Arona
CanariasClimate
What to see in Arona: the essentials
Arona isn’t just about the beach: it’s a municipality that preserves a historic quarter of cobbled streets at an altitude of 630 metres, one of the most powerful tourist areas in the Canary Islands and a century-old lighthouse set in a protected volcanic landscape. With 82,000 inhabitants and 897,344 visitors a year (INE), the municipality condenses into just a few kilometres the essence of rural Canarian life and the most firmly established sun-and-sand tourism in southern Tenerife.
Los Cristianos
Los Cristianos retains its fishing and pleasure port, from which whale- and dolphin-watching excursions depart, as well as its main beach with a seafront promenade. It is a coastal settlement located some 9 km from the municipal centre, with an altitude ranging from sea level up to 170 metres above sea level. Its port, historically linked to fishing and inter-island transport, is today also a departure point for boat trips. The beach and promenade concentrate much of the tourist activity, with restaurants, shops and 4- and 5-star accommodation.
Playa de las Américas
Playa de las Américas is one of the most important sun-and-sand destinations in the Canary Islands, developed mainly from the second half of the 20th century onwards. It lies about 10 km from the centre of Arona, at an altitude of 18 metres above sea level, and covers an area of approximately 1.54 km². It has seafront promenades, shopping centres, first-class hotels and a lively nightlife. The Montaña de Chayofita visually separates Playa de las Américas from Los Cristianos.
Punta de Rasca Lighthouse
The Punta de Rasca Lighthouse entered service in 1899 following works carried out between 1893 and 1895, based on a design by the engineer Suárez Galván. It is a white cylindrical tower with red bands, 32 metres tall as a structure and 51 metres of focal height, emitting a white light with a range of 17 nautical miles. It forms part of the protected natural area of La Rasca, an area that includes Guanche archaeological sites. It offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the southern coast of the island, and is usually a first stop on a day’s itinerary through Arona.
Montaña de Guaza Natural Monument
The Montaña de Guaza was declared a Site of National Interest in 1987 and reclassified in 1994 as a Natural Monument, with a protected area of 725.7 hectares. Its unique geology and scenic value, stemming from its volcanic origin, led to its protection. It is home to Canarian endemic flora typical of the arid environments of the south of the island. The surroundings allow visitors to discover the volcanic nature of southern Tenerife along waymarked routes and trails with free access.
Monkey Park
Monkey Park is a zoo dedicated to the breeding and conservation of threatened species, located in the municipality of Arona. It houses primates, lemurs, reptiles and birds, with captive breeding programmes for endangered species. It is one of the most visited family attractions in southern Tenerife, with an indicative entrance fee and daytime opening hours.
Arona Casco (municipal capital)
Arona Casco is the municipal capital, located in the mid-altitude uplands several kilometres from the coast, at an altitude that affords sweeping views of the southern slopes of the island.
Historic Quarter of Arona
Declared a Site of Cultural Interest on 3 April 2006, the Conjunto Histórico de Arona (Historic Quarter of Arona) is the original nucleus of the municipality, whose settlement began in 1625 when almost all the land from Los Cristianos to Los Quemados was granted to Antón Domínguez “el Viejo”.
Parish Church of San Antonio Abad
The Parish Church of San Antonio Abad is the oldest temple in Arona and the founding nucleus of its historic quarter, featuring traditional Canarian architecture, masonry and stone walls, an Arabic-tile roof and a simple bell gable.
Casa Canaria El Sitio
An outstanding example of traditional Canarian architecture in Arona, rated 5.0 stars by visitors, located on Calle Monaga within Arona’s old town and open for exterior viewing with free access 24 hours a day.
Almácigo de Arona (Centenary Tree and Historic Monument)
The Almácigo de Arona is a centenary tree declared a Historic Monument, a natural and historical symbol of the municipality and a landmark on tours of its historic centre.
Plaza del Cristo de la Salud
The main public space and social heart of Arona’s historic centre, around which the life of the municipality has been organised since its founding.
Plaza de la Paz
A public space in Arona, a neighbourhood meeting and recreation point integrated into the Conjunto Histórico de Arona Casco (Arona Old Town Historic Complex), surrounded by traditional buildings.
