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.
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