Mount Teide’s New Eco-Tax in Tenerife to Help Preserve the Volcanic Landscape and Limit Visitor Numbers for Sustainable Tourism

Starting January 1, 2026, Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, will implement a new eco-tax system to regulate access to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tax comes as part of a broader strategy to manage the increasing number of visitors to the Teide National Park, ensuring the long-term preservation of its delicate volcanic ecosystem while also balancing tourism and conservation. The eco-tax is a direct response to the pressures caused by rising tourist numbers, with the island seeing more than 5 million visitors in recent years, 88% of whom are tourists.

Mount Teide has long been a symbol of the Canary Islands, drawing tourists from around the world to hike its trails, explore its unique volcanic landscape, and enjoy the breathtaking views from the summit. However, the park’s growing popularity has led to overcrowding, straining the environment and its fragile ecosystem. To protect this natural heritage and prevent further environmental degradation, the new eco-tax aims to control visitor numbers through a system that includes entry fees and strict daily capacity limits.

The tax, which will apply to two main trails leading to the summit, will differentiate between local residents, Canary Island residents, and tourists, with varying rates to ensure equitable access. In addition, the eco-tax will fund conservation efforts, including the maintenance of park infrastructure and environmental restoration projects.

Key Highlights:

• Eco-Tax Implementation: Starting January 2026, Tenerife will charge a fee for accessing Mount Teide, with prices ranging from €3 to €25 based on residency and time of visit.
• Visitor Limits: Only 300 climbers will be allowed per day, distributed into three time slots, with a reservation system to manage access.
• Environmental Protection: The revenue generated from the eco-tax, estimated to be around €650,000 annually, will be dedicated to the preservation and conservation of Teide National Park.
• Access for Locals: Tenerife residents and children under 14 will have free access, while Canary Islands residents will pay a reduced rate.
• Sanctions for Violations: Unauthorized ascents will incur fines of up to €600, in accordance with the Canary Islands’ natural spaces law.

Mount Teide: A Jewel of the Canary Islands Under Pressure

Mount Teide is a central feature of Teide National Park, attracting tourists from all corners of the globe for its unparalleled beauty and its unique volcanic landscape. Standing at 3,718 meters (12,198 feet), it is not only the highest peak in Spain but also one of the most visited national parks in Europe. The park is famous for its dramatic landscapes, with striking volcanic formations, endemic flora, and fauna.

Despite its awe-inspiring natural beauty, Teide National Park has become a victim of its own success. With more than 5 million visitors annually, the growing number of tourists has created significant environmental pressure. In 2020, the park recorded 3.5 million visitors, and by 2024, this number had risen to over 5 million, with 88% of visitors being international tourists. The increasing foot traffic is contributing to the degradation of the park’s fragile ecosystem, which is home to many unique species of plants and animals, some of which are endemic to the area.

In response to this, the Cabildo of Tenerife, the island’s governing body, introduced the eco-tax as part of the new Master Plan for Use and Management (PRUG). This initiative aims to create a sustainable balance between tourism and conservation, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the beauty of Teide without causing irreversible damage to the environment.

The New Eco-Tax System: Who Pays What?

Under the new eco-tax system, visitors will be charged based on their place of residence, as well as the time of visit. The fee structure is designed to give priority to local residents, with reduced rates for Canary Islands residents and a higher charge for tourists from outside the region. Here is the breakdown of the fees:

• Free Access:
  • Tenerife residents (local residents)
  • Children under 14
• Reduced Rate (between €3 to €6):
  • Canary Islands residents (based on whether the visit is on a weekday or weekend)
• General Rate (between €10 to €25):
  • Non-residents (depending on the chosen day and route)

Additionally, authorized mountain guides will be exempt from the fee, recognizing their important role in guiding tourists through the park’s trails while also ensuring visitor safety and education.

Limiting Visitor Numbers: A Sustainable Approach

To prevent overcrowding and reduce the environmental strain caused by too many visitors, the new system will set strict daily limits on the number of climbers. A maximum of 300 climbers will be allowed access to the summit each day. Visitors will be assigned to one of three time slots, with a maximum of 100 people per section and time slot. This system is designed to create a more organized and controlled experience for both visitors and the environment.

Reservations must be made in advance through the Tenerife ON platform, which will allow visitors to plan their hike and secure their spot before the eco-tax goes into effect. This will help regulate the flow of tourists and prevent the park from being overwhelmed.

Funding Conservation: Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability

The funds generated from the eco-tax will be directly allocated to the conservation and maintenance of Teide National Park. The Cabildo of Tenerife estimates that the eco-tax will generate around €650,000 annually, which will be used for projects such as:

• Park maintenance: Ensuring the park’s trails, signage, and facilities are properly maintained.
• Conservation efforts: Supporting the protection of the park’s endemic species and fragile ecosystems.
• Environmental restoration: Addressing the damage caused by tourism and implementing measures to restore the park’s natural habitats.

These efforts are crucial for preserving the unique environment of Mount Teide and ensuring that future generations of tourists can enjoy its beauty without compromising the integrity of the park’s ecosystem.

Sanctions and Regulations: Ensuring Compliance

To ensure that the new regulations are followed, the Cabildo of Tenerife will enforce strict penalties for unauthorized ascents. Visitors who attempt to climb without a reservation or who violate the park’s rules will face fines of up to €600, in line with the Canary Islands’ natural spaces law.

Additionally, pets will not be allowed on the trails, except for certified guide dogs. This measure is designed to protect the park’s wildlife and prevent any disruption to the natural environment.

Conclusion: A Sustainable Future for Mount Teide

The introduction of the eco-tax for Mount Teide marks a pivotal moment in the effort to balance tourism with environmental conservation in the Canary Islands. While the new fee structure may be seen as a challenge for some visitors, it is an essential step in protecting one of Spain’s most iconic natural landmarks. By regulating visitor numbers and generating funds for conservation, Tenerife aims to preserve the beauty and biodiversity of Mount Teide for generations to come. As the island moves toward a more sustainable tourism model, it sets a powerful example for other popular destinations facing similar challenges.

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