Stargazing at Mount Teide: Best Spots, Tips & What to Avoid
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When Carol and I went to stargaze at Mount Teide, it was one of the most memorable nights we spent in the Canary Islands. Along with Chile and Hawaii, the Canaries are known for having the clearest skies in the world, and Mount Teide is the ultimate place on Tenerife to experience them.
In this blog, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know so you can plan this incredible experience yourself, whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, or with family.
In a hurry? Plan your trip to Tenerife now!
We’ve gathered top-rated recommendations for transport, accommodation, services, and tours below:
- Southern luxury: Bahia del Duque (9.0/10)
- Northern charm: Hotel Botanico y Oriental Spa Garden (9.3/10)
- In the capital: Hotel Emblemático Hi Suites (9.4/10)
The best free stargazing spots on Mount Teide
If you are planning to stargaze in Tenerife, renting a car is basically a must, because bus schedules are super restrictive.
Our best recommendation is to use QEEQ. QEEQ is the car rental company we always use, since they provide the best rates and have no hidden fees.
Mirador de la Esperanza. This is our absolute favourite spot at Mount Teide. It’s quiet, hidden just above the clouds, and hardly anyone knows about it. To get here, you will need to park in a small roadside pocket, which only fits about 3 to 4 cars, and walk for about a minute toward the opening.
Do watch your step on the way in because the terrain is uneven. It’s best to use a flashlight or your phone to light the path, but once you arrive, you'll find flat rocks that make perfect natural seats.
The views of Mount Teide are also breathtaking, although it may not be that visible at night.
Mirador de las Narices del Teide: Located on the western side of the park, this spot sits well above the cloud line. It faces away from the bright lights of the southern resorts, giving you an incredibly dark, clear sky. The parking area is also bigger, but there’s a chance of other people being there, although you can walk until it’s nice and peaceful.
Mirador de Juan Évora: This is a brilliant spot if you want wide-open views of the night sky with plenty of space. Unlike the smaller roadside pockets, this area has a proper, spacious parking lot, making it much easier to park safely in the dark. It is well-shielded from the wind and light pollution, offering a fantastic, unobstructed view of the constellations.
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How to stargaze in Tenerife without a car
If you aren't renting a car or simply prefer not driving, don't worry, you don't have to miss out. However, you do need to skip the DIY route. Public buses do not run up at night, and taking a taxi all the way up to Mount Teide and back will easily cost you a small fortune.
This is the stargazing tour we recommend, since they do small group tours. With the VIP option, they include transport, expert guides, telescopes and a glass of cava. It’s definitely the best value for money.
For more recommendations on what to do in Tenerife, check out: 14 Best Things to Do in Tenerife, Spain | First Timers Guide
Staying overnight at Mount Teide
If you want to stretch your stargazing adventure into an overnight stay inside the national park, you have two completely different ways to do it, both of which are above the cloud layer.
Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide: This is the comfy option and the only actual hotel located inside the national park itself. Staying here means you can look at the stars and immediately walk back to a warm, cosy hotel room.
Altavista Refuge: I couldn’t find any updates, but I believe it is currently closed for major renovations; therefore, there is no booking link for the time being. This shelter is the ultimate base camp for hikers who want to stargaze, sleep on the volcano, and wake up early to catch the sunrise at the summit.
Wondering where to stay in Tenerife? This blog will save you hours of research: 5 Best Areas to Stay in Tenerife (Based on Travel Style)
What is the best time to stargaze at Mount Teide?
For the most stunning views of the constellations, check the lunar calendar before you drive up. You want to aim for a New Moon (when the moon is dark or invisible). If you go during a Full Moon, the moonlight acts like natural light pollution, washing out the fainter stars and constellations.
An ideal time to watch the stars is around 11 pm and midnight, when the sky is fully dark.
Tips to stargaze at Mount Teide
Take warm layers and preferably a blanket, since it can be extremely cold.
There are no open gas stations inside the national park at night. Make sure you fill your tank before you start ascending the mountain roads.
Avoid using flashlights or taking pictures with flash while stargazing.
Taking pictures of the stars at night is not easy, so try learning beforehand how to take pictures at night.
Keep your car engine off and avoid any noises. One of our favourite parts was listening to nature while watching the constellations.
Take snacks.
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog, and if you have additional questions about Tenerife, do not hesitate to drop them in the comments section below!
