Every island in the Canary Islands has a Parador, the national chain set up to restore old castles and buildings of national value in Spain converting them into prestigious hotels. But it is the location rather than the building which gives the Tenerife Parador its uniqueness, being located at over 2000m in the "Cañadas de Teide" in the shadow of the great volcano Mount Teide (3812m) Spain's highest mountain.

As befits a 4 star hotel, the rooms are very comfortable and tastefully furnished with central heating and airconditioning. They are equipped with satellite TV, minibar and telephone. The luxury bathrooms have a full sized bath with shower, bidet and hairdryer. The hotel also has an indoor pool, two saunas and a small gym. The restaurant, with views of Mount Teide, is very elegant with food and service to match and the snackbar is open to non-residents.

A stay at the Parador del Teide would be a wonderful addition to a walking holiday in the Canary Islands. There are daily bus services from the north and south of Tenerife to the Teide National Park with a maze of walks to and from the Parador. There is also a cable car to take you up to 3000metres, almost the top of the volcano.