What to expect
Spain's highest peak rises 3,718 metres above sea level, and the Teleférico whisks you to 3,555 metres in eight minutes — the rest of the climb to the crater requires a free permit booked weeks in advance. Even without the summit permit, the cable-car arrival station offers two short walks to viewpoints over the Cañadas caldera and across to neighbouring islands. The light is otherworldly: rust-red lava fields below, snow patches in winter, and on clear days a view extending to La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro. Dress warmly even in summer — temperatures at the top can be 20°C cooler than at the coast.
Expert Tip
Book the first cable car of the day to beat clouds that often roll in by 11 am.