We’ve been living in Tenerife for over four years, but we see the same scenes play out over and over again. Tourists climb over safety fences to take photos of the waves during storms, light fires in mid-July, stray from the trails in Teide National Park, and pick endemic plants. Any of these actions can result in steep fines.
The island welcomes millions of people from all over the world every year, and most return home with wonderful memories. But some don't, and the reason is almost always things that aren’t mentioned in tourist brochures. We've prepared a list of Tenerife tourist mistakes that could cost you money, time, or even your life.
1. Don't Ignore the Weather Warnings
No seaside resort can compare to Tenerife's unpredictable weather. This isn't the Mediterranean with its predictable sunshine, light breezes, and occasional rain; it's the open Atlantic.
In November 2025, 15 people were injured and three died due to rough seas. Incidents occurred in La Guancha, Puerto de la Cruz, El Cabezo, and other locations. In one case, people were standing on a pier when a four-meter wave washed several of them into the ocean.
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However, waves are not the only weather hazard on the island. The calima (a warm wind from the Sahara) significantly increases air temperatures and reduces visibility to 8–15 kilometers. For most people, the calima is not dangerous and won't cause any major issues, but if you have asthma or heart problems, it can pose a serious threat.
Tenerife weather service AEMET also warns people to stay away from barrancos. These are mountain ravines that can appear completely dry but can flood within minutes. Mountain switchbacks in the north of the island can get very slippery in the rain. One sharp turn or steep drop can easily surprise an unprepared driver.
How to stay safe:
- Download the AEMET app before your trip (available in English).
- Check for closed trails and roads on the official TenerifeON website.
- Understand the alert system: yellow means “be careful,” orange means “danger,” and red means “stay home.”
If there is an orange or red alert, do not go into the mountains, do not go near the ocean, and definitely do not enter the barrancos.
2. Never Cross the Red Flag or Duck Under the Barrier
The danger of Tenerife’s waves simply cannot be underestimated. In the Atlantic, the ocean can look completely calm, but within just a few hours, the conditions can change completely.
In December 2025, a group of swimmers went to the natural pool at Isla Cangrejo in Los Gigantes. When they arrived, the area was officially closed by the authorities. They ignored the fences and warning signs and went swimming anyway. None of them made it out alive.
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The mayor of Santiago Del Tiede later explained that warning tape is often removed, and swimmers often get annoyed when they are asked to leave, even though it's for their own safety. A red flag on the beach means swimming is strictly prohibited, and it's never done without reason.
The natural pool in Los Gigantes is one of the most beautiful places on the island, but also one of the most dangerous when the sea is rough. Piers and promenades are also high-risk zones because of how quickly sudden waves can hit.
Remember: If a red flag is flying or access to the water is blocked, just turn around. No photo is worth your life, and you can enjoy beautiful views of the waves from many safe spots across the island.
3. Don't Light a Fire as Wildfires Are a Criminal Matter Here
The massive 2023 wildfire started on August 15 and was not fully extinguished until November 10. During the fire, 14,624 hectares were burned, and the fire perimeter reached 88 kilometers (55 miles). The damage to flora and fauna is difficult to overstate. Around 12,000–13,000 people were also evacuated to temporary shelters. The official investigation confirmed that the fire was started intentionally.
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This and other wildfires have led to strict fire safety regulations. In the Canary Islands, as in many other parts of the world, the 30/30/30 rule applies. If the temperature rises above 30°C (86°F), humidity drops below 30%, and wind speeds exceed 30 kilometers per hour, all open flames are prohibited. This ban applies to campfires, barbecues, gas burners, fireworks, smoking on trails, and using tools that cause sparks.
In Spain, accidentally causing a forest fire is a criminal offense. Even if it's extinguished immediately and no one is injured, you can face up to a year in prison, and up to 20 years if the fire threatens human life or the environment.
Traditionally, the festivals of San Juan (June 23) and San Pedro (June 28) were celebrated with beach bonfires, but lighting them is now prohibited. In some municipalities, depending on the weather, local authorities may organize official bonfires if conditions allow.
4. Don't Climb Mount Teide Without a Permit
You can take the cable car to the upper station of Mount Teide without a permit, but you must obtain one to reach the summit itself. You can choose your trail and get a €15 Mount Teide permit on the official TenerifeON website. The daily limit is 300 people, so we highly recommend booking well in advance.
Climbing without a permit carries a €600 fine, and if a rescue operation is required, the cost ranges from €2,000 to €12,000.
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Additionally, mandatory clothing and safety equipment requirements have been in place since November 2024:
- long trousers (either worn or packed in a backpack) and a fleece jacket;
- sturdy closed shoes suitable for mountain terrain;
- enough water and other drinks;
- a mobile phone with a fully charged battery;
- a flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries.
