Visitors to Tenerife’s iconic Teide National Park are being warned that lighting a cigarette could now result in very hefty fines — and in the most serious cases, even a prison sentence.

The Tenerife Cabildo has introduced a permanent and total ban on smoking throughout the national park, which came into force on 19th June 2026. The measure is aimed at protecting one of the Canary Islands’ most treasured natural spaces, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The decision follows growing concerns over wildfire risks after three recent fires in protected areas were allegedly linked to discarded cigarette butts.

What Are the Penalties?

Under the new regulations, simply smoking anywhere outdoors within the park can result in an administrative fine of between €100 and €1,000, regardless of whether a fire is caused.

However, the consequences become far more severe if a cigarette or discarded butt starts a wildfire.

In such cases, the incident could be treated as a criminal offence, carrying prison sentences of between one and six years. Offenders may also face civil liabilities of up to €100,000 to cover firefighting costs and environmental restoration.

Where Is Smoking Banned?

The restrictions apply across virtually the entire outdoor area of the national park, including:

• Walking trails and hiking routes
• Forest tracks and access roads
• Scenic viewpoints and tourist lookouts (Miradors)
• Recreational and picnic areas
• Car parks
• Public-use facilities and outdoor spaces

The rules apply equally to everyone, including tourists, hikers, tour operators, guides, authorised businesses and park employees.

The only exceptions are certain enclosed buildings where internal regulations specifically permit smoking.

Protecting a Unique Landscape

The new ban has been introduced under environmental protection and wildfire prevention legislation, reflecting the increasing concern over the impact of human activity on Tenerife’s protected natural areas.

With thousands of visitors heading to Teide every week, the island authorities hope the measure will significantly reduce the risk of devastating wildfires in one of Spain’s most important natural landmarks.

Officials are urging visitors to familiarise themselves with the new regulations before entering the park, stressing that what may seem like a harmless cigarette could now carry serious financial and legal consequences.