What to see in Punta de Abona: hidden gems of southern Tenerife
If you want to discover what to see in Punta de Abona, this guide takes you to the corners worth stopping for. This pocket of Tenerife, in the municipality of Arico and well off the busiest routes, blends mystery, history and natural beauty. And although many people arrive for the beach or the lighthouse, what has truly made this stretch of coast famous is the ghost town that rises on the hill: the old Sanatorio de Abades, one of the most photographed abandoned sites in the Canary Islands. If you are planning your route around the island, take a look too at our general guide on what to see in Tenerife.
Must-see places in Punta de Abona
The Sanatorio de Abona: Tenerife's ghost town
On the hill that climbs towards Abades, very close to the lighthouse, stands the most enigmatic and photographed spot in the whole area: the Sanatorio de Abona, also known as the Abades leprosarium. It is, without exaggeration, the most famous Lost Place in Tenerife.
It was designed in 1943 by the celebrated architect José Enrique Marrero Regalado, the same man behind the Basílica de Candelaria. The complex, with more than forty buildings, was conceived as an isolated sanatorium for leprosy patients. However, the arrival of new medical treatments meant it was never actually used, and it was left frozen in time as a genuine ghost town of concrete, graffiti and wind. Its imposing cross-shaped church, crowned by a monumental concrete cross, is silhouetted against the sky as if straight out of a film.
Did you know that…
This desolate, decaying landscape has captivated the world of cinema. The Netflix series ‘Oasis' (premiering 19 June 2026, filmed in Tenerife) used the ruins of the old Sanatorio de Abona as one of its settings.
For decades, the area also had military uses, and its buildings witnessed manoeuvres and drills.
The complex has stood for more than eighty years without ever fulfilling the function for which it was built.
A note on safety and responsible tourism: however tempting it may be, you need to be very careful. The concrete suffers from the sea salinity, the condition of the buildings deteriorates year after year, and the authorities warn of a real risk of falling debris from roofs and cornices. Going inside the most damaged structures is dangerous and strongly advised against. Enjoy the place from the outside, respect it, and do not risk your safety for a photo.
Playa Grande: the natural paradise of Punta de Abona
When you reach Playa Grande, another of the treasures to see in Punta de Abona, the first thing that stands out is the calm: no crowds, just the sea and the birds. Here you will not find the bustle of the tourist beaches, but a place where the whisper of the sea invites you to connect with nature.
What makes this Punta de Abona beach special?
Crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming or snorkelling.
Volcanic formations that draw a landscape worthy of a postcard.
Natural rock pools, ideal for exploring at low tide.
A privileged microclimate that gives you sun for most of the year.
Hidden secrets when visiting Punta de Abona
As you explore what to see in Punta de Abona, it is believed that Playa Grande hides traces of ancient fishing wells built by the Guanches, the first inhabitants of Tenerife. Walking along these beaches is a way to imagine what life on the coast was like long before tourism arrived.
The lighthouse: the historic jewel of Punta de Abona
Another of the most iconic points among the attractions of Punta de Abona is the lighthouse. In reality there is not just one tower but two: the original historic lighthouse and a more modern tower built later, already in the seventies, to strengthen the maritime signal along this part of the coast.
Did you know that…
The historic lighthouse was built in 1902 and still preserves part of its original structure.
The newer tower, from the seventies, is the one that today keeps up the signalling function for the ships passing off this coast.
From its surroundings, at certain times of the year, you can watch cetaceans pass by.
Seeing the lighthouse at sunrise or sunset, with the ocean stretching to the horizon and the sky taking on warm colours, is one of the most beautiful moments you take away from the area. The contrast of the original 1902 stone tower with the slimmer structure from the seventies traces an unforgettable silhouette against the Atlantic.
In addition, the Cabildo de Tenerife approved in April 2026 the ‘Tenerife y el Mar' programme (2026-2030), which includes improving the surroundings of the old Faro de Punta de Abona and its nearby pool, so that over the coming years the walk along this part of the coast should become more comfortable and accessible.
Recommended activities for your visit to Punta de Abona
Hiking with history
Among the activities to enjoy when visiting Punta de Abona, several routes stand out that let you explore the essence of this region. These are our favourites:
Lighthouse Route (2 hours): easy and with impressive views of the ocean and the lighthouse. Ideal for the early hours of the day.
Hidden Coves Route (3 hours): moderate, perfect for discovering tucked-away coves, old fishermen's caves and the quiet natural pools of the neighbouring villages of La Jaca and Las Listadas.
Abades Route (4 hours): a longer walk that takes you through the abandoned town, the coast and several viewpoints.
If you feel like extending your beach day, very close by you also have Playa de El Porís, a good option to combine with the route.
Underwater exploration
If you prefer aquatic adventures when planning what to see in Punta de Abona, the waters of this area are ideal for snorkelling and diving. You will find seabeds full of marine life, remains of old fishing structures and underwater corners that surprise you.
Gastronomy: flavours that round off your visit to Punta de Abona
The experience of discovering Punta de Abona would not be complete without tasting the traditional flavours of the area. From fresh fish to local wines, the gastronomy of Punta de Abona and Abades is a celebration of the products of the sea and the land.
Do not miss the traditional gofio and the artisan cheeses of the region, paired with a good wine with a Tenerife denomination of origin. If you want to delve deeper into the cuisine and roots of the area, you will enjoy our guide to the gastronomic and cultural treasures of Punta de Abona.
Practical tips for visiting Punta de Abona
To make the most of your visit, it is worth planning it well. Here are a few tips:
Watch out for the wind: Arico is one of the windiest areas in Tenerife, and it is no coincidence that it is dotted with wind turbines. Playa Grande is spectacular, but when the trade wind blows hard, the sand flies low and lying down can become uncomfortable. Check the wind forecast before planning a day on the towel.
Closed footwear: both for the lighthouse trail and for getting around the sanatorium, forget the flip-flops. The volcanic rock and the rubble of the ruins call for trainers with good grip.
No services: Punta de Abona is a very small, quiet hamlet, with a handful of houses and the little chapel of the Virgen de la Merced. On the beach you will not find beach bars or public toilets, so bring water and food for the day. If you are looking for fresh-fish restaurants, the neighbouring village of El Porís de Abona is very close, just a few minutes away by car.
Caution in the ruins: at the sanatorium, stay in the outer areas and do not enter the most deteriorated buildings. The authorities warn of the risk of falling debris.
Best time of year: from September to November, when the weather is mild and there are fewer people.
Before you go: check updated opening times and access at the Arico tourist office, especially if you are travelling out of season.
Conclusion: discover the magic of Punta de Abona
Now that you know the main attractions to see in Punta de Abona and Abades, you will understand why they are much more than a point on the map: they are a window onto the history and the most authentic nature of Tenerife. From the unsettling abandoned sanatorium to the historic lighthouse and the untouched beaches, every corner of this region has something to tell.
If you are looking to escape the bustle and immerse yourself in a calm setting with character, this is your place. And if you want to keep exploring the island, you will find many more ideas in our guide on what to see in Tenerife.
Ready for your next adventure? Leave us your thoughts in the comments.
