What are the rules for smoking in Tenerife and the Canary Islands in general since Covid-19?
The Canary Islands have imposed new rules regarding smoking on terraces and in public places since the start of the pandemic, so we'll try to explain these as simply as possible.
Smoking on terraces
It is NOT allowed anymore to smoke when sitting at the table on terraces.
You can only smoke at designated smoking points on outdoor terraces.
Indoor smoking is not allowed in any circumstances in any bars, clubs, or restaurants.
Please be considerate and follow the rules, since bars and restaurants can receive large fines or can even be shut if they don't enforce the rules on their premises.
Smoking on the beach in the Canary Islands
Almost all the beaches in the Canary Islands are now smoke-free.
Even before Covid, there were many beaches in the Canaries that already prohibited smoking but now this rule applies to almost any beach, especially urban beaches.
Smoking while walking on the streets
Currently, it is not allowed anymore to smoke while you are walking, since the rules state that you need to be at least 2 m away from anybody else and it is considered nearly difficult to respect this rule if you move around.
So when smoking outdoors in a public area, you should find a quiet or remote spot, where you can sit and smoke away from other people.
Do these rules apply to vaping products as well?
Yes, these rules apply both to tobacco and to vaping products.
In case you are caught breaking one of the rules, the police can issue an on-the-spot fine.
Do these smoking rules apply in all the Canary Islands?
Yes, as an autonomous community, all the Canary Islands have the same rules, so these smoking restrictions are valid for Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa.
Five other autonomous communities in Spain also enforce the same rules as the Canary Islands in regards to smoking: the Balearic Islands, Cantabria, the Valencian Community, Asturias and Aragón.
