Tourists visiting one of Spain’s most iconic natural landmarks will soon face new charges and restrictions, as Tenerife authorities take decisive action to tackle overtourism and environmental degradation in Teide National Park.
Starting in 2026, a new eco-tax will apply to all non-resident visitors entering the park, with revenue directly funding conservation projects. The announcement was made Monday by Rosa Davila, President of the Tenerife Cabildo, during a regional debate focused on sustainable tourism and environmental resilience.
The move comes amid increasing concerns over the ecological strain caused by mass tourism in the Canary Islands, particularly illegal trail usage, pollution, and erosion in protected zones.
Teide National Park, home to Spain’s highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage site, receives millions of visitors annually and is now at the centre of a wide-ranging crackdown.
To reduce emissions and overcrowding, private car access to the park will be significantly restricted. In its place, electric shuttle buses will be introduced, part of a new transport system aimed at slashing vehicle congestion.
Similar measures have already been rolled out in Masca, another sensitive area where visitors must pay a fee and use designated transport services.
Under the updated park access model, additional environmental officers will be deployed, and a new Park Management Plan will be introduced to better regulate visitor flow.
A new agreement with Tenerife’s transport sector will also reduce the size of tourist buses in areas like Anaga and Masca, and one-way traffic systems will help prevent environmental bottlenecks.
Davila also confirmed that tougher penalties for damaging natural areas are in the works. Legal reforms will strengthen enforcement in coordination with Spain’s environmental police, local police units, and forestry officers.
A series of new environmental investments were also revealed, including the reopening of the Altavista Refuge later this year and new solar-powered cabins for the Teide Cable Car in 2026.
Tenerife’s 2024 environmental budget will rise to a record €219 million (£164 million), a 27% increase from last year. Projects will target degraded areas such as La Rambla de Castro, La Caleta, and Montana Roja, and aim to restore marine biodiversity through seagrass meadow revival in collaboration with the Spanish Oceanography Institute.
“These measures mark a turning point for the way we manage tourism on the island,” said President Davila. “Our priority is to preserve Tenerife’s natural beauty for future generations, and that means visitors must play a part in protecting it.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
