Cliff coast - Rainforest - Large volcanic crater - Beach

My car journey takes two hundred kilometers along the west side of the island. On over two thousand meters of altitude - and back down again.

https://goo.gl/maps/eEBf62aYs9D2

It takes about six hours, if you take only few photos and approach the steep slopes with the appropriate respect. One should have a reasonable head for heights.

With this route, you can have a nice day trip completely from the car with great landscapes - including several rest stops and restaurant visits.

In the distance, the Teide

Los Gigantes

Impressive, has a normal tourist photo spot. However, if you get closer - potential for adventure.

The cliffs plunge up to 800 m into the sea.

There is an indicated point on the route that leads a bit closer.

From here, there is a mountain pass path along the cliffs. It is certainly suitable for an excursion for experienced adventurers.

From a small (closed) pass road

I turn around here, my journey is just beginning.

Jungle

Past palm plantations up into the mountains. The TF-1 (motorway) encircles the island from the northeast all the way to southeast. Directly in the east there is a mountain range that can only be reached via smaller, but paved roads. Here I am granted a first view of the Pico del Teide.

I drive up the mountain through the vegetation of the east coast via the TF-5 (motorway) and through the Valle La Otrava.

I am amazed. At 1600m, ferns grow like in the jungle under trees covered in vines. As I drive through the narrow bends on steep slopes, clouds of mist pass through the forest and over the road - an experience that I will not forget so quickly.

On the edge of the abyss

Just above the clouds, it looks like the savannah. A yellow landscape with isolated low bushes. Only the rolling ball of steppe grass is missing and the illusion would be perfect.

The abyss

The large volcanic crater of El Teide is a vast plateau. The reddish color is caused by the oxidation of the iron-rich component in the lava rock. The Mars-like landscape has already been the backdrop for various films.

The excretions of former underground magma veins are just as colorful.

Organized mountain bike and quad tours as well as excursions on flora and fauna are offered.