Tenerife

Laura and Ste Knowles, from St Helens in Merseyside, were left red-faced after a hilarious incident was caught on camera during their holiday in Tenerife, Spain

A couple were left in stitches after one of them was caught on camera face-planting onto the pavement while attempting to ride a plastic elephant at a Spanish holiday resort.

Most people will have recollections of doing something daft and amusing after having had a tipple too many. For one pair, from St Helens in Merseyside, this recently occurred during their getaway in Tenerife in Spain, which resulted in them face-planting on the street. Laura and Ste Knowles had indulged in “a few champagne cocktails” before the comical accident, which was recorded and subsequently posted on social media. After finding the bright yellow elephant outside a shop, 42-year-old Laura challenged her partner Ste, 44, to clamber on top for an amusing snap.

If you’ve previously visited Tenerife, you might recognise the yellow elephant, as it’s the renowned logo of the Fund Grube department store chain, which sells an extensive range of cosmetics, perfumes, and jewellery at prices frequently lower than in other European nations, and can be discovered in numerous locations throughout Tenerife.

However, the pair’s boozy dare rapidly transformed into a catastrophe as Ste lost his footing and tumbled forwards, causing both him and the elephant to crash to the pavement.

The tumble left the furious shop owner absolutely livid, as Laura remembered: “She chased us up the street a bit.”

The duo, from St Helens, Merseyside, had been wandering along the Veronicas strip in Playa de las Américas, Tenerife, Spain, when they encountered the plastic creature. Laura went onto reveal it was her idea for Ste to climb onto the elephant.

“We’d had a few champagne cocktails and I stupidly suggested to Ste to climb on the elephant for a photo,” Laura explained. “I thought it was like the Superlambanana sculpture in Liverpool.

“But it wasn’t held down and it was as light as a feather. So he fell and hit the deck, taking it with him,” Laura added. “The shop owner was livid.”

She continued to say: “It had a few bumps on it so obviously it had happened before, but she chased us up the street a bit.”

The pair’s clip became an internet sensation on TikTok, amassing more than 370,000 views and hundreds of responses from entertained followers.

“It didn’t gone so well,” one viewer commented, while another jokingly penned: “Us Brits just love to say sorry! Now was he saying sorry to the elephant for knocking it over?”

“Darling hold my hand… Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday,” another person quipped.

Nevertheless, not everyone was amused, as some grumbled it was ‘typical’ holidaymaker behaviour that residents usually detest, which has recently sparked demonstrations across numerous popular holiday spots in Europe, including Tenerife.

“Quality tourism,” one person moaned, while someone else added: “Tourist Go Home.”

A MANIPULATIVE fraudster who fleeced an elderly woman out of almost £300,000 before fleeing to Tenerife is facing down a six-year prison sentence.

Pamela Gwinnett, 62, continued to steal money from Joan Greene, 89, after the pensioner passed away, treating her as a “cash cow to be milked.”

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Gwinnet claimed she was the grandmother’s carer but isolated frail, vulnerable Joan from her family.

She accused family members of mistreating the widow and did everything she could to keep them away while she fleeced her “golden goose.”

She would steal hundreds of thousands of pounds from the elderly woman, using the money to pay for botox and expensive meals before fleeing to Tenerife after getting caught.

Gwinett denied charges of fraud and theft but was found guilty by a jury at Preston Crown Court.

After discovering ex-accountant Joan was wealthy Gwinett concocted a lie, convincing Joan that her family were stealing from her pension.

Gwinett even moved Joan into a care home to keep the pensioner close when Covid hit in March 2020.

After the pandemic ended she took Joan home but padlocked the gates of her bungalow and changed the landline number in a bid to stop Joan’s family from getting in touch.

A court heard that the last months of Joan’s life had become “pock marked with increasing periods of bewilderment and confusion.”

Joan also became doubly incontinent, but instead of looking after the elderly woman Gwinett “bullied” her.

Gwinett would cover for Joan’s professional live-in carers for two hours a day, billing the pensioner for the time.

Judge Michael Maher said: “On one occasion, [one of the carers] found to her horror that you had left Joan covered in her own faeces in bed at the end of your two-hour shift.

“On another occasion, you barked at her to relieve herself in her incontinent pad.”

Eventually one of Joan’s carers became so concerned that she arranged for Joan’s family to visit.

The meeting sparked a massive argument with video from the incident featuring Joan complaining that she doesn’t know what’s going on.

Footage also picked up Joan mentioning money problems despite her being a well off woman.

By the time Gwinett’s power of attorney over Joan was suspended she had already robbed £161,000 from the pensioner.

She even managed to steal a further £119,000 by opening a joint account and transferring Joan’s cash into that.

Judge Maher said Joan’s family “are devastated by the fact that Joan in the fog of her deteriorating mental health may well have believed the lies you were pedalling and made her isolation all the more solitary and lonely.”

Joan’s step-daughter Katherine Farrimond, 65, said Joan believed in her final years that her family “hated her” and “didn’t want to see her’” because to Gwinett’s “lies.”

In April, Gwinett applied to vary her bail conditions so she could fly to Tenerife, saying she hoped to scatter her late brother’s ashes there.

Her request was denied but she still brazenly boarded a plane just hours later and has remained there since.

The judge added: “I sincerely hope that Ms Gwinett is extradited back to the UK to serve this sentence for these egregious offences.

“It is an affront to justice and the rule of law for this defendant to be allowed to remain in Tenerife.”

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The Canary Islands are a popular holiday destination for Brits, but one thing has stopped me from returning in recent years.

I’ve holidayed on every Canary Island you can think of – Lanzarote, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, La Palma. These islands are a hit with travellers globally for their agreeable weather and stunning landscapes.

They’re often referred to as the “Islands of Eternal Spring” due to their consistently mild temperatures throughout the year, rarely dipping below 18°C.

