How to travel respectfully, locally and with care
Tenerife is a stunning island — but it’s also fragile. The volcanic landscape, local communities, and unique wildlife need to be treated with care. As tourism grows, so does the impact. But small choices from each visitor can help protect what makes this place special.
This page is here to help you enjoy Tenerife while leaving a smaller footprint and a better impression.
Your Impact - 5 Easy Steps
Support Local — Stay, Eat, and Shop Small
Choose local guesthouses, fincas, and family-run apartments over big resorts.
Eat in guachinches and Canarian-owned restaurants. Look for seasonal, island-grown ingredients.
Skip souvenir megastores. Try local markets, artisan fairs, and cooperatives instead.
Our Tip: In El Médano, La Laguna, and La Orotava you’ll find many independent cafés and boutiques worth discovering.
Use Public Transport (or Carpool Smartly)
TITSA buses connect most of the island — especially well between Santa Cruz, La Laguna, and the south.
For nature trips, plan ahead: some hikes (like Anaga or Teno) are accessible by bus if you go early.
If you do rent a car, travel in small groups, avoid rush hours, and park responsibly.
Did you know? Many trails and beaches have limited parking. Buses or shared rides ease pressure on the area.
Respect Local Life and Nature
Greet people in Spanish — even a simple “hola” makes a difference.
Don’t walk into private farms or abandoned houses (unless clearly marked as safe to visit).
Learn a bit about Guanche history, Canarian traditions, and the local language (yes, Canarian Spanish has its own flavor!).
Keep quiet in rural areas — locals live here year-round.
Wildlife note: Never feed wild animals or take rocks, plants, or sand from nature.
Leave No Trace — Literally
Always take your trash with you, especially from beaches or trails.
Cigarette butts and wet wipes are not biodegradable — don’t bury or toss them.
Refill water bottles instead of buying new plastic ones.
Local tip: Many natural areas have no bins — it’s normal to carry your trash back. Bring a bag with you.
Help Keep Tenerife Beautiful
If you loved the ocean, the mountains, the towns — show it with care.
Share respectful travel on social media, not just perfect photos.
Recommend small local businesses to others.
Leave places better than you found them.
Because if everyone did just one of these things — Tenerife would be better for it.
What We Protect When We Travel Well
Love the island? Then leave it better than you found it.
Traveling sustainably isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being mindful. Every small choice adds up. Whether you support a local café, take the bus to a hiking trail, or pick up litter from the beach, you’re helping protect the island for the next visitor — and for the people who call it home.
If Tenerife gave you something special, try to give something back. That’s the kind of travel that truly matters.
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