Teide Summit at 3,718 m by the Telesforo Bravo Permit Path

This is the one that goes to the actual summit. The cable car reaches 3,555 metres, and above that the Telesforo Bravo path carries on to 3,718, which is the top of Spain. That path needs an official permit from the national park. The operator applies for it on your behalf, which is why the booking is not confirmed straight away: the permit has to come through first. If you have heard nothing final within 72 hours, chase it. The cable car ride takes about ten minutes and lifts you more than 1,000 metres. The walk above it is a little over half a kilometre and takes around 40 minutes going up, with sulphur in the air the whole way and coloured rock on either side. From the summit, on a clear day, La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma and Gran Canaria are all visible. The way down retraces the same path to the cable car, then the bus back. About six hours in total. One thing to be certain about before booking: this activity is non-refundable.