Good to know
Good to Know
- Rising violent crime in H1 2025 (though still low by European standards); petty theft remains the main real risk—keep valuables secured and avoid displaying cash in crowded areas.
- Beach and beachfront housing near Las Canteras is notably expensive; budget-conscious nomads should explore inland neighborhoods (Schamann, Escaleritas, La Feria) for better value.
- Constant trade winds and humidity in older buildings; invest in good sun protection and consider newer rental properties if humidity sensitivity is an issue.
- Internet and coworking services are spotty—many 12-month contract requirements mean you should negotiate or opt for home-based work with a reliable local SIM for backup mobile data.
- Locals can feel resentment toward foreign remote workers driving up prices; genuine social integration takes time and effort; leaning into Spanish language and community events helps.
- Island life can feel isolating after 2–3 months; plan regular trips off-island or budget mentally for cabin-fever moments, especially in summer when the nomad scene quiets down.
- Public transport is cheap and efficient in the city, but exploring the island requires a car or organized tours—plan accordingly.
- Grocery shopping is affordable at Hiperdino and Mercadona; food quality and culinary variety are functional but limited compared to mainland Europe.
Safety And Crime
Rising Violent Crime Despite Historically Low Rates
- Details
- Official crime statistics for H1 2025 showed increases in violent crimes: homicides rose from 0 to 4, and violent offences increased. However, these figures remain low compared to other European cities. Police unions report resource shortages (approximately 450 officers vs. estimated 750 needed). Recent crime debate has become politicized.
- Nomad Impact
- While still relatively safe, the upward trend contradicts the 'always safe' narrative. Most risk remains petty theft, not violent crime.
Petty Theft Concentrated in Tourist Areas
- Details
- Pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and car break-ins are the predominant crimes. Higher frequency during festivals, weekends, and holidays. Las Canteras, Vegueta, Triana, and Parque Santa Catalina are hotspots.
- Nomad Impact
- Requires vigilance with phones, wallets, and rental cars. Leave valuables in secure accommodation.
Localized Air and Noise Pollution
- Details
- Heavy traffic, air pollution, and noise pollution are typical city-life downsides. Parking is limited (typically 2-hour limits), paid, and requires constant moving unless you have a resident permit.
- Nomad Impact
- If you have a car, frequent parking shuffling and emissions exposure; city noise near main streets can disrupt quiet work.
Climate And Weather
Persistent Wind and Humidity in Specific Areas
- Details
- While year-round mild climate is a draw, the city experiences constant trade winds that can be strong in afternoons. Older buildings suffer from high humidity. Occasional calima dust episodes blow in from the Sahara, reducing visibility and air quality temporarily.
- Nomad Impact
- For outdoor work or beach days, wind gusts can be strong; humidity affects older apartment buildings without modern cooling.
Summer Heat and Intense Sun
- Details
- Summer temperatures peak around 27–28°C (81–82°F), intensified by limited cloud cover. The tropical sun's UV rays are very strong year-round, even on cloudy days.
- Nomad Impact
- Sunburn risk and dehydration are real. High-SPF sunscreen and careful timing of outdoor activities (avoiding 12–4 PM peak) are essential.
What Is Actually Cheap
Groceries and Local Markets
- Estimate
- €35
- Note
- Weekly budget for single person, basic groceries
- Description
- Supermarkets like Hiperdino and Mercadona offer affordable staples; fresh local produce and fish are reasonably priced. Cost-effective compared to most European cities.
Public Transport
- Estimate
- €40
- Note
- Monthly unlimited transport pass
- Description
- Monthly bus pass is inexpensive and covers unlimited city travel. Single journey costs around €0.42 with contactless payment.
Dining Out (Budget Level)
- Estimate
- €10
- Note
- Single cheap main course
- Description
- Inexpensive restaurant meals are affordable. Main course around €10, beer €3, cappuccino €2.10.
What Is Actually Expensive
Housing Near the Beach
- Estimate
- €1,104
- Note
- Approximate 80m² apartment per month, city center
- Description
- Short-term furnished rentals in Las Canteras and beachfront areas command premium prices. One-bedroom apartments in city center average €1,042 per month; beachfront costs more. Older walk-ups and renovated units mixed, with 2-hour parking limits and often paid-only parking.
Coworking Spaces
- Note
- Monthly membership estimates based on user reports
- Description
- Coworking spaces are reported as expensive and sometimes unreliable in terms of service and connectivity. Quality and infrastructure vary significantly.
Monthly Range
- Low
- €150
- High
- €350
Internet
- Estimate
- €37
- Note
- Average monthly home internet
- Description
- Monthly high-speed internet averages around €37. While reliable fiber is widespread, many providers require 12-month contracts, with few offering shorter terms (e.g., Movistar Fusion Fibra offers 3-month option).
Food Quality and Dining Variety
- Nomad Impact
- Nomads seeking diverse dining options or high-quality fresh ingredients may find limited choice and consistency issues.
- Description
- While cheap, food quality in supermarkets and restaurants is often cited as a downside. Canarian cuisine is repetitive (grilled fish, grilled meat, potatoes with mojo sauce). Limited finesse and culinary variety compared to mainland Europe.
Infrastructure Quirks
Unreliable Coworking Service Quality
- Details
- While coworking spaces exist (Restation, The House, The Roof, GoCoworking), reviews indicate infrastructure issues, occasional service gaps, and inconsistent connectivity despite high-speed fiber in the city.
- Nomad Impact
- Home-based work is more reliable; coworking as backup/community space rather than primary office may be wiser.
Spanish-language Barrier for Certain Services
- Details
- While English is spoken in tourist areas, official processes, housing rental agreements, and service contracts typically require Spanish. NIE registration, bank accounts, and utilities are easier for Spanish speakers.
- Nomad Impact
- Non-Spanish speakers face friction with bureaucracy, landlords, and long-term rentals.
Socioeconomic Tensions
Local Resentment Toward Foreign Remote Workers
- Details
- Digital nomads with high foreign incomes are perceived by some locals as driving up rent and cost of living. Locals earning Spanish wages (average ~€1,200/month) feel priced out and view foreign workers as gentrification drivers. Anecdotal reports of locals resenting wealthy expat spending.
- Nomad Impact
- Social friction; limited organic integration with local community. Some nomads report coldness from locals despite outwardly safe tourism environment.
Over-tourism and Lost Local Character
- Details
- The city is a major tourist destination with seasonal spikes. Some neighborhoods (especially beachfront) are heavily developed, with resort areas feeling homogenized. Loss of authentic local culture in high-traffic areas.
- Nomad Impact
- Nomads seeking 'authentic local life' may find heavily touristic areas instead. Requires effort to find genuine neighborhoods.
Island Logistics And Isolation
Slower Deliveries and Island Supply Constraints
- Details
- Being on an island means slower delivery times for online orders and fewer direct flights during off-season. Rental paperwork can be unnecessarily fussy.
- Nomad Impact
- Can't rely on next-day shipping; physical goods take longer. Planning ahead is essential.
Car Dependency for Island Exploration
- Details
- While public transport in the city is decent, exploring the broader island effectively requires a car. Without one, options are limited.
- Nomad Impact
- Rental car costs and the logistics of driving on a small island can feel constraining.
Island Fever and Cultural Isolation
- Details
- Some expats report feelings of cultural isolation, being 'boxed in' by ocean, and frustration acclimating to island life. Sense of being away from everything and everyone.
- Nomad Impact
- Longer stays (3–6 months+) can trigger cabin fever; frequent travel to mainland or other islands needed to reset.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this the honest downsides research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
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Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.