Tenerife is a beautiful place. It’s warm, laid-back, and full of fun things to do. But like many tourist spots, it has pickpockets. They’re quick, quiet, and often work in groups. If you’re not paying attention, they can take your wallet, phone, or bag before you even notice.
Let’s break down who they are, where they hang out, and how to avoid them.
Who Are They?
Most pickpockets in Tenerife are not local. Many come from other parts of Europe. Some are from places like Romania, Bulgaria, or North Africa. They often move around from one tourist place to another. One week they’re in Tenerife. Next week they’re in Barcelona or Rome.
They don’t look shady. They look like regular people, tourists even. That’s on purpose.
They often work in groups of two or three. One distracts you. Another steals from you. A third walks away fast with your stuff. They’ve done this many times before. They know what they’re doing.
Where They Hang Out
Pickpockets go where the people are. In Tenerife, that means:
Crowded beaches like Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos
Busy markets in towns like Santa Cruz and La Laguna
Public buses (especially Line 110 and 111)
Tourist spots like Siam Park, Mount Teide, and shopping centres
Bars and clubs where people drink and stop paying attention
They love places where you’re distracted, in a rush, or relaxed. That’s when you’re easiest to rob.
What to Watch For
Here are some common tricks they use:
Bumping into you on purpose
Asking for help or directions while someone else grabs your stuff
Pointing at a mess on your clothes, then “helping” you clean it while they rob you
Pretending to be drunk or lost to lower your guard
Waving papers or maps in your face to block your view
They also watch people at ATMs, on buses, or with bags left on the ground.
How to Protect Yourself
You don’t need to be scared. Just be smart.
Keep your bag in front of you, not behind
Don’t hang your bag on a chair or leave it on the beach while you swim
Use a crossbody bag with zippers
Split your cash and cards—don’t keep it all in one place
Stay alert in crowds and around street performers
Don’t flash your phone or wallet in public
Use a hotel safe for extra money, your passport, and valuables
If someone seems too friendly or gets in your space, trust your gut. Move away.
What If You Get Robbed?
If it happens, act fast.
Report it to the local police (Policía Nacional or Guardia Civil)
Call your bank right away to block your cards
Use your phone’s “Find My” feature if it gets stolen
Tell your hotel or travel rep—they can help
There’s no shame in it. Pickpockets are slick. But the quicker you act, the better.
Last Thought
Tenerife is still a safe place. Most trips go without a problem. But pickpockets are real. They count on people thinking it won’t happen to them. Now you know better.
So go enjoy your trip. Just keep one eye on the view, and one on your stuff.
