Long ago, a legendary awakening stirred a demon of fury, leaving a trail of ash and lava in its wake. The Guanches witnessed this fearsome event as the world opened to the descent of the volcano from the slopes into the fiery depths of Echeyde. Teide, alive and enigmatic, reveals a Christmas that families and visitors can experience in Tenerife as a new stop along the cable car route, inviting a deeper look into the indigenous history of the island.
Tenerife holds century after century of stories tied to its volcanic heart. Today the Teide Volcano opens its doors to visitors by way of the Teide Cable Car, inviting them to participate in a story that blends myth with science. The exhibition Science and Legend at the Teide Cable Car Visitor Center merges myth with evidence, creating a fresh cultural and entertaining proposition that enriches every visit to the national park.
Who was Guayota? What was Teide really like? How did the island dwellers experience that moment? How did the eruption reshape the island forever and how tall is Teide exactly If you want to know the facts the answer lies at the summit where Teide rises to 3,715 metres, the highest point in Spain. The experts from the Tenerife Island Council Museum of Nature and Archaeology and the Canary Islands Volcanological Institute contributed scientific insight to the Teide Legend exhibition, a collaboration that makes the experience credible and engaging. This program will be a lasting feature of Tenerife and offers a journey into the past and present through the Guanches, the island’s first inhabitants, exploring their life and the resources the region offered. Teide and the eruption from a thousand years ago are explored with depth and curiosity, weaving mummy and myth into a single narrative.
The event at the summit reveals a story shaped by the island itself. The experience uses composite panels, video presentations, and scientifically validated data to explain the eruption that gave the island its character. It invites visitors to understand how Tenerife’s tallest peak became a symbol of both legend and science, shedding light on the mystery that surrounds this volcanic landscape. The exhibition features illustrations by Luis Suárez, a renowned Canarian artist whose work has reached an international audience. The content and layout of the Teide Cable Car presentation are crafted by María Mengual, a respected specialist in cultural heritage, with design by Javier Martínez.
Characters such as the young Guanche Tassat, the sun goddess Magec, Guayota the demon, and Guañameñe the sorcerer, guardian of the Achamán Guanches, come to life to compare eruption phases through scientific data and legend. Two viewpoints appear opposite yet deeply connected, offering a balanced view of history and geology.
Teide shines this Christmas in Tenerife
The Science and Myth exhibition presents a lively and accessible way to explore Teide National Park and its mythic past. The visit is bundled with the cable car ticket and remains open to the public during holidays, weather permitting. Children up to thirteen can enjoy free access to the exhibition.
Volkan Teide Experience promises a memorable holiday offering in Tenerife, delivering a comic book style journey featuring demons, gods, and Guanche figures. It is a playful, educational experience aimed at families and curious visitors who want to learn by participating in the story. It invites guests to explore the island’s origin, volcanology, legends, and local curiosities in a hands-on way. Whether traveling alone, as a family, or with friends, the Science and Myth exhibition enhances any nature-loving itinerary and adds a fresh layer of discovery to Tenerife’s festive season.
For those seeking to make the most of Teide this Christmas, the program is a highlight among Tenerife’s family-friendly activities. It offers entertainment and science in equal measure, inviting visitors to expand their knowledge while enjoying the island’s unique landscape. The exhibition is designed to engage every type of explorer, from casual travelers to dedicated students, and to deepen appreciation for the natural and cultural treasures of the area.