Yes, scorpions do exist in Tenerife, specifically the African scorpion Centruroides gracilis, but they are rarely seen in tourist areas and are not considered a major threat, though you should still avoid disturbing rocks or piles of debris. While some sources mistakenly say there are none, it's more accurate to say they are shy and mostly found in rural or wilder parts of the island, with the primary dangers being sunburn and mosquitoes.
If you're after a traditional sandy beach head to Los Cristianos and leave the southern resorts alone. Playa la Arena is also notorious for pickpockets. Keep your money and bags close to you at all times; never put your wallet in your back pocket and wear your bag across your body if possible.
The primary culprits responsible for transmitting diseases in the Canary Islands are the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These vectors are known carriers of diseases like dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya.
Although deaths from scorpion stings in Spain are extremely rare, allergic reactions or stings in vulnerable individuals (such as children or the elderly) can be serious. Prevention: Always check your shoes, bags, and clothing before wearing them, especially if you've left them outside or on the ground.
Gran Canaria has no poisonous land animals except for a couple of spiders and a nocturnal centipede that nobody ever sees. There are no scorpions, poisonous snakes, or insect-borne diseases.
The Iberian wolf (Canis lupus) is the top predator in the Iberian environments in which it lives, feeding on a wide range of species, thus encountering a wide range of disease agents.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in the Canary Islands. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
There are no native snakes on Tenerife. While a few non-native species have been recorded in recent years, they are rarely seen and do not pose a threat to visitors.
No, the "six-drink rule" in Spain does not apply to the Canary Islands, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote; it's specific to certain resorts in the Balearic Islands (Majorca and Ibiza). In Tenerife, all-inclusive guests generally aren't subject to these caps on alcohol, though local rules against public intoxication and drinking on beaches (bans on street drinking) do exist.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common. It's most prevalent in larger cities and particularly during holidays, festivals and weekends.
In Tenerife, don't stick only to tourist traps like Playa de las Américas, ignore beach safety flags (red means danger!), leave valuables visible in cars or unattended, fall for timeshare or animal photo scams, forget warm clothes for Mount Teide, and don't assume all beaches are safe from sewage or strong currents; instead, explore the north, respect locals, and stay alert for petty theft.
I have a fobia about crocodiles and alligators and I want to know, if there are crocodiles or alligators in the Canary Islands? The only place you will find them is in the big parks and zoos, like Loro Parque - the American alligator, growing to over 3 metres in length, is the largest reptile from North America.
Tenerife, the largest of Spain's Canary Islands, is renowned for its volcanic landscapes, year-round sunshine, and spectacular marine biodiversity. But beneath its waves lies one of Europe's best-kept secrets—the endangered angel shark (Squatina squatina), thriving in a unique underwater nursery at Abades Bay.
Health-wise, Tenerife is a particularly safe place. No special vaccinations are required to visit. There are no poisonous snakes, scorpions, spiders etc, although you may get bitten by the occasional mosquito.
Beaches in Tenerife are usually very well organized and safe. In popular destinations such as Los Cristianos and Playa del Duque, lifeguards are present daily. The color of the flag on the beach indicates the current swimming conditions: Green flag – safe conditions for swimming.
Which is the only snake-free country in the world?
New Zealand is one of the very few countries in the world that is entirely snake-free, which is because it is relatively isolated in the South Pacific.
Cities of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The low troposphere over the Canary Islands is strongly stratified. There are two main types of African dust outbreaks over the islands: low altitude atmospheric intrusions (from October to April) and high altitude atmospheric intrusions (in summer).
Mosquitoes tend to prefer larger people (both heavier and taller) because they release more carbon dioxide (CO2) and have larger visual targets, but other factors like body heat, lactic acid, sweat, dark clothing, and blood type (Type O) are also major attractants, making it less about being fat versus skinny and more about a combination of these cues. Overweight individuals produce more CO2 and have higher metabolic rates, making them more visible and attractive.
The most notable include: Buthus occitanus – the European yellow scorpion, widespread in dry, rocky habitats. Buthus ibericus and Buthus gonzalezdelavegai – found in Andalusia, Murcia and Valencia.
Wolves mainly occur in northwestern Spain in a continuous population covering approximately 120,000 square kilometers, occupying approximately 20 percent of the map shown (range lines are not depicted). A small population in southern Spain is at risk of extirpation with one pack potentially remaining.
