ which was the main route connecting the spa town of Vilaflor with Mount Teide and was used extensively by explorers, scientists and well-heeled Victorians over-wintering on Tenerife on the advice of their physicians. Climbing above the village, you ascend to the surreal rock formations of the Paisaje Lunar where, over half a million years, the elements have sculpted fantastical shapes from volcanic fallout to create a unique and fascinating landscape. Our ascent continues to reach the crater wall where the magnificent panorama of Mount Teide and the Las Cañadas crater opens up before you. (16.85km and +1300m)

Hotel Parador Las Canadas *** (B,L)

We start from the Las Canadas Plateau and pass some curious sculpted rocks and then volcanic huevos to views of the perfect crater of Pico Vieja. From here you can see the islands of La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro on the horizon as well as the southern coast of the island. We then walk up to the summit from the top of the cable car station and see holes emitting sulphurous warm vapours on the way to the top of Teide which is still an active volcano and the highest peak in Spain. We walk down on the other side of Teide or catch the cable car back down to the plateau at 2,356m and the ride only takes 8 minutes. Transfer to Puerto de la Cruz. The National Park control the number of ascents possible per day to preserve this precious environment. We will need your passport number and date of birth for reserving the summit slot. We will stay off the plateau 30 minutes away in Vilaflor if the Parador is not available on this night. Celebratory night out in Vilaflor or at Parador Las Canadas (supplement) (19.84km, 8hrs, +1,100m)

B and B with pool or 2* Hotel with spa, Vilaflor or second night at Parador Las Canadas (B,L).

Today we spend a day doing an easy circular walk and resting before spending a second night in Las Cañadas Parador where there will be a couple of options. There are seven cañadas (glens) in this Martian-looking site, surrounded by peaks and little volcanoes which emerged in the shadows of the 3718 metres of altitude of El Teide. The glens form an enormous caldera of about 17 kilometres in diameter inside the National Park, with an extension of 190 square kilometres. There are perfect hiking routes through the glens to admire this astonishing landscape. A chance to find out more about the volcanic landscape, flora and how Tenerife was inhabited over time.

Hotel Monopole*** or similar (B,L)

Today is about unwinding the legs on a half day coastal walk or enjoying the coastline in whichever way you chose. Fine fish restaurants are a feature and Puerto de la Cruz is known for its dark, volcanic-sand beaches and colonial charm. The old harbour is home to a 17th-century customs house and Batería de Santa Bárbara, a crumbling 18th-century fort has the feel of an historic fishing port. On the seafront we can enjoy Lago Martiánez, a saltwater pool complex designed by architect César Manrique and the artists shops and cobbled streets that lie behind. Celebratory dinner.

Hotel Monopole*** or similar (B,L)

We make our single timed airport transfer departing in the morning after breakfast. (B)