Travelling sustainably around the Canary Islands

Protect a unique environment

Four National Parks, seven Biosphere Reserves, three Marine Reserves and the same number of Starlight Reserves... The Canary Islands are a special place, and we want that to still be the case the next time you come, too. In order to conserve the space and the local culture and character when you visit the archipelago, it is important to keep the following tips in mind:

General advice:

• Walk on the trails and prepared areas in order to prevent damage to the surroundings, and not endanger yourself.
• Use water responsibly.
• Always use the wastepaper bins to throw away rubbish and waste. If you are out in nature, take a bag with you to collect any refuse.
• Do not modify the natural surroundings, for example by stacking up stones into towers, making drawings or any other human intervention that may alter the environment.
• Even though you are out in the countryside, respect private properties and areas, and above all do not pick any fruit or other elements.
• Respect areas where flying drones is not permitted, as they may pose a risk to the environment.
• Always park in the designated areas, particularly in natural spaces.
• If you smoke, always be especially careful with cigarette ends and remember smoking is not permitted on beaches.
• Ensure any excursion and activity companies you hire are legal. They must have official tour guides and qualified instructors, respectively.

Fauna and flora:
 

• Preserve the environment and avoid introducing any species of flora and fauna, as they could seriously alter the ecosystem and endemic species of the islands.
• The removal of any natural elements such as stones, plants, flowers, sand, shells or animals is forbidden, as this has a tremendously negative impact on the ecosystem. Enjoy their charm in their natural surroundings.
• Avoid throwing bones, fruit peels or any other organic remains away in natural areas, as they have negative consequences for the local flora and fauna.
• If you find an injured animal, call the Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) on 062.

The ocean plays a fundamental role in the life and economy of our planet. It is the home of thousands of species, and provides oxygen and water, as well as sustaining the activity of different sectors like fishing, transport or tourism. This is a crucially important role, and one which gains even more weight in places like islands or archipelagos such as the Canary Islands, which totally depend on this resource. As a result, it is important that you keep the following recommendations in mind:

General advice:

• Do not throw any objects or refuse into the sea.
• Remember that you should not use soap in the showers or foot washers on the beaches.
• Use of biodegradable sunblocks is preferable, as they are more respectful of the environment.
• Confirm which beaches you can enjoy with your pet, as entry is forbidden for them on many beaches.
• Avoid making loud noises so as not to disturb the peace and quiet of the surroundings.
• Do not use motorised water vehicles like speedboats or personal watercraft in protected and special conservation areas.

Marine fauna and flora:
 

• Respect marine fauna: do not disturb or feed these animals. If you find an injured animal, call the Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) on 062.
• Enjoy whale watching responsibly - always choose certified companies with the “Blue Boat” emblem.
• Refrain from modifying the marine environment and do not remove or take anything away with you from these surroundings.
• Respect closed areas and seasons for fishing.

As well as a sustainable visit to the marine environment, see the tips for bathing in the Atlantic with complete peace of mind.

Avoid fire

When adverse weather phenomena such as wind and high temperatures occur, wildfires are one of the biggest threats to the Canary Islands and their inhabitants. Avoiding losses due to fire is largely within our power if we adhere to the following advice when travelling.

En route:

• Avoid smoking and throwing cigarette ends into spaces not designated for this purpose, especially in seasons with a high fire risk.
• Never leave rubbish or refuse out in nature, particularly glass and packaging. Always use the closest bin to dispose of them.
• If you park in a natural area, always do so in designated zones and take special care with the terrain and vegetation.
• If you detect any fire hazard please call 112.

Fire outdoors:
 

• Do not throw cigarette ends or matches onto any surface or from a vehicle. Be particularly careful during the forest fire campaign period (from 1 June to 31 October).
• Fires can only be built in the Recreation Areas or designated zones, and only during the authorised season. Remember to make sure the fire is fully extinguished before leaving.
• Use your common sense and do not barbecue if there are adverse weather conditions or phenomena such as wind.
• Be especially attentive to possible heat alerts which may be activated outside the forest fire risk campaign period.

Use water responsibly

As you know, water is a precious resource, particularly in the Canary Islands where rainfall is scant. As a result, it is of the utmost importance that we use water responsibly. With the aim of promoting the saving and conservation of water, it is vital that we follow these simple tips:

In accommodation and bathrooms:
 

• Turn off the tap while soaping yourself and brushing your teeth, as this is when the most water is wasted.
• Take a shower rather than having a bath.
• Make the most of towels and use them several times before having them washed.

Think of water as an extremely important social and environmental resource which we should protect at all times.

In order to promote the intelligent, responsible use of energy, we have these recommendations for you:
 

• Only use air conditioning when necessary. Often, alternative measures such as opening windows may be sufficient.
• Avoid leaving lights on when nobody is in the room.
• Use public transport whenever possible. Consult the options available for travelling within each island.

Dispose of waste properly

On an everyday basis each individual generates waste in the form of food, boxes and especially plastic, and the amount increases exponentially when we travel.

In accommodation:

• Try to separate the waste you generate by types.
• Do not throw used oil or very fatty liquids down the sink or bathroom drains. Instead, keep it in a separate container so that the accommodation owners can take it to a Recycling Point.

While out walking:
 

• Prioritise use of refillable water bottles rather than buying single-use plastic bottles.
• Insofar as is possible, avoid plastic and use re-usable bags for your shopping.
• Use the prepared waste bins properly: place paper and cardboard in the blue bin, glass in the green bin, plastic and packaging in the yellow bin, organic waste in the brown bin and other refuse in the grey bin.

Driving tips

The Canary Islands have a good road network. However, due to the mountainous terrain resulting from their volcanic past, some areas have bends and steep climbs or drops. If you are going to drive around the archipelago, it is important that you bear the following advice in mind:

General recommendations on the road:

• Enjoy the scenery by parking correctly at the viewing points and avoid slowing down traffic on the road.
• Try to drive efficiently in order to reduce consumption and contamination.
• Avoid driving with very loud music on, especially in rural areas, in order to prevent sound pollution.

Recommendations when driving on tracks and trails:
 

• Always drive on tracks and trails that are already established and signposted as such.
• Make sure your vehicle is suitable for driving in the area in question.
• Park in areas designated for this purpose, or in their absence, areas with no vegetation in them.