Canary Island stings Brit tourists with new fee as new brutal clampdown unveiled
Millions of Brits flocking to one of Spain's most popular, and natural, attractions will soon be hit with fresh charges as its popularity soars and officials worry it's at a "tipping point"
One of Europe's most popular national parks is clamping down on crowds of tourists by introducing a new fee. Last year, around three million visitors flocked to the acclaimed Teide National Park in Tenerife, a 47,000 acre site that was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status back in 2007.
Famed for its Mars-like landscape and Spain's highest peak (which makes it an incredible star gazing site) the national park is home to the eponymously named Teide-Pico Viejo stratovolcano. Tourists can scramble up some 4,718m to get to the peak - or take a cable car all the way to the top for some breathtaking views of the island.
But, as one of the most visited National Parks in Europe, concern has rapidly grown amongst environmentalists - who have accused tourists of parking their vehicles illegally, straying from marked trails, clambering up 'fragile' rock formations and even stealing volcanic stones from the protected area as a free souvenir. As previously reported, this has lead to experts warning the site is facing a 'critical tipping point'.
Jaime Coello, director of the Telesforo Bravo–Juan Coello Foundation, reportedly branded the behaviour as 'a disgrace', adding: "This is the crown jewel of our protected areas, imagine the state of the rest. Most are just as bad, or worse. The problem is not just the number of visitors, but the absence of any real will to protect this place. There's no one willing to enforce the rules or fix this disaster."
After slamming the government for 'favouring' over-tourism over conservation, it appears Jaime's wishes have finally been granted. According to Canarian Weekly, starting next year, visitors wanting to enter the acclaimed Teide National Park will have to pay.
The move was reportedly confirmed by President of the Tenerife Cabildo, Rosa Dávila during a regional debate this week, where proposals to limit private vehicle traffic into the national park where also announced. "Climbing to the peak should be an orderly privilege, not a risk to the environment," Rosa said.
Local news states electric shuttle buses will eventually replace individual cars to 'reduce emissions and congestion', while the cabins of the Teide Cable Car will be 'fully renovated and powered by solar energy' by the end of the year. It is believed all profits made from the new entrance fees will be invested into conservation.
"Additional environmental officers will be deployed, and a revised Park Management Plan will be implemented to cope with growing visitor numbers," Canarian Weekly added. "The Cabildo is also planning legal reforms to introduce tougher penalties for damaging protected natural areas."
It is not confirmed how much the entrance fee to Teide will be, or how much money it would raise. While the rule may seem unfair for some cash-strapped travellers, Tenerife isn't the only destination that charges for its national parks. The stunning Timanfaya National Park in nearby Lanzarote charges €22 per adults and €11 per child, which includes a bus to the top of the volcano - while the United States charges around $20 for some single entries.
