What is the dark side to Tenerife?

The "dark side" of Tenerife includes over-tourism-driven housing crises for locals, high petty crime rates like pickpocketing in tourist areas (especially Playa la Arena), and safety risks in mountainous terrain. Additional issues include a high number of missing persons cases, intense pressure on infrastructure from new hotel developments, and, historically, the 1977 airport disaster.

What is the most common crime in Tenerife?

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common. It's most prevalent in larger cities and particularly during holidays, festivals and weekends.

What are the tourist problems in Tenerife?

Infrastructure problems: Increased tourism has led to problems of congestion and lack of adequate infrastructure. Roads, car parks and public transport are overloaded, affecting the experience of tourists and the quality of life of local residents.

Is it safe to walk in Tenerife at night?

Safety at Night in Tenerife

For the most part, these vibrant evenings are safe, with well-lit streets and a friendly crowd. However, as the hour grows late, certain areas—particularly those known for their bars and clubs—may attract a different crowd.

What should I know before going to Tenerife?

Tenerife basks in year-round sunshine, with summer temperatures starting at 25˚C and rising to into the 30s. If you want to nit-pick, the south and west of the island are slightly warmer than the rest. The island also gets trade winds, so there's usually a refreshing breeze to keep things comfortable.

The UNSPOKEN TRUTH- BE CAREFUL in Tenerife & Canary Islands! ⚠️ News Update Spain

How risky is Tenerife?

Crime rate and safety in Tenerife

The island is generally a very safe destination. The overall level of serious crime is low, and millions of people have perfectly safe holidays here every year.

Which Canary Island has the most refugees?

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.

Are there poisonous snakes in Tenerife?

No, Tenerife is snake-free. The island has no native snakes. There have been no recorded sightings of snakes on the island.

How many people have gone missing in Tenerife?

Tenerife newspaper El Día reported that according to missing persons organisation SOS Desaparecidos, Slater was one of 82 missing people in the Canary Islands, dating back to 1981, with 50 on Tenerife alone, including 22 foreigners.

What is the nicest area to stay in Tenerife?

The best place to stay in Tenerife depends on your vibe: Costa Adeje is perfect for luxury, families, and beaches with upscale resorts and water parks; Los Cristianos offers a lively, convenient atmosphere for all ages; while Puerto de la Cruz provides a classic, authentic Canarian experience with lush gardens and mountain views in the north, ideal for a calmer holiday.

Is there a posh part of Tenerife?

Costa Adeje is the jewel in the crown of Tenerife South, known for its exclusive atmosphere and luxurious properties. Imagine living here: Beaches: Imagine yourself on the golden sands of Playa del Duque or taking a sunset stroll along Playa Fañabé.

What are the disadvantages of Tenerife?

Cons: - Climate and weather (There is less and less rain, the sun can burn even in winter, and anyone who is dizzy or has other sensitivities can come here too.) - Traffic jams in peak hours - If you are not flexible and patient, you may encounter serious obstacles here too. Bureaucracy, workplace, services.

What is the Beckham loophole in Spain?

The "Beckham Loophole" (or Beckham Law) in Spain is a special tax regime for skilled foreign workers, named after David Beckham, allowing them to pay a flat 24% tax on Spanish income (up to €600k) for six years, treating them as non-residents to avoid higher progressive rates and generally exempting foreign income, with recent updates expanding eligibility to remote workers and entrepreneurs. This "loophole" allows expats to significantly reduce their tax burden by paying non-resident rates on Spanish income, while foreign earnings remain untaxed in Spain, a major advantage over standard resident taxation. 

What is the 3 year ban in Spain?

Regulations on short-term rentals in Spain

Malaga: In January 2025, Malaga implemented a three-year freeze on new short-term rental registrations in 43 districts where such rentals constitute more than 8% of residential properties. This measure aims to improve housing availability for residents.

Are tourists no longer welcome in Spain?

Is Spain banning tourists? No, not quite – but certain new rules and restrictions might impact your next trip to the country.

What to be wary of in Tenerife?

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.

Where do the Beckhams go in Tenerife?

Apparently the Beckhams are big fans of Costa Adeje, on Tenerife's south coast in the Canary Islands. It's hardly surprising, what with the luxury villas, five-star hotels, designer shopping and waterfront restaurants.

What is the red flag on the beach in Tenerife?

Every day, beaches display a flag indicating their risk level: green for safe waters, yellow for caution, and red for swimming prohibited. This simple precaution will allow you to enjoy the sea with complete peace of mind during your holiday in Tenerife.

What is the 5 4 3 2 1 packing rule?

The 54321 packing rule is a travel strategy for creating a versatile capsule wardrobe, suggesting you pack 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 layering pieces/shoes, 2 bags/dresses, and 1 of each accessory (like sunglasses, hat, or swimsuit) to simplify packing, reduce overpacking, and easily mix-and-match outfits for a trip, often fitting into a carry-on. It's a flexible formula, easily adjustable for different trip lengths, destinations, and weather by swapping categories, like adding more swimsuits for a beach trip or more outerwear for cold weather.
 

Can I drink tap water in Tenerife?

Conclusion: safe water, but choose as you prefer

In conclusion, tap water in Tenerife is safe to drink, but it may have an unpleasant taste for those unfamiliar with it. For everyday uses such as personal hygiene, cooking, or making tea and coffee, it's no problem.

Is Spain on high alert today?

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.