It’s one of those things you don’t notice until you start spending more time here, just how many retirees are living their best life in Tenerife.
Not just visiting for a bit of winter sun, but properly living here. Year-round, settled in, Spanish healthcare cards and all that.
And honestly…it makes a lot of sense.
Whether you’re already eyeing up the island or just toying with the idea of a post-work escape, here’s a grounded look at why retiring to Tenerife keeps showing up on the shortlist for people in their 60s, 70s, and beyond.
1. Year-Round Climate That Actually Works for Daily Life
Let’s start with the obvious: the weather.
We’re not talking baking-hot summer getaways that leave you hiding indoors with the fan on full blast…although to be honest, there are days like that but they’re not the norm.
Tenerife, particularly the south, gives you something much better:
- Sunshine most of the year (around 300 days, depending who you ask)
- Temperatures that hover in the low-to-mid 20s even in winter…I regularly see 25C over the Christmas break.
- Breezes and microclimates throughout the island that make it easier to find your personal sweet spot
For older joints, post-op knees and hips, or anyone who’s just tired of grey damp days in northern Europe, that alone is life-changing.
I know one retired couple from Derby who originally booked three months to test the waters. They signed a long-term rental within two weeks. Why? Because, in their words, “Our bones stopped aching and we started sleeping better. That was enough for us.”
2. Healthcare: Better Than You Might Think
I hear far too many complaints from people about the Spanish healthcare system…it’s pushed …but it’s pushed the world over.
Spain’s healthcare system regularly ranks well in European comparisons and of course, the Canaries benefit from that too.
Many retirees who become residents here can access the public healthcare system, which is well-equipped and staffed by decent professionals. You can also go private if you prefer quicker appointments or more English-speaking staff, and the costs are reasonable compared to other private options elsewhere in Europe.
Plus, many clinics and hospitals here are used to dealing with international patients. It’s not unusual to find English-speaking GPs, translators on staff, or admin teams that understand the paperwork maze.
Is it perfect? No. (Yawn… bureaucracy and delays still pop up from time to time – hence me hearing about the complaints I guess.) But it’s very acceptable in most respects.
3. Cost of Living: Manageable and Predictable
This is a big one, especially when you’re on a fixed income.
Tenerife isn’t “cheap” across the board—but it is consistent.
You don’t get the same inflation shocks and seasonal price swings that make budgeting hard in other places.
Local produce is fresh and affordable. Dining out can be as simple as a 10€ or 12€ menu del día.
Property taxes and running costs are generally low compared to mainland Spain or France.
The trick, really, is to live like a local. You don’t need to chase expat luxury or eat at tourist traps to enjoy a comfortable life here.
Settle into the rhythm, find your local shops, and it all balances out.
One retiree I spoke to last year said, “We spend less here than we did in the UK…and we go out more often.”
4. Community: Active, Friendly, and Surprisingly Diverse
There’s a brilliant mix of nationalities and lifestyles here, Germans, Italians, Scandinavians, Brits and more.
In the south especially, you’ll find:
- English-speaking clubs and walking groups
- Fitness classes aimed at over-50s
- Volunteer groups, beach cleanups, cultural centres
- Plenty of informal “coffee-and-a-chat” circles
You don’t need to become a full-on fiesta regular, but having the option to dip into a community (or retreat when you want peace) is a big positive.
It’s also one of the reasons some retirees choose to rent first. It gives them time to get a feel for different areas…Los Cristianos, Costa del Silencio, Palm-Mar, or even quieter spots further along the coast.
To explore the most popular areas for buying property, check out our guide to the best places to buy property in Tenerife.
5. Flights Back to Europe? Easy.
This is underrated.
Even if you don’t plan to fly back often, it’s a comfort knowing you can.
There are direct flights year-round from multiple European airports.
Most are around four-and-a-half to five hours, unless you’re coming from Scandinavia, and there’s a solid range of budget and scheduled airlines.
That means family can visit, grandkids can come out for holidays, and if you need to return quickly for any reason, it’s not a logistical nightmare.
6. Language: You Can Get By (But a Little Spanish Goes a Long Way)
You don’t need to be fluent.
Plenty of people muddle through with basic Spanish and a lot of miming, but if you learn a few key phrases, or take a local class, you’ll find daily life smoother.
Shops, banks, and doctors increasingly cater to international residents. And with Google Translate in your pocket, even the tougher conversations are doable.
Still, the locals do appreciate the effort. A friendly “buenos días” and a smile open more doors than you’d think.
Look, it’s not about doing nothing. It’s about doing things differently.
It’s true to say that life in Tenerife invites you to slow down. You walk more. You talk to your neighbours. You take your coffee sitting down. For a lot of retirees, that shift in pace isn’t just enjoyable, it’s deeply restorative.
Yes, there’s admin to sort. Yes, the odd queue at the town hall might test your patience. But once you’re through it? The lifestyle delivers.
If you’re at that stage of life where you want sunshine, stability, and a sense of space to actually enjoy your time, Tenerife makes a very strong case.
More on where to start (and what to avoid) in a future post.
