When people think of Tenerife, they imagine paradise: year-round sunshine, palm trees, and endless beaches. And yes, that’s all true. But living here — really living here — is more than a holiday. It’s beautiful, sometimes frustrating, and always humbling.
The Good: Weather, Nature & Simplicity
Let’s start with the obvious — the weather. Tenerife is a place where the sun shows up almost every day, where winter feels like spring, and where the ocean is always just a short drive away. There’s a rhythm here that’s hard to find in Northern Europe — slower, softer, more grounded.
The mountains, the coastlines, the volcanic landscapes… this island is a photographer’s dream and a hiker’s playground. You can go from pine forests to lava rocks in an hour. From cold mist in Anaga to sunburn in El Médano — on the same day.
And life is simpler. People take time to talk. There’s less rush. Kids play outside. Evenings are long and golden.
The Real: Bureaucracy, Isolation & Island Time
But no place is perfect. And living in Tenerife comes with its own set of challenges.
Paperwork and bureaucracy can feel like a never-ending maze — especially for self-employed people (hola, autónomos!). Sometimes a simple task turns into a full-day adventure involving five offices, four stamps, and zero clarity.
Public transport can be limited in some areas, and if you live far from the big cities, things like health appointments or official documents can take longer. Island life also means things move slowly. “Mañana” doesn’t always mean tomorrow — sometimes it means “not today.”
And yes, paradise can feel a little lonely. Especially if your family and lifelong friends are thousands of kilometers away. The sunsets are gorgeous, but they don’t replace hugs.
So Why Stay?
Because despite the imperfections, Tenerife teaches you something precious: how to be present. How to enjoy what you have, where you are. How to find beauty in ordinary days — hanging laundry on a sunny terrace, sipping café con leche with locals, or watching the kids run barefoot in January.
It’s not a postcard. It’s real life. And we wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Thinking of moving to Tenerife?
Come for the sun — but stay for the lessons this island teaches you about slowing down, letting go, and really living.
