Fury in Tenerife as travel platform names crowded spot 'most photogenic place' in Spain

A travel platform for campervan travellers has sparked controversy after recommending Tenerife's Chipeque viewpoint as one of the six most photogenic places in Spain, despite ongoing concerns about overcrowding, safety risks and environmental damage in the area. The company, CamperDays, listed Chipeque, in Tenerife's Corona Forestal, at number two in a new ranking that also features Galicia's Playa de las Catedrales, Navarra's Bardenas Reales, and Setenil de las Bodegas in Cádiz. The site was highlighted for its spectacular views of Mount Teide rising above the clouds below.

While some might assume locals would be grateful for the extra publicity, in recent weeks, Chipeque has become a tinderbox for tourism pressure. Earlier this month, more than 50 people were removed from the viewpoint after authorities closed all access to it due to extreme wildfire risk and scorching temperatures. However, despite he restrictions, images have continued to circulate on social media showing traffic jams, illegal parking and crowds ignoring restrictions.

Concern is growing in Tenerife over the influence social media is having on young people's travel choices. A recent study found that 40% of Spanish millennials and Gen Z choose destinations based on social media posts, while 58% prioritise experiences over material goods, Canarian Weekly reported.

Critics have argued this trend is fuelling a "perfect storm of mass tourism" in Tenerife's natural areas. Photographer Diego Manrique has drawn attention to dangerous behaviour being witnessed at the viewpoint, including smoking in pine forests during fire alerts, littering and flying drones illegally.

Mirador de Chipeque is located in Santa Ursula, Tenerife, at an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet. It offers panoramic views of Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain, and the surrounding landscapes, including the La Orotava Valley and the northern coastline of Tenerife. On clear days, visitors can also see the island of La Palma in the distance. The location is also known for its "sea of clouds" phenomenon, where a blanket of clouds covers the valleys below in a surreal scene.

The viewpoint is accessible via the TF-24 road, which connects La Esperanza with Teide National Park. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited the viewpoint in October 2023 to assess the areas affected by a severe forest fire

The promotion of Chipeque as a campervan destination is particularly controversial because of the strict regulations for motorhomes and campervans within Teide National Park and the Corona Forestal. According to the rules, parking is only permitted in designated car parks, and the use of awnings, tables, or other camping equipment is forbidden. Overnight stays are not allowed and environmental officers and traffic police can fine for illegal parking, camping, or risky behaviour.

In the first six months of 2025, authorities issued nearly 700 environmental sanctions in Tenerife, many related to improper use of natural spaces.

Local organisations concerned with Chipeque viewpoint have stressed the importance of responsible tourism to protect fragile landscapes like this and avoid accidents. Authorities recommend visiting during quieter hours, respecting closures and always using official parking areas.

The Telesforo Bravo-Juan Coello Foundation has also warned that authorities are prioritising tourism over conservation, while the Tenerife Cabildo has insisted it is stepping up enforcement with the Guardia Civil, Policía Canaria and environmental officers. Officials have confirmed that denuncias (denunciations) and fines are being issued to those who ignore closures or park irresponsibly.