2 days ago
'I bought breakfast in Spain and thought the price was a joke'
Tenerife has long been a favourite holiday destination for Irish tourists, and despite rising concerns about costs and over-tourism, many holidaymakers are still finding incredible value on the island.
The Canary Island hotspot, which welcomed over 7 million visitors last year - including a strong Irish contingent -, is set to introduce a new 'eco tax' in 2026 aimed at protecting Mount Teide - Spain's tallest mountain and one of Tenerife's most iconic natural attractions.
The charge will apply to those wanting to access the protected national park area as part of a broader effort to curb over-tourism and preserve the island's natural treasures.
While there's been online chatter about rising costs for food and drink, one expat living on the island is pushing back on those claims. Speaking on TikTok, the British travel worker highlighted just how affordable Tenerife still is - especially compared to Ireland and the UK.
Filming from Los Cristianos, a popular resort town beloved by the Irish, he showed off a hearty full English breakfast he picked up in local cafe La Tasca 7 for just €4.60. The plate came piled with two sausages, two rashers, toast, tomato and fried eggs - minus baked beans by choice.
The sizeable feast, served on a "big plate" complete with HP sauce and enjoyed against the backdrop of the ocean, came at what he hailed an unbelievable bargain.
He exclaimed: "That's the price of one pint in the UK and I've got a full English breakfast, in the sun, for [the same price]. How do they even make money selling it this cheap?".
The TikTok video quickly went viral racking up almost 900,000 views and hundreds of comments. Commenters quickly jumped in to agree, with one saying: "Prices are good in Tenerife. I can't see how people say it's dear... You can find a pint for €1.50 and a breakfast for €3... and we absolutely love it."
Caution, the video below contains some strong language.
Another added: "We went there after the markets and it was so nice! Nice spot to people watch, enjoy the view, and was super cheap compared to most other places."
Someone else said: "Not bad the price, over here you can't get it for under €8 and it's not even that decent."
Still, not everyone agreed. A few pointed out that not all of Spain is as cheap as Tenerife, with one commenter noting: "It used to be cheap for Brits. Not anymore". Someone else mentioned: "It's not like that in all of Spain, in Tenerife the taxes are way lower then the rest of Spain, don't expect those prices everywhere."
The debate even sparked some playful commentary over the choice of cuisine. One teased: "You in Tenerife and eating English breakfast? You okay?", as another showed amusement at the dining decision: "It always baffles me why people go to an exotic country to order an English breakfast."
The lack of beans on his plate also caught attention. One commentated quipped: "Can't trust no one that don't like beans that's diabolical". A different user simply inquired: "How can anybody not like beans".
