The Island Council of Tenerife has intensified its response to the rising issue of tourist overcrowding in the Teide National Park, announcing stricter surveillance and enforcement at popular viewpoints such as Chipeque, Chimague, and Ayosa, located within the Corona Forestal Natural Park.
The measures, according to the Island Council’s president, Rosa Dávila, follow repeated incidents of congestion, unsafe parking, and the risks presented by large gatherings in areas susceptible to forest fires.
“Every evening, crowds gather that not only cause traffic jams by parking haphazardly but also put people at risk, as we can often find ourselves in dangerous situations due to the threat of wildfires,” Dávila explained.
Coordinated Security Measures
In response to the issue, the Island Council is collaborating with the Civil Guard, Canary Islands Police, and environmental officers. Starting next week, the Canary Islands Police will maintain a permanent presence in Teide National Park.
Environmental officers will also continue to monitor visitors and will have the authority to issue reports for violations. These reports will be forwarded to the General Directorate of Traffic, which implements penalties. Officials have noted that several sanctions have already been imposed in recent days, adding to the 700 reports filed in the first half of this year for environmental violations across Tenerife.
The island’s councillor for the environment, Blanca Pérez, cautioned:
“Anyone who breaks the rules will be reported and punished. These measures are not just about protecting nature, but also about ensuring public safety in the event of a fire.”
Recurring Overcrowding Issues
The Teide National Park—among the most visited natural sites in Spain—grapples with ongoing issues related to mass tourism. At sunset, numerous vehicles frequently congest the roads to Ayosa and Chipeque, blocking traffic and causing gridlock. Videos shared on social media reveal illegally parked cars along certain road stretches, with visitors simply gathering to view the sunset.
On 9 August, over 50 individuals were removed from the Chipeque viewpoint, despite the existing closures and restrictions in light of a maximum fire alert and extreme heat conditions.
Public Complaints and Environmental Risks
Residents, experts, and activists have increasingly raised concerns about reckless actions in the park:
- Photographer Diego Manrique highlighted instances of visitors smoking among pine trees, discarding cigarette butts, flying drones illegally, and even committing thefts from parked vehicles during fire alerts.
- Jaime Coello, of the Telesforo Bravo–Juan Coello Foundation, accused the Island Council of creating a “perfect storm of tourist overcrowding,” claiming it prioritises mass tourism over conservation. He characterised the situation as “unsustainable,” pointing to illegal parking in Minas de San José, wandering off trails, and collecting stones.
These alarms contribute to almost daily complaints regarding the lack of effective control in the park.
Permanent Surveillance on the Horizon
The Island Council has committed to establishing permanent surveillance at the most vulnerable viewpoints.
“It is a complex issue requiring coordination among various administrations,” Dávila stated. “We are working on long-term solutions because this extends beyond protecting nature; it is also about ensuring people’s safety in case of a fire.”
In the meantime, the Island Council urges residents and visitors alike to act responsibly, respect closures, and adhere to all directives issued by authorities to prevent accidents and environmental damage in Tenerife’s most iconic natural area.
