Reading about the latest anti-tourism protests in Tenerife and those earlier this year, I can’t help but sympathize after my first and probably last trip to Tenerife in September.
I booked the trip for my family close to a year ago and having read up on the historical sites and natural wonders of the island I eagerly looked forward to the trip.
Once having arrived, however, what I found were towns where it was impossible to find a parking spot, hiking trailheads where it was impossible to find a parking spot, and traffic gridlock in Los Cristianos and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Congestion and lack of parking were also a huge problem in Teide National Park – and it was no longer even high season. I cannot imagine how much worse it is then.
If Tenerife was once a paradise, it is now a paradise spoiled. I’ve been to Hawaii a few times and many of its islands are experiencing similar over tourism that will give me pause before I consider returning.
But honestly, Tenerife is even more far gone. I wish the wonderful locals luck in achieving better governance and stewardship of their island.
Best regards,
(Redacted)
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
