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Mount Teide in Tenerife is the spectacular high point of the island. In fact, as well as being the highest point of the Canary Islands, it is also the highest mountain in the whole of Spain which is all the more remarkable when you consider that Spain is also home to the Pyrenees. In the Pyrenees, which strech from the Atlantic coast across to the Mediteranean between France and Spain, there are almost fifty peaks higher than 3000m but none are as high as the 3718m peak of Mount Teide.

Sitting in the centre of the island of Tenerife Teide ( or El Teide as the Spanish would call it) is in fact a volcano and is one of only fifteen volcanos that may potentially erupt in the next 50 years, an event that would surely devastate the island if it were to be an explosive eruption. The last time a volcano erupted in the Canaries was in 1909 on Tenerife. The eruption lasted nine days and caused some damage to property and land. Prior to that you have to go right back to the 1700's when there were three eruptions which were at least three times bigger than the 1909 event.

Tourists can visit the Teide peak by travelling up the mountain by cable car which transports people to a height of 3555m. The final few metres must be made on foot and require the presentation of a permit which is free and can be obtained in Santa Cruz from the Park Administration Office. The area at the peak is highly protected due to fears of erosion and rangers help mark the way to the top. (Picture Daniel-Munoz )