Anaga Rural Park Residents Demand Action Amid Growing Tourism Traffic Crisis
Residents and local groups are demanding urgent mobility reforms in Tenerife’s Anaga Rural Park as surging tourism and chronic traffic congestion threaten road safety and emergency access.
Anaga Rural Park is once again at the center of a heated debate after images of mile-long traffic jams near Cruz del Carmen went viral. For local residents, these gridlocks are not just a one-off event; they highlight a growing conflict between the surge in tourism and the area’s limited road infrastructure.
These traffic problems are no longer confined to weekends or holidays. Neighborhood groups, such as the Mayores Quinteto de Anaga, are now questioning the push to promote the area to tourists. They argue that current tourism policies ignore the reality of the park’s narrow roads and are calling for a shift toward public transport to reduce the number of private cars.
The frustration goes deeper than simple traffic delays. Last March, a coalition of eight local associations organized a protest to highlight concerns over road safety and the strain on basic services. Residents warn that the constant congestion in villages like Taganana, Almáciga, and Benijo is not just a daily nuisance—it could prevent emergency vehicles from reaching those in need during an evacuation.
To address these issues, community groups are calling for long-overdue infrastructure improvements. Their proposals include widening roads, creating more passing spots, and reorganizing parking areas, which have become more limited following the installation of new physical barriers.
The core issue remains the lack of a clear mobility plan for the park. While social media has amplified the frustration of both visitors and locals, authorities are struggling to find a balance. Protecting this unique natural environment while ensuring that residents have safe and reliable access to their homes remains a significant, unresolved challenge.