Park staff may check that you have the required gear.
Also, stay on marked trails at all times, and don't pick flowers, take rocks as souvenirs, or leave any litter behind. Teide is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and these rules are strictly enforced, so the fines for damaging vegetation or removing natural objects can be substantial.
If you couldn’t get a permit for the summit climb, don't worry. The cable car takes you to the upper station in just eight minutes, and the ride itself is a spectacular experience with fantastic views.
You can find a detailed guide to Teide National Park on our website.
5. Don't Fly Your Drone Without Checking
In July 2025, a British tourist flew a drone over the famous Virgen del Carmen Festival in Puerto de la Cruz. Police spotted the unauthorized drone, tracked it to a hotel, and found the tourist, who didn't have a license or insurance to operate a drone in Spain. The tourist received a staggering €200,000 fine for his mistake.
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Many drones have built-in maps from DJI and other manufacturers, but these maps are not enough to verify legal flight zones in the Canary Islands. The only official tool you should use is ENAIRE Drones. Check it before every single flight, not just at the beginning of your trip.
The island also has ZEPA zones (which include most cities and villages, Anaga Rural Park, and Teide National Park) where flying is prohibited without an AESA permit.
The maximum permitted altitude in standard zones is 120 meters, and AESA registration is mandatory for almost all drones. Drone rules in Tenerife are one of the strictest in Europe, and not knowing the rules is not considered an excuse. Aerial photography in Tenerife is wonderful, but it's definitely not worth €200,000.
6. Never Leave Anything in Your Rental Car
Unfortunately, theft from cars has become quite common in Tenerife. The Guardia Civil even launched a special initiative, Operation Miradores, aimed at preventing thefts from tourists’ vehicles at viewpoints.
Their method is well known. They wait at viewpoint parking lots or trailheads while you put your bag, laptop, or camera in the trunk or leave it on the dashboard. Once you leave, within seconds, they smash the window or break the lock, and your belongings are gone. Warning signs have been installed in Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Puerto Colón, and Puerto Santiago.
To avoid this, never leave anything valuable in your car. Take your phone, documents, and money with you and be especially careful near the viewpoints in Anaga and on the winding roads in the north.
7. Walk Away From the Timeshare Pitch
The "Free Gift" is never free, as Tenerife and Mallorca, the European capitals of timeshare scams, prove over and over again.
The scheme hasn't changed for decades:
- A person on the promenade hands you a scratch card or offers a "free gift," claiming you just need to attend a one-hour presentation to get it.
- The presentation is highly pressured and lasts for hours. Several "managers" will use emotional arguments and tight deadlines to push you into a deal.
- Scratch cards with "winnings" are part of the same scheme; everyone wins, but you only receive a prize after the presentation.
Remember, no one on the promenade gives out free gifts, and this rule applies without exception.
What should you do in this situation? Politely and firmly say no. You don't need to explain your reasons; just refuse. If you've already gone inside and signed something, you have the legal right in Spain to cancel a timeshare contract within 14 days. Request written confirmation of your cancellation and seek legal advice immediately.
8. Don't Fish Without a License
In Tenerife, a license is required for any kind of fishing, even from a pier or promenade. You can get a Tenerife fishing license online at pescarecreativatenerife.com.
There are three main types of licenses: shore-based (approximately €60 for three years), boat-based (approximately €75 for three years), and spearfishing, which also requires a medical certificate.
There are also additional rules to keep in mind. For example, you are allowed a maximum of two fishing rods with three hooks each. You must stay at least 150 meters away from swimming areas, and selling your catch is strictly prohibited. Additionally, shellfish collection is allowed only on weekends and public holidays.
9. Don't Eat Only at Tourist Restaurants
A photo menu on the street and signs advertising an “English menu” mean convenience. However, it's also a sure sign of a tourist markup. You might like the food, but you're guaranteed to pay 30% to 50% more.
We highly recommend visiting a guachinche at least once. These are seasonal taverns near vineyards serving their own wine and simple, home-cooked food with no tourist frills. For €30–€40 for two, you get two main dishes, wine, salad, and bread. But the real highlight is the atmosphere, which you won't find at a standard restaurant overlooking the waterfront.
Authentic guachinches are concentrated in the north, in the Orotava Valley, Tacoronte, and La Laguna. They usually have handwritten menus, little to no English, and a room full of locals at lunchtime. A packed house on a weekday is always the best sign of quality on the island.
One thing to watch out for at seafront restaurants (especially in places like La Caleta) is fish sold by weight. It's common practice, but the bill can surprise you. Ask the waiter to show you the weight before they cook it, or at least confirm the price upfront.