The Mirror has contacted the Tenerife Cabildo for comment - and asked how much entrance to Teide National Park will cost in 2026.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I visited the cheap African holiday island that feels like Mykonos and Santorini with new easyJet flights
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TRAILING vibrant pink bougainvillaea frames white-washed buildings, spilling across blue window shutters and doors. A confetti of tiny petals drifts in the breeze, dancing along the narrow, cobbled streets. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 The small town of Erriadh sits at the centre of the island of Djerba, just off the south coast of Tunisia Credit: Getty 8 Hotels line the soft white-sand beaches on the island's north coast Credit: Shutterstock 8 Houmt Souk's pedestrianised streets are lined with shops and restaurants Credit: Getty Around every corner comes another eye-catching piece of technicolour street art. The walls and doors of the sleepy paths are a quirky, open-air gallery. The resemblance to the alleyways of Mykonos and Santorini is striking and my arty stroll ends at a small cafe under a sprawling canopy of trees in a sunlit square. But when I tell you a small cup of strong coffee here costs 25p, you'll know I am nowhere near the trendy Greek isles. The small town of Erriadh sits at the centre of the island of Djerba —which was used as a filming location for Star Wars — just off the south coast of Tunisia. And at its heart is Djerbahood, the passion project of a famous French art gallery owner who convinced some of the world's best street artists to travel to Djerba, and its inhabitants to allow their walls to be daubed. Now, more than 250 murals and sculptures have transformed the heart of the neighbourhood. Relatively undiscovered by us Brits, Djerba is a great-value option for those looking to explore beyond the Med favourites. Low-cost giant easyJet has launched year-round flights to the island from both London Luton and Manchester, with fares from just £115 return, and easyJet holidays has packages from just £373pp. The island's compact size means it's easy to explore its intoxicating mix of North African heritage and Mediterranean influences. Sizzling in summer, temperatures remain high all the way through to November and rarely dip below the 20Cs, even in the depths of winter, making it ideal for out-of-season sunshine. Five stunning, little-known holiday destinations Hotels line the soft white-sand beaches on the island's north coast, including our base, the 5H Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso. The resorts' vast pool, surrounded by loungers and cabanas, leads down to small sand dunes and a broad stretch of sparkling white sands dotted with straw parasols. Its contemporary rooms are spacious and bright, with marble-clad bathrooms and balconies or terraces to soak up that sunshine. 8 The Sun's Lisa Minot exploring Credit: Supplied 8 The fortress of Borj El Kebir has been protecting the island's inhabitants from invading armies since the 13th century Credit: Getty 8 Our base, the 5-star Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso Credit: Supplied With four restaurants, three bars and the biggest Thalasso spa on the island, you could be forgiven for not straying far. But the island's compact size means it's easy to explore its intoxicating mix of North African heritage and Mediterranean influences. Troglodyte dwellings In the island's capital Houmt Souk on the north coast, the minarets of mosques sit alongside the St Joseph's Catholic church. Jutting out on a headland surrounded by the Mediterranean sea, the fortress of Borj El Kebir has been protecting the island's inhabitants from invading armies since the 13th century. Today you can explore the impressive fortifications and admire the stunning sea views from its now thankfully peaceful ramparts. Houmt Souk's pedestrianised streets lined with shops and restaurants lead on to covered souks and a spice market, as well as a rather less fragrant fish market. There's plenty of opportunities for a bit of souvenir shopping, from local handi-crafts and clothes, to Pottery Square where you can buy colourful ceramics from just £2 with a little haggling. If you're in need of sustenance after all that shopping, look no further than El Fondouk. This fabulous conversion of an 18th-century caravanserai, or travellers' inn, is open daily for morning coffees and pastries in its sun-soaked courtyard – then fresh seafood with couscous, fish curries and meaty kebabs at lunch and dinner. Prices are also excellent given the quality, with main dishes from £8 to £12. Also worth a trip out from the excellent restaurants back at the hotel was Haroun, in the nearby marina. Its outside terrace comes in the form of an actual ship's deck, complete with rigging and ropes, and is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or two as the sun sets. Inside, the dishes coming out of the kitchen include traditional Tunisian specialities such as brik — crispy filo pastry parcels filled with meat or fish — as well as fried calamari and fresh fish. Luke Skywalker grew up in a troglodyte home in Tatooine (get it!) and you can visit locations from the smash-hit franchise. Again, prices are very competitive, with main courses from £13.50. And while Djerba has more than enough to keep a holidaymaker happy for a week, it would be a shame to come this far and not head over on to the mainland and into a galaxy far, far away. EasyJet has multiple tours you can take from Djerba, over the ancient Roman Road that crosses the sea to southern Tunisia. The centuries-old causeway is essentially a bridge, and as you travel the five miles you're rewarded with stunning views of shimmering waters on both sides. As you travel through the arid desert landscapes of the mainland, huge rock formations rise dramatically from the flat plains. The rugged mountains are home to the Berber people, and at Chenini we peek into the unique troglodyte dwellings carved into the rocky hillsides and admire the palm trees and olive trees growing around the oasis by the Chenini Canyon. 