1. Sticking Only to Playa de las Américas
2. Underestimating The Temperature in Mount Teide
3. Renting the Wrong Car
4. Eating Only at Tourist Restaurants
5. Underestimating the Ocean Current
6. Skipping the North Entirely
7. Getting Caught Up on Veronicas Strip

Tenerife is stunning, with everything from golden beaches to dramatic volcanoes, which is why it attracts so many tourists. But as someone born and raised here, I’ve noticed certain mistakes that almost every visitor makes, and they can seriously affect your experience.

In this blog, I’m sharing 7 common tourist mistakes and how to avoid them, so you can explore Tenerife like a local and make the most of your holiday.

1. Sticking Only to Playa de las Américas

Don’t get me wrong, if you plan to lounge in an all-inclusive resort, this might not bother you. But Tenerife is so much more: stunning mountain ranges, unique volcanoes, hidden villages, and centuries of history. Stick only to the south, and you’ll miss the real island waiting to be explored.

More on this in section 6 - Skipping the North Entirely

2. Underestimating The Temperature in Mount Teide

Tenerife, and the Canary Islands in general, are known for having tropical weather all year round. I wouldn’t be surprised if you started packing nothing but swimming trunks, flip-flops, and tank tops. But if you’re planning to visit Mount Teide, make sure to bring a jumper, and maybe even a blanket. Depending on the month, the temperatures and strong winds can catch you completely off guard.

If you’re heading up for sunrise, sunset, or stargazing, warm clothes aren’t optional; they’re a must.
Check out these activities to have the best time in Mount Teide.

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3. Renting the Wrong Car

Tenerife’s streets, especially in built-up towns and villages, can be narrow, winding, and sometimes downright stressful for anyone not used to them. Many tourists rent a big car or a small van that is too wide and quickly regret it; parking is tight, and even simple turns can feel like a challenge.

Search “Big car in Tenerife” to see what we are talking about.

If you want to avoid the stress, renting the right car is key. The platform we always use to find the best car rental is QEEQ, a reliable platform that lets you compare options, choose the right size, and grab the best deals. A small to mid-sized car will make navigating Tenerife’s streets way easier, and leave more energy for exploring the island instead of worrying about scraping bumpers.

Click ➡️ here ⬅️ to access the best car rental deals now 🤗

4. Eating Only at Tourist Restaurants

If your Tenerife experience is limited to restaurants with photos on the menu and English-only boards, you’re missing the heart of the island’s food scene. Many tourists stick to the obvious spots along the coast, but the real flavours of Tenerife are found in guachinches, small, family-run eateries usually tucked away inland.

At a guachinche, you’ll find dishes locals actually eat: papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, queso asado, huevos a la estampida, carne fiesta, and locally-produced wines. The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the atmosphere? Authentic and unpretentious, a world away from the touristy beachfront chains.

5. Underestimating the Ocean Current

The Atlantic around Tenerife looks calm and inviting, but don’t let that fool you. On many beaches, the currents are strong, and waves can get dangerous fast. Every year, tourists who are overconfident in their swimming abilities end up in fatal accidents.

To be sure:

Check the tide reports online; they’re usually very accurate.
Watch the locals. If nobody’s swimming, don’t take the risk.
Pay attention to the flag, it’s there for a reason.
Never swim alone, safety first.

6. Skipping the North Entirely

As a local, I have to be honest, my favourite part of Tenerife is the north. Many tourists never make it past the busy southern resorts, and that’s a huge mistake. The beaches in the north are quieter, cleaner, and far less crowded, and the vibe is just more relaxed and authentic.

But it’s not just about the beaches. The north is full of incredible hikes, charming villages, and lush mountains you won’t find in the south, like the Anaga and Teno Massifs. After years of exploring Tenerife’s hidden gems, we know how to craft the perfect itinerary. If you’d like us to help plan your trip and make the most of your time on the island, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to share our insider knowledge.

Get Your Custom Tenerife Itinerary 🏝️

7. Getting Caught Up on Veronica’s Strip

Veronica’s Strip in Playa de las Américas is famous for wild nightlife, but here’s the truth: there are hardly any locals. It’s full of tourists partying hard, which can create a risky environment: fights, pickpockets, and vulnerable situations happen more often than people realise.

You don’t have to skip nightlife entirely, but if you want a safer, more authentic night out, head to smaller bars or beachside spots in Los Cristianos, Puerto de la Cruz, or even other parts of Playa de las Américas. You’ll still have a great night without the chaos.

We hope these 7 mistakes help you make the most of your trip, and that you have an epic holiday in Tenerife! 🫶

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