Venture into the very heart of Tenerife and you'll find the tallest peak in Spain, Mount Teide. This sleeping giant of a volcano stands at 3,718 metres tall and is surrounded by thousands of acres of National Park that's just begging to be explored. Your guided hike along the park's Tajinaste Trail will find you walking among towering endemic plants, trekking through lava fields and appreciating the wild beauty of the island. Bencomo, a local guide, says “Teide National Park is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it's also recognised by the public as one of the 12 treasures of Spain. Its unique volcanic geology and natural flourishing fauna make it a symbol of biodiversity.”
You'll join a small group for your half-day hike along a circular route that's been exclusively designed for TUI guests. Your knowledgeable local guide will share facts about the island's native species and its volcanic origins as you trek along charcoal-like stone paths and gravelly lava fields.
The star attraction of this trip, besides the dramatic silhouette of Mount Teide rising in the background, is the plant that the trail is named after – Tajinaste rojo. Also known as the ‘Tower of Jewels', this hunk of a plant can grow up to three metres tall and bursts into bright-red blooms during late spring. Bencomo adds “it's not often that a flower makes a lasting impression, but the Tajinaste rojo definitely stays with you.”
