Travellers warned to expect Tenerife hotel protests..
So, if you’re planning a trip to Tenerife soon — especially if you’re hoping for a chill, sunny vacation — there’s something important going on that you should probably know.
Locals on the island have started protesting. And it’s not just a small thing. It’s turning into a pretty big deal. The protests are peaceful, but still — if you’re headed there for a relaxing time, you might want to understand what’s happening, why people are upset, and what that means for you as a visitor.
I’ll keep it simple. No fancy words. Just the real story.
Why are people protesting?
In short? Because life on the island is getting harder for locals.
Tenerife depends a lot on tourism. Millions of people go there every year to enjoy the beaches, the warm weather, the views. And honestly, who wouldn’t? It’s beautiful.
But that huge number of tourists has created some serious problems for people who actually live there.
Here’s what locals are saying:
- Rents are going way up.
- Local families are being pushed out of their own neighborhoods.
- Hotels keep getting built, but there aren’t enough homes for normal people.
- Nature is getting damaged — beaches are getting dirtier, places are overcrowded.
- Workers in tourism jobs aren’t getting paid fairly.
So, yeah. People are frustrated. And now they’re speaking up.
What kind of protests are we talking about?
The protests are mostly happening near hotels and tourist areas — places visitors will definitely notice. There are signs, chants, and marches. People are carrying banners that say things like “Tenerife is not for sale” or “We want to live here too.”
They’re not being aggressive. But they are being loud, clear, and pretty determined. They’re tired, and they’re asking for change.
And they’ve made it clear: this isn’t just one weekend of protesting. More protests are coming.
Does this mean tourists aren’t welcome?
No, it’s not like that.
People in Tenerife aren’t saying, “Tourists, go home.” What they’re saying is, “We need to fix this before it gets worse.”
Tourism brings money — sure. But the way it’s working right now, it’s hurting the island too.
It’s like having a house full of guests, but you can’t afford food or pay your bills anymore. That’s how it feels for some people living there.
So no, they’re not angry at you. But they are angry at the situation.
So… should I still go?
If you’ve already booked your trip, don’t panic. The island isn’t shutting down. There’s no violence. No riots.
But yes — you might run into protests. You might hear chants, see signs, or experience blocked roads during marches. That’s all possible.
So it’s just a good idea to be aware. Be ready. And most of all — be respectful.
What can I do to not make it worse?
If you still want to enjoy Tenerife — and honestly, who wouldn’t — there are a few small things you can do that locals will probably appreciate:
- Support local businesses. Eat at small restaurants. Buy souvenirs from local shops. Skip the big chains.
- Stay in smaller, locally owned places. If your hotel is a giant resort chain, maybe think about staying somewhere smaller next time.
- Be respectful in public spaces. Don’t litter. Don’t be loud. Don’t act like the island is just for you.
- Talk to locals. Even just being friendly can help. Most people are nice — and they’re more likely to be kind to you if you treat them with kindness too.
It’s not about being perfect. Just about being mindful.
What happens next?
Right now, nobody really knows. The government in the Canary Islands says it’s listening to the people. They’ve promised to look at things like:
- Stopping the constant hotel construction
- Putting limits on how many tourists come each year
- Helping locals find affordable places to live
- Protecting nature from too much damage
But promises aren’t change. So protests are likely to continue for a while.
So, what’s the takeaway?
Tenerife is still beautiful. The weather is still amazing. The food is still good. But under the surface, there’s a problem. And if you go there now, you might see it.
The best thing you can do? Be a good guest.
Remember that while it might be your dream vacation, it’s someone else’s home. And they’re just trying to hold onto it.
Final thoughts
Travel is supposed to open our eyes, right? And this is a chance to do that — to not just take pictures and sip cocktails, but to actually see the place you’re visiting.
If you’re heading to Tenerife, enjoy it. Swim, relax, explore. But maybe also take a moment to listen to the people who live there.
Because if we all start to care just a little more, maybe the places we love visiting won’t have to break just to let us in.
