Samara Viewpoint

Low cloud drifts across the slopes below the car park while Teide stands clear above it. The weather turns within a few metres here: you walk through cold grey cloud, carry on, and step out into warm sun.

The loop trail leaves from the viewpoint and winds over volcanic ground, past big boulders in the middle stretch, with Teide in view for much of the way. It suits inexperienced hikers, yet the climbing adds up to around 70 floors of stairs. After more than an hour of walking, a path branches off towards Pico Viejo, 2.1 km further on.

At dusk, leave the car and walk 10 minutes to the small hill just north of the viewpoint. The sun goes down over the sea to the west, and the last light catches Teide behind you.

• There are no toilets, no drinking water and no information point at the viewpoint or nearby. Bring all the water you need.
• Wear proper shoes: the trail runs over uneven volcanic ground.
• Mouflon culling closes the national park's trails at set times on certain weekdays. Check the hours before you plan the walk.
• Cloud brings cold within metres of sunshine, so pack a warm layer even on a bright day.
• The viewpoint gets very busy before sunset. Arrive early if you want the hill to watch it from.

You arrive by car: no bus stop serves the viewpoint. The car park sits right beside the lookout, paved with setts, so the view starts at the kerb.

The loop trail sets off on foot from here. For the sunset, walk north from the car park to the nearest small hill, 10 minutes away. If you want to go on to Pico Viejo, the branch comes after more than an hour on the loop and adds 2.1 km one way, which takes far longer than the loop itself — start early.

Best: late afternoon through to sunset. Avoid: the middle of a summer day on the trail, and icy winter days. Evening light falls on Teide while cloud settles on the slopes below, but the open volcanic ground gives little shelter from the midday sun, and at this height winter can bring snow and ice underfoot.

Samara Viewpoint lies inside Teide National Park, and the park's rules apply on the trail. Dogs are not allowed on the national park's trails. Keep to the marked paths, and leave rocks, lava and plants where they are. Flying a drone in the park needs prior authorisation.