Polestar SELF-DRIVE Sunset Stars Tour in Teide National Park

Teide National Park, with its otherworldly volcanic landscapes and star-filled skies, is one of Tenerife’s crown jewels. This self-drive sunset and stargazing tour offers a relaxed way to enjoy the park’s beauty, without the crowded bus crowds. Priced at about $41.50 per person, the tour lasts roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes, and gives you the freedom to explore a scenic part of Tenerife on your own.

What makes this experience truly shine are the expert guides, who not only help you find the best sunset viewing spots but also enhance the experience with stellar telescopic views of the night sky, planets, and the Milky Way. Plus, the included sparkling wine turns a simple sunset into a celebratory moment. Two things we particularly like are the flexible self-drive format, which appeals to independent travelers, and the quality of the telescopes, often praised for providing clear and close-up views of celestial objects.

One consideration is the weather dependency — clear skies are crucial for star viewing, so if the weather doesn’t cooperate, the experience may be altered or canceled. Also, this tour is best suited for those comfortable driving at night in cooler temperatures, and who enjoy an informal, intimate setting rather than large group tours.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a personalized experience with the flexibility of self-driving, and those eager to combine a stunning sunset with the chance to see the stars through high-quality telescopes. It’s especially suited for photography enthusiasts, star lovers, and anyone wanting to enjoy Tenerife’s natural beauty with expert guidance.

Key Points

Flexible Self-Drive: Explore Teide at your own pace with guidance, avoiding large crowds.
Spectacular Sunset: Stop at a scenic lookout for a memorable sunset view, with panoramic photos guaranteed.
Stargazing & Telescopes: Benefit from expert advice and high-quality telescopes for close-up celestial observation.
Included Sparkling Wine: Toast the sunset with a glass of cava for a celebration feeling.
Short & Focused: With a duration of about 2.5 hours, it’s a manageable evening activity.
Weather Dependent: Clear skies are key; poor weather might lead to cancellation or a different experience.

A Deep Dive into the Polestar Sunset Stars Tour

This experience is designed for those who prefer to steer their own vehicle rather than join a large bus or guided group. Starting at Mirador de los Poleos, a west-facing lookout, you get a fantastic vantage point over La Gomera and La Palma. Here, your guides—likely friendly and knowledgeable, based on reviews—will help you capture the best sunset shots and suggest prime angles for photography.

The location, on the lava field of Boca Cranjero, is historically significant as it’s part of the first recorded volcanic eruption observed by Christopher Columbus in 1492. You’ll witness the sky change colors as the sun drops behind Teide, often turning the volcano’s peaks a vivid red. It’s a scene that’s just as much about the visual spectacle as it is about the history.

What makes this stop special? The panoramic views are breathtaking, offering an ideal backdrop for photos. We loved the way guides share tips on capturing the sunset, making it an excellent choice for budding photographers. The included sparkling wine adds a touch of celebration, with many reviews mentioning joy at toasting the sunset in such a dramatic setting.

After sunset, the journey continues into the park itself, passing Mount Chinyero—last erupted in 1909—before reaching a dedicated stargazing spot. Here, the real magic begins. Guides set up telescopes, often praised for their quality, allowing you to see planets, the Milky Way, and constellations with impressive clarity. Reviewers mention that they’ve never seen the Milky Way so vividly, and some even get to photograph the night sky with guidance.

The guides are frequently described as friendly, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about sharing their expertise—adding an educational touch that elevates the experience beyond just looking through a telescope. Many reviewers also appreciate their humor and relaxed attitude, which helps make the evening both fun and informative.

A potential drawback: The experience depends heavily on weather conditions. Cloud cover or haze can limit visibility, and the tour might be canceled or modified if the stars aren’t visible. We recommend dressing warmly, as temperatures can drop significantly once the sun sets, which some reviewers confirmed, advising to “bring warm clothing.”

For those who enjoy a personalized, relaxed approach to star gazing, this tour offers a wonderful balance of guided expertise and independent exploration. It’s well-suited for travelers who want to avoid large crowds, experience the natural beauty of Tenerife’s night sky, and enjoy a bit of bubbly while watching the sunset.

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The Full Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Mirador de los Poleos — Sunset Viewing

This first stop is a highlight, not only for the stunning views but also for its historical significance and photographic appeal. The lookout is situated on an ancient lava flow, giving it a raw, volcanic atmosphere. You’ll meet your guides here, who will share interesting facts about the site and provide tips on capturing the sunset.

The sunset view is often described as dramatic, with vibrant colors painting the clouds and the volcano’s silhouette. Many visitors mention that this is a fantastic spot for photos, especially with the red-hued Mount Teide as a backdrop. The included glass of cava turns this moment into an enjoyable toast that elevates the experience.

Drive into the Park: Past Mount Chinyero

Your self-driving tour takes you past Mount Chinyero, the last volcanic eruption on Tenerife, before reaching your final stargazing spot. This part of the journey is scenic and offers a chance to appreciate the volcanic landscape close up.

Stargazing at Mound or designated star point

Once you arrive at the designated stargazing site—which varies depending on weather—you’ll find the guides setting up telescopes. Reviews highlight the clarity of the telescopic views and mention that seeing the Milky Way so clearly was a highlight for many.

Guides will point out planets, constellations, and perhaps even some deep-sky objects, sharing stories and scientific facts along the way. Many reviewers commented on how knowledgeable and friendly the guides are, making the experience both fun and educational.

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What We Loved and What to Consider

We loved how this tour combines the romance of sunset with the awe of night sky astronomy, all in a relaxed, self-directed format. The quality telescopes and guided explanations bring the stars to life in a way that’s often missing from larger, bus-based tours. Plus, the included cava makes the sunset moment special.

A consideration is that this is an outdoor experience depending on weather, so a clear night is essential. If the sky isn’t cooperating, the tour may be canceled or less impressive. Also, driving at night means you should be comfortable with evening navigation and cooler temperatures, so dressing appropriately is advised.

Who Should Book This Tour

This experience is best suited for independent travelers who want a flexible, personalized evening in Tenerife’s stunning landscape. It’s perfect for photographers eager to capture the sunset and stars, or star enthusiasts looking for a guided experience without the crowds. If you enjoy a relaxed pace and appreciate expert tips, you’ll find this self-drive tour a genuine delight.

It’s also a fantastic choice for couples or small groups who want to share a memorable sunset and star-gazing night with a bit of bubbly and good company. However, if you dislike driving in the dark or are sensitive to cold, you might prefer a guided bus tour or a different experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my own telescope?
No, the tour provides high-quality telescopes for viewing celestial objects. Guides will assist you in using them.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the cold and the drive, which might be less enjoyable for very young children.

How long does the star gazing last?
The star viewing portion begins after sunset and lasts as long as weather permits at the designated star point—usually an hour or more.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, especially in layers, as temperatures can drop significantly after sunset.

Can I go at my own pace?
Yes, the self-drive format allows you flexibility in timing, but guides will still be there to assist with sunset viewing and star gazing.

Is dinner included?
No, the tour doesn’t include food or dinner, but the experience is rich enough without it.

What if the weather is cloudy?
If weather conditions prevent star viewing, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled, with a full refund offered.

Where does the tour end?
The star gazing ends at a flexible location, which will be decided based on weather conditions, typically near Mirador de Samara or a similar site.

Final Thoughts

The Polestar SELF-DRIVE Sunset Stars Tour in Teide National Park offers a unique opportunity to witness Tenerife’s stunning landscapes and night sky in a relaxed, personalized way. The combination of scenic sunset views, expert guidance, and high-quality telescopes makes it a compelling choice for travelers who want more than just a quick look at the stars.

If you’re seeking an experience that balances independent exploration with some guided expertise—and don’t mind dressing warmly for an evening under the stars—you’ll find this tour provides excellent value and authentic moments. Its focus on natural beauty and educational insight makes it a memorable addition to any Tenerife itinerary.