Tenerife: Sunset and Stargazing at Teide National Park

Tenerife: Sunset and Stargazing at Teide National Park

This small-group tour in Tenerife offers a remarkable combination of breathtaking sunset views and stellar night sky experiences. For $40 per person and lasting around 3 to 4 hours, you’ll start by witnessing the sun dip behind the islands of La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro from a scenic vantage point at 1400 meters. Afterward, you’ll be treated to some of the clearest starry skies in the world, along with expert-guided astronomy, telescopes, and a professional photo of you beneath the stars.

Two features we particularly love are how the guides blend storytelling with science — making the experience accessible whether you’re a space buff or just curious — and the inclusion of a glass of Cava to toast the sunset. The tour’s small-group format offers intimacy and flexibility, which makes for a relaxed, engaging evening.

A potential consideration is the weather — if the wind, clouds, or cold temperatures are too much, guides may switch to a lower viewpoint, which still offers excellent stargazing conditions but might limit some of the more spectacular celestial sights.

This experience suits those who enjoy nature, photography, or learning about the night sky. It’s perfect for travelers who want a memorable, immersive experience rather than a rushed, larger-group tour. It’s especially ideal if you appreciate detailed explanations, quality telescopes, and the chance to take home a professional star photo.

Key Points
– Spectacular Sunset Views: Watch the sun set over Tenerife’s lava fields and neighboring islands.
– Expert-Guided Astronomy: Learn how to locate stars, planets, and galaxies with laser pointers and telescopes.
– Small Group Atmosphere: Experience personalized attention and fewer crowds.
– All-Inclusive Photo: Take home a professional astrophotograph of yourself under the stars.
– Refreshments Included: Toast the sunset with a glass of Cava, Spanish sparkling wine.
– Weather Flexibility: Guides may adjust locations for optimal stargazing depending on conditions.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Itinerary and Scenic Stops

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup (if you’ve selected the convenience option), followed by a scenic 45-minute drive to a viewpoint at about 1400 meters elevation. This spot is carefully chosen for its stunning views of the lava fields—famous enough to be recorded in Columbus’s logs in 1492. Here, you’ll witness the sunset, a spectacle where the sky transforms into a canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples. As one reviewer put it, “Sunset with good Cava in real glasses was very awe-inspiring.” It’s a moment better experienced than described, especially with a glass of sparkling wine in hand.

After the sunset, if weather allows, the guides might take you to another nearby viewpoint for a different perspective. Throughout this part of the trip, you get a chance to ask questions and soak in the landscape’s unique volcanic features.

The Stargazing Segment

Once darkness falls, the real magic begins. The guides will set up laser pointers and use a 12-inch Dobsonian telescope to reveal the night sky in detail. Expect to see stars, constellations, planets, galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters depending on the time of year and sky conditions. Many reviews highlight how engaging and knowledgeable the guides are, with comments like “they love what they do and are very knowledgeable astronomers.”

Particularly during the summer and autumn, you might spot the rings of Saturn and Galilean moons of Jupiter, while in winter, the Pleiades star cluster often steals the show. Guides will teach you how to find Polaris, the North Star, and point out fascinating features like the Andromeda galaxy using the constellations of Ursa Major and Pegasus.

Quality Telescopes and Photos

A 12-inch telescope ensures clear views, and guests often comment on how well the equipment performs. But what really sets this tour apart is the professional astrophotography. Guides will take individual shots of guests beneath the starry sky, resulting in memorable pictures you can cherish forever. As one reviewer exclaimed, “we got a photo with the stars in the background — a great souvenir.”

Weather and Conditions

Weather can be unpredictable at high altitude, especially in Tenerife’s mountains. If the guides deem conditions adverse (due to wind, clouds, or cold), they might opt for a lower viewpoint that still offers excellent star visibility, preventing the experience from being compromised. Reviews confirm that even in less-than-ideal weather, the experience remains impressive, with many feeling they still got their money’s worth.

Transportation and Logistics

Depending on your package, transportation is either included or you’ll meet at a designated viewpoint. Pickup is generally arranged from accommodations in the South of Tenerife, with timing communicated via WhatsApp on the day of the tour. The drive up provides an opportunity to learn about Tenerife’s geology and history, adding a layer of contextual richness to the evening.

The small-group format (often around 8-16 people) ensures that everyone gets a good view and individual attention. This is a significant advantage over larger tours, allowing for questions, conversation, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Price and Value

At $40, this tour offers excellent value considering the combination of sunset, expert-guided astronomy, telescopes, refreshments, and a personalized photo. Reviews frequently mention how the guides’ knowledge, friendliness, and enthusiasm add to the overall experience. The inclusion of professional photographs and the small-group setting makes it a standout option for travelers wanting more than just a “look at the stars” experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is best suited for curious travelers, photography enthusiasts, and those who love outdoor adventures and learning. It’s especially appealing if you’re interested in astronomy or want a memorable activity that blends natural beauty with scientific wonder. It’s not ideal for very young children (under 5), or anyone sensitive to cold, as the evenings can be chilly, and there are no toilet facilities at the stargazing points.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Final Thoughts

For anyone visiting Tenerife, this sunset and stargazing tour at Teide National Park offers a chance to see the island from a different perspective — from the fiery colors of sunset to the glittering tapestry of stars overhead. The guides’ blend of storytelling, science, and humor, along with high-quality telescopes, creates a genuinely engaging experience. While weather can influence the exact viewing spots, the overall experience remains rewarding, especially given the included professional star photos and Cava toast.

The small-group setting means you’ll get personalized attention, making it feel like a special night out with friends rather than a crowded tour. The cost, considering the quality of the experience, is quite reasonable. If you’re looking for an authentic, memorable night under Tenerife’s dark skies, this tour is a clear choice.

Ideal for: solo travelers, couples, families with older children, photography buffs, and anyone eager to combine natural beauty with a little science and fun.

Not ideal for: very young kids, those with altitude sickness, or anyone looking for a hot meal or extensive facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you select the VIP package, your pickup and drop-off are arranged within the South of Tenerife. Otherwise, you’ll meet at the designated viewpoint, Mirador de los Poleos.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing, hiking or sports shoes, and layers are recommended. The nights can be quite cold, so dressing warmly is crucial.

Are the telescopes professional quality?
Yes, the tour provides a 12″ Dobsonian telescope, which offers clear, detailed views of stars, planets, and galaxies.

Will I see planets like Saturn or Jupiter?
Depending on the time of year and sky conditions, you may see Saturn’s rings or Jupiter’s moons, as noted in the reviews.

How many people are in each group?
Small groups, typically around 8–16 people, which allows for a more relaxed experience and plenty of individual attention.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Guides will decide whether to stay at the higher viewpoint or move to a lower one, but the experience usually remains worthwhile even if conditions are less than perfect.

Can I take photos?
Yes, guides will take professional astrophotos of you under the stars, providing a beautiful souvenir of your night.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Kids under 5 are not allowed, but older children and teenagers often enjoy the experience, especially with family or in small groups.

This Tenerife tour balances natural beauty, educational fun, and unforgettable sights, making it a worthwhile addition to any travel itinerary. Whether you’re a stargazing novice or a dedicated astronomy fan, you’re sure to leave with new knowledge, stunning images, and a deeper appreciation for Tenerife’s dark skies.

You can check availability for your dates here: