We were back at Santa Cruz de Tenerife for two full days after our day in Madeira. Azura’s seven day day passengers left and new passengers joined for the next seven day cruise. Our plan for this day was to take a P&O organised visit to Mount Teide in the afternoon.
Day 7: Thursday 10th November 2023: Santa Cruz de Tenerife
We were joined by Dr Martin again for breakfast – more fascinating discussions about medical ethics!
From the ship we made our way to the supermarket to refresh supplies of chocolate etc! Afterwards we explored.
The harbour was again very busy with other cruise ships.
The buffet was almost deserted and we enjoyed a relaxing simple lunch.
To Mount Teide
This was our first visit to Mount Teide. Our guide explained that we would be taken to the cable car to ascend to the summit, then we would visit other sites in the national park before returning back to the port.
As we climbed out of Santa Cruz we passed through large areas of burnt forest where fires had occurred.
My first view of Mount Teide with in the foreground burnt trees.
On a very sharp bend the coach had to slow and we could see all the rock layers carved out by the road builders.
When we reached the cable car we were then told again how long we would have at the summit and to make sure to allow time for the return journey back down the mountain. Then we handed our tickets for the cable car.
On the cable car up to Mount Teide
Mount Teide
Back down
This is the fridge magnet to celebrate our visit.
Once on the coach we waited. Waited for 45 minutes for the missing couple to make it back to the coach. Despite all the briefing they had been undecided when to return off the mountain. This is the #1 downside of taking P&O excursions, passengers who ignore the times for departure.
The rock outcrop
Because of the very late departure from the cable car the stop at the rock outcrop had to be cut short.
Once I had climbed up to the rock this is the view looking away from the car parks.
Back to Santa Cruz
We passed much closer to the Teide Observatory.
The coach had to slow down again around the extreme hairpin bend. This time we stopped and we had a few minutes to take pictures.
Above where we stopped were these people at a viewing point.
The traffic jam as we returned to Santa Cruz.
Back onboard Azura
We had our dinner in the Deck 6 restaurant and then had an early night in our cabin to catch up on our books.
The next day was another day of departures and arrivals for other passengers on Azura here in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.