The Ultimate Guide to Tenerife
The Ultimate Guide to Tenerife
Tired of scouring the internet for incomplete, incorrect or out of date information about Tenerife?
TENERIFE GURU is your ultimate guide to Tenerife, covering everything you need to know about our amazing island.
Spend enough time in Tenerife and eventually you are bound to encounter some degree of shoddy service, defective goods or something else that simply isn’t up to standard. In most cases, such problems can be resolved by raising the issue with the business or establishment in question and asking them to put things right. However,…
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Places of Interest in Tenerife – CASA FUERTE DE ADEJE Last updated: 20th March 2021 Contents The Story of La Casa Fuerte de Adeje Contact Information + Map 1. The Story of La Casa Fuerte de Adeje For visitors looking for culture and history (and some of the best views in Tenerife South!), no visit…
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Updated: 3 March 2025 Are you a UK National or Passport Holder in Tenerife and wish to apply for, renew or replace a UK Passport without leaving the island? Then you’ve come to the right place! The online procedure is relatively straightforward. Firstly, go to the official passport website HERE…
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TENERIFE FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions – TENERIFE GUIDE Q: What’s the weather like in Tenerife? A: Tenerife has a sub-tropical climate with micro-climates varying around different parts of the island. The south is generally warmer, sunnier and drier with less greenery, whilst the north is cooler, cloudier with more greenery. Average daytime temperatures range…
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BREXIT UPDATE for UK Nationals buying Property in Tenerife after January 2021 – Pitfalls and procedure when buying non-urban land. Last updated: 5th November 2024 Brits looking to purchase property or land in Tenerife that is classed as ‘non-urban’ or ‘rustic’ may now have additional hoops to jump through since 1st January 2021 due to…
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Coronavirus / Covid-19 Vaccines in Tenerife – Availability and Rollout Updates below are in date order (most recent first): Explanatory note as to availability of the vaccine Those eligible for free Spanish state healthcare will be automatically contacted by age group by phone or text for their vaccination appointments. As the vaccine is only available…
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LAST UPDATED: 15th September 2021 CONTENTS: Possession & Consumption Cultivation Selling Other Hemp Products The difference between THC and CBD How to legally obtain Cannabis in Tenerife How do Cannabis Social Clubs Operate? One of the first questions expats and visitors to Tenerife often ask, is whether cannabis is legal in Tenerife. However, the…
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Looking to test your luck whilst in Tenerife? Then why not head down to your local casino? Tenerife is home to 3 casinos, which are located in Playa de Las Americas, Santa Cruz and Puerto de la Cruz. Each casino offers a variety of games including American roulette, slots, blackjack and poker. Passports or National…
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LAST FACTUAL UPDATE: 13th February 2020 (Before Coronavirus Lock-down) Note: 22nd July 2022 – Please note that we are undertaking the slow process of updating the information below, some of which has changed, or continues to change, due to the Covid Pandemic, which has seriously affected the entire hospitality industry in Tenerife. Some bars, discos…
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LAST UPDATED: 10th February 2020 Given its beautiful weather, stunning scenery and relaxed vibe, it is no surprise that Tenerife has long been a popular destination for gay travellers. Homosexuality is legal in Spain, whilst the age of consent is 16. Whilst Gran Canaria has recently held the title of gay capital in the Canary…
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LAST UPDATED 3rd MAY 2021 The island of Tenerife is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, attracting well over 5 million visitors in 2019 pre-Covid-19. Fortunately, the vast majority of the island’s visitors discover that Tenerife is generally one of the safest places in Europe, with particularly low statistics for serious crimes…
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Do you sometimes wonder what the weather is like right now on Mount Teide? Or whether the sun is shining at your favourite beach? Well wonder no more! Check out our gallery of live Tenerife Webcams below and see our beautiful island from a different perspective. N.B. Occasionally a webcam may be down for maintenance…
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LAST UPDATED: 8th January 2021 The following is a much-reduced and PROVISIONAL list of Romerias in Tenerife for the year 2021. Unsurprisingly, each event is subject to change or cancellation if local Covid-19 restrictions are in place that affect or limit social gatherings. If Covid-19 restrictions are subsequently lifted, then it is likely that several…
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LAST UPDATED: 23rd February 2022 CONTENTS OF THIS PAGE: Introduction to getting married in Tenerife Getting married in Tenerife, Procedures and Documentation 1. Introduction to getting married in Tenerife With it’s perfect year-round climate, stunning views and romantic hideaways, Tenerife is one of the most idyllic destinations on the planet in which to get…
