We made a quick but scenic stop at Playa Chica, a small black sand beach on Tenerife’s coast. The striking dark sand comes from volcanic activity, as centuries of lava flows cooled, broke down, and mixed with the ocean to form the island’s signature shores. It’s a beautiful reminder that this entire island is born from fire.

From there, we climbed in elevation—heading south but way up, into the otherworldly landscape of Teide National Park. We stayed the night at the Parador hotel, nestled high on the slopes of Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide.

That night, we joined a stargazing tour, and it was truly unforgettable. Teide is considered one of the best places in the world for astronomical observation due to:

• High elevation (over 2,000 meters)
• Minimal light pollution
• Clear skies nearly year-round
• And Tenerife’s protected status as a Starlight Reserve

Through telescopes, we saw Saturn’s rings, star clusters, and learned the stories behind constellations—all under a sky absolutely packed with stars.

It was a unique and educational experience, and a reminder of just how vast and wild Tenerife really is—from lava beaches to cosmic views.