Which sights on Tenerife require a reservation?
Parque Nacional del Teide is the island's best-known natural destination. According to Tenerife ON, no reservation is generally required for the other trails in the national park, but several Teide ascents do require one.
The Sendero PNT 10 Telesforo Bravo to the Teide summit requires a reservation for all visitors. The trails PNT 07 Montaña Blanca–La Rambleta, PNT 09 Teide–Pico Viejo–Mirador de las Narices del Teide, PNT 23 Los Regatones Negros and PNT 28 Chafarí also require a reservation.
Reservations are made through Tenerife ON. The applicable permits, availability and conditions for each route are shown there. For high-demand routes, including the ascent from the La Rambleta viewpoint to the Teide summit, permits can be booked out several months in advance.
Outside Teide National Park, a reservation is required for all visitors to the Barranco del Infierno. The circular route La Ensillada–Cabeza de Tejo–La Ensillada in the Reserva Natural Integral de El Pijaral also requires a reservation.
How much does Teide National Park cost in 2026?
The Cabildo has announced the first visitor fee for Teide National Park in 2026. According to the announcement, fees of up to 25 euros are planned for access to certain trails, including PNT 10 Telesforo Bravo and PNT 07 Montaña Blanca–La Rambleta.
A daily quota of 300 people is planned for the summit trail PNT 10. Reservations are to be made exclusively through Tenerife ON.
The announced regulation also provides for time slots and additional safety requirements for the summit ascent. The binding prices, quotas and start dates should be checked on the official Cabildo and Tenerife ON pages before travelling.
The Cabildo named 1 January 2026 as the start date; the reservation application was due to be activated from 1 December 2025. The exact conditions for the other reservation-only trails have also not been published in detail in the available official information.
What equipment and rules apply for hikes on Tenerife?
Access to certain high-mountain trails requires suitable hiking boots, long trousers or long mountain trousers, warm clothing, gloves, a hat and sufficient water. A charged mobile phone, head torch, sun protection, thermal blanket, high-energy food and a whistle are also recommended.
Caves, shafts and galleries must not be entered on the island. On shared paths, the following right of way applies: first walkers, then horse riders, bicycles and motorised vehicles.
During weather warnings or snowfall, the Cabildo may close access roads, forest tracks and roads or regulate traffic. The Operativo Nevadas applies particularly at weekends and on public holidays after heavy snowfall.
Before every tour, visitors should check the current status of the route, required permits and available time slots on Tenerife ON. The reservation confirmation and an identity document must be carried when the route requires this.
What alternatives are there when Teide trails are fully booked?
The Tenerife ON trail network includes more than 160 hiking routes. When Teide trails are fully booked, marked hiking trails in Anaga or Teno, visitor centres and authorised viewpoints are good alternatives.
Instead of free wild camping, visitors should choose official camping and rest areas with prior permission. Several regulated Teide hiking trails require prior access permission; official island information also refers to permits for campsites and designated overnight areas.
When southern beaches are overcrowded, historic places such as La Laguna, northern coastal towns, wine regions or smaller stretches of coast are alternatives. For sensitive natural areas, guided, authorised tours or official visitor programmes are the better choice.
What special rules apply for groups and companies in 2026?
In certain areas of Anaga, temporary special rules apply for organised groups, associations, schools and active tourism companies. The specific conditions are shown on the relevant Tenerife ON route page.
Binding use and management plans exist for individual protected areas. They may, for example, restrict or require permits for driving on trails, camping, collecting biological or geological materials and organised group visits.
Around 990 square kilometres, or 48.6 percent of the island's surface, lie within protected areas, according to the Cabildo. According to the Cabildo, Tenerife therefore has the most extensive number of protected natural areas in the Canary Islands.
What should visitors avoid on Tenerife?
Hiking on regulated Teide trails without a permit is one of the most common mistakes made by visitors. Camping or staying overnight outside permitted areas is equally problematic.
Leaving trails with a hire car, bicycle or motorbike may be prohibited in protected areas. Taking stones, plants or other natural materials is also not allowed.
The altitude of Teide is often underestimated: weather, cold, sun and thinner air differ significantly from the coast. On high-mountain tours, weather changes, cold, solar radiation and possible closures must be taken into account.