Lorraine Williamson
Drivers in Tenerife and Gran Canaria are being urged to avoid unnecessary journeys during Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the Canary Islands, with major traffic restrictions planned for Thursday 11 and Friday 12 June.
The Dirección General de Tráfico has prepared a special traffic regulation and monitoring plan because of the security operation linked to the papal visit. It says drivers should avoid nonessential journeys and follow official advice in real time.
For people attending the official events, the advice is to plan journeys in advance, use public transport where possible, and use authorised parking areas rather than trying to drive close to the main venues. Why the DGT is asking people to stay off the roads
The Pope’s visit is expected to bring large movements of people and an important security operation on both islands. The DGT says the measures are designed to protect road safety and keep traffic moving as smoothly as possible during the official programme.
The authority has also asked companies to support teleworking where possible during the visit, so that fewer people need to travel during the most complicated periods. Workers are being encouraged to use that option if it is available to them.
The warning is particularly important for people travelling to airports, ports, hospitals, workplaces or booked appointments. Anyone who must travel should leave extra time and check official traffic updates before setting off.
What changes in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria will see several restrictions on Thursday, 11 June, especially on the GC-1, GC-3 and GC-31. The DGT has announced dynamic traffic closures, closure of slip roads and specific restrictions around key movements linked to the official visit.
On the GC-1, dynamic closures and entry restrictions are planned during parts of the late morning and early afternoon. The DGT also lists closures affecting exits towards the GC-500, as well as temporary disruption around the GC-31 San José tunnel.
Later on Thursday, traffic measures are also planned on the GC-3, with dynamic closures and restrictions during the late afternoon and evening. The DGT says these measures may be adjusted depending on how the visit and traffic conditions develop.
Further disruption is expected early on Friday, 12 June, in Gran Canaria, including dynamic closures on parts of the GC-1 and restrictions affecting the GC-31.
What changes in Tenerife
Tenerife will face its main traffic disruption on Friday 12 June, when Pope Leo XIV’s programme moves to the island.
The DGT has listed traffic measures affecting several roads, including the TF-1, TF-2, TF-4 and TF-5, as well as the TF-13, TF-24, TF-152 and TF-235 during different parts of the day.
Morning restrictions are expected around routes connected with La Laguna and northern access points, including dynamic closures on sections of the TF-24, TF-5 and TF-13. Further measures are planned later in the day on roads connected with Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The DGT has also said the right-hand lane of the TF-4 in both directions will be removed from general traffic use on 12 June, between 6.00 am and 6.00 pm, so it can be used as a reserved parking area for authorised vehicles and buses.
Goods vehicles and dangerous goods face restrictions
The DGT has established restrictions for vehicles carrying general goods and dangerous goods during the visit.
In general, goods vehicles of more than 7,500 kilograms will be banned from certain affected routes during specific time periods. The restrictions apply to parts of the GC-1, GC-3 and GC-31 in Gran Canaria, and to the TF-1, TF-2, TF-4 and TF-5 in Tenerife.
Vehicles carrying dangerous goods and displaying orange ADR panels will also be restricted on those roads during the listed periods. Some exemptions may apply for essential services, including emergency vehicles, roadside assistance, healthcare gases and fuel supplies for key services.
Roadworks affecting carriageways or nearby traffic zones have also been suspended on key roads during the visit to reduce disruption and keep the network as clear as possible.
Public transport and parking will be key
Authorities in Gran Canaria have prepared a major transport and parking operation for the visit, including more than 10,000 parking spaces and reinforced bus services for people attending the main events.
In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, officials have asked residents and visitors to reduce private journeys, use reinforced public transport and follow instructions around road closures and controlled access areas. More than 70,000 people are expected at the Mass in the Gran Canaria stadium.
The Pope’s visit to the Canary Islands has also affected other events. The Friday session of the Tenerife Music Festival has been suspended because it coincides with the papal visit and the emergency and security measures around Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Check before travelling
The DGT says the restrictions may be lifted, changed or extended depending on the progress of the visit and live traffic conditions.
Drivers should check the DGT website, official social media channels, radio traffic bulletins or the 011 traffic information service before travelling.
For residents, workers and visitors, the safest advice is simple: avoid non-essential car journeys, use public transport where possible, allow more time than usual and do not assume normal routes will remain open throughout the day.
The visit will be a historic moment for the Canary Islands, but on the roads, it will also be one of the most complicated mobility operations of the week.