Tenerife Imposes Traffic Restrictions in Teide National Park for Perseid Meteor Shower

The Tenerife Island Council has announced strict traffic restrictions in Teide National Park on August 12 and 13. These measures are designed to manage the expected surge of visitors during the Perseid meteor shower and solar eclipse, preventing the overcrowding seen in previous years, when over 2,000 vehicles entered the park.

From 5:00 PM to 5:00 AM each day, access to the park will be limited. While the roads will not be fully closed, checkpoints will be set up on the main access routes: the TF-21 (near La Orotava and Vilaflor), the TF-24 (La Esperanza), and the TF-38 (Chío). During these hours, only emergency vehicles, public transport, freight trucks, authorized staff, and guests with confirmed bookings at park accommodations will be allowed through.

To help visitors get around, the island is adding extra public bus services. Special Titsa lines will run from La Orotava, La Esperanza, and Vilaflor between 7:30 PM and 2:30 AM. Information points will also be set up in Arafo, Chío, La Esperanza, and La Orotava to help drivers navigate the restrictions and find alternative routes.

Dámaso Arteaga, the Island Councilor for Roads, explained that high traffic during past astronomical events has made it difficult for emergency services to respond to fires or medical needs. To ensure safety, a large team including police, civil protection, firefighters, the Red Cross, and emergency dispatchers will be on duty. These restrictions are intended to protect the park’s ecosystem and ensure the safety of all visitors while allowing people to enjoy the night sky.