Yes, Tenerife is still very much open and welcoming to tourists, remaining a top destination for visitors in 2026. While there have been local protests regarding the impact of mass tourism on housing and infrastructure, tourists are generally welcomed, and the protests are not directed at visitors themselves.
Is Tenerife concerned about UK tourists after protests?
Tenerife has raised concern over UK tourists taking drastic action in the wake of protests against them. European Union holiday hotspots have been overrun by anger from demonstrators and protesters, who are demanding UK tourists stop visiting.
Whether you're seeking a relaxing beach holiday, outdoor adventures, or family fun, Tenerife delivers an unforgettable experience that rivals any destination in Europe. The largest of Spain's Canary Islands, Tenerife attracts over 7 million visitors annually – and for good reason.
⚠️WARNING For Canaries From Jet2 Boss! | THE TRUTH! Are Tourists Welcome In Tenerife & Lanzarote?
Are the Canaries on the no travel list?
The Canary Islands are on several "no travel" or "reconsider travel" lists for 2026, notably Fodor's Travel, due to severe overtourism, straining infrastructure, housing, and resources, leading to local protests over water shortages, traffic, and high costs. While not official government bans (like the UK's advisory, which is advice not law), these lists encourage tourists to give the islands a break, impacting corporate travel decisions and highlighting resident frustration with unsustainable tourism.
The demonstration, led by the group 'Canary Islands have a limit', drew attention to growing concerns over rising housing costs, pressure on infrastructure, and environmental harm caused by the high number of visitors.
The Spanish government maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates threat level changes online and through local media. The current threat level for Spain is level 4 (“high”) on a scale of 5.
The Las Raices camp on Tenerife hosts migrants and refugees who have landed on the Canaries. The facility houses mostly West African migrants, including many Senegalese citizens and people fleeing the war in Mali.
Overall, it's been documented that Spain has been deserted by numerous holidaymakers, with eateries and coastlines appearing virtually deserted. Areas of the nation have been witnessing a drop in visitor figures for the first time since the pandemic, alongside years of anti-tourist demonstrations by residents.
Tenerife is set to tighten up on control over one of its tourism hotspots in a bid to combat overcrowding. In recent years the Canary Islands have expressed concern over the impact of mass tourism with residents protesting about the effect it has on the environment, local infrastructure and housing prices.
Beginning in April 2024, there have been protests in Spain against overtourism, specifically in the archipelagos of the Balearics and Canaries, and in the mainland cities of Barcelona, San Sebastian and Málaga. These first three locations are the top three most-visited in Spain by tourists.
10 quiet towns in Tenerife that are still off the radar
Buenavista del Norte. Pretty Buenavista del Norte, on Tenerife's northwest coast, is the best of both worlds – it's easily accessible but feels wonderfully remote. ...
Jet2's CEO has issued a frank warning that anti-tourism sentiment and protests are driving holidaymakers away from the Canary Islands. And he says they're "playing a dangerous game".
Why don't the Canary Islands want British tourists?
That said, the demonstrators in the Canaries are clear that they're not against tourism per se: it accounts for 40 per cent of jobs in the archipelago. They simply feel there's more than enough already. Any visitor can see they have a point.
El Hierro: the tiny Canary Island at centre of migration crisis – photo essay. “We can't go on like this. We are only 30 doctors in all and over 20,000 migrants arrived on the island in 2024. It's a disaster, and it will get worse and worse.” Ana Torres is a doctor in El Hierro's only hospital.
Depp is in Tenerife filming his new star-studded film Day Drinker. Hollywood star Johnny Depp surprised diners in the Canary Islands when he joined them to sample some local delicacies.
The Canary Islands are located in an active seismic zone and have several volcanoes. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. In 2021, the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano on the island of La Palma caused widespread damage. During a volcanic eruption, ash can disrupt air travel.
It's not safe to travel to places like Burkina Faso, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Haiti, and Myanmar, where major governments advise "Do Not Travel" due to conflict, terrorism, or instability, while areas near borders in Turkey, Israel/Palestine, and Togo also carry high risks. You should always check the latest advisories from your government (like Smartraveller.gov.au, GOV.UK, or Travel.State.gov) for current warnings on specific regions.
Data from the recent 2025 winter season has set off alarm bells in Gran Canaria's tourism sector. The report, which shows an overall decline in visitors to the island, reveals a particularly deep rift in its relationship with the domestic market.