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Tenerife isn’t just about sun, sand and sangria. It also boasts some of the best shopping in the Canary Islands. Enjoying the lowest V.A.T. sales tax in Europe, Tenerife really is a shopper’s paradise. You will find all of your favourite European and International outlets, plus a surprising number of smaller independent retailers. Below we…
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COVID UPDATE 29th July 2021: At the time of writing, Tenerife has been placed in ‘Level 4’ Covid status, which introduces a much-hated requirement to produce a Covid Health Certificate (Double-vaccinated / Negative test within 72 hours / proof of recovery antibodies etc) in order to sit in the indoor sections of bars/restaurants or to…
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If Watersports ‘float your boat’, then Tenerife is the perfect destination to visit. The largest Canary Island doesn’t just offer beaches, sunshine and sangria. It also offers a wide variety of water activities for everyone, from cautious newbies to adrenaline-seeking daredevils. But best of all, you can enjoy watersports in Tenerife all year round due…
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Contents of this page: Tenerife’s Best Climbing Guidebook – A must buy for climbers! Canyoning in Guaria Gully, Guia de Isora Rock Climbing in Adeje ‘El Ocho Escalada’ Climbing School ‘Tenerife Guided Walks’ with Andy Tomkins Caving 1. Tenerife Best Climbing Guidebook (‘Tenerife Escalada Deportiva’) – A Must Buy for Climbers! This guidebook for Climbing…
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Contents of this page: 1. Teide By Night – Stargazing 2. Quad Safari 3. Top Buggy Adventure 4. Mount Teide & Masca Valley Tour by Coach 5. El Teide National Park – Half Day Tour 6. Teide & North Tenerife – An Island of Contrasts & Wines 7. La Gomera Island Day Trip 8. El…
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BOAT TRIPS AND FISHING Contents on this page: Fishing Boat Trips FISHING Tenerife boasts some of the best fishing to be found. The ideal climate allows year-round action for impressive catches such as White Marlin, Blue Marlin, Big Eye, Skipjack, Albacore, Blue Fin, Yellow Fin, Wahoo, Dorado, Spearfish, Barracuda and Amberjacks, depending on the time…
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Contents: Loro Parque Zoo and Theme Park Siam Water Park Jungle Park Zoo & Theme Park Aqualand Water Park Camel Park Loro Parque Zoo and Theme Park Loro Park was created over 40 years ago and was designed to bring together different exotic species of Parrots from all over the world. Year upon year, the…
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EXCURSIONS, DAY-TRIPS, TOURS AND ACTIVITIES IN TENERIFE Visitors to Tenerife are entirely spoilt for choice. The extent of excursions, trips, sports and other things to do is massive. The climate is perhaps the best in the world, in that the average temperature ranges between 18c – 25c year round whilst the sea temperature ranges…
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Tenerife Solicitors are the first and only firm of English Solicitors & Spanish Abogados registered and authorised to practice in the Canary Islands. They can assist with a wide variety of legal issues from their offices in San Eugenio, Tenerife and in Bromley, England. As they hold practising certificates to operate in both countries, advice…
Read More Tenerife has a huge range of attractions, ranging from landmarks and natural areas, stunning scenery, plus various parks and other man-made attractions. According to TRIPADVISOR in 2017, the top 10 attractions for visitors to Tenerife were as follows: 1. LORO PARQUE Spanish for “Parrot-Park”, Loro Parque is a 33 acre zoo just outside Puerto de…
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The following article covers those looking for both Tourist and Residential rentals: A: RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES (Long lets of 3 months minimum duration or longer) Renting, as opposed to buying, is by far the most popular (and safe) way for new arrivals to test out island life and decide if it is for them before taking…
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UPDATED: 8th January 2021 Please note that certain events (e.g. Romerias) in Tenerife may be subject to change or cancellation in 2021 due to possible ongoing Covid-19 restrictions. Fortunately for those who work in Tenerife, the island enjoys substantially more public holidays and time off than most other countries. Public holidays in Spain are known…
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Last updated: 29th July 2021 Please note that during any ongoing Covid19 restrictions, all travel on public transport and in taxis is subject to restrictions, Including compulsory masks, capacity limits and social distancing measures, which may change from time to time depending on the alert level status in Tenerife at any given moment. TAXIS This…
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The following is a light-hearted tongue-in-cheek look at alleged stereotypical driving habits in Tenerife and is purely intended as humour. Tenerife Guru does not endorse or recommend any of the driving habits or actions referred to below, most of which are illegal and likely to result in heavy penalties or even jail time! Perplexed by…
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LAST UPDATED: 14th July 2021 Driving in Tenerife, Everything you need to know. Safety, rules of the road, car rental, insurance, fines etc BREXIT UPDATE NOTE: UK Driving Licence holders can continue to use their licence to drive in Spain (in a rental vehicle or in their own vehicle) for up to 6 months per…
