Mirador de Samara loop hike in Teide National Park

Mirador de Samara provides a fantastic hiking experience within Teide National Park, a must-visit destination in Tenerife. The views here are truly spectacular and ever-changing. With a range of hiking options available, from easy to challenging and short to long, the Samara loop hike stands out at just 5 km. It unveils a breathtaking landscape, featuring everything from pine trees to diverse volcanic vistas.

How to get to the Samara viewpoint

The Samara viewpoint is situated along the TF 38 road. Enter these coordinates into your GPS and drive to the nearby parking lot, easily identifiable as it is right next to the road. The most convenient way to reach this location is by car, as no public transportation options are available to stop here. Renting a car is the best choice for a seamless visit.

Mirador de Samara hiking details

Distance

5 km/3.1 miles

Duration

1-2 hours

Difficulty

Easy

Ascent

300 m/984 ft

Begin your adventure with the Mirador de Samara loop hike, a trail that starts right from the parking lot. As you step onto the path surrounded by tall pine trees, follow the inviting S-13 trail.

For an even more breathtaking experience, take a short detour to the left, ascending Montaña de Samara. Don’t be deterred by the trail’s steepness; its short length ensures a brisk ascent. Soon enough, you’ll find yourself standing atop Montaña de Samara, revelling in awe-inspiring views of Teide National Park and its remarkable volcanic formations.

After soaking in the scenic beauty, continue your journey along the trail to complete the Samara loop hike around Montaña de la Botija. If the weather is clear, you’ll have the opportunity to see the majestic Teide Mountain and Pico Viejo too.

Moving forward, observe the landscape gradually transforming as the trees give way, unveiling more of the fascinating volcanic terrain. This terrain, painted with a spectrum of colors from brown to black, showcases various pyroclasts—volcanic debris ejected into the air during eruptions. Keep an eye out for the transition from smaller to larger pieces as you venture further.

After the volcanic landscapes, the trees will soon come back into view, signaling that you are nearing the starting point of the Mirador de Samara loop hike.

When to visit Mirador de Samara?

The Mirador de Samara in Tenerife can be visited throughout the year. The climate in Tenerife is generally mild, and the viewpoint provides breathtaking views regardless of the season. Nonetheless, before your visit, it’s prudent to check weather conditions for clear skies and optimal visibility, particularly if you wish to enjoy panoramic views of Pico Viejo and Mount Teide. Mountainous areas like this can experience rapid weather changes, so dressing in layers and preparing for varying conditions is advisable. For an enhanced experience, consider visiting in the early morning or late afternoon, when softer lighting adds to the overall charm of Mirador de Samara. During my visit in February, I encountered initially windy and cold conditions at the hike’s start. However, as I ascended, the wind gradually lessened, and the clouds intermittently adorned and unveiled the stunning scenery.

Thoughts about the hike

In conclusion, I believe this loop hike is worth the effort. Not only is it manageable due to its short length, but the diverse landscape changes make the hike truly rewarding. From enchanting Canarian pine trees to captivating volcanic terrain with a view of Teide, every step is worth it. It transcends a regular hike or walk; it’s a unique experience. What’s your favourite short hike? I might add Cadini di Misurina from Italy.