Teide National Park, Tenerife

Spain's highest mountain, the volcano Mount Teide, 3,715 m, rises from a vast crater of lava fields and colourful rocks in the middle of Tenerife. A cable car climbs to 3,555 m, with views over the Canary Islands. Walking to the very summit needs a free permit booked well in advance.

The park is one of the best places in the world for stargazing; tours run at night. It can be cold and windy at the top, even when it's hot on the coast. The cable car closes in strong winds.