Considering Tenerife for your next vacation?
An excellent idea, this island will offer you wonderful moments between black sand beaches, volcanoes, laurel forests and picturesque villages. We love it!
But before you go, here are the details to answer your question: Is Tenerife safe?
With all our tips for a carefree vacation.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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How safe is Tenerife? Quick response
Yes, on the whole Tenerife is a safe destination for travelers. Crime rates are relatively low compared to other European tourist destinations. The main risks to be aware of are sea currents on certain beaches, some very steep roads, steep hiking trails, exposure to the sun and some pickpocketing in tourist areas.
Tenerife is a Spanish island where Spanish laws apply. We always recommend taking the usual precautions as you would in any destination.
Risks in the ocean
Tenerife has many beautiful beaches(see our favorites), some with volcanic black sand and others with golden sand. However, there are a few risks to be aware of when swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. Currents can be strong and unpredictable on some beaches, particularly on the north coast of the island. We’ve noticed that the southern beaches tend to be quieter. Supervised beaches are equipped with an information system indicating the day’s bathing conditions.
Advice:
Always follow the indications on the beaches.
Keep a close eye on your children.
Choose supervised beaches.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
Theft and crime
As with any popular tourist destination, Tenerife is not without its share of petty crime, mainly pickpocketing in busy areas and theft from rental cars parked in remote locations. Violent crime against tourists is rare. We always felt safe during our various visits to the island, even in the most touristy areas like Los Cristianos or Playa de las Américas.
Advice:
The same advice as in any tourist destination:
Never leave valuables visible in your rental car.
Keep your important personal belongings (passport, money) in a safe place at your hotel, and take only the essentials with you when you go out. In crowded areas, carry your bag in front of you and stay alert to distraction techniques.
Sun hazards
Tenerife is known for its sunny, year-round climate, making it a popular destination. However, the intensity of the sun can be deceptive, especially as the cooling breeze can mask the sensation of heat. Sunburn is one of the most common health problems among visitors. We recommend that you take this danger seriously. And don’t forget the sun cream on the first day!
Advice:
- Apply high factor sunscreen regularly (50+ recommended).
- Protect your head with a wide-brimmed hat
- Wear UV-filtering sunglasses
- Moisturize thoroughly throughout the day
- Avoid direct exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
WHERE TO STAY IN Gran Canaria
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Gran Canaria
- Our favorite: Marina Suites Hotel
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels (coming soon)
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families
Select by city:
Hiking hazards
Tenerife offers exceptional hiking opportunities, from the Teide National Park to the ravines of Masca and the forests of Anaga. However, some trails present significant challenges: steep gradients, narrow cliffside paths and changeable weather conditions (especially in the misty north).
Advice:
Find out about trail conditions before you set off, and check the weather forecast.
Take enough water, food, a first-aid kit and make sure your phone is charged.
For challenging hikes like those in Anaga Rural Park, where it can be difficult to find your way around, consider joining a guided group.
Danger of natural pools
Tenerife’s natural pools are a must-see experience on the island. These seawater-filled volcanic formations offer a delightful experience. See our favorite natural pools.
Although they offer a unique swimming experience, these pools can become dangerous during high tides or adverse weather conditions. We visited several of these natural pools and found that conditions can change rapidly as the tide rises. But it’s also a fascinating spectacle. We loved admiring the Garachico pools, with the waves crashing against the rocks!
Advice:
Check the tide tables before your visit, and choose low tide for a swim or high tide for the show.
Avoid these areas altogether during storms or heavy swells.
Be careful on volcanic rocks, which can be extremely slippery and sometimes sharp.
Some natural pools are supervised during the high season.
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
Is it dangerous to drive in Tenerife?
Driving in Tenerife is generally safe, but there are a few special challenges.
Tenerife is very popular with tourists and is also the most densely populated island in the Canaries. So there’s a lot of traffic.
The mountain roads, especially those leading to Teide, are fairly easy.
