Tenerife

To climb to the summit of the Teide, the highest in Spain at a height of 3,718 metres, is a unique experience. The fact that part of the route can be done by cable car allows anyone, no matter what there physical condition is to make the ascent. The more adventurous can ascend on foot by the path that leaves from the area of Montaña Blanca, next to the road. This is the only route allowed and is quite demanding which takes almost six hours of walking.

The cable car service, which runs every day if the weather conditions allow, reaches the area known as the Rambleta, at a height of 3,555 metres. The rest of the ascent, a little over 200 metres, must be made on foot. Access to the peak (along the Telesfero Bravo path) is restricted and you need to apply for a permit to reach the summit whether you are on foot or going by cable car.
Permits can only  be applied at the web page www.reservasparquesnacionales.es . The permit, each one for a maximum of 10 people, is valid for a specific date and period of time, and obtaining it depends on the availability of places or on whether the Park Administration has decided to close the path or not. The permit allows you access to the Peak, provided you follow the path at all times, and under no circumstances are you allowed access to the crater for safety and conservation reasons.
If you do not have a permit you are allowed to go in the direction of the viewpoints the Fortaleza and the Pico Viejo using other paths that leave from the Rambleta. These offer excellent views, not only of the island, but also the other islands of the Canarian Archipelago.
People who stay overnight in the Altavista Refuge do not need to apply for a permit to reach the peak, as a stamped copy of your application to stay overnight at the refuge is sufficient.