Tenerife

Tenerife Turmoil: Anti-Tourist Sentiments and Sabotage Spark Controversy in Canary Islands

Discover the chaos in Tenerife as locals clash with tourists and telecommunications towers are sabotaged, leaving visitors stranded without WiFi.

The idyllic paradise of Tenerife in the Canary Islands is currently embroiled in controversy as tensions rise between locals and tourists. Deputy mayor Carlos Tarife's recent comments urging 'all-inclusive' holidaymakers to leave have added fuel to the fire, following mass protests against the negative impacts of tourism. Anti-tourist graffiti has appeared across the island, with residents expressing frustration towards disruptive visitors, while some long-term inhabitants are reportedly living in shacks under abandoned hotels due to soaring housing costs. In a bizarre turn of events, tourists have also been left without WiFi and mobile phone signal as a telecommunications tower saboteur targets key areas.

Despite the challenges faced by Tenerife, its beauty remains undeniable. The village of Los Picitos, nestled by the Atlantic Ocean, represents a unique way of life for its residents who have weathered three decades of living under the shadow of an abandoned hotel. Furthermore, Mount Teide, the highest point in Spain located on the island, continues to attract visitors from around the world despite the recent anti-tourist sentiment. The Canary Islands, known for their stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, face a delicate balance between preserving their heritage and managing the impact of tourism.