I Taught Yoga on Top of the Tallest Volcano in Europe

The landscape was otherworldly. As I led the class through our flow, I was bathed in the last light of the day. The sun set behind me, illuminating the startling rock formations and the dramatic terrain around us. Above, the peak of Mount Teide—the largest volcano in Europe—loomed. It was a humbling sight as we moved together through breath and movement on its slopes.

Throughout the class, I felt waves of awe—and moments of imposter syndrome. Is this really my life? I wondered, overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunities yoga continues to bring into my life.

Right now, I’m spending a month teaching yoga at a surf hostel in Tenerife. In exchange for room and board, I teach classes every evening. Living here in the Canary Islands has been a much-needed pause from the fast pace of Madrid. It's given me space to reconnect with what inspires me most—yoga and writing—and in my free time, I’ve found peace by the ocean, taking time to rest and reset.

At the hostel, I’ve been meeting people from all over Europe, getting to share what I love. Since moving to Europe and building my yoga career here, I’ve come to truly appreciate yoga as a powerful tool for connection—both in community and in the personal relationship we each build with our body, mind, and breath.

The daily classes I teach here are set against a backdrop of endless blue ocean. It’s easily one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever taught, and every day I feel grateful. Tenerife has a dry, desert-like climate, with beautiful beaches and mountains that open up to sweeping ocean views. When I arrived, I knew I wanted to bring yoga to some of the island’s most breathtaking spots.

I've been collaborating with a fellow volunteer from Italy to create content during our time at the hostel. While scouting locations, we both agreed that Teide—grand and awe-inspiring—would be the perfect place to film. We pitched the idea to our manager, who supported the plan and helped us organize a special class on the volcano for the hostel’s guests and volunteers.

The drive to the top took about an hour. We passed through pine-covered hills, barren lava fields, and towering rock formations that looked straight out of Mars. Eventually, we reached a terrace viewpoint overlooking a vast valley, framed by jagged volcanic cliffs.

I set up my mat by the railing, with the setting sun at my back, and my students facing the valley. It was one of the most peaceful, stunning places I’ve ever led a class. As the light softened, a breeze drifted up from the valley as we flowed. At the end of class, as my students rested in savasana, I closed my eyes and smiled, soaking in the moment. It felt like one of those rare, bucket-list experiences—quiet, joyful, unforgettable.

Moments like this—of connection through yoga, nature, and community—remind me that this path is the one I want to follow. Yoga brings me fulfillment, adventure, and deep joy. I’m endlessly grateful for these opportunities and for the chance to share this practice with people from all over the world.