10. Don't Stay Only in the South
Most of Tenerife's hotels are located in the south, and that makes sense. It’s sunny almost year-round, and the ocean stays warm, which is exactly what most vacationers come for. However, tourists who only stay in the south mostly experience resorts and tourist infrastructure rather than the island itself.
The north is a completely different story. Here you'll find Anaga Rural Park with its UNESCO-listed laurel forests, trails above the clouds, and villages that have remained virtually unchanged for a century. Garachico is another wonderful destination with natural rock pools and no mass tourism. Puerto de la Cruz has welcomed travelers for centuries and has plenty to see beyond the resort walls. Yes, there are more clouds and occasional rain in the north, but the soul of the island lives here.
Rent a car for at least a day or two and head north. You can compare prices for all car rental options on the island through Discovery Cars to choose the perfect fit for your location and budget.
Also, parking fees in the south can catch you off guard. Some car parks near the main resorts charge significantly more than you'd expect, so it's worth checking the rates before you leave the car.
11. Don't Ignore Sustainable Tourism
The Canary Islands welcomed more than 10 million tourists between January and August 2025. Tourism accounts for 35% of GDP and supports over 400,000 jobs. However, most of the money generated by major hotels and international tour operators actually leaves Spain.
In April 2024, Tenerife experienced the largest protests in its history. The organization "Canarias Tiene un Límite" (The Canaries Have a Limit) led three waves of protests under the slogans "Tenerife is not for sale" and "We want homes, not hotels." Even young people with permanent jobs are forced to live with their parents into their thirties and beyond because rent has become completely unaffordable.
It's important to understand the context here. The protests were directed at a specific economic model, not at tourists personally. There is no hostility toward visitors; this is a broader debate about the island’s future and sustainability.
What you can do as a tourist:
- Eat at local restaurants and guachinches.
- Hire local guides instead of big international tour companies.
- Rent accommodation from local owners where possible.
- Respect natural areas and wildlife.
Remember that Tenerife is not a theme park, as nearly a million people call this island home. Sustainable tourism in Tenerife is not just an abstract principle; it's about the decisions you make every single day of your trip.
12. Don't Pack Too Much into One Day
It's true that Tenerife is a fairly compact island, and you can easily drive between the north and the south in a single day. However, the mountain roads can easily throw off your plans. If you want to visit Teide in the morning, Anaga in the afternoon, and then watch the sunset in Los Gigantes, you’ll definitely want to reconsider your route.
On the map, this looks completely doable, but in practice, navigating the switchbacks can take two to three times longer than your GPS suggests.
If you want to make the most of your trip, we recommend checking out our up-to-date road trip Tenerife itinerary. We've put together a list of places you can easily visit without having to rush.
13. Don't Assume Tenerife Is Only Beaches
Tenerife has dozens of beautiful beaches; there's no denying that. But beyond the sun loungers and cocktails on the southern shores, or the dramatic views and crashing waves in the north, the island has much more to offer. At the center of the island is Spain's highest point, Mount Teide, alongside breathtaking ridges and trails, ancient laurel forests, and historic towns steeped in history.
The island offers plenty of exciting experiences, including whale watching, stargazing through telescopes under clear night skies, and much more. We've put together a list of all the top tours and excursions on Tenerife in a separate article.
14. Don't Skip Tenerife's Hidden Villages
We often show the island's "best" spots, but that term doesn't always tell the whole story. There are places known worldwide, such as Siam Park (which has been ranked as the top water park by Tripadvisor multiple times), Mount Teide, and Los Gigantes. These are definite must-see landmarks, but there are also mountain villages that will remain etched in your memory for years to come.
Places like the village of Masca with its dramatic gorge, Garachico, which was almost completely destroyed by a volcanic eruption, and Chinamada, where you can still see houses carved directly into the rock, capture a truly authentic island atmosphere well off the beaten path. Trying to experience the real Tenerife isn't difficult, and it's something that will stay with you forever.
And a Few More Things…
What else is important to know before your trip:
- Avoid unmetered taxis. It's much better to use apps like Cabify or Free Now, which give you a fixed price upfront.
- Keep swimsuits for the beach. In tourist areas, swimwear is completely normal, but walking around in it in residential areas and historic centers is not allowed (fines range from €100 to €300).
- Leave nature untouched. Never pick or remove plants on Teide or anywhere else on the island. Most of them are endemic species that grow nowhere else on Earth. You can face steep fines for doing this, as well as for straying from the official trails.
Why Knowing This Makes the Trip Better
Tenerife is truly an amazing island. It's home to a massive volcano, ancient laurel forests with prehistoric origins, charming fishing villages, historic colonial towns, and incredible views of the Atlantic. Now, you know what to avoid in Tenerife. Come prepared for your trip, and you’ll enjoy the island much more safely and comfortably.
Plan your perfect trip to an island. Read our complete Tenerife travel guide for 2026.