These islands emerged from ancient volcanic eruptions, and their volcanoes remain active to this day. Mount Teide in Tenerife is not only Spain’s tallest peak but also ranks as the third-highest volcanic structure globally.

I’ve relished numerous ascents to Teide’s summit, yet despite the archipelago’s allure, one aspect has deterred me from returning lately.

That would be the black sandy shores. Tenerife boasts an array of black sand beaches, particularly in its northern regions, reports the Express.

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Although there are white sand and pebble beaches too, they’re less prevalent.

The black sand originates from volcanic lava, which, over time and under the relentless motion of the ocean, gets pulverised into fine grains.

Lanzarote is home to several black sand beaches as well, including Playa de Janubio and Playa de El Golfo. While these beaches are undoubtedly picturesque and steeped in natural history, they just don’t cut it for me when it comes to beach holidays.

During the intense heat of Canary summers, I’ve always found the black sand to be unbearably hot underfoot, absorbing more sunlight than its white or golden counterparts.

I found the beaches to be less appealing than the idyllic images on postcards had led me to believe.

Take Sardinia, for instance, which I recently visited during my holiday. It was adorned with pristine white beaches and crystal clear water everywhere, offering a more luxurious and tropical feel compared to my time in the Canaries.

However, it’s worth noting that many people are drawn to black sand beaches for their dramatic beauty, rarity, and association with volcanic landscapes, so it really boils down to personal preference.

There are also some golden beaches on the islands. Las Teresitas, situated near Tenerife’s capital, is a golden sand beach renowned for its tranquil, shallow, and safe waters.

This man-made beach was constructed in the 1960s using over 5,000 tonnes of sand from the Sahara Desert. Despite being a stunning beach, it’s always bustling as tourists and locals alike vie for a spot.

A Brit living in Tenerife has shared a vital warning for visiting Brits, urging them to be ‘very careful and aware’ if they’re planning to visit for some winter sun

A Brit who traded the UK for sun-soaked Tenerife has issued a stark warning to fellow holidaymakers heading to the popular winter sun destination. The video resurfaced as one visitor to the island claimed three ‘racist’ hospitals turned her away.

The Canary Island, a favourite among those seeking some winter warmth, may seem like paradise, but visitors are being urged to stay on their toes. TikTok user @theknightstrider1, who’s called Tenerife home for over a decade, warns of a recurring issue that hits the island every winter season. Unlike mainland Spain, which winds down in winter, Tenerife’s tourist trade thrives, drawing in criminal gangs who “fly in” with the sole aim of pickpocketing from tourists – some even treating it like a “full-time job”.

In his video, which he posted last year, the expat explained: “They are very good at it, and they will do pickpocketing. They will steal from cars if you leave stuff inside them, so please do be very careful with your wallets, and stuff like that.”

He went on to say: “If you’re down here, busy, the golden mile area, the Sunday markets, the Tuesday markets, all of that – those busy areas – people bumping into you, just be careful. Just like at home, we do have pickpockets around.

“I normally just take my little wallet out, and I have it in my front pocket. Just be very careful and aware. You’ll be absolutely fine if you are but, unfortunately, so many people switch off, and they have their wallet busting with cash hanging out of their back pocket.”

He warns that pickpockets can be shockingly quick, swooping in for the pinch when you’re least expecting it.

The expat also claimed thieves are on the hunt for pricey electronics like cameras and iPads, which shouldn’t be left unsecured or in plain sight. Recently, he’s heard “more and more” tales of holidaymakers being targeted.

The video sparked a wave of comments online. One user remarked: “I genuinely was expecting you to say bring a coat.”

Others fondly recalled their holidays, with one posting: “Never had an issue over there. Can’t wait to go back in December.”

Not everyone is eager to return though, as another commented: “I don’t know what is going on in Tenerife. I know it’s not just Tenerife, but the vibe is off. I don’t think I would go back, and I’m not alone in that.”

Another person added: “Such a shame. Always come in the winter, but noticed it’s definitely getting worse. Just don’t feel safe in the evening.”

The bustling capital of Tenerife, Santa Cruz is a city that offers a perfect mix of beach relaxation and cultural exploration – and it’s just a short flight away

Santa Cruz, the vibrant capital of Tenerife, is a favourite amongst holidaymakers with its stunning black and white sand beaches and rugged mountainous landscape.

With a matter of weeks before the end of summer, the UK is already bracing for the cooler temperatures and frequent heavy showers of autumn and winter. Luckily, there is a Spanish port city offering a warm haven for Brits in search of some winter sun.

Tenerife boasts warm temperatures all year round, averaging 24C throughout November and a comfortable 21C well into December, reports the Express.

A post-Christmas getaway to this Spanish city could be just the ticket, especially as Santa Cruz hosts one of the world’s largest carnivals each February.

During the carnival season, the streets of Santa Cruz come alive with music, dancing and a riot of colourful costumes.

These festivities typically draw around 150,000 tourists, contributing to the nearly one million participants who join in over the approximately five weeks of celebrations.

Outside of the carnival season, Tenerife offers a more tranquil retreat, making it the perfect time to unwind and soak up the rich cultural history of Santa Cruz.

Nestled near the city centre is the Palmetum of Tenerife, a vast botanical garden boasting one of the world’s largest collections of palm trees, where you can also savour breathtaking views of the island’s coastline.

The main beach in Santa Cruz is Las Teresitas, a stretch of golden sand specially crafted using sands imported from the Sahara desert.

In the bustling port of Santa Cruz, one of Spain’s busiest, holidaymakers can discover the Auditorio, a contemporary concert hall that echoes the design of the Sydney Opera House and is crafted to resemble a ship’s sails.

Tenerife, already a favourite amongst British holidaymakers, is frequently serviced by numerous budget airlines, with a flight time just over four hours from the UK.

Santa Cruz, situated near the North Airport at the island’s peak, offers flights from London for a bargain price of as little as £36 during the winter season, according to Skyscanner.

