Tenerife: Teide Sunset & Stargazing with Cava & Telescopes

Summary

Sunset colors over volcanoes then stars light up the sky

You’ll watch sunset spill over Tenerife’s volcanoes with a glass of Cava in hand before heading higher to stargaze through real telescopes alongside a local guide. Expect stories about constellations, some laughs trying to spot Saturn or the Pleiades, and a keepsake photo under skies you won’t forget soon.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever seen a sunset from above the clouds?" That’s what our guide, Marta, asked as we climbed out of the van in Teide. I hadn’t — not like this. The pine forest thinned out fast and suddenly it was just us and that old volcano, all rusty and quiet. The air smelled sharp, almost cold even though it was June. We could see La Gomera and El Hierro floating on the horizon. Someone popped a bottle of Cava and handed me a glass — honestly, it tasted better than usual after that drive. I kept thinking how weirdly silent it felt up there except for someone’s laugh echoing off the rocks.

After the sun dropped (the sky went orange then purple in about two minutes flat), we piled back into the van for a short ride higher up into Teide National Park. Marta pointed out constellations with this green laser pointer — she made finding Polaris look easy but I still got lost halfway through Orion. She told us stories about Greek gods fighting across those same stars which made me grin because I always thought mythology was just school stuff. We took turns at these huge telescopes; one guy gasped when he saw Saturn’s rings clear as day. My hands got cold holding my phone for photos but I didn’t really care.

I’ll admit, I tried to pronounce “Pleiades” right and totally failed (Marta laughed). But standing there at 2000 meters, wrapped up in my jacket, staring at that blanket of stars — it felt bigger than any photo could ever show. They snapped a picture of each of us under the Milky Way (you download it later), but honestly, I still think about that view more than the photo itself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset and stargazing at Teide Park

• Pick up from accommodation in South Tenerife
• Drive up through Corona Forest pine trees
• Watch sunset over La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro
• Celebrate sunset with glass of Cava
• Transfer to second viewpoint in Teide National Park
• Stargaze using 12" Dobsonian telescope
• Use laser pointers to identify constellations
• Learn Greek mythology of stars
• Take astrophotography guest photos

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Teide sunset & stargazing tour?

Yes, pickup is included from listed points near your accommodation in southern Tenerife.

Do I need to bring my own telescope?

No, telescopes and tripods are provided for guests during the stargazing part.

What drink is served during sunset?

A glass of Cava (Spanish sparkling wine) or a non-alcoholic drink is served as you watch the sunset.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children are welcome but booster seats are only available for ages 6-7 and older.

Will we see specific stars or planets?

This depends on time of year—sometimes you’ll see the Moon, Saturn’s rings, Pleiades cluster or nebulae through the telescope.

How high do we go during the tour?

The stargazing takes place around 2000 meters above sea level in Teide National Park.

Is astrophotography included?

The guide takes individual photos under the stars which you can download from their Facebook page (high-res version not included).

What should I wear for this evening tour?

Bring warm clothes—it gets chilly at night even in summer due to altitude.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from southern Tenerife hotels or meeting points, private transportation up into Teide’s pine forests and volcanic slopes, a glass of Cava or non-alcoholic drink at sunset, use of professional telescopes for stargazing with guidance from an expert local guide, plus an individual astrophotography portrait to download later.