Tenerife

Tenerife, a Spanish island in the Canary archipelago, is facing several challenges. A marine pandemic has decimated the Diadema africanum sea urchin population, with a 99.7% decrease reported since 2021, pushing the species towards extinction. Recently, a powerful wave swept swimmers out to sea from a popular seawater pool on the island's western coastline, resulting in four deaths and one missing person. Despite these issues, Tenerife remains a popular holiday destination, with UK travel companies anticipating increased bookings for sunny breaks this January. The island's natural beauty and appeal as a winter getaway contribute to its continued relevance in the tourism sector, even amidst environmental and safety concerns.