Tenerife Officials Struggle to Resolve Traffic Congestion in Anaga Massif

Managing traffic in the Anaga Massif has become a complex administrative puzzle, testing the coordination between the Tenerife Island Council (Cabildo) and the municipalities of Santa Cruz and La Laguna. With private vehicles frequently overwhelming the Cruz del Carmen area, officials are scrambling to find solutions that protect this Biosphere Reserve while maintaining the quality of life for local residents.

The main challenge stems from overlapping jurisdictions and a shortage of available land. While the Island Council is leading the sustainable mobility strategy, Gladis de León, the councilwoman for the Anaga district, points out that the Santa Cruz city council faces significant operational hurdles. She explains that the city lacks the necessary space to set up shuttle bus services, and efforts are further complicated by the Island Council’s control over the roads and the strict regulations protecting the rural park.

Authorities are now looking at both immediate and long-term plans. In the short term, La Laguna has pledged to increase police patrols at the most congested parking spots. Looking further ahead, officials are debating whether to relocate the Cruz del Carmen visitor center—the primary source of the traffic—with the municipality of Tegueste being considered as a potential new site.

This situation highlights the difficulty of managing a protected natural area under constant tourist pressure. The Island Council, which oversees the park and road network, is continuing to meet with local residents and business owners to find a balance. These discussions aim to reduce traffic congestion without harming the local economy or disrupting the lives of those who call the massif home. For now, the Santa Cruz City Council remains limited to police-led traffic management while waiting for the Cabildo to finalize a long-term strategy.