The 10 most common mistakes tourists make in Tenerife – and how to avoid them

A vacation in Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is a dream for many people. Paradise beaches, volcanic landscapes, mild climate and a mix of Spanish and local culture make it an ideal place for a vacation at any time of the year. However, even the most beautiful place can lose its charm when simple but costly mistakes are made.

In this post, we’ll tell you about the 10 most common mistakes tourists make when vacationing in Tenerife. With this list you will prepare better, avoid disappointments and get the best out of your stay!

1. lack of awareness of the island’s diverse climate

Tenerife is an island of contrasts. When the sun is shining and it’s 27°C in the south, it can rain and be 19°C in the north. Tourists often plan their entire stay with the heat and beaches in mind, forgetting that the center of the island is high in the mountains and the north has a more humid and cooler climate.

➡️ Tip: Take not only a swimsuit, but also a thin jacket, something with long sleeves and comfortable shoes. Especially if you are planning a trip to the Teide volcano – there the temperature can drop as low as a few degrees, and below 0 in winter!

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2. booking tours andattractions too late

Climbing to the top of Teide (3715 meters above sea level) is a dream for many visitors. But. not everyone knows that from the top station of the cable car to the very top you need a free permit, which can only be obtained online – and well in advance. The same goes for all the attractions and tours you can find on our website(👉 go here). For some of them, especially in high season, places end up even 3 weeks ahead.

➡️ Tip: It’s best to book your tours in advance, and if your plans change, with us you have the option to cancel free of charge up to 72h before the tour

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3. renting a car without being aware of difficult road conditions

Renting a car is a great idea for exploring the island – but only if you are ready for narrow, winding and steep roads, especially around Anaga Park or Masca. Many tourists get stressed while driving and give up on some attractions.

➡️ Tip: If you don’t feel confident behind the wheel in mountain conditions, you’d better plan organized trips or use public transportation. And if you do drive – don’t rush, use caution, park only in permitted areas and never leave valuables out in the open.

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4. ignoring the power of the sun

The sun in Tenerife is treacherous. Even when it’s slightly cloudy, UV radiation is very strong – especially at altitude, such as in Teide Park and during catamaran cruises. Many tourists return from their vacation with sunburns on the first day.

➡️ Tip: Use a high sunscreen (minimum SPF 30), wear sunglasses and a hat. Hydrate yourself regularly. Your skin and health will thank you for it.

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5. focusing exclusively on the south of the island

Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje are all popular resorts, full of hotels, stores and parties. But Tenerife is much more than a tourist zone. Picturesque towns, laurel forests and local culture that you won’t experience on the boardwalk await in the north.

➡️ tip: Visit La Laguna (a UNESCO-listed town), Garachico, Icod de los Vinos or the green Anaga Park. The north of the island is a completely different story – more authentic and peaceful. You can see these places during our round trips with a Polish guide(👉 go here)

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6. swimming in unauthorized or unsafe places

The Atlantic Ocean is beautiful, but it can be unforgiving at times. Many beaches experience strong currents and high waves. Tourists often ignore warning flags and bathe despite the risks – leading to numerous lifeguard interventions each year.

➡️ Tip: Always pay attention to the color of the flag on the beach:

• Green – you can bathe,
• Yellow – swimming at your own risk,
• Red – no swimming allowed!

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7. over-reliance on GPS

Car navigation can be misleading – especially in the mountains. Narrow roads, outdated maps and misleading shortcuts can lead through… steep serpentines or to private property.

➡️ Tip: Plan your route in advance. Use Google Maps, but with caution – preferably juxtaposing GPS directions with a paper map or travel apps.

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8. eating only in hotels or tourist restaurants

Tourists often do not try local dishes, limiting themselves to fast food or the buffet at the hotel. And Tenerife’s cuisine is a real feast – simple, fresh and very tasty.

➡️ Tip: Visit local “guachinche”(you’ll find quite a few places we recommend on our FB profile) – these are family-run pubs, serving homemade food. Be sure to try them:

• Papas arrugadas with mojo sauce,
• Gofio (roasted corn flour),
• Ropa vieja (a dish of chickpeas and meat),
• Fresh fish, such as vieja or cherne.

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9. Excessive expectations of winter weather

Tenerife in winter is a great place to get away from the snow – but it’s not the Caribbean. There is some rain, cloud cover, and the evenings are chilly. Some tourists expect hot weather all day – and are disappointed.

➡️ Tip: Pack not only summer clothes, but also something warmer. Winter weather is changeable, though still much more pleasant than in most European countries.

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10. hotel selection

It often happens that tourists, enticed by the price and good pictures, choose a hotel that is very far from the center of life, from stores, excursions and even the beach (although it may seem close on the map).

➡️ Tip: Check the map to see exactly where the hotel you want to stay is located. The most popular and developed places on the island are Costa Adeje and Puerto de Santiago (south) and Puerto de la Cruz (north).

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Summary

Tenerife is an island that you can love at first sight – but only if you approach it with respect, openness and a little preparation. Many of the mistakes mentioned above are due not to ill will, but to lack of knowledge.

Apply these tips and your trip will not only be successful, but also rich in experiences that you won’t find in travel agency catalogs.