The Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide is the most unusual stay on the island: a stone-and-timber mountain lodge in the middle of the Teide caldera, at an altitude of more than two thousand metres, run by Paradores, Spain’s state-owned hotel group. It stands beside the Roques de García rock formations, with Mount Teide filling the view, and once the day visitors have driven back down to the coast in the late afternoon, the national park is yours. Evenings bring sunsets over the lava fields and, on clear nights, a sky full of stars far from any town lights. The hotel has a restaurant serving regional Canarian cooking, a bar, a heated indoor pool, a gym and a sauna, and outdoor parking. Room types include standard and superior doubles, an accessible room and a junior suite. It is about seventy kilometres from Santa Cruz, and the cable car base station is a short drive away.
Location and getting around: the Parador sits on the TF-21 road through Las Cañadas, in the south of the national park. You need a car, since buses into the park are very limited and nothing else is within walking distance except the trails. The cable car base station is a short drive north, and the observatory and the eastern side of the park are further along the TF-21 and TF-24. From the coast, allow about an hour from Costa Adeje or Puerto de la Cruz.
The rooms: rooms are simple and comfortable in a traditional mountain style, with wood and warm fabrics. The superior doubles and the junior suite give more space, and rooms facing Teide or the Roques have the best views.
Who it suits: hikers who want an early start on the Teide trails, stargazers, photographers and couples looking for one night somewhere completely different. It is a good one or two night break from a coastal base rather than a place for a whole holiday.
Good to know: nights are cold all year at this altitude, and snow is possible in winter, so pack warm clothes. Dinner at the Parador is the only option nearby, so book it with your room. Book early if you want a summit permit for the following morning.
Why stay here
- ✓Location inside Teide National Park
- ✓Heated indoor swimming pool
- ✓Gym and sauna
- ✓Restaurant with regional Canarian cuisine
- ✓Bar
- ✓Outdoor parking
- ✓Accessible room available
- ✓Views of Teide and the Roques de García
Good questions
Where is the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide?+
It is in the middle of Teide National Park, beside the Roques de García, at more than two thousand metres. You need a car to get there.
Is the Parador del Teide good for stargazing?+
Yes, the altitude and the lack of nearby towns make for very dark skies on clear nights. Bring warm clothes, because it is cold after dark.
Does the Parador del Teide have a pool?+
Yes, it has a heated indoor pool, along with a gym and a sauna. They are welcome after a day of hiking.