Teide National Park (Parque Nacional del Teide)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007 and the most visited national park in Europe with over 4 million visitors annually. Dominated by Mount Teide — at 3,718 metres, the highest peak in Spain and the third-tallest volcano on Earth measured from its base on the ocean floor. The park features 37 marked trails through dramatic volcanic landscapes, lava fields, and mineral-rich rock formations in colours ranging from ochre to deep red. The iconic Roques de García formations (Sendero 3, 3.5 km family-friendly loop) are among the most photographed landmarks. The Teide Cable Car (Teleférico del Teide) runs from the base at 2,356 m to La Rambleta at 3,555 m (8 minutes, ~€38 return, book via volcanoteide.com). To reach the summit crater (Telesforo Bravo trail #10), a free permit is required (200 permits/day, book weeks ahead at reservasparquesnacionales.es). At night, the park offers some of the clearest skies in the world for stargazing — the Teide Observatory is one of the world's premier astronomical observatories.