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This is a particularly hot topic in Tenerife where the British and Irish are involved and there are many differing views on the issue. It is universally considered prudent (and beneficial) to attempt to learn the language of your adopted country of residence. A failure to understand and communicate can naturally cause all sorts of…
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The British and Irish Consulates were previously eager for their respective citizens to register their residence in Tenerife. This not only assisted them with statistical information as to the number of citizens they have to cater for, but it allowed them to provide quicker and easier advice and assistance should a citizen suddenly require consular…
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Whilst the majority of advertisers are genuine, there is sadly a growing number of ‘scam’ agencies, purportedly offering fantastic accommodation for very reasonable prices, but whom sadly disappear into thin air the moment money is transferred into their bank account. Some scammers operate direct websites on which they advertise attractive looking properties that either don’t…
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Although new building projects have slowed significantly since the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, there is still a fair amount of development, particularly in the luxury end of the market. For many of us dreaming of our first holiday property, buying something brand new that can be fitted, decorated and furnished to your own specifications…
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Ferries operating in and out of Tenerife provide both an important means of transport for residents and businesses as well as a useful and enjoyable way for tourists and visitors to explore the Canary Islands and further afield. Two main companies currently operate ferry routes between the Canary Islands, namely Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas….
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Last updated: 11th October 2021 For a small island, Tenerife boasts a surprising number of cinemas. Whilst popular with residents, there is rarely much demand for cinemas in Tenerife among tourists, who would probably rather spend their time on the beach. However, they provide a good option on one of the rare days the island…
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UPDATED: 18th February 2021 Plus Valia is a tax imposed by the local Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) upon the sale of a property. Broadly speaking, it is a tax on the notional increase in value of the relevant plot of land. The formula used to calculate the tax is based on the Catastral value of the…
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Until quite recently, under-declaring the real sale price of a property was a national sport in Spain and was particularly popular in Tenerife. Essentially, a lower price was declared on the official paperwork and the balance typically changed hands in cash. The buyer would then only pay the 6.5% stamp duty purchase tax on the…
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When buying property in Tenerife, it is strongly recommended to organise your finances before proceeding, particularly if you require a mortgage. Spanish banks are notoriously slow in processing mortgage applications, by which time you may have already agreed to purchase a property and signed a contract with a deadline to complete. Alternatively, you may expect…
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Tenerife Solicitors often get asked for advice regarding this subject. In recent years, certain unqualified firms have been advising clients to purchase or register their property in the name of a limited company in order to minimise or avoid Inheritance Tax, regardless of their individual circumstances. The fact that no qualified lawyer, accountant or other…
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This is perhaps one of the most important questions to ask when buying a property in Tenerife. The answer is obviously YES! You are about to make what could be the second biggest investment of your life in a foreign country and in a foreign language, where bureaucracy and paperwork is notoriously complex and different….
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For an island only 84 km long and 50 km wide, Tenerife has a surprisingly wide variety of resorts and places to stay. The choice of ideal destination can depend on various factors, including your age (or at least, how old you feel!), your nationality, your fitness, sense of adventure, Spanish language skills and of…
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This long-established profession perhaps doesn’t have the glossiest reputation around the world. Sadly, Tenerife is no exception to this tarnished image. The island is not helped by the fact that the industry is entirely unregulated in Spain. Whilst there are professional real-estate organisations such as GIPE and API, the vast majority of agents are not…
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Tenerife is one of 7 principal islands in the archipelago known as the Canary Islands. It is also the largest and most populated of the islands, with a land mass of over 2,000km2 and a population somewhere north of 1 million inhabitants, accounting for 43% of the total population of the 7 principal Canary Islands. …
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Being close to the Western Sahara, Tenerife occasionally experiences a ‘Calima’, which is a fine red dust suspension blown across the Atlantic from the African deserts, although the more easterly islands are the most affected…
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