Tenerife is the largest island in the Canary Island chain. It also represents roughly 43% of the islands’ population. A worthwhile destination for many reasons, Tenerife is thankfully free of many of the travel health risks that are found further south in Africa. In this post, we will talk about what kind of planning you should consider when it comes to your health as a traveler in Tenerife.
Required or Recommended Vaccinations
There are no required vaccinations for entry in Tenerife. In terms of recommended vaccinations, you should have the standard adult immunizations, but beyond that there is not much to worry about. You can see more specific details about travel immunizations in our comprehensive post here.
Water
The tap water in Tenerife is safe for drinking, but it has a high mineral content, which can give it a salty taste. You may opt for bottled water because of the taste, but it is worth knowing that the water is at least safe to drink.
Malaria
There is no threat of malaria in Tenerife.
The Sun
Arguably the biggest health threat to travelers on Tenerife is the sun. As we have said before, overexposure to the sun is not something to take lightly. We highly recommend reading this article on preventing sunburn and this one on treating it.
It’s important to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible during the peak hours of the day and you will want to make sure that you stay hydrated. A broad brimmed hat and sunglasses are a good idea, and so is a nice spot in the shade.
Food
It’s possible to get a case of traveler’s diarrhea no matter where you are. That said, you will find that most places in Tenerife prepare their food in a hygienic manner. Be wary of food that has been sitting out for a while and if a restaurant does not appear hygienic, skip it.
Medical facilities
Medical facilities in Tenerife are of a high standard and in many cases, they are similar to what you would find on mainland Europe. You should of course purchase travel insurance. You never know when an accident could happen or when a policy would come in handy.
For more general advice on taking a trip to Tenerife, we highly recommend this blog and this guide from Wiki Travel. If you have any of your own tips to share, please leave them in the comments below.
Photo credit: flickr user birdyphage
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