Safety & Emergency Services

Tenerife is one of Europe's safest holiday islands. These are the numbers and habits worth knowing before you arrive.

All-in-one emergency

Police, ambulance, fire — multilingual

National Police

Serious crime, lost passport

Local Police (Policía Local)

Traffic incidents, minor disputes

Guardia Civil

Rural areas, traffic, coast guard

Maritime Rescue

Sea emergencies, free of charge

Forest Fires

Report wildfires immediately

Ocean safety

The Atlantic on the north coast is powerful — always respect lifeguard flags. Red = no swimming, yellow = caution, green = safe. Most south-coast resort beaches have lifeguards 10:00–18:00.

Sun & heat

UV reaches 11+ in summer. Reapply SPF 50 every 2 hours. Carry water on every hike — Teide National Park has no fountains above 2,200 m.

Petty theft

Tenerife is very safe overall, but pickpocketing happens around Plaza del Charco (Puerto), the Santa Cruz market, and busy resort promenades. Keep bags zipped and in front.