8 Strolling the streets of Tataouine, you can easily see how George Lucas was inspired to use the location for Star Wars Credit: Getty 8 Fans can visit locations from smash-hit franchise Star Wars Credit: Rex Strolling the streets of Tataouine, you can easily see how George Lucas was inspired to use the location for Star Wars. Luke Skywalker grew up in a troglodyte home in Tatooine (get it!) and you can visit locations from the smash-hit franchise on the tour, including the Hotel Sidi Idriss and Ksar Hadada, an other-worldly Berber granary store that served as a key setting in The Phantom Menace. LISA MINOT
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Everywhere in the country you could see the Red Arrows this weekend
The famous Red Arrows will make their way across parts of England this weekend as they carry out a display at the RAF Cosford Air Show - here is where you can see them Excited Brits will be looking to the skies this weekend as the Red Arrows take to the air for some more spectacular displays. The red jets are taking part of the RAF Cosford Air Show in Shropshire on Sunday and will fly over parts of the Midlands and northwest England. Brilliant airborne tricks, daredevil flying and symbolic display has made the Lincolnshire-based squadron a favourite for Brits over the years and mean many of those attending the air show will be hotly anticipating their arrival. But they will also be visible from a number of places in the area close by tomorrow. Today, the crack flying team departed from RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, Scotland, to Liverpool's John Lennon Airport. The Red Arrows' route will begin at 2:59pm tomorrow. After flying over Ellesmere Port, the squadron is expected to be northeast of Chester just two minutes later. Then, the team will barrel through British skies travelling south to an area around Cholmondeley, before turning northeast towards Natwich and then south past Blackbrook, Walford, Harper Adams University and Lilleshall before reaching RAF Cosford. The team will then head east to their home in Lincolnshire following the display. The Red Arrows are expected to be northeast of Brewood at 3:34pm and will pass near Uttoxeter and Sutton-on-Trent on their way to Waddington at 3:45pm. The times could change due to the weather or other factors, according to the website whic shared the expected route and timings. This year's air show at Cosford, meanwhile, will feature an array of legendary aircraft like the American P51 Mustang, royal Air Force Chinook helicopter and F-35B Lightning fighter jet. The arrival of The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, will see the iconic Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane planes and the C-47 Dakota. Organisers of the event said the theme of the show this year is 'Commemorate, Celebrate, Innovate'. It said: 'The air show will commemorate some of our history both in terms of assets and through displays in the Victory Village; Celebrate the work of the Royal Air Force, NATO Allies and Partner nations; And seek to inspire the next generation by showcasing how the armed forces innovate together and with our Defence sector partners in the STEM Hangar.' "There is an exhilarating experience for every member of the family at the RAF Cosford Air Show. :Pretend to be a fast jet pilot with our fascinating static displays, explore exciting careers in the STEM hangars, meet historic icons in the vintage village, discover a range of memorabilia, and feel the power as awesome aircraft fly overhead."
North Wales Live
9 hours ago
- North Wales Live
Shoppers happy to drive 144 miles and queue seven hours for a bargain
We are a nation obsessed with a great deal, with almost three quarters saying bargain hunting is an essential part of British culture, according to research from Three. 98% saying they feel 'on top of the world' after securing a saving, while more than half 58% report it can 'make their whole week'. People say they are not afraid to queue for seven hours to get their hands on a bargain. With almost a third admitting they have driven to an entirely different area, an average of 144 miles, or woken up in the early hours just to get a deal. Brits also confessed to leaving work early, bailing on friends and even sneaking out of a date early to take advantage of a super saving. For many, deal-seeking is almost a full-time job, with the nation spending on average 52 hours each week hunting for ways to save. Andrew Foy, Director of New Products and Propositions at Three UK, said: "We know our customers love a good deal. Last year our savvy customers saved up to £335 each, thanks to our Three+ app. Whether it's treating the family to a meal or getting a £1 fancy coffee to go."
