Studying abroad can seem both exciting and a little daunting at first. You go to a beautiful city that offers stunning landscapes, rich culture, and a vibrant community, but you might wonder “Is it safe?”. While Puerto de la Cruz is considered pretty safe, it’s important to stay cautious and aware when you are here or visiting other places on the island to ensure an enjoyable stay. We wrote down 6 tips for staying safe and aware during your study abroad experience.

1. Respect Local Culture and Guidelines

Before coming to Tenerife, research the local guidelines and regulations, especially those related to health and safety, this can include local customs and laws. Getting familiar with these will help you navigate the town more comfortably and avoid unintended problems. Also, respecting local customs can improve your travel experience and ensure positive interactions with locals. Learn a few basic Spanish phrases, dress modestly when visiting religious sights, and follow local etiquette. 

2. Know Emergency Contacts

Familiarize yourself with the local emergency numbers. In Puerto de la Cruz, the general emergency number is 112. Keep a list of important contacts, including your country’s embassy or consulate, local hospitals, and your accommodation.

To find the contact information of your country’s embassy or consulate, click here.

3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings and Avoid Tourist Traps

While Puerto is pretty safe, when you’re exploring Loro Parque, enjoying the greenery of the Botanical Garden, lying on the beach, or wandering through the streets, stay aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or large amounts of money. Especially, if you go to crowded areas like markets, festivals, or other popular hotspots, be mindful of the pickpockets. 

Also, be careful with overly friendly strangers who offer help without you asking, or if you find a deal that “seems too good to be true” it’s most likely too good to be true. Always use authorized vendors for excursions and activities if you book anything outside of our office and be mindful of street vendors who sell counterfeit goods.

4. Be Health-Conscious

As mentioned in our previous blogs, “Navigating Sickness While in Tenerife” and “How to Prepare Before Your Internship in Tenerife”, make sure to get travel insurance that covers health emergencies so you don’t encounter any issues when needing health care. 

As you’ll be visiting sunny Tenerife where the sun is strong and the UV index can be intense – especially during the summer months – it’s very important to stay hydrated. At most places, the water is okay to drink but if you are unsure about the quality or taste, go for bottled water. Besides drinking enough water for the heat, make sure to apply enough sunscreen every day. Wear at least sunscreen with SPF 30 every day (even on cloudy days) and reapply every two hours or more if you’re sweating or go swimming. Avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours, which are typically between 10 AM and 4 PM. Find shade under trees, umbrellas, or shelters, and wear protective clothing like a hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. 

Want to read more about the UV index in Teneride? Read this article from Canarias Across.

5. Respect Nature and Stay Safe Outdoors

One of Tenerife’s main attractions is its natural beauty. So, if you decide to go for a hike, stick to the marked trails and avoid going alone. Wear the right shoes, take enough water, put on sunscreen, and check the weather conditions beforehand. Make sure your phone is charged and that you have access to local networks. If you want to go swimming, only do that in designated areas like Playa Jardín as the ocean can be unpredictable. Make sure to check the flags and always follow the lifeguard instructions. 

• Green flag: safe to swim. 
• Yellow flag: swim with caution; there may be moderate currents or waves.
• Red flag: No swimming; dangerous conditions.
• Black flag: The beach is closed due to extreme hazards.

6. Enjoy the Nightlife Safely

As you’re a student, you likely want to experience Puerto’s nightlife scene after a day of studying or working at your internship. 

• When you go out make sure to stick with your friends, there is safety in numbers, and either way, it’s more fun to explore the nightlife together. 
• Avoid dark or isolated places, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. 
• Don’t leave your drinks unattended be careful accepting drinks from strangers and always watch the bartender make your drink.
• When you go home, use trusted transportation like official taxis or ride-sharing services and avoid walking alone late at night.

Conclusion

Puerto de la Cruz is an amazing destination that offers the possibility for relaxation, adventure, and cultural richness. By staying informed and aware, you can make sure your trip is not only enjoyable but also safe. We wrote down these tips not to scare you but simply to inform you and make you aware of any tricky situations. As we mentioned, Puerto is a very safe place to come study, and live, so if you remember these tips while being here and traveling around you’ll be well-prepared to handle any situation that comes your way. 

FAQ

Is it safe to walk alone at night?

While Puerto de la Cruz is generally safe, it’s best to avoid walking alone at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas and travel with friends whenever possible. Use trusted transportation options like official taxis or ride-sharing services for added safety.

Can I leave my belongings unattended at the beach?

We don’t advise you to leave your belongings unattended at the beach. Make sure to keep an eye on your possessions or have a friend watch them if you need to leave temporarily or go swim.

Are there specific areas in Puerto de la Cruz I should avoid?

As mentioned before, Puerto is relatively safe, but it is wise to avoid poorly lit or isolated areas, especially at night. Stick to the more popular tourist spots and well-trafficked areas.