Practical A–Z
Entry & Visa
EU Citizens
As an EU citizen, you do not need a visa. Tenerife is part of Spain and thus the Schengen Area. You only need a valid ID card or passport. For direct flights from Germany: no passport control, but still bring your ID (airlines check).
Important: Although Tenerife belongs to the EU, the island is outside the EU customs area. This means: When returning to Germany, exemption limits apply: 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of spirits, 4 liters of wine, goods worth up to €430. Thanks to the low IGIC tax in the Canary Islands, shopping is worthwhile — especially perfume, tobacco, and electronics.
Swiss Citizens
Same rules as EU citizens (Schengen). Passport or ID is sufficient.
Stay
EU Citizens: Unlimited. For stays over 90 days: Registration with the Registro Central de Extranjeros (apply for NIE number).
Internet & Communication
Mobile Internet
Thanks to EU roaming, you can use your German mobile contract in Tenerife without additional costs. Surfing, calling, and texting are included in your plan. The network coverage in Tenerife is excellent — 4G/5G everywhere along the coast and in the cities. In the mountains (Anaga, Teno) and in the Teide National Park, the signal can be weak.
WLAN
Free WLAN is available in almost all hotels, restaurants, cafés, and shopping centers. Speed: generally good to very good.
Useful Apps
- TITSA (Guaguas): Bus schedules and real-time tracking. Essential for bus travelers.
- Google Maps: Works excellently for navigation, even offline (download the map beforehand!).
- Teleférico del Teide: Official app for cable car tickets and current operating information.
- Windy: Weather forecast with wind map — especially useful for surfers and paragliders.
- iCabTenerife: Taxi app for Tenerife (similar to Uber, but with licensed taxis).
Health & Safety
Health
Tenerife has a good healthcare system (part of the Spanish Sistema Nacional de Salud). No special vaccinations required. Bring EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) for treatments in public health centers (Centros de Salud). A travel health insurance is recommended — especially for activities like hiking, diving, and paragliding.
Sun & UV Radiation
The biggest health risk in Tenerife is the sun. UV radiation is significantly stronger than in Germany — even on cloudy days and in winter. Sunscreen (at least SPF 30, on Teide SPF 50), hat, and sunglasses are mandatory. In the first days, do not spend more than 30 minutes in the sun.
Jellyfish & Ocean Currents
Some beaches experience seasonal jellyfish (especially the Portuguese Man o' War — Carabela Portuguesa). Lifeguards hoist purple flags when jellyfish are spotted. If in contact: do not rinse with freshwater, use vinegar or seawater instead. In doubt, go to the first aid station on the beach.
Ocean currents: Strong currents can occur at the wild beaches of the north coast and near Los Gigantes. Always pay attention to the flags: Green = safe, Yellow = caution, Red = swimming prohibited.
Safety
Tenerife is a very safe travel destination. Violent crime against tourists: practically zero. The most common issue: pickpocketing in tourist areas (Playa de las Américas, Carnival, markets). Usual precautions are sufficient: Keep valuables in the hotel safe, do not hang handbags on chairs, do not leave valuables unattended on the beach.
| Risk | Rating | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Crime | Low | Pickpocketing possible in tourist zones |
| Road traffic | Medium | Mountain roads winding, Spanish driving style |
| Sea | Medium | Currents on north coast, jellyfish seasonal |
| Sun | High | Underestimated UV radiation, sunburn most common injury |
| Volcanic activity | Very low | Teide active, but monitored. Last eruption: 1909 (Chinyero) |
Emergency number: 112 (Europe-wide, police/fire/ambulance). Staff usually speak English and partly German.
Achtung
The Calima — a hot Saharan wind — can suddenly raise temperatures above 40°C and fill the air with fine Saharan dust. During Calima: drink plenty, avoid physical exertion, asthmatics and allergy sufferers should stay indoors. The Calima usually lasts only 2–3 days.
Packing List & Clothing
Year-round
- Light clothing: T-shirts, shorts, light dresses. Tenerife is warm all year round.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen (SPF 30+, on Teide SPF 50+), sunglasses, hat/cap.
- Swimwear: At least two — one dries, one you wear.
- Light jacket/sweater: For evenings and the north (can be cool even in summer).
- Hiking boots: If you plan to visit Teide, Anaga, or Masca — sturdy footwear is a must. Flip-flops are not enough.
- Rain jacket: It can rain in the north and in the mountains — especially from October to March.
- Warm jacket for Teide: At 2,000–3,700 m altitude, it can be below 10°C even in summer. At night for stargazing: down to 0°C.
Winter Extras (December–February)
- Long-sleeved tops for the north and evenings (15–18°C)
- Light fleece jacket
- For Teide: Winter jacket, scarf, gloves (snow possible!)
What you DON'T need
- Travel adapter: German plugs fit (Type C/F). Spain has the same sockets.
- Mosquito spray: Mosquitoes are not a problem in Tenerife — unlike the mainland or the tropics.
- Heavy winter clothing: Even in January, sweaters and a light jacket are enough on the beach.
Tipp
Pack less than you think. Tenerife's shopping centers and supermarkets have everything you might forget — and often cheaper than in Germany thanks to the low IGIC tax. Buy sunscreen locally: the selection is huge and the prices are fair.
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