Tenerife: Teide Night Hike to Watch Sunrise and Shadow

Climbing Mount Teide by night is one of those bucket-list experiences that promises a mix of adventure, stunning views, and a dash of celestial magic. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, this tour has garnered perfect reviews and sounds like a trip that could transform a regular holiday into a lifelong memory. From what we’ve gathered, it’s perfect for hiking enthusiasts who love nature’s grandeur, appreciate guided expertise, and want to witness a sunrise unlike any other.

What makes this hike compelling? First, the spectacular sunrise from the summit, illuminating the volcanic landscape in hues of gold and crimson. Second, the enormous shadow of Mount Teide, stretching across the Atlantic, is a sight so impressive it’s been called the biggest shadow in the world. Lastly, the chance to see the Milky Way overhead in a dark sky — a rare treat that only a night hike can offer.

A possible consideration? The hike is physically demanding, with a 6-6.5 hour ascent starting around 1 am. It’s not ideal for young children, pregnant women, or those with certain health issues. That said, if you’re fit, love starry nights, and are eager for an authentic high-altitude challenge, this tour will suit you perfectly.

Good To Know

• Stunning Sunrise: Experience a breathtaking dawn from Spain’s highest point.
• Guided expertise: Knowledgeable guides, like Elena, ensure safety and share fascinating facts.
• Unique shadow view: Witness the striking shadow cast by Teide over the ocean.
• All-included gear: Headlamps, hiking poles, crampons (seasonal), and warm blankets are provided.
• Small group setting: Limited to 8 participants for personalized attention.
• Extra costs: Cable car descent ticket is an additional €23, purchased after reaching the summit.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An Impressive Adventure Into the Heart of a Volcano

The experience of climbing Mount Teide by night is unlike a typical day hike. Starting around 1 am, you’ll be guided through the otherworldly lava fields and volcanic landscapes bathed in darkness, with only your headlamp to light the way. The journey lasts about 6.5 hours, covering roughly 10 km with an elevation gain of 1,380 meters, so it’s a serious workout but manageable for those with a good level of fitness.

What really sets this tour apart is the blend of physical effort and awe-inspiring scenery. From the moment you set foot on the trail, you’re surrounded by silence broken only by the crunch of volcanic gravel beneath your boots. As you ascend, the sky gradually brightens, revealing the first hints of dawn. Several reviewers have highlighted how well the guide, Elena, keeps the group’s spirits high, checking on everyone’s well-being, offering snacks, and explaining interesting facts about Teide’s geology and surroundings.

The Pre-Dawn Ascent

The ascent begins in darkness — a true test of stamina and mental strength — but the guides provide headlamps, trekking poles, and crampons if necessary (seasonally). The group’s size is kept small, often around 6 to 8 hikers, which helps maintain a comfortable pace and allows for personalized attention. This intimate setup also fosters camaraderie, as comments from hikers like Jacob from the UK mention that they felt “bonded” after the climb.

Reaching Spain’s Highest Point

The final stretch to the summit (3718m) is the most challenging but also the most rewarding. Guides like Elena ensure safety by carefully monitoring the group’s pace and health conditions, especially since at this altitude, some might experience shortness of breath or altitude sickness. As you approach the top, the anticipation builds, and the first light of dawn begins to paint the sky.

Sunrise and Shadow Spectacle

Once at the summit, you’ll witness the sun rise in a burst of warm colors. It’s a truly unforgettable moment, made even more spectacular by the longest shadow of Teide stretching across the Atlantic Ocean. Several reviews describe this as an emotional highlight, with Anna from Switzerland calling it “deeply emotional” and Elvira from Spain emphasizing the “magnificent shadow.”

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Milky Way and Night Sky

One of the more unique aspects of this tour is the opportunity to see the Milky Way in the dark sky above the volcano. With the right weather conditions, stargazing here is breathtaking, adding an extra layer of magic to an already special experience.

