Hiking and Camping Banned as Tenerife Activates Emergency Plan for Storm Olivier

The Tenerife Cabildo has activated its Insular Emergency Plan (PEIN) from midnight tonight, Wednesday 9th April, in response to the arrival of Storm Olivier, which is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds across the island.

The alert follows warnings from the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET), predicting intense showers of 15–30 mm per hour, up to 80 mm over 12 hours, possible thunderstorms, and wind gusts exceeding 70 km/h.

As a precaution, all recreational and camping areas managed by the Cabildo will be closed, and access to forest tracks and hiking trails, especially those affected by the 2023 wildfire, has been prohibited.

Additionally, access to key trails within Teide National Park has been suspended, and all canyoning activities across the island are temporarily banned.

Widespread Emergency Alerts

The Canary Islands Government’s Directorate General for Emergencies has issued several weather alerts under the Canary Islands Emergency Plan for Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA). These include:

• A rain alert from midnight on Wednesday
• Pre-alerts for flooding and storms from midnight and 6:00am respectively
• A strong wind pre-alert from 12:00pm (midday)

Coordinated Response Across the Island

The emergency declaration was agreed upon during a meeting today (Tuesday) involving the Island Councillor for the Environment, Sustainability, Security, and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez, and the Director of Island Security, Iván Martín, alongside government technicians and representatives of Tenerife’s 31 municipalities.

The Cabildo has coordinated with local authorities to ensure preparedness in flood-prone areas and to communicate necessary restrictions. Rosa Dávila, President of the Cabildo, has called on the public to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official safety guidance.

Restricted Areas and Activities

To protect public safety, the following measures have been put in place:

• Closure of Recreational Spaces: All forest recreational areas and campsites, including those in Anaga and Teno Rural Parks, are closed.
• Suspension of Hiking Routes in Teide National Park:
• Trail 7 (Montaña Blanca–Pico del Teide): closed from the summit of Montaña Blanca to its junction with Trail 11
• Trail 9 (Teide–Pico Viejo–TF-38): closed from Trail 38 (Cuevas Negras) to Trail 12 (Pico Viejo viewpoint)
• Trails 10, 11, 12, 23, and 28: closed in their entirety
• Closure of Trails Affected by 2023 Wildfires:
• Lomo Atravesado trail (VM 2.1)
• Siete Fuentes trail (VM 2)
• Camino a Candelaria (Aguamansa to La Crucita)
• Trail VM-17 from TF-21 to Piedra de los Pastores
• “Risco de Las Pencas” (Barranco de Ruiz, San Juan de La Rambla)
• PR 43 in La Culata Cliffs (Garachico)
• PR-TF-58 “El Risco” in Teno Rural Park
• PR-TF 8 “Afur-Taganana” section (Afur–Playa Tamadite–Taganana, Anaga Rural Park)
• Ban on Canyoning Activities

Safety Recommendations

Authorities advise:

• Avoid visiting Teide National Park during the storm
• Refrain from travelling through flood-prone ravines or watercourses
• Cancel or reschedule any planned outdoor activities
• Municipalities are encouraged to activate their own emergency plans (PEMUs)
• The public should follow Civil Protection self-safety guidelines at all times

The Cabildo emphasises that these measures are essential for ensuring public safety during the adverse weather conditions expected over the coming days.