Destination guide
Mars, the Moon and Venus: otherworldly scenery in Teide National Park
Explore the volcanic landscapes that make Tenerife's Teide National Park feel like a journey through the Solar System.
Walking through Teide National Park can feel like stepping onto another planet. Its lava fields, colourful rocks and pale volcanic plains evoke the striking scenes seen in photographs of Mars, the Moon and Venus.
Similar-looking landscapes do not necessarily form under the same conditions. However, studying volcanism and erosion on Earth helps scientists better understand some geological processes elsewhere in the Solar System.
The light-coloured, granular surroundings of Minas de San José resemble some lunar terrain. Elsewhere in the caldera, hardened lava flows and unusual rock formations create an almost extraterrestrial atmosphere.
Enjoy the view without leaving designated trails or removing rocks. Teide is both a remarkable natural laboratory and a protected landscape that needs care.