Additional Highlights

• Cable car ride: After reaching the summit, you have the option to descend via cable car for €23, which saves time and energy. The cable car ride itself offers scenic views and is an optional extra.
• Breakfast and refreshments: The tour includes hot tea, snacks, and thermal blankets. Some guides also bring extra warm clothes upon request, making sure everyone stays comfortable during the cold early morning hours.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour begins with pick-up options from five locations in the south of Tenerife — Callao Salvaje, Playa San Juan, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Acantilados de Los Gigantes. The pickup times are synchronized with sunrise schedules, but the exact start time depends on the season, generally around 5 am.

Once at Mount Teide, a guided hike follows, totaling approximately 4 hours in the first session. There’s a break to enjoy some tea and snacks, with a quick 1.5-hour hike later to explore more viewpoints and scenic spots. The highlight is the photo stop just before dawn, where you’ll capture the sunrise and the shadow in all their glory. Then, after some sightseeing and scenic views, you’ll take the cable car down (if chosen) and be returned to your drop-off points.

The guided nature of the tour means you get insightful commentary in multiple languages — including English, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Russian — enriching the experience beyond just the visual spectacle.

The Value and Practicalities

At $234 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive package that balances adventure, comfort, and expert guidance. The price covers permits, headlamps, hiking poles, crampons (seasonally), blankets, tea, snacks, and the guiding service. The small group size enhances the experience, making it more intimate and safer.

While the cost of cable car descent is extra, many reviewers mention the convenience of having it organized after reaching the summit, avoiding a strenuous descent on foot. Considering the effort involved, the price seems reasonable, especially given the quality of guides like Elena, who reviews consistently praise for her enthusiasm, professionalism, and attention to detail.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This hike isn’t for everyone. It suits active travelers comfortable with mountain hiking, preferably with some experience in altitude or cold weather. The tour’s physical demands, early start, and altitude mean it’s less suitable for children under 15, pregnant women, or those with certain health conditions.

If you’re a couple or small group wanting an authentic, guided, high-altitude experience that combines physical challenge with natural beauty, then this tour is a top pick. It’s especially ideal if you love starry nights and want to witness one of the most photogenic sunrises in Spain.

Final Thoughts

This Mount Teide night hike delivers an incredible blend of adventure, scenery, and unforgettable moments. The guides, particularly Elena, are consistently praised for their kindness, professionalism, and wealth of knowledge, making the journey safer and more enriching. The experience’s highlight — watching the sunrise and the world’s biggest shadow stretch across the Atlantic — is genuinely awe-inspiring and worth every bit of the effort.

The tour’s value is high, given the inclusions and small-group approach, ensuring a personalized and memorable experience. It’s a perfect choice for hikers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to add a unique story to their Tenerife trip.

If you’re fit, eager for adventure, and want to stand on top of Spain’s highest point as dawn breaks, this guided night hike is a must-do.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Transfers from the south of Tenerife are available for an additional €50, with pick-up from select locations such as Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje.

What is the best time to do this hike?
The tour starts around 1 am, depending on the sunrise schedule, which varies across seasons. It’s best to check the specific start time when booking.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing, windbreaker, sunglasses, sun hat, snacks, credit card, hiking shoes, sunscreen, water, gloves, charged smartphone, hiking pants, and ID are recommended.

Can I do this if I’m not an experienced hiker?
The hike is physically demanding, with over 6 hours of ascent, so it’s suitable for those comfortable with high-altitude trekking and moderate fitness levels.

What if I want to descend via cable car?
The cable car ticket (€23) is purchased after reaching the summit and is not included in the base price. It offers a quick and scenic descent.

Is this activity suitable for kids?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 15, pregnant women, or individuals with certain health conditions due to the physical and altitude challenges.

This guided night hike to Mount Teide’s sunrise and shadow promises an unmatched natural spectacle, guided by experts who make the journey safe and memorable. Whether you’re chasing the Milky Way or the perfect sunrise, this adventure could be the highlight of your Tenerife trip.

You can check if your dates are available here: