Day Trips

Mount Teide Observatory Guided Tour

Discover the scientific side of Tenerife with a guided daytime visit to Teide Observatory, where solar and robotic astronomy take center stage.

Hear how astronomer Piazzi Smyth's 1856 expedition paved the way for Tenerife's astronomical legacy and the Observatory that followed.

Learn what happens behind the telescope in an astrophysics workshop covering research, observation, and the work of the IAC.

Get a rare look at the Sun through two solar telescopes, with your guide helping you spot features including sunspots and solar flares.

Entry to Mount Teide Observatory

Access to two solar telescopes and a night telescope

Spanish, English, French, or German-speaking Starlight guide

Transportation

Tips

Food and drinks

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Visit Mount Teide's solar science hub on a guided daytime tour with solar and professional night telescopes.

Getting started

Arrive at Teide Observatory during its daytime visitor hours and meet your Starlight guide. Your guided visit begins with an introduction to the Observatory and the exceptional conditions that make the Canary Islands such an important place for astronomy. Reach at least 30 minutes early so you can adjust to the 2,400-meter altitude and be ready to join your group.

What to expect

Mount Teide Observatory

Long before Teide Observatory opened in 1964, astronomer Charles Piazzi Smyth came to Tenerife in 1856 searching for exceptional high-altitude skies. His expedition helped establish the island's astronomical importance. Today, the Observatory focuses on solar observation and robotic astronomy.

Features

Follow the observatory's story: Discover how Tenerife's exceptional altitude, clear skies, and location above the sea of clouds helped make it an important destination for astronomy.

Meet the scientists' tools: Explore the Observatory's telescopes and learn about the projects of the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics, which manages the facility.

Observe solar activity: Use two solar telescopes to look at the Sun and observe features such as sunspots and solar flares.

See inside a nocturnal telescope: Go inside a nocturnal telescope, discover how it functions, and learn about the history behind this remarkable astronomical technology.

What to bring

Booking confirmation: Bring your booking confirmation in print or on your mobile to present on arrival.

Identification: Bring a valid ID or passport for verification if requested.

Clothing: Wear comfortable, warm clothes and adequate footwear suitable for gravel paths.

Sun protection: Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Water: Bring sufficient liquids to stay hydrated during the visit.

What’s not allowed

Age restriction: Children under 8 years old are not allowed on this visit.

Transport types: You cannot access the observatory by bicycle or public transport.

Pets: Pets are not allowed, except for guide or therapy dogs.

Smoking and eating: Smoking, eating, and leaving the established paths are prohibited on site.

Safety behavior: Do not leave safety areas or touch anything inside the buildings.

Accessibility

Terrain: Groups will move within the observatory on gravel paths, which may be uneven for some visitors.

Health restrictions: The visit is not recommended for guests with poor health or reduced mobility.

Medical support: There is no medical assistance on site, and the closest hospital is 1.5 hours away.

Additional information

Guide language: You can choose your preferred tour guide language during the final stage of the booking process, subject to availability.

Transport requirement: You must use your own transport or book a transfer service to reach the observatory.

Arrival time: Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start time to check in.

Altitude: The observatory sits at about 2,400 meters above sea level, where oxygen levels are lower.

Toilet use: You should use the toilets before the visit starts, as they are not nearby during the tour.

Group conduct: You must remain with your group and follow your guide's instructions at all times.

Safety equipment: You must use and carefully handle any safety equipment provided during the visit.

Visit conditions: The visit may be cancelled due to adverse weather or technical reasons.

Visit timing: This experience is a daytime visit and does not include night visits.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.