Teide by Night: Sunset & Stargazing with Telescopes Experience

If you’re visiting Tenerife and looking for something truly memorable, the Teide by Night tour offers a chance to witness the island’s natural wonders come alive after sunset. This experience combines a spectacular mountain sunset, a delicious dinner at the highest restaurant in the park, and an unforgettable stargazing session with telescopes. It’s a popular choice, rated highly by past travelers, and packed with moments that make it a standout activity.

What we really love about this tour is how it offers a mix of beautiful scenery and educational insights—plus, the opportunity to see planets like Jupiter through professional telescopes. The included dinner, set in a unique location, adds a nice touch of indulgence. On the flip side, a key consideration is the long duration—around 9 hours—which might be a stretch if you’re not used to spending so much time outside, especially in cooler evening temperatures.

This tour is best suited for those who are eager to soak up the island’s natural beauty, enjoy star gazing, or want a relaxed yet enriching evening experience. Families with older children will find it particularly engaging, though younger kids might find the lengthy trip and cold conditions a bit challenging.

Key Points

• Spectacular Sunset: Soft, colorful skies over the clouds make for perfect photos and lasting memories.
• Expert-guided star viewing: Learn about constellations and celestial stories from a professional star guide.
• Delicious dinner included: A meal at the highest restaurant in the park gives a special dining experience.
• Comprehensive experience: From scenic stops to stargazing, it covers both daytime and nighttime highlights.
• Pickup included: Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics easier.
• Long but rewarding: Expect a full 9-hour journey, ideal for those who love immersive experiences.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off with several stops within Mount Teide National Park, giving travelers plenty of chances to marvel at the dramatic rock formations and volcanic landscape. These sights are truly something to see in person—imagine towering rocks against the backdrop of Mount Teide itself, which has been compared environmentally to Mars. As one review noted, “The scenery is truly amazing,” and that’s no exaggeration. These stops aren’t just photo ops but also an introduction to a landscape that feels otherworldly.

Next is the sunset stop. Here, you’ll settle in to watch the sky transform with shades of pink, red, and purple as the clouds drift below you. Several travelers, like Rheanne_B, said, “Sunset over the clouds was incredible,” and it’s easy to see why. The view is so captivating that many find it worth every minute of the journey just for this moment. The experience feels intimate and almost surreal, especially with a glass of Cava that some guides offer to elevate the occasion.

Following sunset, you’ll head to Restaurante Papillon, the highest restaurant in the park, for a well-earned meal. The included dinner is a highlight for many—offering local flavors with a chance to relax after the scenic drive and sunset viewing. One guest called it “excellent value,” though as some reviews suggest, the meal might be hit or miss depending on individual tastes. It’s worth noting that a few travelers thought the food could be improved, but overall, the experience is about the setting and the occasion more than gourmet cuisine.

The star gazing segment is when the tour really shines—pun intended. Using laser-guided constellation drawing and telescopes, your guide will point out stars, planets, and tell stories about the night sky. Many reviews mention seeing planets like Jupiter and Saturn clearly through the telescopes, making this part a real highlight. The dark skies and high altitude contribute to exceptionally clear views, and the knowledgeable guides do a good job explaining what you’re seeing. For example, one guest shared, “The star gazing was phenomenal,” and others echoed similar sentiments.

Transportation and Group Size

Transportation is comfortable, with air-conditioned vehicles, and pickup is offered from select hotels, making the logistics straightforward. The group size is capped at about 50 travelers, which helps keep it manageable and allows guides to provide attentive commentary. The journey to the park can take a few hours, but most people find it worth the time, given what they’re about to experience.

Duration and Value

Clocking in at around 9 hours, this tour is a long evening—so pack patience and warm clothing. Many reviews confirm that it’s a full-day adventure, but the value is clear: you’re getting diverse experiences—scenic views, a good meal, and incredible stargazing—all in one package. For $103.11, it’s a decent price considering the included dinner, guide, telescopes, and transportation.

What the Reviews Say

While overall reviews are glowing, some travelers pointed out minor issues. The most common concern was the meal — a few felt it was average or not to their taste. One suggested skipping dinner altogether, which could be a good idea if you’re more interested in the stars and scenery and less in dining. Also, some noted that weather can affect star visibility, especially if there’s a full moon or cloud cover, which is out of the tour’s control.

Others praised the guides for their knowledge and friendliness. Guests like Rheanne_B said, “Our guide Elena was very welcoming and friendly,” and many appreciated the professional commentary that added depth to the experience. Guides also shared stories and legends about the stars, enriching the quiet of the night.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Dress warmly: Even in Tenerife, the mountain gets cold at night. Many reviews recommend bringing a coat, hat, and gloves.
• Bring motion sickness medication if needed: The drive up can be bumpy or slow for some.
• Book in advance: This tour is popular, often booked out 17 days ahead.
• Prepare for a long night: The trip ends around midnight, so plan accordingly.
• Consider the weather forecast: Star visibility depends heavily on clear skies, so check the forecast for optimal viewing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who love nature, stunning vistas, and learning about the night sky. It suits travelers who want to relax and enjoy a leisurely evening with plenty of opportunities for photos and quiet reflection. It also works well for families with older children and anyone curious about astronomy or volcanic landscapes.

If you’re after a quick sightseeing trip or are not keen on long evenings or cold temperatures, this might not be your best choice. Also, if gourmet food is your priority, be aware that some reviews found the dinner average.

Final Thoughts

Teide by Night offers a beautifully balanced mix of scenic beauty, educational storytelling, and a memorable star gazing experience. The guides’ knowledge and the chance to see planets through telescopes make it stand out. While the tour is quite long, many find it worth every minute for the chance to be under some of the clearest skies in the world.

It’s an activity that rewards patience and curiosity, making it a top pick for travelers who want a deeper connection with Tenerife’s natural treasures. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a star lover, or simply want a special way to end your day, this tour delivers on its promises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are offered from select areas, making logistics simple and convenient.

How long does the tour last?
Expect about 9 hours from start to finish, including transportation, sightseeing, dinner, and star gazing.

What should I wear?
Bring warm clothes, including a coat, hat, and gloves, since it can get quite cold at night on Mount Teide.

Is the star gazing good even if the sky isn’t clear?
Star visibility depends on weather conditions, especially clear skies and no moon. Cloudy or full moon nights might limit what you see.

Can I see planets through the telescopes?
Many past travelers have seen planets like Jupiter and Saturn clearly through the telescopes, making for a special viewing experience.

What about the dinner—how is it?
Most guests find the included meal to be good, though some say it’s average. If food isn’t a priority, you might consider skipping it.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s best for older kids who can handle a long evening in cooler temperatures, but younger children might find the duration challenging.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, star gazing is weather-dependent, and the tour can be canceled or rescheduled if conditions aren’t suitable. You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the group size?
Up to about 50 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate enough for guides to engage everyone.

How is the transportation?
Air-conditioned vehicles provide comfortable rides to and from the park, with pickup from designated areas.

If you’re after a memorable night under the stars with stunning views and insightful guides, Teide by Night is a solid choice, especially if you’re prepared for a long, cool evening. It’s a chance to see Tenerife in a completely different light — or rather, under a blanket of stars.