SpainTravel Guide
Our Spain guides, from our own trips: viewpoints with GPS coordinates and the best time of year to go, starting with Tenerife and Mount Teide.
How to plan a visit to Mount Teide
Our Mount Teide viewpoints guide covers six miradores and the cable car, with GPS coordinates for each.
- Best weather: May to October. In winter there may be snow at the summit, and the cable car can close because of wind.
- The classic view: Mirador Azulejos, right by the road, is best in the second half of the day, when the sun lights up the crater.
- Sunrise above the clouds: Mirador de Chipeque (28.373964, -16.463834). Arrive early, as it gets crowded.
- The cable car: the Telefรฉrico del Teide takes 8 minutes up to about 3,555 m. The last 200 m to the 3,715 m summit need a free permit, booked online weeks ahead.
- The rock window that frames Teide is a 15-20 minute walk over lava fields from the parking lot, so wear sturdy shoes.
โจ Quick Facts
Don't just read about it โ go!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Spain?
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds across most regions. Summer is peak season along the coast and islands. The Canary Islands enjoy warm, stable weather year-round.
Do I need a visa to visit Spain?
Spain is part of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many others can visit for up to 90 days without a visa. The EU's ETIAS travel authorisation is planned for visa-free visitors. Visa rules change, so check official sources before planning your trip.
Is Spain expensive to travel?
Spain is one of Western Europe's more affordable destinations. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona are mid-range, while smaller towns are quite cheap. The daily lunch menu (menรบ del dรญa) - often two courses with wine - is one of Europe's best travel bargains.
Is Spain safe for tourists?
Spain is very safe overall. The main concern is petty theft - pickpocketing on public transport and in crowded tourist areas, especially in Barcelona and Madrid. Keep valuables secure and stay alert in busy zones.
What language is spoken in Spain?
Spanish (Castilian) is the national language. Catalan is widely spoken in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, Galician in the northwest, and Basque in the north. English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas.