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.
