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Resources & References

Resources & References

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Digital Companions

Navigation & Transport Apps

  • Google Maps

    Indispensable for navigation, locating attractions, and real-time public transport directions (bus and tram).

  • TITSA App

    The official app for Tenerife's bus network, giving schedules, routes, and real-time bus tracking.

  • Metropolitano de Tenerife App

    The official app for the island's tram system, with schedules, routes, and real-time tram information.

  • Google Translate

    Good for language translation. Download the Spanish language pack for offline use to translate menus, signs, and basic conversations.

  • WhatsApp

    The main messaging app in Spain. Many locals and small businesses use it for communication. It is good for contacting tour operators or local shops.

Planning & Website Resources

  • Weather App

    A reliable weather app (e.g., AccuWeather) for daily forecasts, assisting with attire and activity choices.

  • Turismo de Tenerife Official Website

    (Webtenerife.com) This comprehensive website features information on island attractions, activities, and events.

  • Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council Tourism

    (Santacruzdetenerife.es/turismo) This site features specific information relevant to the capital city.

  • AENA (Spanish Airports)

    (Aena.es) Use this website for flight information for both Tenerife North (TFN) and Tenerife South (TFS) airports.

  • Fred. Olsen Express

    (Fredolsen.es) For booking inter-island ferry services to and from Santa Cruz.

Online Resources

Ferry Information

Naviera Armas Trasmediterránea (Navieraarmas.com) is another major ferry company for inter-island connections, giving options for exploring more of the Canary Islands.

Mount Teide Permits

Reservations for Mount Teide National Park permits are directly available here for the summit ascent. Book well in advance to secure your spot.

Social & Digital

Follow official tourism accounts for Tenerife and Santa Cruz (e.g., @webtenerife on Instagram or X) for updates. Search for podcasts on Canary Islands history, culture, or travel for a view before your trip.

Print & Learning Resources

Guidebooks & Maps

  • Various commercial guidebooks for the Canary Islands or Spain are available.
  • These guides bring detailed maps, historical context, and practical advice.
  • Purchase detailed maps of Tenerife and Santa Cruz at tourist information offices or bookstores.
  • A physical map assists with orientation and serves as a backup to digital navigation.

Books & Publications

  • Consider fiction novels set in the Canary Islands to gain a sense of place and local life.
  • Local newspapers and magazines (e.g., Diario de Avisos, El Día) give current events and cultural listings.
  • Look for free tourism brochures at hotels or tourist information points; they often have maps and discount coupons.
  • Explore works by Canarian artists, like Óscar Domínguez, whose art is at TEA.

Local Publications

Daily News

  • Diario de Avisos
  • El Día

Travel & Culture

  • Local tourism magazines
  • Event guides
  • Free city maps
  • Cultural program leaflets

Digital Updates

  • Official tourism websites
  • Blogs about Tenerife
  • Social media channels for events
  • Restaurant review sites

Emergency and Medical Information

Critical Information

Emergency Numbers

  • General Emergency: 112 (Police, ambulance, fire. Operators often speak multiple languages).
  • National Police (Policía Nacional): 091
  • Local Police (Policía Local): 092
  • Medical Emergencies/Ambulance: 061

Medical Facilities

  • Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria: Carretera General del Rosario, 145, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
  • Hospital Universitario de Canarias: Located in La Laguna, at Calle Ofra, s/n.
  • Numerous private clinics also operate in the city (e.g., Clínica Nuestra Señora de la Salud).
  • Your travel insurance company can advise on preferred private facilities.

Consular Assistance

  • U.S. Consulate General in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Calle León y Castillo, 33.
  • Consult your country's foreign affairs website for contact details of your nearest embassy or consulate in Spain.
  • Keep these details accessible for your visit.
  • For lost documents, contact them after reporting to police.

Lost Document Procedures

Reporting Loss

  • If your passport or other important documents are lost or stolen, report the incident to the nearest local police station (Policía Nacional) immediately.
  • Obtain a police report; this is needed for various purposes.
  • Contact your country's embassy or consulate for aid with obtaining emergency travel documents or a new passport.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Staying Informed

  • Familiarize yourself with and follow instructions from local authorities (e.g., Cabildo de Tenerife, Protección Civil) regarding natural hazards like wildfires or flash flooding.
  • Stay updated via local news (radio, TV) and official websites (e.g., 112 Canarias) for emergency alerts.
  • If staying in a potentially vulnerable area, familiarize yourself with evacuation routes.

