El Asomadero Viewpoint

The whole coast of the Orotava Valley lies spread below the viewpoint, and on a clear day Teide rises behind it, often white with snow in winter.

The walk up is half the reason to come. The PR-TF 41 runs from sea level at Socorro beach to the summit of Teide and is billed as the longest ascent in Spain. On the way to El Asomadero it passes the El Lance viewpoint (Mirador de El Lance) and the La Corona viewpoint, where paragliders take off, and it gains height fast enough that you feel the air and the vegetation change within a few kilometres. The way down to Realejo Alto runs through laurel forest and tree-heath woodland.

The hum of traffic from the valley still carries up here. It is a reminder of how close the coast stays, even this high.

• The paths up from Realejo Alto and La Corona are steep and demand real fitness. The longer trail from the Chanajiga recreation area is the easy one.
• Long stretches of path are compact clay that turns slippery in damp air. Wear hiking boots with a good grip.
• There are no toilets and no drinking water at the viewpoint or nearby. Carry what you need.
• Fog can settle over the slope and hide the view completely.
• The descent to Realejo Alto is steep, with uneven steps that are hard on the knees. Leave time to take it slowly.

There is a parking area beside the viewpoint, but most people come up on foot, and three trails lead here.

From Realejo Alto. Park near the church and climb. The signpost at the viewpoint puts Realejo Alto at 3.5 km, and the path gains about 700 m on the way. It is the hardest way up.

From the La Corona viewpoint. A steep path in poor condition climbs 1.6 to 2 km. The track is longer and winds more, and it is much easier going.

From the Chanajiga recreation area. Park at the recreation area, follow the trail along the hillside to Pino Llorón, then drop down to the viewpoint. The signpost gives 4.2 km. It is the longest approach and the easiest.

Walking the PR-TF 41 from Socorro beach, you pass El Lance and La Corona before the final climb.

Best: a clear, dry day, starting early.

Avoid: foggy days and the days after rain.

Cloud tends to build on Tenerife's north slopes as the day goes on and can hide both the coast and Teide, while wet clay makes the steep paths slippery.