Zona Arqueológica La Rasca
The La Rasca Archaeological Zone offers an insight into the municipality’s archaeological heritage and preserves remains associated with Guanche culture and the island’s pre-Hispanic sites.
Casa La Bodega
Commercial or entertainment establishment.
🍂 Otoño
Si visitas Arona en otoño, el clima sigue siendo cálido y seco, perfecto para combinar playa y paseos. En septiembre se celebran las Fiestas Mayores en Honor al Santísimo Cristo de la Salud y Nuestra Señora del Rosario, así que podrás vivir el ambiente festivo local. Reserva alojamiento con antelación si viajas en esas fechas.
What to do in Arona
Arona offers whale and dolphin watching from the port of Los Cristianos, hiking trails through the Montaña de Guaza and the La Rasca archaeological zone, visits to the old town with its traditional Canarian architecture, and a festive calendar that includes the Fiestas Mayores in Honour of the Santísimo Cristo de la Salud and Nuestra Señora del Rosario in September. The Mercado del Agricultor in Valle San Lorenzo is a central hub for zero-kilometre produce and local culinary demonstrations, with events such as ‘Saborea Arona’ where award-winning menus are sampled.
If you travel in September, the patron saint festivities fill Arona’s old town with processions, popular street parties, galas, concerts and fireworks. For a quieter plan, the historic centre invites you to wander its cobbled streets, open squares and old washhouses, while the southern coast offers intense nightlife in Playa de las Américas and a family-friendly atmosphere in Los Cristianos.
Arona in a day: express itinerary
This itinerary combines nature, heritage and coast in a single day, taking advantage of the proximity between the municipality’s main points of interest.
- 09:00 – Faro de Punta de Rasca: start the day with panoramic views of the Atlantic and the protected natural surroundings of La Rasca, which include Guanche archaeological sites.
- 10:30 – Montaña de Guaza: follow one of its signposted trails to discover the volcanic geology of southern Tenerife and its endemic Canarian flora.
- 13:00 – Arona Casco: head up to the mid-altitude villages to stroll through the Conjunto Histórico, the Plaza del Cristo de la Salud, the Parroquia de San Antonio Abad and the Casa Canaria El Sitio.
- 16:00 – Los Cristianos: come down to the coast to eat next to the fishing and sports harbour, walk along the promenade and, if you fancy it, sign up for a whale and dolphin watching excursion.
- 20:00 – Playa de las Américas: end the day with dinner and, if you still have the energy, a foray into its intense nightlife.
Where to eat in Arona: local cuisine
Where to stay in Arona
Los Cristianos
Originalmente un pueblo de pescadores, es ahora una zona turística muy desarrollada con una playa urbana protegida y un paseo marítimo lleno de restaurantes. Ofrece un ambiente animado pero más familiar y tranquilo que las zonas de fiesta intensiva.
Las Américas
El centro neurálgico del turismo de sol y playa en el sur de Tenerife, caracterizado por grandes complejos hoteleros, centros comerciales y una vida nocturna muy activa. Es una zona construida específicamente para el turismo con amplias avenidas peatonales.
Arona Casco
El núcleo histórico y administrativo del municipio, situado en el interior lejos de la costa, que mantiene la arquitectura tradicional canaria y un ambiente rural auténtico. Es la zona donde se encuentra la vida local no turística y las fiestas patronales.
Costa del Silencio
Una urbanización residencial tranquila conocida por sus acantilados volcánicos y calas rocosas, alejada del ruido de los grandes centros turísticos. Su nombre proviene de la ausencia de viento en la zona, lo que crea un mar habitualmente en calma.
Los Gigantes
Un puerto pesquero y deportivo famoso por los impresionantes acantilados verticales que caen al mar desde gran altura. La zona combina viviendas locales con resorts turísticos orientados a la observación de cetáceos y el senderismo.
El Médano
Un barrio costero con ambiente bohemio y relajado, mundialmente conocido como destino principal para la práctica del windsurf y kitesurf debido a sus vientos constantes. Destaca por su gran playa de arena dorada y la montaña roja volcánica al fondo.