But other roads are winding and sometimes narrow, as in Anaga and Masca.
We drove around the island several times and found that the main roads are well maintained, but caution is still called for in mountainous areas.
Advice:
Read our article on driving in Tenerife.
Opt for a suitable car if you’re planning to explore mountainous regions (an adequate engine, but a car that’s not too wide). Drive carefully on winding roads and respect speed limits. Avoid driving at night in poorly lit mountainous areas. Beware of cyclists, who are numerous on coastal and mountain roads.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in the Canaries a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
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Is it safe to drink the water in Tenerife?
Tap water in Tenerife is safe to drink and complies with European health standards. However, most of the water is desalinated from sea water, giving it a distinctive taste that many find unpleasant. We found that even local residents often prefer bottled water for direct consumption.
Advice:
To avoid plastic, consider using a flask filled with filtered water or buying large water bottles for your stay. Tap water is perfectly safe for brushing your teeth and cooking.
Emergency numbers in Tenerife
In the event of an emergency in Tenerife, the main number to dial is 112, the European emergency number that puts you in touch with the appropriate emergency services (police, fire department, ambulance). Operators can usually communicate in English and several other languages. For problems specific to tourists, the Tourist Police (Policía Turística) can be contacted in the main tourist areas.
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Safety in cities
How safe is Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital, is generally a safe city for tourists. As in any city, caution is advised in certain less touristy areas, especially at night. The city center and tourist areas are well-monitored and safe to explore. We found Santa Cruz a great place to visit, with its museums, gardens and local life.
Find out more about Santa Cruz attractions.
Is Puerto de la Cruz safe?
Puerto de la Cruz, the main seaside resort in northern Tenerife, is a safe tourist destination. The town has a good tourist infrastructure and a visible police presence. Incidents are rare and generally limited to opportunistic thefts. We particularly like this town for its more authentic atmosphere than the southern resorts.
Find out more about Puerto de la Cruz attractions.
Are Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas safe?
These two southern seaside resorts are the most popular with tourists on the island. They are generally safe, with a strong police presence, but are more prone to petty crime due to the large number of tourists. Scams targeting tourists can be more common here. We recommend the same vigilance as in any popular European resort.
Find out more about Los Cristianos attractions.
Is Costa Adeje safe?
Costa Adeje, which includes areas such as Playa del Duque and La Caleta, is considered the high-end tourist zone of southern Tenerife. It tends to be very safe, with fewer incidents reported than in the busier areas of Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas. We find this part of the island particularly suitable for families looking for peace and security.
Find out more about Costa Adeje attractions.
Common scams in Tenerife
As in many tourist destinations, there are a number of scams targeting visitors to Tenerife. Among the most common are counterfeit market vendors. We’ve noticed that these practices are more common in the highly touristic areas of the south.
Advice:
Beware of offers that are too good to be true. Never sign a contract under pressure, and take the time to read the conditions. Use official cabs or recognized transport apps. For excursions and activities, book with reputable operators or through your hotel.
Natural hazards in Tenerife: is an eruption possible?
Tenerife is a volcanic island dominated by Teide, a technically active but stable volcano. The risk of eruption is constantly monitored by the volcanological observatory. Minor earthquakes can occur but are rarely felt.
The risk of forest fires exists during the dry summer months, particularly in mountain pine areas.
Advice:
Stay informed of any weather or volcanic alerts during your stay, respect access restrictions to natural areas in the event of fire risk, and always follow the instructions of local authorities.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Gran Canaria
- Best of
Best things to do in Gran Canaria
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Archaeological sites
Best museums
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Gran Canaria
When to go?
How to get around
How to rent a car in Gran Canaria
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
- The must-dos
Las Palmas and its historic center
Dolphin watching in Gran Canaria (coming soon)
Maspalomas dunes
Puerto de Mogan (Little Venice)
Agaete and its natural pools
The magnificent town of Agüimes
