Situado en la isla de Tenerife, este sitio comprende esencialmente el estratovolcán del Teide-Pico Viejo, que con sus 3.718 metros sobre el nivel del mar es la cumbre más elevada de España. Esta estructura volcánica se alza a 7.500 metros por encima del fondo del océano, y se estima que es la tercera del mundo por su altura. El impacto visual del sitio se debe en gran parte a las condiciones atmosféricas que modifican continuamente las texturas y los tonos del paisaje, así como al espectáculo impresionante del “mar de nubes” que forma el telón de fondo de la montaña. La importancia mundial del Teide estriba en que es una viva muestra de los procesos geológicos subyacentes a la evolución de las islas oceánicas.

Valor universal excepcional en inglés

Teide National Park, dominated by the 3,718 m Teide-Pico Viejo stratovolcano, represents a rich and diverse assemblage of volcanic features and landscapes concentrated in a spectacular setting. Criterion (vii): Mount Teide is a striking volcanic landscape dominated by the jagged Las Cañadas escarpment and a central volcano that makes Tenerife the third tallest volcanic structure in the world. Within this landscape is a superlative suite of landforms that reveal different phases of construction and remodeling of the volcanic complex and highlight its unique geodiversity. The visual impact is emphasized by atmospheric conditions that create constantly changing textures and tones in the landscape and a ‘sea of clouds' that forms a visually impressive backdrop to the mountain. Criterion (viii): Teide National Park is an exceptional example of a relatively old, slow moving, geologically complex and mature volcanic system. It is of global importance in providing diverse evidence of the geological processes that underpin the evolution of oceanic islands, and these values complement those of existing volcanic properties on the World Heritage List, such as the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It offers a diverse and accessible assemblage of volcanic features and landscapes in a relatively limited area. The area is a major centre for international research with a long history of influence on geology and geomorphology especially through the work of von Humboldt, von Buch and Lyell which has made Mount Teide a significant site in the history of volcanology. The property is well managed and resourced, with a six-year management plan in place which is due for renewal in 2008. The property is afforded the same legal protection as other national parks in Spain and is surrounded by a buffer zone. Key management issues include the management of tourism, the potential impact of climate change, and effective coordination of management responsibility between national and regional levels of government.