I’ve been chatting with people who’ve lived here for decades, and honestly, the stories are fascinating. Some of them remember when certain parts of the island were just quiet fishing villages. Others talk about roads that didn’t exist, beaches that looked completely different, and a pace of life that feels almost unrecognisable now.
Tenerife has changed. A lot. And depending on who you ask, that’s either brilliant or a bit sad, or somewhere complicated in between.
So what’s actually different? And more importantly, how do the people who call this place home really feel about it?
The Tourism Boom: More Visitors, More Everything
Let’s start with the obvious one. Tourism has absolutely exploded over the past few decades. In the 1970s and 80s, Tenerife was already popular with British and German holidaymakers, but nothing like today. Now, the island welcomes over 6.5 million visitors a year, according to Tenerife Weekly.
Locals will tell you this has brought jobs, better infrastructure, and international restaurants you’d never have dreamed of 30 years ago. But it’s also brought crowds, traffic, and a feeling that some parts of the island, especially the south, have lost their soul a bit.
One woman I spoke to in Los Cristianos said she remembers when it was just a small fishing harbour. Now it’s wall to wall hotels, bars, and tourists in flip flops. She’s not bitter about it, just… wistful. She misses the quiet and calm of yesteryear.
The South vs The North: Two Different Stories
Here’s something interesting. The south and north of Tenerife have changed in completely different ways.
The south, where most tourists go, has been transformed. Playa de las Américas, Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos… these places have gone from sleepy coastal spots to full blown resort towns. New hotels pop up constantly. Roads have been widened. Shopping centres have appeared.
The north, though? It’s stayed more traditional. Sure, there are more people living in places like Puerto de la Cruz and La Laguna, and yes, there are tourists. But the vibe is different. It still feels more Canarian, more rooted in local life. You’ll still find older residents sitting outside their homes in the evening, chatting with neighbours. Markets selling local produce. Festivals that feel genuinely community focused, not put on for visitors.
A taxi driver told me he prefers the north now because “it still feels like Tenerife.” And I get what he means.
Property Prices and the Cost of Living
This one comes up a lot. Property prices have skyrocketed, especially in popular areas. What used to be affordable for local families is now out of reach for many. Young people struggle to buy homes. Rental prices have climbed too, partly because of the rise in short term holiday lets.
One local teacher mentioned that she and her husband had to move further inland because they couldn’t afford anything near the coast anymore. It’s a common story. The island’s popularity has made it expensive to actually live here if you’re not earning tourist industry money or working remotely for a foreign company.
And it’s not just housing. General cost of living has gone up. Restaurants that used to cater to locals now charge tourist prices. Even supermarkets in certain areas feel pricier than they should be.
Infrastructure: Better Roads, But More Traffic
On the plus side, the roads are much better than they used to be. The motorways connecting the north and south are modern and well maintained. Getting around is easier than it was 20 or 30 years ago, when some routes were narrow, winding, and frankly a bit terrifying.
But here’s the thing. More roads have also meant more cars. Traffic jams are now a regular part of life, especially around Santa Cruz and on the main routes during rush hour or holiday periods. Some locals joke that they spend more time in their car now than they ever did before, despite the improved roads.
Public transport has improved too, with better bus services connecting towns and villages. But if you ask residents, most will say it’s still not quite good enough. You really need a car to live comfortably here.
The Environment: Concerns Are Growing
This is a sensitive topic, and one that more and more locals are talking about. The island’s natural beauty is one of its biggest draws, but increased development and tourism have put pressure on the environment.
Water scarcity is a real issue. Tenerife doesn’t have abundant natural water sources, and the demand keeps growing. There are desalination plants, but they’re energy intensive.
Then there’s waste. More people means more rubbish, and while recycling efforts have improved, it’s still a challenge. Some beaches that used to be pristine now require regular clean up efforts.
And let’s not forget the impact on wildlife and natural spaces. Over development in certain areas has encroached on habitats. Locals who care about conservation, and there are many, worry about what the island will look like in another 20 years if things don’t change.
Cultural Shifts: Losing Traditions or Adapting?
Culture is tricky because it’s always evolving. But some older residents feel that traditional Canarian culture is fading, especially in heavily touristed areas.
Festivals like Carnival are still huge, don’t get me wrong. But there’s a sense that some traditions are becoming more performative, more about attracting visitors than celebrating local heritage.
Language is another thing. Spanish is obviously still dominant, but you’ll hear English, German, and other languages everywhere now. Some locals love the international feel. Others miss the days when Tenerife felt more distinctly Canarian.
That said, younger generations seem more comfortable with the blend. They’ve grown up in a multicultural environment and see it as normal. It’s the older folks who feel the shift most acutely.
The Positives: What Residents Appreciate
It’s not all doom and gloom, not by a long shot. Many locals are quick to point out the good things that have come with change.
Healthcare has improved significantly. The island has modern hospitals and medical facilities that weren’t there before. Education options have expanded. There are more job opportunities, especially for young people who might have had to leave the island in the past.
The food scene has also gotten better. You can find incredible international cuisine now, alongside traditional Canarian dishes. Coffee culture has taken off. There are craft beer bars, vegan restaurants, and fusion food spots that simply didn’t exist 20 years ago.
And let’s be honest, the economy is stronger because of tourism. That’s undeniable. It’s brought wealth and opportunity, even if it’s not evenly distributed.
What Does the Future Hold?
That’s the big question, isn’t it? And locals have mixed feelings.
Some are optimistic. They believe Tenerife can find a balance between tourism and sustainability, between growth and preserving what makes the island special. There are initiatives around eco tourism, protecting natural spaces, and promoting responsible travel.
Others are more sceptical. They’ve seen how quickly things can change and worry that profit will always win over preservation.
One thing’s for sure: the conversation is happening. People are more aware now of the need to protect the island’s environment and culture. Whether that awareness translates into real action remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Tenerife become too touristy?
It depends where you go. The southern resorts are very tourist focused, but the north and inland areas still feel more authentic. Many locals avoid the busiest spots and stick to their own neighbourhoods.
Are locals happy with the changes?
It’s mixed. Older residents tend to be more nostalgic for the past, while younger people are more accepting of the international vibe. Most appreciate the economic benefits but worry about environmental and cultural impacts.
Is Tenerife still affordable for locals?
Not as much as it used to be. Property prices and cost of living have risen significantly, making it harder for local families to afford homes, especially near the coast.
What’s the biggest change residents have noticed?
Almost everyone mentions the sheer number of people. More tourists, more residents, more traffic. The island feels busier and more crowded than it did 20 or 30 years ago.
Is the environment suffering?
There are concerns, yes. Water scarcity, waste management, and over development are ongoing issues. But there’s also growing awareness and efforts to address these problems.
Rounding Up
Talking to locals about how Tenerife has changed is like opening a time capsule. You hear stories about empty beaches, quiet villages, and a slower way of life that feels almost mythical now.
But change isn’t inherently bad. It’s just… change. And how you feel about it often depends on what you value most. If you love the energy, the diversity, and the opportunities that come with a thriving tourist economy, then modern Tenerife probably feels exciting. If you long for simplicity, tradition, and a quieter pace, then you might feel a bit of loss.
What strikes me most is how thoughtful people are about it. They’re not just complaining or blindly celebrating. They’re genuinely thinking about what kind of island they want to live on, and what kind of future they want for their kids.
And maybe that’s the most important change of all. The conversation itself. Because if people care enough to talk about it, there’s still hope for finding that balance.
