Arona: Historic Centre, Volcanic Landscape and Coast

Arona’s historic centre was granted Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC) protected status on 3 April 2006. When comparing holiday apartments in Arona, you can check the travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions on the respective property pages and compare these details with your preferred combination of culture, nature, trails and coast.

Culture and History

A tour of the historic centre leads along cobbled streets such as Domínguez Alfonso and Duque de la Torre, as well as the cross streets La Luna and del Medio. Manor houses and other buildings line these routes, reflecting the development of civil architecture since the 18th century.

The parish church of San Antonio Abad was built in its present form at the end of the 18th century and rebuilt in the 19th century. It stands on the site of a former chapel dating from the 17th century. Inside the single-nave church, a polychrome wooden altarpiece covers the entire rear wall.

Several pre-Hispanic burials and numerous quarries have been discovered on the Mesas de Guaza; their origins date back at least to the late 17th century. The event “Arona en Tradiciones” in the historic centre brings together music, gastronomy, traditional games and sports, handicrafts and folklore.

Landscape and Nature

The Montaña de Guaza Natural Monument covers 725.7 hectares within the municipality of Arona. The Malpaís de Rasca consists of volcanic lava flows that form a barren volcanic landscape. It is home to both coastal and inland Cardonal-Tabaibal vegetation, as well as numerous endemic species.

A hiking route passes through the Ifonche protected area and the Corona Forestal. The different landscapes give the trails their own geographical reference points.

Hiking and Trails

The trail through the Malpaís de Rasca from El Fraile to the lighthouse is 3 kilometres long, takes approximately 1.5 hours and has a low level of difficulty. In the Malpaís de Rasca nature reserve, a paved track also serves as an adapted, obstacle-free path for people with reduced mobility.

The route on Montaña de Guaza begins on the northern flank at the TF-6223 road, climbs to the 430-metre-high summit and then continues along the southern side to Playa del Callao, before proceeding for 6.5 kilometres to Los Cristianos. A route through the Barranco de Chija begins in Valle San Lorenzo and returns to its starting point after 3 kilometres.

Another 8.5-kilometre hiking route begins in the town of Arona at the Charcas de Ancón, passes Roque de Imoque, continues over Montaña de Suárez and ends near its starting point after crossing the Barranco del Rey. Arona has several trails for mountain bikes approved by Tenerife’s environmental authority.

The different route lengths, approximate durations and stated trail characteristics provide you with various points of reference for planning your day.

Coast and Water

The port of Los Cristianos connects Tenerife with the neighbouring islands of La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro. Boat trips depart from there to observe various species of whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.

Playa de Las Américas is a 500-metre-long beach with golden sand, showers and step-free access for people with reduced mobility. Playa de Las Américas has designated surfing areas such as Fitenia, La Izquierda, El Medio, La Derecha and El Dedo.

The beaches around Los Cristianos have adapted access for people with reduced mobility.

More local area pages: Chayofa, Costa Del Silencio, Las Galletas, Playa De Las Américas, Palm Mar, Valle De San Lorenzo and La Camella.

Local Life and Traditions

The rural surroundings of Zona Alta offer traditional Canarian cuisine made with local produce, regional cheese and hearty stews.

For the overarching travel overview: Tenerife.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Punta Brava.