Cultural hints & Common Mistakes

Cultural Etiquette

  1. Greetings: Always greet people when entering or leaving small shops, cafes, or waiting rooms. A simple "Hola" or "Buenos días" is enough.
  2. Late Meal Times: Do not expect dinner before 8 PM, as locals typically eat much later.
  3. Siesta: Many smaller shops and businesses may close for a few hours in the afternoon.
  4. Patience: Life in the Canary Islands generally moves at a slightly slower pace. Embrace it.
  5. Unofficial Rules: Do not walk around city centers or residential areas in swimwear. Reserve it for beaches and pools.

Common Visitor Errors

  1. Underestimating the Sun: The Canarian sun is strong. Always use high-SPF sunscreen, wear a hat, and seek shade during peak hours.
  2. Not Carrying Water: Dehydration is a risk. Always carry a reusable water bottle.
  3. Only Staying in Resorts: Explore beyond the resort bubble to see authentic culture.
  4. Not Trying Local Food and Wine: Sample Papas arrugadas, Mojo, fresh seafood, and local wines.
  5. Not Learning Basic Spanish: Learning a few Spanish phrases goes a long way.

Advice for Travelers

Managing Group Logistics

For groups, book accommodation, tours, and popular restaurant reservations well in advance to secure availability and good rates. Consider renting a larger car or minivan for group day trips for comfort. Communicate preferences and budgets clearly within the group beforehand to avoid conflicts.

Solo Traveler Safety & Social

Santa Cruz is a very safe city for solo travelers. Practice common sense, especially during nightlife. Stay in hostels to meet other travelers and foster social interaction. Join guided tours, cooking classes, or group activities to connect with people.

Family-Friendly Tips

Many parks, like Parque García Sanabria, are excellent for children. Siam Park and Loro Parque are major attractions. Las Teresitas Beach is calm and shallow. Consider apartment rentals for space and self-catering. Pack ample sun protection and layers for children.

Safety Advisory

Save the 112 emergency number. Download offline maps and translation apps. Consult official tourism websites for up-to-date information.

Further Reading and Exploration

Learning & Culture

Documentaries & Films

  • Canary Islands Geology

    Search for documentaries focusing on the Canary Islands' unique geology, especially Mount Teide.

  • Diverse Ecosystems

    Look for content highlighting the island's diverse ecosystems and natural beauty.

  • Cultural Heritage

    Find documentaries on the cultural heritage of the Canary Islands, including its traditions and history.

Music & Art

  • Traditional Canarian Music

    Listen to traditional Canarian folk music, perhaps featuring the Timple, a small five-stringed instrument.

  • Local Artists

    Explore the works of Canarian artists, like the surrealist painter Óscar Domínguez, whose work is featured at TEA.

  • Travel Podcasts

    Search for podcasts focusing on Canary Islands history, culture, or travel for a view.

Online Communities & Language

Online Forums

Join online communities like TripAdvisor forums or Reddit communities (e.g., r/Tenerife) dedicated to Tenerife. These platforms give practical tips and personal experiences.

Community Insights

These communities offer a chance to ask specific questions from seasoned travelers or locals, gaining valuable insights for your trip.

Language Learning

Apps like Duolingo or Babbel can help you learn basic Spanish phrases. For a deeper dive, consider local Spanish language schools in Santa Cruz.

Online Resources Revisited

Official Tourism Information

  • The Turismo de Tenerife official website (Webtenerife.com) is a comprehensive resource.
  • It features information on island attractions, activities, events, and accommodation.
  • It is available in English and is a main resource for planning.
  • The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council Tourism site (Santacruzdetenerife.es/turismo) covers local events.

Transport & Airport Details

  • AENA (Aena.es) provides flight information, arrival/departure times, and airport services.
  • Check details for both Tenerife North (TFN) and Tenerife South (TFS) airports.
  • Fred. Olsen Express (Fredolsen.es) for inter-island ferry services.
  • Naviera Armas Trasmediterránea (Navieraarmas.com) is another major ferry company.

Dive & Local Media

Literary & Artistic Pursuits

  • Consider fiction novels set in the Canary Islands to gain a sense of place and local life.
  • Explore the works of Canarian artists, like the surrealist painter Óscar Domínguez.
  • His work is featured at TEA (Tenerife Espacio de las Artes).
  • For photography skills, consider online courses via Skillshare.

Local Media & Information

  • Local newspapers and magazines (e.g., Diario de Avisos, El Día) provide current events.
  • These sources give local news and cultural listings, informing you about festivals or performances.
  • Look for free tourism brochures available at hotels or tourist information points.
  • These brochures often contain maps, attraction highlights, and discount coupons.

Resource Reminder

Download offline maps and translation apps for seamless navigation. These tools assist your journey greatly.