Tenerife: Mount Teide Sunset and Stars Tour with Cable Car

This 8-hour adventure takes you high into the volcanic wilderness of Teide National Park, where you’ll enjoy a cable car ride up Mount Teide, witness a stunning sunset, and gaze at the stars using professional telescopes. Priced at $195 per person, this tour offers a full evening of panoramic scenery, delicious dinner options, and expert-guided stargazing.

What we love most is how close you get to the volcano’s summit—almost at 3,555 meters—without the hassle of hiking, and the chance to see Teide’s shadow stretch across the landscape all the way to Gran Canaria. Plus, the starlight guides and professional telescopes make the night sky come alive in a way that’s both educational and awe-inspiring.

A potential consideration is the long bus transfer—some reviews mention it can be quite lengthy, with over four hours in transit, including multiple stops. This might not suit travelers who prefer more compact, less transport-heavy excursions. Still, if you’re eager to experience the volcanic vistas, sunset, and stargazing in one go, this tour fits the bill perfectly.

This trip suits those who love natural wonders, scenic views, and celestial phenomena—and are prepared for a bit of a cool evening at high altitude. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy guided experiences and don’t mind a bit of a bus ride to reach the highlands.

• Spectacular Views: Enjoy panoramic sunset vistas and views of Teide’s shadow reaching across the ocean.
• High-Altitude Cable Car: Ride nearly to the volcano’s summit, offering unmatched perspectives.
• Evening and Night Experience: Combines sunset, dinner, and stargazing in one memorable evening.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insights about the landscape and stars.
• Good Value: Includes transportation, cable car tickets, dinner, and telescopic stargazing for a comprehensive experience.
• Weather Considerations: Cold temperatures at higher altitudes mean you’ll want warm clothing—some reviews mention it can be quite chilly for star gazing.

What’s Included and How the Day Unfolds

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel, which may vary depending on your location and the season. Your transportation is in a comfortable coach, and the journey to Teide National Park takes about 8 hours total. We’ve read that the bus ride can be long—some travelers mention spending around four hours in transit with multiple stops—but this is part of the adventure, offering a chance to see the island’s diverse scenery.

Once at the cable car station, your guide will accompany you on the 8-minute ride up to 3,555 meters. The views from the cable car are breathtaking, especially as you ascend through layers of volcanic rock and see the landscape unfold beneath you. A highlight is the shadow of Mount Teide stretching across the terrain, which can extend all the way to Gran Canaria—a surreal sight that makes you appreciate the scale of this volcanic giant.

The sunset is observed from the lookout near the Teide Observatory, where the guide points out the changing colors on the volcanic crater and the surrounding islands like Pico Viejo, La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma. Several reviews mention how spectacular this moment is, with one traveler noting, “We enjoyed a beautiful sunset over the sea.” It’s a scene that combines natural beauty with a sense of being on the edge of the world.

After sunset, the group heads to the onsite cafeteria for a buffet or premium dinner. The options are not specified in detail, but reviews say the food is good value, with vegetarian choices available and a pleasant setting to relax before the night’s main event.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Stargazing with Guides and Telescopes

Once dinner is complete, the focus shifts to stargazing. This is where the experience truly shines. The guides provide star maps and explanations, helping you identify constellations, planets, and other celestial objects. The use of professional telescopes enhances the clarity of distant stars and planets, making this part both educational and mesmerizing.

According to reviews, adults and children over 8 can participate, with some noting that warm clothing is essential, as temperatures drop sharply after sunset. One traveler mentioned, “It was quite cold during the star gazing, so put something wind resistant,” highlighting the importance of dressing appropriately for the high-altitude night.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for nature lovers, astronomy enthusiasts, and those interested in spectacular views. If you’re looking for a relaxing evening with a mix of scenery, good food, and educational star gazing, this tour ticks those boxes.

However, if you’re sensitive to long bus rides or prefer daytime activities, you might feel the journey a bit taxing. Also, the cold temperatures at night could be a drawback for some, especially if you’re not prepared with warm clothes.

• Wear warm clothing: Even in mild weather, the altitude and night temperatures can be quite cold.
• Bring comfortable footwear: You may do some short walks on uneven terrain.
• Arrive prepared for the weather: A long-sleeved shirt, wind resistant jacket, and long pants are recommended.
• Be punctual: Missing the pickup could mean missing the entire experience since the tour is time-sensitive.
• Limit high heels or sandals: The terrain and safety requirements mean closed-toe shoes are best.
• Children over 8 are suitable, but pregnant women, persons with mobility issues, or health concerns should consult their doctor beforehand.

A Closer Look at the Reviews

Many travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, calling them “super nice and extremely prepared,” especially during the star gazing. The views consistently receive high marks, with comments like “the scenery is unique,” and “seeing the shadow reach as far as Gran Canaria was incredible.”

One traveler appreciated the dinner choices, mentioning that vegetarian options were available, and that the food quality was good for a cafeteria setting. Others noted that despite the long bus ride, the experience was worth every minute, with some saying it exceeded their expectations.

A few reviews mention weather-related cancellations—particularly during winter—so flexibility and patience are advisable. And a few travelers mention initial doubts about the price, but all agree that the experience is worth it once they’re there, especially given the included cable car ticket, dinner, and star guides.

While $195 may seem steep at first glance, consider what’s included: transportation, a cable car ride to nearly 3,600 meters, dinner, and expert-guided stargazing. When compared with the cost of individual activities, this combined experience offers real value. Plus, the memories of witnessing sunset, volcanic shadows, and starry skies in one evening are priceless.

This trip is best suited for adventurous travelers eager to see Tenerife’s volcanic heart in a unique way. If you’re comfortable with long rides, don’t mind cool evenings, and want an insightful experience with knowledgeable guides, it’s a fantastic choice. Families with children over 8 will appreciate the educational aspect, and anyone interested in astronomy will find this particularly rewarding.

However, if you have mobility issues, are pregnant, or prefer daytime excursions, you might want to explore other options. The high-altitude setting means a certain level of physical and health considerations are involved.

Is pickup included?
Yes, pickup from your hotel is included, though the exact time varies based on your location and the season. Expect a confirmation after booking.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans shift.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children over 8 are generally allowed, but younger children or those with mobility issues may find the high-altitude environment challenging.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a wind-resistant jacket are recommended. The temperatures can be around 0°C during star gazing.

What if the weather is bad?
Adverse weather, especially during winter, can lead to cancellations for safety reasons. Always check the forecast and be prepared for possible rescheduling.

Is there vegetarian food available?
Yes, vegetarian options are typically offered during the buffet or dinner.

How long is the bus ride?
Travel time can be up to four hours each way, depending on stops and your hotel location. It’s a lengthy but scenic journey.

Can I do this if I have health problems?
People with certain health issues, pregnant women, or those with mobility challenges are advised to consult their doctor before participating.

What will I see during star gazing?
You’ll have the chance to observe constellations, planets, and other celestial objects with professional telescopes and guides.

This Mount Teide Sunset and Stars Tour offers a rare combination of volcanic scenery, sunset beauty, and starry skies. It’s an adventure best suited for those looking to see Tenerife from a different perspective—high above the clouds, under a blanket of stars, with a guiding hand to help interpret the night sky. If you’re comfortable with the long journey and the high-altitude chill, you’ll find it a memorable, worthwhile experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: