There’s been a quiet shift over the last few years.
Tenerife’s no longer just popping up in travel searches… it’s showing up in tech conversations.
And not in a “nice place to work remotely” way… more like a place people are seriously considering building something.
So What’s Actually Changed?
This hasn’t come out of nowhere.
The island’s tech sector is now worth over €300 million a year, supporting around 15,000 jobs across IT, software, and digital services.
That’s not a side hustle… that’s a proper industry forming.
At the same time:
- Remote workers up 340% since 2021
- Startup activity in Santa Cruz up 11.2% in 2025
It’s moving… just not loudly.
Why People Are Choosing Tenerife
Let’s be honest… the weather helps.
But that’s not why people stay.
It’s the combination that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Cost of living
Compared to London or Berlin… it’s not even close.
- Rent is manageable
- Co-working from €100–€250/month
- Coffee still under €1.50
You can actually breathe financially.
Digital Nomad Visa
Since 2023, non-EU remote workers can live here legally with a flat 24% tax rate for four years.
For a lot of people… that’s the tipping point.
Connectivity
Fibre internet across most of the island now.
And the co-working scene has grown up properly… not just a few desks and a kettle.
Time zone
Underrated.
You can work with the UK and mainland Europe without rearranging your entire day.
It’s Not Just Freelancers
This is where it gets more serious.
You’ve got companies like:
- Samsung
- Thales
- Investment from Intel Capital
And local startups actually scaling beyond the island.
The Tenerife Technology Park now houses over 100 companies… and it’s still expanding.
It’s not trying to be Silicon Valley… which is probably why it works.
What It’s Actually Like Day to Day
This is the part people don’t expect.
Tenerife doesn’t run on northern Europe pace.
Things start a bit later. Lunch isn’t rushed. Evenings are long.
And that changes how people work.
Less burnout. More consistency.
You finish work and you’re not stuck on a commute… you’re by the sea, or up in La Laguna, or looking at Teide on a clear day.
Sounds simple… but it adds up.
Life Outside Work
This is where it quietly wins.
- Proper hiking
- Beaches that aren’t just for tourists
- A real city feel in Santa Cruz
- La Laguna for something a bit slower
And enough going on socially that you don’t feel cut off.
That balance… work and life both working… is what keeps people here.
Is It Right for Everyone?
No.
If you need a major financial hub… or constant in-person meetings… it’s not there yet.
But if you’re:
- Remote
- Freelance
- Building something online
Then Tenerife starts to make a lot of sense.
The Reality
A lot of people come for a few months…
And quietly don’t leave.
That usually tells you more than any stat.
Final Thought
Tenerife isn’t trying to compete with London or Berlin.
It’s doing its own thing… slower, more liveable, and increasingly connected.
And that’s exactly why it’s starting to get attention.
If you’re curious… come for a month and see how it feels.
You’ll know pretty quickly if it works for you.