Observatorio del Teide (Izaña)

Verified content· Updated 13 July 2026

Observatory of the Instituto de Astrofísica de CanariasFirst telescope installed in 1964Specialized in solar telescopes (GREGOR, 1.5 m)

The Teide Observatory, located in the Izaña massif (about 2,390 m), is operated by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias and has been functioning since its first telescope was installed in 1964. It is one of the world's major solar observatories, featuring instruments such as the GREGOR telescope, with a diameter of 1.5 m, as well as several night and robotic telescopes from institutions in Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Space Agency. Among its scientific milestones are the detection of the first brown dwarf ('Teide 1') and pioneering heliosismology studies.

It offers guided daytime tours, with prior reservation, where visitors can observe the Sun through solar telescopes and explore the interior of a night telescope.

Essential information

Accessibility

It is located next to the La Esperanza road (TF-24) in Izaña; the guided daytime tour lasts approximately 1 h 30 min, is offered in Spanish, English, French, and German, requires prior reservation, and does not admit children under 8 years old.

Risk Level

It is located at about 2,390 m altitude, where cold, wind, and solar radiation are intense; bring warm clothing, sunscreen, and water even if it's hot on the coast.