Language in Tenerife: Do They Speak English?

Spanish (specifically the Canarian dialect, which has its own accent and some vocabulary borrowed from Latin American Spanish due to historic migration links) is the official language. In the main resort areas — Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, Puerto de la Cruz — English is spoken very widely in hotels, restaurants and shops, reflecting the large British and Irish visitor numbers.

That drops off noticeably away from the resorts — in smaller inland villages, local markets, and more everyday, non-touristy restaurants, don't assume English will be spoken, though patience and a translation app go a long way.