Stargazing at El Teide with your campervan
El Teide isn't just Spain's highest peak: its National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007 and has held Starlight certification since 2013, the seal that marks out the best skies in the world for stargazing. Travelling by campervan gives you a real advantage over an organised tour: you decide for yourself, on whatever night you like, whether to head up and see it.
What Starlight certification is
In 2013, Teide National Park became the first World Heritage Site designated a Starlight Tourist Destination, and the Cumbres de Tenerife were awarded Starlight Reserve status, thanks to its altitude, the area's low light pollution, and the atmospheric stability created by the sea of clouds below.
How to see it from the road
The TF-21 (the road up to El Teide) has several viewpoints where you can pull over with your van at dusk, with no need to hike up. Pick one of those viewpoints and wait for night to fall. Check on Tenerife ON or on the National Park's website whether the spot you want to use needs a reservation: the Cabildo de Tenerife (the island government) has announced mandatory advance booking at viewpoints and high-traffic areas such as Chipeque, Roques de García or Minas de San José, plus access control. Bring proper warm clothing: at night, even in summer, temperatures drop far more than you'd expect down in El Sauzal. The three California (Cali blanca, Cali Verde and Cali gris) and Azul come with heating.
Before you head up
Stopping for a while by the road to see the stars isn't the same as spending the night there. If your plan is to extend the trip and find somewhere nearby to sleep, check Park4Night before deciding where. And head up with a full tank: there are no petrol stations up in the highlands.
Before you come
Choose your campervan and your dates in our fleet search.