Safety
You can rest easy when visiting Tenerife because it is one of the safest tourist destinations in the world. Nonetheless, it is always advisable to take some basic precautionary measures so as to avoid nasty surprises. We advise you not to leave valuable objects where they can be seen inside your car, and not to leave your belongings unattended in busy places such as beaches and restaurants.
We answer to your frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about safety in Tenerife
Is it safe to travel to Tenerife at the moment?
Yes, travelling to Tenerife is safe and the island maintains its tourist activity as normal throughout the year. Tenerife has surveillance systems, civil protection protocols and permanent coordination between administrations to respond to any natural, meteorological or other type of incident. Furthermore, airports, main roads, accommodation and tourist areas operate normally, and any extraordinary situation is communicated officially through public information channels. This allows residents and visitors to have access to up-to-date and verified information should it be needed.
Are there areas of Tenerife where extra precautions should be taken?
As with any destination, it is sensible to take normal precautions in busy areas, on beaches, in car parks or in tourist spots with high footfall, particularly when it comes to looking after personal belongings and getting around safely. In natural spaces, the main precaution is usually related to the terrain, the weather or the importance of keeping to authorised footpaths. In mountainous areas, ravines or on winding roads, it is always advisable to follow the signage and to adapt the route to the time available and the physical fitness of each person. In coastal areas, extra vigilance is recommended, particularly on beaches with strong waves or currents, paying close attention at all times to the signage, sea conditions and flag warnings, as well as to the advice of lifeguard services. It is also worth checking for any temporary restrictions on footpaths or access to natural spaces when weather warnings or preventive measures are in place.
Is it safe to travel to Tenerife with children?
Yes, Tenerife is a very suitable and safe destination for travelling with children, both for its tourist infrastructure and for the ease of getting around between different areas of the island. The island has a good healthcare network, signposted beaches, accessible urban areas and a wide range of activities tailored to families, from natural spaces to leisure areas and coastal walks. In addition, many municipalities have peaceful surroundings, nearby services and accommodation options designed for family trips, making it easy to organise comfortable visits both on the coast and inland.
Is there a risk of volcanic eruption in Tenerife?
Tenerife is an island of volcanic origin and forms part of a geologically active territory, but this does not imply any immediate danger for those visiting the island. Volcanic activity is continuously monitored by specialist scientific bodies, particularly in the area surrounding the Teide National Park. There is currently no volcanic alert affecting tourism, transport or normal movement in Tenerife. Furthermore, the island has prevention plans and response protocols in place to act in advance of any significant change, as part of a permanent surveillance system.
Is there a risk of wildfires in Tenerife?
Yes, in Tenerife preventive measures for wildfire risk can be activated, particularly during periods of high temperatures, low humidity or wind in woodland areas. During those periods, some forest tracks, trails or access points to natural spaces may be temporarily closed as a precautionary measure, especially in mid-altitude and woodland areas. These restrictions usually affect only certain natural environments and are communicated officially for the duration of the alert level. Even so, the majority of the island continues to operate normally: urban and coastal areas, accommodation and main tourist zones are not usually directly affected, so it is generally possible to reorganise excursions or replace planned activities with alternative options in different parts of Tenerife.
Is it dangerous to drive in Tenerife?
Driving in Tenerife is safe, although it is advisable to adapt your driving to the characteristics of each area of the island. The main motorways, such as the TF-1 and TF-5, make it easy to travel between north and south. In mountain areas, mid-altitude zones or rural areas, however, it is common to find winding roads, steep gradients and narrower stretches, particularly on routes to viewpoints or natural spaces. For this reason, it is recommended to drive calmly, follow the road signs and allow a little extra time for journeys through the interior.
Is it safe to hike in Teide National Park?
Yes, hiking in Teide National Park is safe on the vast majority of its waymarked trails, provided you follow the guidelines and choose a route suited to your own level of physical fitness. However, as this is a high-mountain environment, it is important to bear in mind factors such as altitude, sudden changes in temperature, sun exposure and wind. It is therefore advisable to plan your route in advance, carry sufficient water, sun protection, warm clothing and appropriate footwear, and to check the weather forecast before setting out. It is also essential to stick to authorised footpaths at all times, to follow the signage, and to avoid entering any areas or routes that are temporarily closed for safety reasons.
Are there dangerous animals in Tenerife?
No, Tenerife has no dangerous land fauna that poses a risk to visitors. There are no large predators or venomous animals on the island that represent a regular hazard. The most commonly encountered wildlife includes birds, small reptiles such as lizards and geckos, as well as marine species observable on the coast or at sea within a natural environment that is safe for tourism. This means that both urban activities and hiking or visits to natural spaces can be enjoyed with complete peace of mind.
Is there a seismic risk in Tenerife?
Tenerife records mild seismic activity associated with its volcanic nature, but this normally consists of low-intensity movements that do not affect daily life or tourism. These phenomena are continuously monitored by scientific bodies and form part of the island's routine geological surveillance. When small seismic swarms occur, the authorities provide official information and maintain permanent monitoring. Seismic activity forms part of the natural behaviour of a volcanic island and does not, under normal conditions, represent a disruption for those visiting Tenerife.
Is it safe to swim at the beaches in Tenerife?
Yes, swimming at Tenerife's beaches is safe provided the instructions for each bathing area are followed and the sea conditions are checked before entering the water. Many beaches have lifeguard supervision, flag signalling systems and lifesaving services during certain hours, particularly in the areas with the highest tourist footfall. Even so, it is worth paying attention to the waves, especially on beaches open to the Atlantic or on days with rough seas, as some currents can be strong. It is also advisable to follow the instructions of the lifesaving staff, avoid areas not designated for swimming and check sea conditions when visiting an unfamiliar beach or one with heavy surf.
What emergency telephone numbers should you know in Tenerife?
In Tenerife, as in the rest of Spain, the general emergency number is 112, available 24 hours a day for any urgent situation involving medical assistance, fires, accidents, rescues or public safety. This service can rapidly deploy firefighters, ambulances, police or civil protection teams depending on the type of incident, and is equipped to assist foreign visitors as well. In addition, in tourist areas, accommodation and natural spaces it is common to find supplementary information on medical assistance, on-call pharmacies or local support contacts, which facilitates a swift response in the event of need.