Punta de Abona

What to see in Punta de Abona: A Complete Guide to a Secret Destination in Tenerife

Introduction: Discover What to See in Punta de Abona

If you are wondering what to see in Punta de Abona, you have found the definitive guide to exploring one of the most fascinating places in the south of Tenerife. Located on the island's southeast coast, this hidden destination offers a unique experience that goes beyond typical tourist routes.

Basic Information

Location and Key Data

What to see in Punta de Abona begins by understanding its privileged location:

• Location: Southeast coast of Tenerife, municipality of Arico, Canary Islands, Spain

• Coordinates: 28.1559° N, 16.4348° W

• Distance from Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 35 km

• Distance from southern tourist centers: 20-25 km

• Altitude: 0-35 meters above sea level

• Population: Sparsely populated, fewer than 50 permanent residents

Transportation and Access: What You Need to Know

Arrival Options

For what to see in Punta de Abona, you will need to plan your transportation:

By Car

• Main route: TF-1 Highway

• Turn-off: Porís de Abona exit (Exit 24)

• Parking: Limited, free spaces near the lighthouse and the beach

• Road quality: Narrow and winding from the main road

Public Transport

• Bus line: TITSA line 111 (Santa Cruz - Médano - Los Cristianos)

• Nearest stop: Porís de Abona, approximately 3 km walk

• Frequency: Hourly on weekdays, less frequent on weekends

Weather Conditions

Unique Climate of Punta de Abona

What to see in Punta de Abona is strongly influenced by its microclimate:

• Average annual temperature: 22°C

• Warmest month: August (average of 26°C)

• Coldest month: January (average of 19°C)

• Annual precipitation: 100-150 mm

• Sunshine hours: More than 3000 hours annual average

• Prevailing wind: Northeast trade winds

Best Times to Visit

• High season: June-September

• Mid-season: March-May, October-November

• Low season: December-February

• Best time to visit: September-November (pleasant temperature, fewer tourists)

Historical Overview

Historical Periods of Punta de Abona

Early Period

• Used by Guanches for fishing activities

• Fishing tools date from the 5th-10th centuries AD

• Important fishing center in the Guanche culture

Colonization and Development

• After the Spanish conquest (late 15th century)

• Small fishing settlement in the 18th-19th centuries

• 1902: Construction of the Punta de Abona lighthouse

20th-21st Centuries

• 1940s: Planning of the Abades military and health complex

• 1945-1960: Abandonment of the Abades project

• 1960-2002: Military use of Abades

• 2002-present: Gradual tourist discovery

Main Attractions

1. Punta de Abona Lighthouse

Lighthouse details:

• Year of construction: 1902

• Height: 32 meters

• Range: 14 nautical miles (approx. 26 km)

• Signal pattern: Two white flashes every 10 seconds

• Architect: Antonio Marrero y Hernández

• Material: Local volcanic stone and concrete

• Accessibility: Exterior accessible, interior not visitable

2. Playa Grande

Beach characteristics:

• Type: Volcanic sand beach

• Length: Approximately 800 meters

• Width: 20-50 meters

• Services: Minimal

• Access: Paved road and dirt track

• Parking: Limited number of spaces

3. Abades Ruins

Complex details:

• Size: Approximately 30 hectares

• Construction period: 1942-1945

• Original function: Hospital complex

• Architect: José Enrique Marrero Regalado

• Current state: Abandoned, partially deteriorated

• Main buildings: Church, hospital, administrative center

Ecology and Conservation

Characteristic Flora

• Sweet spurge

• Canary cardón

• Saltwort

• Gorse

• Buckthorn

Fauna

• Terrestrial: Atlantic lizard, Canary gecko

• Birds: Petrels, gulls, peregrine falcon

• Marine: Fish, mollusks, occasionally cetaceans

Activities

Water Activities

• Diving

• Snorkeling

• Sport fishing

• Swimming

Land Activities

• Hiking

• Bird watching

• Photography

• Geological excursions

Practical Information

Emergencies

• Emergency number: 112

• Nearest medical center: Porís de Abona (3 km)

• Nearest hospital: Hospital del Sur, Arona (40 km)

Local Services

• No ATMs

• Limited shops

• Variable mobile coverage

Nearby Attractions

• Porís de Abona

• Montana Grande

• El Médano

• Montaña Roja conservation area

• Candelaria

• Pirámides de Güímar

Sustainability

Environmental Challenges

• Coastal erosion

• Climate change

• Invasive species

• Limited water resources

Protection Initiatives

• Coastal cleanup program

• Heritage protection

• Biodiversity monitoring

• Promotion of sustainable tourism

Conclusion

What to see in Punta de Abona is much more than a simple tourist destination. It is a journey through the history, nature, and culture of Tenerife, a place where every corner tells a unique story.