A Surprise In Tenerife

I told you the other day that I’m going to post the last episodes of Untie the Lines — starting with our first arrival in Tenerife last year, where we met Alberto (who would soon become a friend).

I was ridiculously excited to finally see Mount Teide. Not just because it’s “a mountain,” but because Teide is the kind of landmark that changes the whole mood of an island. One minute you’re on the coast with palm trees and cafés, and the next you’re climbing into a completely different world — volcanic slopes, shifting clouds, and landscapes that look like they belong on Mars.

And then something happened that I love about traveling by boat: you think you’re just having a normal day… and suddenly a human connection turns it into a memory.

What started as a shout from shore turned into an invitation. Alberto, one of our viewers, offered to show us his island — and instead of doing the usual “quick highlights,” we got to see Tenerife through local eyes. Together we drove up toward Teide National Park, watching the scenery change every few minutes: dry lava fields, pine forests, clouds rolling in and out like someone was playing with a dimmer switch.

A few fun facts to put Teide into perspective while you watch:

• Teide is the highest peak in Spain at 3,715 meters.

• Measured from the ocean floor, it’s around 7,500 meters, which makes it one of the largest volcanic structures in the world.

• At sunrise and sunset it can cast a perfect triangular shadow across the sea — on clear days even toward other islands.

• It’s also a stargazing dream, with high altitude, dry air, and low light pollution — home to the Teide Observatory.

• And yes: it’s still an active volcano, just… currently behaving.

This episode is less about “tourist highlights” and more about what we actually love about this life: curiosity, connection, and the kind of unexpected encounters that make a place feel personal.