Shoppers were left stunned when the holidaymaker decided to mount the life-sized model bovine outside a popular Ale-Hop store in Playa Fañabé, Costa Adeje, causing consternation among locals

Anglo-Iberian relations have taken another dent after a British man rode a well-known cow in Tenerife.

Shoppers were left stunned when the holidaymaker decided to mount the life-sized model bovine outside a popular Ale-Hop store in Playa Fañabé, Costa Adeje.

With the help of one of his two friends, the man was spotted climbing onto the plastic cow’s back before bellowing, “Yeehaw!” Within seconds, alarmed employees of a nearby shop ran over to remove the man from the cow. They then had to ensure that the tourists didn’t steal the cow. It comes after ‘the King of Benidorm’ warned that Brits make the same mistake when the visit the city.

The shop employees calmed the man, who had declared himself a “real cowboy”, according to Canarian Weekly. He gave up on his attempts to remove the cow after giving it one big tug on its horns.

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The incident has caused ire among locals, who have been left unimpressed by the daytime antics.

“It’s called disrespect, but well, that’s already normalized, like so many things,” one wrote beneath a post online including the video. Another wrote: “That’s the kind of tourism they send to the Canary Islands. It’s like this everywhere, and then the British press is surprised by the protests that take place.”

The incident is not the first cow-related shock to cause alarm on the Canary island. Back in 2019, tourists visiting Tenerife were left baffled by the sight of dead cows floating in the sea and being washed up onto the beaches.

The animals were spotted in areas popular for Brits over a seven-day period. One cow was washed up on the tourist beach of Playa de La Jaquita near the coastal resort of El Médano. Council workers were called to dispose of the carcass.

The cow corpses came from freighters loaded with live cattle, which travelled from South America. Such boats are forbidden from mooring at some ports in Europe, including Las Palmas in Gran Canaria. If and when cows die during the crossing, they are tossed overboard.

When it comes to alcohol-related incidents that have caused strife between Spaniards and Brits, there are plenty. Late-night brawls that have spilled onto the streets of Playa de las Américas have been a regular occurrence, as have visitors leaping into hotel pools fully clothed.

A group of holidaymakers were fined for climbing onto a parked police car for photos back in 2023, around the same time that a stag party blocked traffic by staging an impromptu conga line over a busy roundabout in Costa Adeje.

A British tourist currently in the Canary Islands has shared his amazement at the prices of food in local supermarkets – but locals soon told him the complicated reason why

Many Brits are flocking to the Canary Islands as they crown it one of their favourite holiday destination as they drawn to the sun-drenched beaches and delectable cuisine. However, there is also another appealing parts to Brits about this popular tourist destination, which is the cost of things.

When comparing the prices of many products and services in the Canary Islands with those in the UK, the difference is quite considerate. This is something one British holidaymaker just learned as he arrived in Tenerife to spend a few days in the summer sun. Known online as ‘deebolar’, he couldn’t contain himself as he took to his TikTok to share his amazement at Spain’s budget-friendly prices.

“The UK is no longer making sense to me after I’ve seen these Tenerife prices,” he exclaimed to his followers, gobsmacked by supermarket deals like 2-litre fizzy drinks for a mere 80 cents or an 8-litre container of water for just 1.50 euros.

“The UK’s not seeing me again,” he confidently declared.

Showing off his recent haul, he gave a glimpse into his shopping success and how much it had cost him.

“For context, one euro is 85 pence. You’re seeing one euro here for like 2+ litres of Fanta, Coke, or 7Up. I mean, it’s off-brand, but who gives a toss, innit? It’s like 70–80p,” he said.

He then continued: “8 litres of water, 2 litres of Fanta for the mixer. Look at the price: two euros thirty-nine cents. Everything on this table is pretty much £5–£6 at most.”

“I’m telling you, it’s nuts,” he concluded, clearly flabbergasted by the value for money.

While holidaymakers might be stunned by the bargain prices in the Canary Islands, some Spanish TikTok users took to the comment section of the video to highlight the harsh reality behind the cost of living.

“Try live on their wages and it’s a cost of living crisis though.. If you can pattern a UK salary while living abroad, that’s the way,” one user commented.

A second person remarked: “Cheap for you.. Unfortunately Spanish salaries are every day lower because we pay more taxes and prices are increasing..”

Additionally, another comment read: “Come over and work, pay rent, electricity, food, taxes.”

These observations underline how housing costs, heightened by tourism, make life less affordable on the islands, particularly with modest wages. The UK boasts an average annual salary of £41,000 (around €47,500), while Spain sees a lower average of €28,049.94, as per 2023 INE figures.

Notably, the Canary Islands’ average salary is even less at €24,033 a year, surpassing only Extremadura as the region with Spain’s lowest wages.

Former flight attendant Kristina Galvydyte has lifted the lid on some of the shocking things she’s witnessed on planes and the holiday destinations that are “horrendous” for flight attendants

A former flight attendant has exposed three top holiday destinations favoured by British tourists as “horrendous” to fly to. In an eye-opening discussion about the less glamorous side of commercial travel, ex-air hostess Kristina Galvydyte, 32, opened up about some of the most appalling incidents she’s encountered 30,000ft in the skies.

The ex-flight attendant shared hair-raising tales either experienced personally or recounted by colleagues during her stint in the industry. Incidents involving intoxicated passengers “screaming”, possible drug activity in lavatories, verbal assaults, overdoses and cases of sickness were among the alarming stories mentioned.

Talking to the Telegraph, Kristina, who was described as “no-nonsense” and ultimately decided to hang up her wings at a British airline, pinpointed certain hotspots as exceptionally troublesome.

She singled out Ibiza, Turkey, and the Canary Islands, especially Tenerife, for having particularly challenging flights – dubbing them “horrendous” to travel to.

In the year leading to September 30, 2024, it was found that one in five summer visitors to Ibiza were from the UK, with a hefty 833,259 Britons landing on the party isle.

Statistics coming out of the Canary Islands show British nationals represented 40% of all overseas tourists in 2024. This translated into a whopping 6.3 million individuals picking the Canaries for their break, showing an increase of half a million compared to the year before.

In February, Turkey saw a 16.6 per cent surge in UK holidaymakers in 2024 compared to the previous year, with over 4.4 million Brits soaking up the sun. Meanwhile, last year, Spanish residents were reportedly fuming over “boozy British tourists” wreaking havoc on flights.

A flight from Manchester to Ibiza was forced to divert after a drunken Brit downed a bottle of vodka, assaulted crew members, and even spat at fellow passengers.

Ryanair, the low-cost carrier caught up in the chaos, has since announced measures to curb such antics. CEO Michael O’Leary has called for a two-drink limit per passenger, stating: “It’s not that easy for airlines to identify people who are inebriated. As long as they can stand up, they’ll get through. Then, when the plane takes off, we see the misbehaviour.”

Last month, Ryanair announced it would fine passengers removed from flights due to their behaviour a minimum of £500 and will continue to pursue civil damages.

In April, Brits jetting off to Spain were alerted to a law that could land them with fines up to £25,000. This regulation targets noisy parties in tourist accommodations across the Balearic Islands, which includes Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera.

The law could mean people would be hit with fines of £1,283 to £2,567 for any parties in tourist homes that generate a nuisance for neighbours between 11pm and 8am.

Indeed, as per Diario de Mallorca, repeat offenders could be slapped with a fine of up to £25,000. At the time of the report, Josep Castells, a deputy from Més per Menorca, anticipated the bill to be put forward for a vote in the first half of 2025.

A man recently visited Tenerife but was left completely floored by the cost of living. According to him, he can’t believe how different it is to living in the UK

A British man who ventured to Tenerife on holiday has been completely floored by the cost of living. He recently opened up about the matter in a TikTok video, as he can’t believe just how differently prices compare when shopping in the travel hotspot.

The man, known as deebolar, said the UK “no longer makes sense to him”, after he visited Tenerife. After spending a day exploring the area, he instantly began to notice a major difference between life in the UK, as he said there’s a huge contrast when it comes to the prices of popular every day essentials.

He said: “I’ve been here for 24 hours, and this supermarket is my best friend, bro. For context, €1 is 85p, so you’re seeing €1 here for like two plus litres of Fanta, Coke, 7up.

“I mean, it’s off-brand, but who gives a toss? It’s like 70p/80p – those bottles are like 50p. And eight litres of water for €1.50 – that’s like £1.20, bro.

“[The] UK is not seeing me again, that might be six Desperados for €1.71. It might be one as well, I ain’t got a clue. Anyways, look at this, eight litres of water, two litres of Fanta, look at the price – €2.39.”

Showing some goods on a table to the camera, he added: “Everything on this table, probably like £5 or £6 at most. I’m telling you, it’s nuts.”

The clip was captioned: “I have to go back to the cost of living crisis after this”, and the video has captured the attention of many. However, some people thought he needed to know some vital information.

One said: “Canary Islands have the lowest salary of Spain. This isn’t the paradise you think. Our rents are more than half our salary.” Another wrote: “Cheap for you. Unfortunately, Spanish salaries are every day lower because we pay more taxes and prices are increasing.”

A third replied, saying: “Nowhere is objectively cheap in this world. What is cheap for you might be expensive for the locals. This applies everywhere.”

Someone else asked: “Which supermarket is this? Going next week.” A fith also replied: “UK is expensive. Spain is cheaper, always.”

According to EasyFX, some Brits view Tenerife as an “appealing alternative” to the UK, as some see the cost of living as an attractive reason to move abroad. It states: “On average, rent in Tenerife is considerably cheaper than in the UK.

“A one-bedroom apartment in the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, typically costs between €500 and €700 (£415 – £580) per month, compared to the £1,200 to £1,500 minimum you would have to spend to rent an apartment in London, for example.

“Like most places in Europe, the cost of renting in Tenerife will vary depending on the location and property type you decide on. Popular areas like Santa Cruz, and La Laguna and tourist hotspots such as Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje tend to have higher rental prices.

“For those who prefer to cook at home, Tenerife’s grocery prices are another highlight and much more affordable than the UK. Supermarkets such as Mercadona, Hiperdino and Lidl, offer competitive prices, while local markets provide fresh produce and regional specialties at great rates.

“Shopping at farmer’s markets throughout Tenerife can yield even fresher produce at lower prices, making it an attractive option if you want to stick to a budget without compromising on quality.”

Meanwhile, the average salary in Tenerife is thought to come in at around €32,239 (£27,849.18) per year, with skilled professions like healthcare, education and technical fields generally bringing in between €1,500 (£1,295.75) and €2,000 (£1,727.63) per month. Even though the Canary Islands’ wages have increased a lot since 1978, they are still said to fall behind the Spanish national average.

A woman called Caitlin bought fish and chips in Tenerife, but Brits have been left floored by the price. They couldn’t get over how it compared to similar meals in the UK

A woman bought fish and chips in Tenerife but Brits have been left astounded by the price. Caitlin, who documents her life in Tenerife online, recently visited a new food spot in Los Cristianos and decided to share her findings with social media users.

Under the name caitlincampb_, she shared her visit to the local chippy on TikTok, and people couldn’t get over how much a classic fish supper set her back. Simply called The Shamrock Fish ‘n Chippy, she decided to visit the restaurant as it’s new, and she noted there’s also a bar there that offers live entertainment too.

Caitlin opted to sample a classic fish and chips when she visited, and they looked pretty tasty. She also offered people a glimpse of the receipt, and this is what caught their attention.

The meal came in at €12.50 overall, with the cod being priced at €8.50 and the chips coming in at €4.00 for a regular portion. This is what captivated people in the comments section.

Astounded by the price, one person said: “£17 at my local in Scotland for a fish supper now.” Another added: “Was it any good?” Caitlin soon replied to this, saying: “Yeah.”

A third responded: “Went there three times in a week – was awesome. They guy server is really good.” Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “We went there last time. In our opinion, the best on the island.”

If you’re wondering why some people were surprised by the price, Caitlin’s fish and chip supper came in at around £10.68. This varies a lot to some reported prices in the UK.

According to reports, the average price for a regular portion of fish and chips in the UK comes in at around £9.88. Prices can vary significantly though, with London being known as offering the most expensive price at £22.50 for a larger portion.

Meanwhile, in West Yorkshire, it’s said you may be able to snap up the much-loved meal for as little as £6.70 for a smaller portion. However, portion sizes also vary greatly, as some shops can serve a regular fish up to 12oz and chips up to 20oz.

If you didn’t know, the price of cod and haddock has rocketed by 75% in the past year as a result of supply chain disruptions and global factors like the Ukraine war. While the price rise could hit the pockets of punters, it appears Brits still love tucking into fish and chips.

According to average prices, a classic cod and chips will cost you around £10.92. Meanwhile, the average price of haddock and chips is slightly higher at £11.13.

Meanwhile, smaller meal portions tend to come in between £5 to £8, while larger portions can set you back around £11. If it’s high end fish and chips you’re after, the price can vary from anything to £25 to £80.

Recently, one woman left people shocked when she ordered a chippy tea in Liverpool. Suzanna ventured to her favourite chippy to sample what was on offer, and she was left pretty impressed, but the price of the dish did take some people by surprise.

She ordered a small portion of fish, chips and mushy peas, and encouraged other people to share how much they pay to sample the goods where they live. It led to all sorts of answers being put forward.

One 18-year-old woke up to a horrendous reality after one or two drinks with her cousin on a family holiday in Tenerife. The next day she was smattered with bruises after a night of projectile vomiting.

A make-up artist from Northern Ireland lived through a true horror story while on a family holiday in Tenerife.

Suzy O’Neill went missing for almost an hour and remembers nothing that happened, waking up to a terrifying reality.

Then just 18-years-old when she and her cousin went on a night out that ended in violent vomiting, memory loss and bruises all over her body. Suzy warned fellow holiday-makers that she has had her “fair share of not nice experiences in Tenerife.”

Suzy said “We had had like two drinks I think and next thing I woke up at the side of the road.” Her cousin said she “was missing for basically an hour I could not be found – she was freaking out.” Suzy told her 2,872 TikTok followers: “I’m not like that – like you wouldn’t just lose me like that I’d be with someone I would not go off on my own.”

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Then she woke up to a horrific and terrifying sight. She said: “I woke up and this man was standing over me and I was like what the f*** is going on and I was freaking out. He wasn’t really speaking English and then my cousin heard the commotion and came running.”

Her cousin asked her where she had been and Suzy replied “What do you mean where have I been – what the f*** has happened to me?”

That night she was “violently ill” and her dad had to put her on her side and watch her throughout the night. She said the next day she was “covered in bruises.”

She added: “I was projectile vomiting in my sleep but I refused to go to the hospital. I think the reason I was so scared of going to the hospital is that I was so scared that they would tell me that I’d been spiked or this that or the other had happened.”

For the rest of the holiday she stayed close by her dad’s side because she was “terrified”. She added: “I feel like also something that’s not something that’s not spoke about is really how unsafe Tenerife is sometimes – it can be a very dangerous – it’s a lovely place but it also can be very dangerous.”

She said in another instance a man “latched onto my arm and wouldn’ t let me go” in broad daylight in Tenerife. She said he asked in broken English where she was staying, adding he was “very strange”.

She added: “One night I vividly remember sitting in a kebab shop and I caught this man’s attention and he wouldn’t leave. He was standing outside the kebab shop heavily breathing.” In another instance she was a man arrested in a bar and he bit the police man.

Tegan_French commented: “I’m going in August and I’m terrified.” Another chimed in “I’m going in August or July with my mom stepdad and brother! and I’m honestly scared. especially for my brother cause he’s so young and he likes going on the parks.”

The Canary Island set a new benchmark for international tourism, despite ongoing anti-tourist protests – and holidaymakers from one EU country in particular make up the largest tourist segment

The Canary Islands are still a major holiday hotspot for Europeans despite cries of overcrowding from locals.

According to Spanish publication Canarian Weekly, more than 4.36 million foreign visitors descended on the islands in the first quarter of this year alone – with holidaymakers from one EU country making up the largest segment.

And it appears German tourists cannot seem to get enough of the archipelago’s sunshine and beaches. Euronews reported that Spain remains the top holiday destination for Germans in 2025, with the Canary Islands leading the way with year-round sun.

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The Canaries offer an unusually stable subtropical climate, with daytime temperatures rarely falling below 20C even in January. Gran Canaria is often touted as the hottest, retaining such heat due to its proximity to Northern Africa.

Like Britain, Germans endure cold and snowy conditions from the months of December through to February. Another strong appeal for German travellers is likely the home comforts that can still be enjoyed in places like Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

The undeniable abundance of German tourists over the years mean that popular destinations have adapted to offer German-language menus and Bavarian staples. Direct flights from cities like Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin also make travel relatively simple.

Regular departures to the Canaries from Germany also enable spontaneous and cost-effective travel. A flight from Dusseldorf to Lanzarote takes around four hours and 30 minutes, a similar time-scale to planes departing from London.

Germans also have a notorious love of the outdoors and hiking that also makes the Canary Islands particularly appealing. The archipelago is packed with coastal walks and hiking trails, and the laidback lifestyle is ideal for recuperating.

It is certainly no surprise why Germans, Brits and all international travellers return again and again to Tenerife and Gran Canaria. However, the frustration of locals and increasing pressure on the housing market exacerbated by expats and tourists is only mounting.

Ivan Cerdena Molina, an activist within the protest movement and a member of local environmental group ATAN, voiced his frustration that despite the protests, more tourists visited his homeland last year than the year before.

“We had 16 million tourists [in the Canaries] in 2023 and 18 million in 2024. In 2025, the number is increasing again. The government didn’t do anything; it just spoke nice words with no real action.”, reports the Express .

Local governments are also implementing taxes to manage tourism. British holidaymakers heading to the Canary Island of Fuerteventura will soon have to pay a tourist tax. The island’s government has confirmed it will introduce the charge for the wild beach of Cofete, the sand dunes of Correlejo and the sea caves of Ajuy.

The move will follow the example of Tenerife, which has already started charging visitors to the mountain-top village of Masca and intends to do the same with Mount Teide.

BRITS chasing the sun this summer could face fresh holiday hell as bar staff prepare to strike during peak season.

It comes after 80,000 employees took to the streets in Tenerife earlier in the year demanding better pay and working conditions.

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In a move that could spark chaos for Brits travelling to Tenerife this summer, union bosses said industrial action could start as early as July.

The unions, Sindicalistas de Base and UGT, have issued bosses with an ultimatum, warning of a major walk out if they are not granted a 6.5 per cent salary bump.

They have made it clear that no further negotiations will happen if these conditions are not met.

This isn’t the first time Tenerife has been at the centre of sweeping industrial action.

Last month, cleaners and restaurant workers in the sunny hotspot took to the streets after deeming an offer from their employer not acceptable.

The tourism employers’ association, formed by Ashotel and AERO, had offered a four per cent increase in pay for workers, hoping it would prevent them from protesting during the Easter holidays.

But unions wanted 6.25 per cent.

They said their decision was unanimous and would not change plans to strike against tourists.

With over 170,000 tourism workers in the Canary Islands set to protest, business owners about to welcome thousands of tourists were despairing.

They planned to demonstrate in all the tourist hotspots, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote.

By law, strikers have to provide a “minimum service” but the unions said hotel cleaning, food and entertainment don’t fall into this category.

They said they must try and preserve the health of hotel workers and provide them with the very best of working conditions.

Elsewhere, locals flooded the streets to protest against mass tourism in the area.

Activists vowed to storm popular tourist attractions, disrupt public events and “confront political leaders” in a fiery new phase of protests kicking off May 18 — right as peak holiday season begins.

“From now on, we will take our fight to the very spaces where their predatory model is perpetuated,” declared pressure group Canarias tiene un límite (The Canaries Have a Limit).

“We will boycott public events, confront political leaders during their appearances and occupy symbolic tourist spaces to make it clear that we will not stop until real change is achieved.”

“The Canary Islands can no longer be a postcard backdrop for the enjoyment of a privileged few,” the statement read.

In a separate warning, the group said: “This cry, which reflects the feelings of a people tired of being ignored and mistreated, will be the beginning of a new stage of struggle: firmer, more direct, more uncomfortable for those who refuse to listen to us and take real measures.”

The backlash follows a 170,000-strong hotel and restaurant workers’ strike across the islands just days ago, with locals slamming low wages and poor working conditions in the booming holiday industry.

In June last year, beach workers also walked off the job over what unions called “precarious” conditions.

As tensions boil over, the Canary Islands Government has now announced plans to completely overhaul its outdated 30-year-old tourism laws in a landmark reform effort.

Alfonso Cabello, spokesperson for the regional government, said: “We’re doing this the Canary Islands way — extending a hand and listening to everyone.”

The sweeping reforms aim to tackle everything from sky-high housing costs in tourist areas to crumbling infrastructure and overworked public services.

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Hundreds of British holidaymakers found themselves trapped in ‘inhumane conditions’ at a packed Spanish airport with just two booths open to check their passports

An emergency meeting has been called among top Spanish politicians after British travellers found themselves trapped in two-hour queues and “inhuman” conditions at the start of the school holidays, before even making it through passport control.

On Monday (May 26), around 500 UK holidaymakers found themselves stuck waiting on the tarmac at Tenerife South Airport for up to 45 minutes, before disembarking to find broken-down escalators and vast lines stretching in and out of the terminal to have their passports checked.

At the airport, some travellers reported seeing four officials manning just two passport control booths. As a result, passengers were crammed into a situation described as “claustrophobic” and “third world”.

Lourdes Tourecillas, a local resident who was returning from Bristol, told Canarian Weekly that, “Some parents lifted their children onto their shoulders to stop them from suffocating,” adding, “there were no toilets, and people were visibly distressed.”

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The President of Tenerife’s ruling council, Rosa Dávila, has called an emergency meeting in light of the incident, with chaos and long queues becoming a common problem at the busy airport during peak tourism periods.

Dávila called the situation “unacceptable” but blamed the situation on the continued failure to provide sufficient staff for border checks ever since the UK left the European Union.

She added: “This is a structural issue. We can’t continue to operate with the same staffing levels we had pre-Brexit.”

A major issue facing travellers on Monday was the inability of the airport’s automated checking systems to process children’s passports. This meant families having to queue with kids and baggage for hours in sweltering, lengthy, lines to kick off their holidays.

The council’s President said she had written to mainland politicians, but received no meaningful response. “There’s a serious lack of respect towards Tenerife. We’re managing essential services locally, but without state support, we’re being left to fail,” she said.

Lope Afonso, Tenerife’s Tourism Minister, warned: “This is the first impression our visitors get. After hours on a plane, they’re met with long waits and no explanation. It’s not acceptable, and it’s hurting our brand as a quality tourist destination,” he said.

“Tenerife competes globally. Other countries have adapted their systems since Brexit. Why haven’t we?”

He also had a warning for summer travellers, if mainland politicians don’t take action, saying: “We need immediate solutions to avoid this happening again, especially with the busy summer season ahead.”

James and Georgina Nair, both 78, have been coming to Tenerife for 30 years, usually twice a year. But, since they became pensioners, they have made just the one annual trip

A Liverpool couple who have been regular visitors to Tenerife for three decades are now cutting back on their trips due to soaring costs.

James and Georgina Nair, both 78, from West Derby, Liverpool, cherish Tenerife as a “special” place and are planning to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary there next year. The pair, James, a retired engineer, and Georgina, a former seamstress, have enjoyed the Spanish island’s charms for 30 years, typically visiting twice annually. However, since retiring, they’ve reduced their visits to once a year.

“We’d be lost without a holiday like this,” but noted that the area has undergone changes, not all of which they appreciate. Complaining about rising prices, Mr Nair told the Express: “Everywhere you go now, everything’s double the price.”

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Georgina raised the increased cost of a gin and tonic, now around €7.50 (£6.30), lamenting the switch from draft to bottled mixers, which incurs extra charges. Her husband reminisced about the wider availability of Carling beer in the past, noting that while local beers are often cheaper, he remains loyal to his preferred British brand.

Despite these gripes, the Nairs acknowledge that Tenerife has seen improvements, with many bars having “changed hands” and “modernised”. Georgina concluded with affection for the island: “I love it here. The different hotels, different character.”

She reminisced about how they often visited a local pub over the years, which has since changed its character.

Recent months have seen protesters flooding the streets of Tenerife and the Canary Islands, voicing their concerns over the impact of over-tourism. When The Express quizzed the retirees on their views, James expressed his disapproval: “Personally, I don’t like what they’re doing. Ordinary tourists like me and my wife, we give more to the economy.”

He continued, highlighting the irony of the situation: “We’ve only come for a holiday. They’ve shot themselves in the foot. Many people are employed in hotels – they’d be out of work. They’re going after their own people.” He also noted that during the pandemic, Tenerife’s tourist hotspots “suffered a lot”.

Georgina chimed in with her perspective: “It’s a special place, we know the area very well. We can understand where they come from. But we help them.”

The rising price of a break in many popular Spanish destinations has given some Brits cause to pause before booking a holiday in recent years. As has the rise of protests aimed at overtourism issues.

“Spain has been at the forefront of locals’ overtourism protests – perhaps 100,000 massed across the Canaries last weekend – and cruise limits are in place in Barcelona and Palma. This is not just about cruise passengers, though. There are wider issues of mass beach and city tourism in Spain and beyond and the impact it can have on a community,” the Mirror’s travel editor Nigel Thompson recently wrote on the topic.

“That said, we should not forget the huge amount of valuable income tourism can generate. Billions poured into economies and hundreds of thousands of jobs are not to be ignored, just as the grievances of locals in destinations are not to be ignored either. A very tricky issue to balance out.”

A FORMER Met detective who investigated Jay Slater’s disappearance has said his drug dealer “pal” has to come forward and answer key questions from the inquest.

Mark Williams-Thomas – who worked on the Madeleine McCann case – conducted his “own investigation” after the 19-year-old went missing on the island of Tenerife in June last year.

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The inquest into Jay’s death was suddenly adjourned yesterday after his grieving mum Debbie pleased the coroner to summon crucial witnesses – including convicted drug dealer Ayub Qassim.

Detective turned TV-sleuth Mr Williams-Thomas said he had been in close contact during the investigation with a number of witnesses – including Jay’s family and friends.

Now he has urged Qassim to come forward and answer questions from the “disappointing” inquest.

Qassim took the 19-year-old Brit back to an Airbnb in Masca the night before he went missing on June 17.

Mr Williams-Thomas called Qassim “the most important witness” who he says gave him “crucial evidence” that “hasn’t been made public” yet.

The ex-detective added that the evidence he received from Qassim in his own investigation provides “greater context” as to why Jay left the villa.

Qassim was previously jailed for nine years in 2015 as the ringleader of a London-based gang dealing heroin and crack cocaine in Cardiff.

He and another Brit previously known only as “Rocky” had rented the Airbnb in the remote Tenerife mountains that they took Jay back to after the festival.

Jay posted a final Snapchat picture of himself smoking on the doorstep of the apartment at 7.30am on June 17 before leaving shortly after.

Qassim has always denied any involvement in Jay’s death.

Jay’s disappearance sparked widespread media interest – as well as a slew of social media conspiracy theories.

One of those theories claimed Jay had stolen a £12,000 watch – which his mum Debbie dismissed as vile rumours.

Josh Forshaw, who met Jay as they boarded a plane from Manchester to Tenerife, said he received a message from the teen before he disappeared.

It read: “Ended up getting thrown out with two Mali kids, just took an AP [luxury watch strap] off somebody and was on the way to sell it.”

Josh told the hearing via video link that Jay said he was planning to sell the strap for “10 quid”, slang for £10,000.

Josh told the hearing he received a Snapchat from Jay later in the night that claimed he “ended up getting thrown out” of the venue with two other people.

He also claimed Jay sent him a photo showing “knives down his trousers” that was captioned “in case it kicks off”.

Josh said he didn’t mention the image to Spanish police before leaving Tenerife, but did inform cops in Lancashire on his return.

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Speaking of Josh’s claim of receiving the knives image, Mr Williams-Thomas says he was told that they weren’t found with him and were left in the apartment.

Apprentice bricklayer Jay travelled to the Spanish island in June to attend the NRG music festival in Playa de las Americas with two friends, Lucy Law and Brad Hargreaves.

The teen travelled to an Airbnb apartment in Masca with two men including Qassim in the early hours of June 17, before leaving at around 8am.

Jay, of Oswaldtwistle, Lancs, made a heartbreaking final call to his friend Law saying he had cut his leg, was lost, dehydrated and had just one per cent battery on his phone after he left the Airbnb.

On Wednesday night, Law’s family revealed she was simply on holiday on the very same island where Jay died.

They claimed she was also unaware that she had been called to give evidence at the inquest.

Speaking at the family home in Burnley, Lucy’s stepfather Andy Davis said: “We had no idea Jay’s inquest was even being held today.

“The police have only just been round today to say that she was due to give evidence. But it’s the first time we knew of it.”

He added: “They asked if Lucy was home and I said she was abroad and they asked me if I was aware that she should have been in court, and I said I wasn’t.”

“The police said they had sent Lucy paperwork with the dates on it, but the first I knew about it was when the police turned up earlier today.”

Sources in the Slater family later said they were aware where the other missing witnesses were, and had also been able to find them easily, according to the MailOnline.

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The family source said: “Lucy is in Tenerife. Another supposedly untraceable witness is on holiday in Greece.

“If we can find this out so quickly why can’t the police?”

The court also heard a suggestion that witnesses may be reluctant to appear because drugs may have been involved.

After Jay’s body was found, officials said there were traces of cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine in his body.

Dr Adeley said: “When drugs are involved in a death, the witnesses are less than forthcoming and do not wish to speak to the authorities.”

Jay‘s disappearance and death remain largely cloaked in mystery and it is hoped that glaring gaps in his final movements will be filled after the inquest.

The inquest heard from three construction workers who said, via video link, they saw Jay on the main road through the remote village of Masca and he asked them about bus times.

He was attempting the treacherous 10-hour walk back to his apartment in Los Cristianos when he called Lucy to say he was lost.

DCI Rachel Higson, head of digital media investigations at Lancashire Police, told the hearing today that Jay’s phone recorded “a lot of steps and inclines” between 7.59am and 8.49am.

His mobile last pinged in the mountainous Rural de Teno Park after Jay walked the wrong way from the Airbnb, and DCI Higson said there was “no data recorded” after 8.49:51am.

After a month-long search, Jay’s body was found in a ravine on July 15 last year – near to where his phone last pinged.

A post-mortem examination concluded he died of traumatic head injuries, consistent with a fall from height.

Home Office pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd today told the inquest Jay suffered a “heavy fall from height” and the “devastating” effects would have been “immediate”.

Why the inquest farce is more pain for Jay’s family

By Katie Davis, Chief Foreign Reporter (Digital)

AS I stood in the sweltering, remote mountains of Masca I was told the news Jay Slater’s loved ones dreaded – his body had been found.

But for his devastated family, it didn’t bring the closure they so desperately needed.

Now almost a year on, his grief-stricken mum, dad and brother have been subjected to yet more torment as an inquest into his death dredged up painful details of his disappearance – while lacking any actual answers.

Jay’s courageous mum Debbie Duncan opened up to me just weeks after his body was found about how she was tortured by not knowing what happened to her beloved son before he fell to his death.

I was humbled by the bravery she showed in the face of living every parent’s worst nightmare on the world stage – relentlessly hounded by mindless trolls.

Spineless witnesses failing to turn up to the hearing to provide crucial information is a kick in the teeth for Debbie and his already suffering family.

The 19-year-old went missing 11 months ago, and his body tragically discovered 29 days later.

So why after all these months has the court failed to bring together vital witnesses – including the two friends he was on holiday with?

After months and months of battling through their grief, the last thing Jay’s family needed was to face a farce of a hearing without the necessary witnesses.

Read more here…

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A 20-year-old university student has shared her concerning experience of working in bars along Tenerife’s party strip, Playa De Las Americas. She now has a warning for other holidaymakers looking to work on the island

At the tender age of 20, having finished my second year at university, I embarked on a memorable adventure to Tenerife with a friend. We had landed jobs as bartenders and had our own flat just a stone’s throw from all the excitement in Playa De Las Americas – the island’s party central.

The thrill of independence was what excited us most. Like many young holidaymakers on the island, it was our first taste of such freedom. The resort is the ideal blend for a party holiday – a stunning beach hosting numerous boat parties, a plethora of bars featuring top DJs serving cheap drinks, and other fun-loving tourists ready for a good time.

However, there’s a darker side to the island, a hidden underbelly – a serious drug underworld. It’s easy to see how some unsuspecting Irish and Brits abroad can innocently land themselves in hot water, reports Wales Online.

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Seven years ago, working and living in Tenerife was an absolute dream – I loved it so much that I returned for another season the following summer. Despite earning less than €4 an hour and serving drinks six nights a week, I was having the time of my life.

Our days were spent lounging by the pool or basking in the sun on the beach, while our nights were dedicated to serving drinks with a smile. When we finished work, we had VIP access to all the top festivals and lively parties.

However, the vibrant nightlife came with an unspoken rule that you’d indulge in a tipple whilst on shift. In these tourist magnets, being a bartender wasn’t just about shaking up cocktails – you were expected to be the heart and soul of the party.

When the bar crawls descended, it was your signal to leap onto the bar, bust out some dance moves, and pour spirits directly into the party-goers’ mouths. That said, cavorting around on the bar wasn’t exactly my idea of fun – a sentiment my boss hinted at when they suggested I “needed to be more fun like the other girls”.

Eventually, I switched to a karaoke bar frequented by hen and stag parties, which didn’t exactly enhance my views on love, especially seeing how often newlyweds departed with the evening’s entertainers.

I observed other bars engaged in more sinister activities, serving as sanctuaries for dealers throughout the night. Many young workers on the strip, oblivious to the grave risks, found themselves entangled in perilous situations linked to these dealers.

Directing drug-seeking tourists to these dealers would net them a swift €10. Meanwhile, my mate and I were practically begging for tips just to be able to afford a drink, unlike others who seemed to live without such financial concerns.

While drinking on the job was encouraged, there were penalties for overindulgence. The punishment? A €50 fine, which was more than we made in a night.

We also had to dedicate three or four hours each week to giving the bar a thorough clean. If we failed to turn up, we faced another €50 fine.

The two summers I spent there were certainly memorable, but I consider myself fortunate not to have encountered any significant issues – except for the occasion when my handbag was snatched from me as I strolled home.

Every country or city has its challenges, but these party hotspots appear to operate within their own lawless microcosms. To all young people setting off on your first party holiday, have fun, but stay vigilant.

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