Tourists planning to hike popular trails at Tenerife’s Teide National Park will face fees of up to £22, as a new “eco-tax” is set to be introduced by 2026.
According to an article by Independent, the most visited natural site in the Canary Islands, Teide National Park welcomes more than four million visitors each year, drawn largely to the Teide-Pico Viejo stratovolcano, which at 3,718 meters is the highest peak in Spanish territory.
Local authorities say the measure aims to protect the park’s biodiversity while enhancing visitor experience and safety.
The Tenerife Council has approved an eco-tax of up to €25 (£21.75) for certain trails, including Trail 10 “Telesforo Bravo” and the routes leading to the Teide-Pico Viejo stratovolcano or Trail 7 “Montaña Blanca-Rambleta.”
In return, visitors will receive information and interpretation services about the trail’s natural environment.
Fees will vary based on visitor residence, length of stay, age, and tour type, with non-Canary Island tourists paying €15 (£13) for an unguided visit to Trail 10, or €10 (£8.70) if accompanied by a guide.
Trail 7 hikers will pay €6 (£5.20) on weekdays and €10 (£8.70) on weekends and holidays. Tenerife residents will not pay, and other Canary Islands residents can access trails for reduced fees.
The park’s board of trustees and the Canary Islands’ Ecological Ministry said the fees are intended to support conservation and reinforce visitor safety.
“With these measures, we seek a balance between visitor enjoyment and the conservation of a fragile and unique ecosystem,” said Rosa Dávila, president of the Tenerife Island Council.
“This is a brave decision and marks the first of many guidelines that will protect our National Park, which belongs to all the people of Tenerife. We must prevent its degradation, and any tool that helps conserve it will be studied,” Rosa added.
Authorities are also implementing capacity limits of 300 visitors per day on Trail 10 and stricter measures for the climb to Mount Teide’s crater from La Rambleta, including mandatory equipment and a maximum of 50 people per time slot.
Breaking rules can result in fines of up to €600 (£521), covering unauthorized access, failure to carry a permit, or missing essentials such as a fully charged phone or flashlight.
Some new measures are aimed at improving the tourist experience, including English-speaking staff for Trail 10 and reserving 80 percent of early morning permits for hikers staying overnight at the Altavista Refuge, ideal for sunrise visits.
Official permits can be obtained through the Tenerife ON platform, which will also manage bookings for other non-taxed trails leading to the stratovolcano.
The introduction of the eco-tax and related safety measures highlights Tenerife’s commitment to sustainable tourism, ensuring that popular hiking and outdoor recreation sites remain accessible while preserving fragile natural landscapes.