Tenerife

## When to Use User asks about Tenerife for any purpose: visiting, moving, remote work, retirement, or business. Agent provides practical guidance with current data. ## Quick Reference | Topic | File | |-------|------| | **Visitors** | | | Attractions (must-see vs skip) | `visitor-attractions.md` | | Itineraries (1/3/7 days) | `visitor-itineraries.md` | | Where to stay | `visitor-lodging.md` | | Tips & day trips | `visitor-tips.md` | | **Zones** | | | Quick comparison | `zones-index.md` | | Santa Cruz & La Laguna | `zones-capital.md` | | Puerto de la Cruz & North | `zones-north.md` | | Los Cristianos & Las Américas | `zones-south-tourist.md` | | Costa Adeje & La Caleta | `zones-south-upscale.md` | | El Médano & Granadilla | `zones-southeast.md` | | Choosing guide | `zones-choosing.md` | | **Food** | | | Overview & dining scene | `food-overview.md` | | Canarian cuisine | `food-local.md` | | International & fine dining | `food-international.md` | | Best areas for dining | `food-areas.md` | | Markets, wine & practicalities | `food-practical.md` | | **Practical** | | | Moving & settling | `resident.md` | | Transport (bus, car, tram) | `transport.md` | | Cost of living | `cost.md` | | Safety & healthcare | `safety.md` | | Climate & microclimates | `climate.md` | | Local services (banking, NIE) | `local.md` | | **Remote Work** | | | Digital nomad guide | `nomad.md` | | Coworking & tech scene | `coworking.md` | | ZEC & tax benefits | `tax.md` | | Visas & residency | `visas.md` | | **Lifestyle** | | | Culture & customs | `culture.md` | | Healthcare system | `healthcare.md` | | Schools & education | `education.md` | | Expat & local lifestyle | `lifestyle.md` | | Driving & car ownership | `driving.md` | | Nature & outdoor | `nature.md` | ## Core Rules ### 1. Identify User Context First - **Role**: Tourist, digital nomad, retiree, family relocating, investor - **Timeline**: Short visit, planning to move, already there - Load relevant auxiliary file for details ### 2. North vs South Split Tenerife has two distinct characters divided by Mount Teide: - **South**: Tourist-focused, sunny year-round, beaches, resorts, nightlife - **North**: Greener, more authentic, cultural centers, occasional clouds See zone files for detailed neighborhood guidance. ### 3. EU/Schengen Context Tenerife is part of Spain and the EU: - **EU/EEA citizens**: Full right to live and work, just register (empadronamiento + NIE) - **Non-EU citizens**: Need visa; Spain Digital Nomad Visa popular option - **UK post-Brexit**: 90-day limit without visa; residency requires application - **No border controls**: Schengen zone, but not EU customs territory (lower VAT) See `visas.md` for current requirements and processes. ### 4. Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC) Major tax advantages for businesses: - **Corporate tax**: 4% (vs 25% mainland Spain) - **VAT (IGIC)**: 7% (vs 21% IVA on mainland) - **No customs duties**: Special economic zone status - **Requirements**: Create jobs, invest locally, specific sectors See `tax.md` for eligibility and setup. ### 5. Current Data (Feb 2026) | Item | Range | |------|-------| | 1BR rent (Santa Cruz) | €600-900/month | | 1BR rent (Costa Adeje) | €800-1,200/month | | Average salary (local) | €1,400-2,000/month | | Remote worker income | €2,500-6,000/month typical | | Monthly groceries | €200-350/person | | Coworking desk | €100-250/month | | Private healthcare | €50-150/month | | School fees (international) | €5,000-12,000/year | ### 6. Cost Reality Lower than mainland Spain and much lower than Northern Europe: - **Housing**: Main expense; 30-40% of local salaries, but affordable for remote workers - **Groceries**: Cheap, especially local produce - **Dining out**: Very affordable (€10-20 meals common) - **Transport**: Inexpensive; fuel cheaper than mainland - **Healthcare**: Public system via social security; private very affordable - **Entertainment**: Beach is free; hiking is free; quality of life high ### 7. Climate Zones Tenerife has dramatic microclimates: - **South coast**: Desert-like, 25-30°C year-round, rarely rains - **North coast**: Subtropical, 18-25°C, more humidity and occasional clouds - **Mountains**: Alpine at altitude, snow on Teide in winter - **East coast**: Windier, good for water sports See `climate.md` for detailed monthly breakdown. ### 8. Zone Matching | Profile | Best Areas | |---------|------------| | Digital nomads (social) | Costa Adeje, El Médano, La Laguna | | Retirees | Puerto de la Cruz, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje | | Families | La Laguna, Santa Cruz, Adeje village | | Budget-conscious | Santa Cruz, La Laguna, Granadilla | | Beach lifestyle | El Médano, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas | | Surfers/kitesurfers | El Médano, La Tejita | | Culture/authenticity | La Laguna (UNESCO), Puerto de la Cruz | | Luxury | Costa Adeje, Abama, La Caleta | ## Digital Nomad Hub Tenerife has become a major nomad destination: - **Year-round mild weather**: No seasons; escape European winters - **Low cost of living**: Fraction of London/Berlin costs - **Good connectivity**: Fast fiber widely available - **Nomad community**: Large established community, regular meetups - **Visa options**: Spain Digital Nomad Visa (2023) allows 1 year + renewals See `nomad.md` for detailed digital nomad guide. ## Tenerife-Specific Traps - **North weather assumptions** — Locals joke "if you don't like the weather, drive 20 minutes." North can be cloudy while south is sunny. - **Tourist trap south** — Las Américas/Los Cristianos can feel generic. Venture to local areas for authenticity. - **Driving confidence** — Mountain roads are winding but well-maintained. Don't underestimate distances (30km can take 1 hour). - **Spanish bureaucracy** — NIE, empadronamiento, opening bank accounts takes patience. Allow 2-4 weeks minimum. - **August exodus** — Many local businesses close as Spaniards holiday. Quieter but some closures. - **Siesta hours** — Many businesses closed 14:00-17:00. Plan accordingly. - **Island time** — Things move slower. Appointments rarely start on time. - **Car dependency** — Public transport exists but limited outside main routes. Car recommended. - **Rental prices rising** — Digital nomads have pushed rents up in popular areas (El Médano, Costa Adeje). - **Work contracts** — Spanish labor law is complex. Many nomads work as autónomos (self-employed). ## Essential Local Knowledge Key things visitors/residents should know: - **Language**: Spanish (Castilian) with Canarian accent. English common in tourist areas, less so in north. - **Tipping**: Not expected but rounding up appreciated. 5-10% for excellent service. - **Meal times**: Lunch 14:00-16:00, dinner 21:00-23:00. Earlier in tourist areas. - **Pharmacies**: Green cross signs. Rotation for 24h service. - **Emergency**: 112 (EU-wide), 061 (health), 091 (police) - **Water**: Tap water safe but locals buy bottled (volcanic minerals affect taste) - **Electricity**: 230V, EU plugs (Type C/F) See `local.md` for comprehensive settling-in guidance. ## Related Skills Install with `clawhub install <slug>` if user confirms: - **dubai**: Similar comprehensive city/destination guide for expats and nomads - **spain-digital-nomad-visa**: Deep dive into Spain's DNV requirements and process - **cost-of-living-calculator**: Compare Tenerife costs with other destinations - **remote-work**: General remote work best practices and setup - **travel-planning**: Trip planning and itinerary optimization ## Feedback - If useful: `clawhub star tenerife` - Stay updated: `clawhub sync`