The president of the Tenerife Island Council, Rosa Dávila, announced on Wednesday that access to the summit of Mount Teide will be subject to a new fee structure in line with the Teide National Park Master Plan for Use and Management (PRUG).
- Free admission: Tenerife residents and all children under 14 years old.
- Discounted rates: Canary Islands residents, between €3 and €6.
- General admission: Non-residents, between €10 and €25.
The final price will depend on the time of day, route chosen, and whether the visitor is accompanied by an authorized guide. Guides themselves will not be charged.
When and How the Measure Will Apply
- The new regulation will enter into force on January 1, 2026.
- An online reservation platform will be launched in November 2025 to allow visitors to book in advance.
- Dávila emphasized that “anyone who wants to visit Teide at peak times will have to do so by bus,” underlining the push toward sustainable access.
Limits on Visitor Numbers
To prevent overcrowding, the regulation introduces a quota of 100 people per time slot, distributed across three daily slots. A fixed number of places will be reserved exclusively for local residents and registered mountaineers.
The fee will specifically apply to two main summit routes:
- Montaña Blanca – La Rambleta
- Telesforo Bravo trail
Environmental and Safety Goals
According to Dávila, the regulation responds to the need to preserve and conserve the National Park, while also reinforcing safety and enhancing visitor services:
“It was one of this government’s objectives to start regulating visits to Teide National Park. It is a path of no return to ensure conservation, reinforce safety, and enrich the visitor experience. It is an unprecedented measure in the Canary Islands.”
The measure comes as a response to the dramatic rise in visitors since the pandemic: from 3.5 million annually to more than 5 million in 2024, of which 88% were tourists and only 11% local residents.
More Staff and Stricter Oversight
The plan also provides for the hiring of 16 new public employees for the National Park, including:
- 8 environmental agents, empowered to impose sanctions and report offences to the Environmental Prosecutor’s Office.
- 8 specialized technicians, such as forestry or agricultural engineers.
Transport and Access Regulation
While a general entry fee to the park itself is not yet planned, the Island Council aims to regulate access through shuttle bus systems. The idea of banning private cars entirely, except for residents, has been dismissed for now.
Other Restrictions
The updated PRUG also introduces new limitations for:
- Sporting events
- Audiovisual filming and productions
These activities will face stricter requirements, focusing on minimizing environmental impact and ensuring long-term sustainability.
