Montaña Pelada Natural Monument
Explore Montana Pelada, a striking volcanic crater offering panoramic views and unique geological formations. Hike its trails for a less crowded natur...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the midday sun
Montaña Pelada Natural Monument
Best Time
Beat the midday sun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Montana Pelada, a striking volcanic crater offering panoramic views and unique geological formations. Hike its trails for a less crowded natural escape.
"A great walk to do and not too strenuous even for us. "
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Little to no shade here! Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential for a comfortable hike.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring ample water, especially for longer hikes. You won't find many places to refill once you're on the trails.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Volcanic Crater Rim
Summit
Walk along the edge of this ancient volcanic caldera for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and coastline.
El Medano Coastal Path
Southern Coast
An easy stroll from El Medano, this path winds along beaches and small cliffs, offering beautiful ocean vistas.
Solar Farm & Dish
Inland side
An atmospheric and interesting landmark on the descent, featuring abandoned solar energy equipment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Choose Your Ascent Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Little to no shade here! Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential for a comfortable hike.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring ample water, especially for longer hikes. You won't find many places to refill once you're on the trails.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended for navigating the varied terrain.
🚗 Easy Parking Available
Parking is generally easy to find near the main access points, especially if you arrive early.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Little to no shade here! Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential for a comfortable hike.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring ample water, especially for longer hikes. You won't find many places to refill once you're on the trails.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended for navigating the varied terrain.
🚗 Easy Parking Available
Parking is generally easy to find near the main access points, especially if you arrive early.
🚶♀️ Gradual Ascent Option
For an easier climb, take the path from El Medano via the solar farm. It's less steep and more forgiving.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Montana Pelada for its unique volcanic landscape and less crowded atmosphere compared to other Tenerife attractions. The hike is considered enjoyable and accessible, especially the gradual route from El Medano. Some note the lack of shade and the need for sun protection and water.
"Had a great walk out here! My partner is not too keen on waking up hills, so we took the very long, slow way to the top.
We started in El Medano and took the road left up to the abandoned satellite area. Twenty yards on you will see a path to your right leading up towards the mountain. Follow this eventual wide track vering behind the mountain, and you eventually come across a solar farm.
Follow the edge of the farm, and there is a clear sign and route to the top after about 200 yards. It's gradual, and my partner didn't complain too much on the way to the top.
Somebody had lost a BENCH fleece, which was folded and put on a rock at the top of the path.
We decided to walk across the creator to the beach side and then walk around half the creator top back the way we came.
The clouds came over, and it got a bit chilly as we walked back. My partner had goose bumps and thought she would borrow the fleece we had seen, but I think a German couple we had seen beat us to it!
Anyway, a great walk to do and not too strenuous even for us. There are many other ways up, but they can be steep and not great for some ladies of a certain age."
Paul Meagher
"Much less crowded than Montana Roja! An interesting, easy stroll from El Medano, along beaches and small cliffs to this good example of former hydrovolcanic activity ('Bare Mountain'l. Several vague paths lead up to the caldera which has a well-marked route just inside the rim. Easiest way down is on the North (in land) side, via the solar farm and abandoned, atmospheric 'Laboratorio de Energia Solar Termoelectrica' dish.
Don't forget to wear a hat - there is a distinct lack of shade for most of the route."
Mark Lovatt
"In the south of the Canary Island of Tenerife, a few kilometers from the town of San Isidro,
you will find the Montana Pelada volcano.
There you will find a volcano that formed underwater and also spread further onto land.
You can hike along the crater rims or through the
caldera; there are also several
bathing coves with fine sandy beaches accessible from the land.
However, this requires descending and ascending up to
200 meters in altitude.
The only shade on the hiking trail
is provided by the rock formations on the
crater rims, depending on the position of the sun.
The hike described here begins at the
Barranco La Barca, which ends at Playa Montana Pelada, where the fine sand is ideal for swimming.
For example, if you're traveling by car on the TF-1, take the San Isidro exit and continue on the TF-64 to the coastal town of El Medano.
At the entrance to El Medano, turn left onto Avenida Juan Carlos I. This road ends near Montana Pelada. Parking is available, as are information boards describing the volcano.
A must-see."
Uwe Floegel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The monument is located in the south of Tenerife, near San Isidro and El Medano. If driving, take the TF-1 motorway, exit at San Isidro, and follow signs for El Medano (TF-64). Parking is available near the entrance.
While direct public transport to the monument itself might be limited, you can take a bus to El Medano and then walk or take a short taxi ride to the base of the volcano. Check local bus schedules for routes serving El Medano.
Yes, El Medano offers a scenic starting point. You can follow the coastal path towards the monument, which is a pleasant walk in itself.
For a less strenuous hike, many recommend the route starting from El Medano, heading towards the abandoned satellite area, and then following a path that veers right towards the mountain, eventually leading to a solar farm and a clear signposted route to the top.
There are several paths, some more defined than others. The main routes to the summit are generally well-marked, especially the one accessible via the solar farm.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Montana Pelada Natural Monument is a natural park and entry is free for all visitors.
As a natural monument, it is accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
There is no entrance fee to visit Montana Pelada. It's a public natural space.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to lack of lighting and potential safety hazards on the trails.
As a natural monument, visitors are expected to respect the environment and stay on marked trails to protect the fragile ecosystem.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main activity is hiking to the summit for panoramic views. You can also explore the crater rim, walk along the coastal paths, and enjoy the unique volcanic landscape. +1
The time can vary greatly depending on your chosen route and fitness level. A moderate hike to the summit and back can take 1-2 hours, while a more leisurely exploration might take longer.
Yes, with caution. The gradual path from El Medano is more family-friendly. Ensure children are supervised and have adequate sun protection and water.
Basic information boards are available at some access points. There are no restrooms or shops directly within the monument, so come prepared.
From the summit, you'll get stunning 360-degree views of the volcanic landscape, the coastline, El Medano, and the surrounding areas of Tenerife.
📸 📸 Photography
The crater rim offers dramatic perspectives, especially during sunrise or sunset. The coastal paths and the abandoned solar dish also make for unique shots.
Early morning or late afternoon provides softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the landscape's textures and colors.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check current local rules and restrictions for natural parks in Tenerife before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or distant coastal shots.
The monument is generally less crowded than other popular spots, especially if you visit during off-peak hours.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
The abandoned solar dish adds an element of the unusual to your shots. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the landscape and be prepared for the bright, direct sunlight. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Trails and Routes
For those seeking a more direct, albeit steeper, challenge, other paths ascend from different points around the base. These can be more demanding and may require better physical condition. Regardless of the route, the terrain is primarily volcanic rock and scree, so sturdy footwear is essential. Remember that shade is minimal, so plan your hike accordingly.
Many visitors enjoy combining their hike with a walk along the coastal paths near El Medano, which offer beautiful ocean views and lead to pristine beaches at the foot of the volcano. Some even choose to circumnavigate parts of the crater rim, exploring the unique geological formations.
Geological Significance
The monument's unique geology makes it a site of scientific interest. The exposed layers and the structure of the crater provide valuable insights for geologists studying volcanic activity. Visitors can appreciate the raw beauty of this natural phenomenon, understanding that they are walking on land shaped by intense volcanic processes millions of years ago.
Photography Opportunities
Beyond the summit, the abandoned solar energy laboratory with its large parabolic dish offers an intriguing, almost surreal, photographic subject. The coastal paths leading to the monument also present opportunities for capturing the rugged coastline and the pristine beaches at the mountain's base. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens to do justice to the expansive vistas and consider a polarizing filter to enhance the colors of the sky and sea.
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