Degollada de Becerra Viewpoint

The two stacks are the first thing you look for. Roque Nublo stands on the skyline like a raised thumb, Roque Bentayga sits further across the caldera, and between them the ground drops away into ravines and cliffs that look wild and barely touched. When the air is clear, the summit of Teide on Tenerife rises above the cloud far out on the horizon.

The view is at its most dramatic towards sunset, as the valley darkens and the light goes low across the ridges.

The viewpoint also works as a trailhead. A path heads towards Corral de los Juncos, about 5 km there and back, with views down the ravine and up to Roque Nublo through pine forest and cool mountain air.

• Cloud and haze can flatten the view, and Teide shows only on clear days. Check the summit weather before driving up.
• A shop at the viewpoint sells a bit of everything, and there is an exhibition on the island's history.
• There are toilets about 100 m from the viewpoint.
• Every road up is a run of serpentine bends, so the drive is slow. Plan the day around it.
• Bring a warm layer: the air on the high ground is cooler than on the coast.

Most people arrive by car on the GC-150, after a long climb through hairpin bends from whichever side of the island they start. The free car park sits right at the viewpoint, so the view opens up the moment you step out of the car. A second free car park lies about 385 m away in a straight line.

The nearest named bus stop is La Culata, about 1.5 km away in a straight line, with an unnamed stop about 850 m away.

The trail towards Corral de los Juncos starts at the viewpoint, so walkers can leave the car here for the round trip of about 5 km.

Best: a clear afternoon running into sunset.

Avoid: days of low cloud, mist or haze over the summits.

The whole point is distance, and the stacks, the ravines and Teide on the horizon only line up when the air is clear, with the low evening light adding depth to the cliffs.