A Journey to the Stars

As a former professional surfer, my life has always been about chasing the perfect wave, but this time, I found myself chasing the stars. My partner and I decided to take a break from the Caribbean’s sun-kissed beaches and head to Puerto de la Cruz for an adventure that promised a different kind of thrill. The Teide by Night experience was calling, and I couldn’t resist the allure of a sunset and stargazing tour atop Mount Teide.

Our journey began with a comfortable ride in a new air-conditioned coach, a welcome change from the salty sea breezes I’m used to. The guide, Dominic, was a fountain of knowledge, especially when it came to the stars and constellations. His enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself eager to learn more about the night sky.

Our first stop was a quaint café where I tried the local barraquito, a liquor coffee that warmed me from the inside out. It was a delightful start to the evening, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area. As we continued our ascent, we paused at several breathtaking spots to capture the stunning geology of the region. Each stop offered a new perspective, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the natural beauty surrounding us.

Dining Above the Clouds

As we reached the high-altitude plateau under the summit of Teide, the landscape transformed into something otherworldly. The environmental conditions here are said to resemble those of Mars, and I could see why filmmakers are drawn to this location. Our next stop was the Papillon Restaurant, the highest in the National Park, where we enjoyed a meal that was simple yet satisfying.

The pumpkin soup was a comforting start, followed by breaded chicken, with a vegetarian option available for those who preferred it. The meal concluded with a rich chocolate mousse, accompanied by beer and wine. While the food wasn’t the highlight of the evening, it provided the necessary fuel for the adventure ahead.

After dinner, we made our way to a vantage point on the north side of the mountain, near the Mt Teide Solar Observatory, to witness the sunset. The sky transformed into a canvas of pinks, reds, and purples, a sight that rivaled even the most beautiful ocean sunsets I’ve seen. Although I was slightly disappointed by the absence of Cava, the view more than made up for it.

Stargazing Under the Tenerife Sky

With the sun now a memory, we returned to the plateau for the main event: stargazing. Five Celestron C6 telescopes awaited us, set up in a car park at the side of the road. While the location wasn’t ideal due to passing car headlights, the celestial display was nothing short of spectacular.

Dominic guided us through the constellations, pointing out the Milky Way as it passed through Cygnus, Aquila, and Sagittarius. The latter, being the richest part, was a rare treat for someone like me, who spends most of his time in the Caribbean. Through the telescopes, we glimpsed the Lagoon Nebula, the Eagle Nebula, and even Saturn, though its rings were almost edge-on.

I could have spent hours lost in the stars, but our time was limited to about 50 minutes. Still, it was an unforgettable experience, one that left me with a newfound appreciation for the night sky. As we made our way back to Playa de Las Americas, I couldn’t help but reflect on the day’s adventure. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best journeys are the ones that take you beyond the familiar, to places where the ocean meets the stars.