Tenerife health and safety

Like most tropical islands, Tenerife has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that doesn’t promote violent crime. In general, visitors to this island should expect nothing more than a good time and possibly sunburn or a hangover. However, when you have hordes of tourists, you also have the usual gang of petty criminals waiting to take advantage.

Tenerife pickpockets

The biggest threats in Tenerife are pickpockets and bag snatchers. The thieves in Tenerife are experienced and very skilled, so be extra careful with your hand baggage, camera and wallet.

Wearing your bag across your body instead of hanging off your shoulder is a good way to deter an easy theft. Concealed money belts are also a good idea.

Theft from rented cars is another big problem. Should you leave your rental car overnight in one of the towns or resorts, there is a good chance it will get broken into, so never leave anything of value in your car.

The chances of being the victim of violence are rare, but when heavy drinking is involved, anything can happen.

Be careful when you are at the clubs in the early hours, as the lager here is very strong and some people enjoy looking for a fight.

Tenerife sun safety

The sun is also a potential hazard, so use common sense and wear plenty of sunscreen when you head to the beach. Nothing can ruin your vacation faster than painful sunburn.

Drink plenty of water when you get in the sun, as dehydration can happen quickly in hot sunny environments.

The same holds true after dark; drinking alcohol quickly dehydrates the body, despite the fact that you’re pouring liquids into it. Have some water between cocktails to reduce the chance of a hangover.

Tenerife emergency services

Canarians are very health conscious and many visitors come to Tenerife for its reputed therapeutic values.

There are many English-speaking doctors and dentists, and the local pharmacies (recognizable by their green cross sign) will have everything you need for minor medical problems.

If anything serious happens, don’t worry. Tenerife has an excellent hospital with all the latest facilities as well as a comprehensive ambulance service.

Police: 061
Hospital Las Americas: +34 922 75 00 22
Clinic of San Eugenio: +34 922 79 10 00
International Medservice: +34 922 79 05 63

 

See also: Tenerife Beauty