Canary Islands: A mushroom paradise with permits and poisonous surprises

Autumn is the best time for mushroom pickers! Every year, many people go to the forest to find delicious and interesting mushrooms. This is a great opportunity to combine a walk in nature with gastronomic pleasure.

In the Canary Islands, the Corona Forestal Natural Park on the island of Tenerife is a real mushroom paradise. It is the largest protected area in the Canary Islands, covering more than 46,000 hectares. The park is located at an altitude of 300 to 2,700 meters above sea level, surrounds Teide National Park, and covers parts of the Pedro Gil, Abeque, and Adeje mountain ranges.

There are many different plants and animals here, making it one of the best places for mushroom picking and outdoor recreation.

But be careful: not all mushrooms in the forest are edible! There are two types of poisonous mushrooms here.

To pick mushrooms in some natural areas of the Canary Islands, such as the Las Lagunetas Protected Landscape or the Corona Forestal Natural Park, you need to obtain a special permit – submit a declaration of responsibility.

Each mushroom picker must submit their own application, even if you are picking mushrooms as a group.

This is necessary to prevent people from picking too many mushrooms and harming nature. This way we will preserve the biodiversity of the Canary Mountains.

To make mushroom picking successful, use a wicker basket and never pull mushrooms out by the roots, but cut them with a knife.