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So there is plenty to discover along the coasts but that shouldn´t hinder you from excursions to the mountainous inlands. The Pico de Teide is not just the highest mountain of Spain but also a volcanic wonderland. On its dry east side you´ll find fantastic rock formations within lava fields that transform into a hallucinate scenery of deep green conifers in pitch black lava sands once you come to the southern flanks of the volcano. The northern parts are covered with alpine like woods and the farther you come down to the coast, the odd dragon tree. So this is quite a few completely different vegetation zones within a one hour drive. For a complete overview on this miniature continent, hike up to the summit. Or take the cable railway like 99% of the visitors do. Just make sure not reaching the summit in shorts and flip flops like – whom else – English tourists happen to do quite frequently. Not only is the air pretty thin up there, it is also pretty cold on 3.600 m altitude even on sunny summer days.
The Teno mountains just west of the Teide have a less harsh climate but are hardly accessible due to steep mountainsides and deeply cut in valleys. Up until a few decades they could only be reached via strenuous foot paths and even the only road that connects the area nowadays is nothing for the faint hearted. Vegetation is sparse on these mountains while the valleys – called Barrancos – are full of often endemic vegetation way down to the otherwise deserted coast. Very nice hikes up here, a bit strenuous but well worth the effort.
We mentioned the Anaga mountains at the beginning. If you want to get lost: pack plenty of water and food in your backpack and go for a hike. You won´t meet many other people during this time trip through an otherwise long gone era.
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