As in the rest of Spain, in the Canary Islands the official language is Spanish. However, as in the majority of countries, there are many people who speak English, the second most spoken language, and many people also understand German.
Areas to AvoidBecause of its volcanic background, most beaches in Tenerife are volcanic with black sand which can be hot under the feet. If you're after a traditional sandy beach head to Los Cristianos and leave the southern resorts alone. Playa la Arena is also notorious for pickpockets.
You must carry photo identification when in Portugal. To minimize the risk of your passport getting lost or stolen, carry a photocopy of your passport or other form of valid photo ID with you. Leave your passport in a safe location. If required, the police may escort you to retrieve your passport from safekeeping.
The minimum buying and drinking age in Spain is 18, which is fairly young compared to the rest of the world. This includes buying alcohol in bars and clubs, restaurants and shops.
If you are in Spain (no matter what country you are from), you must carry a valid ID card or passport at all times, and failure to do so could see the police detain you temporarily whilst they ascertain your identity, and furthermore, it is within their rights to issue a fine.
The Spanish always carry their national identity card (Documento National de Identidad, also called DNI). Members of the European Union should carry their national identity card or their passport.
The penalty of imprisonment of six months to one year and a fine of three to six months will be imposed on the person who knowingly uses a false identity document.
You can smoke on your balcony and it's not really a problem when in bars and restaurants, as you can walk onto the pavement and smoke there (there are a few that will now allow smoking on the terrace).
The island is pretty easy to navigate, especially if you stick to the big roads. The TF-1 highway links the capital of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the northeast to Costa Adeje in the southwest, while the TF-5 highway connects Santa Cruz to Puerto de la Cruz in the north.