How to get to Arona
Arona is well connected by road and public transport. The Estación de Guaguas de Los Cristianos is the main bus hub, operated by TITSA, and the TF-1, TF-28, TF-66 and TF-51 roads structure the municipality.
| Medio | Duración | Precio aprox. | Frecuencia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autobús (TITSA) desde el aeropuerto Tenerife Sur | 20-30 min hasta Los Cristianos | 3-5 € | Varias salidas al día |
| Coche por TF-1 desde el aeropuerto Tenerife Sur | 15-20 min | Variable según alquiler | Acceso directo |
| Coche por TF-28 desde el norte de la isla | 1 h 15 min aprox. | Variable según alquiler | Acceso directo por medianías |
| Autobús urbano | Según trayecto | 1-3 € | Frecuencia diurna |
How to get around Arona
The municipality has an urban bus service connecting the main centres: Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Arona Casco and Valle San Lorenzo. To move between the coast and the medianías, the urban bus is the most practical option if you don’t have a car. The TF-1, TF-28, TF-66 and TF-51 roads allow quick journeys by private vehicle between the different neighbourhoods. If you stay in Los Cristianos or Playa de las Américas, much of the tourist life can be enjoyed on foot along their seafront promenades.
Weather in Arona
Live webcam — Los Cristianos*
Arona* The nearest webcam to Arona is in Los Cristianos, 6.9 km away.
Source: Windy Webcams
Best time to visit Arona
Day Trips from Arona
Arona is an excellent base for exploring southern Tenerife and its surroundings. Whale-watching boat trips depart from Los Cristianos, and by road you can quickly reach other coastal and mid-altitude settlements on the island. The nearby towns of the region offer a combination of fishing ports, cliffs, golden sandy beaches and historic old quarters that complement a visit to Arona.
Facts About Arona You Didn’t Know
The municipality was officially founded in 1798. That year Arona separated from the jurisdiction of Vilaflor, beginning its history as an independent municipality. Earlier, in 1625, Antón Domínguez “el Viejo” had received almost all the land from Los Cristianos to Los Quemados, and his son settled in the “Casitas de Altavista”, founding the chapel of San Antonio Abad.
Arona is home to the largest concentration of rock engravings in Tenerife. Most are found in Valle San Lorenzo, a fact that surprises those who associate the municipality only with sun-and-beach tourism. It is a testament to the Guanche presence in the area long before the conquest.
The Historic Complex of Arona has been a Site of Cultural Interest since 2006. Specifically since 3 April 2006, a designation that protects the founding area of the old town and its traditional Canarian architecture: single-storey houses, cobbled streets, open squares and old washing places.
A century-old lighthouse has watched over the southern coast since 1899. The Faro de Punta de Rasca, with its white tower and red bands, entered service more than 120 years ago and still emits a white light with a range of 17 nautical miles. It forms part of a protected natural setting that includes Guanche archaeological sites.
Who Is Arona For
Arona is a destination for almost everyone, but it shines especially for those looking to combine beach and heritage without giving up good food. Families will find in Los Cristianos a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, with a sheltered urban beach and seafront promenade. Nightlife lovers have in Playa de las Américas one of the epicentres of Canarian entertainment. Foodies and cultural travellers will enjoy Arona’s historic old town, its patron saint festivals and a cuisine that has been awarded on tapas routes. And backpackers and wind sports enthusiasts have in El Médano a bohemian refuge with first-class windsurfing and kitesurfing. With 897,344 travellers a year (INE) and an average stay of 6.69 nights, Arona is a destination that invites you to stay.
💡 ¿Sabías que...?
- ● El Conjunto Histórico de Arona fue declarado Bien de Interés Cultural el 3 de abril de 2006. (https://www.arona.org/portal/RecursosWeb/PAGINA/patrimoniohistorico/BICARONA.html)
- ● En 1798 Arona se separó de la jurisdicción de Vilaflor, comenzando su andadura histórica como municipio. (https://www.arona.org/portal/RecursosWeb/PAGINA/patrimoniohistorico/BICARONA.html)
- ● Arona alberga la mayor concentración de grabados rupestres de la isla de Tenerife, con la mayoría localizada en Valle San Lorenzo. (https://www.canariasenportada.com/arona-acoge-la-presentacion-del-libro-arona-una-aproximacion-al-paisaje-arqueologico-guanche-que-constata-la-relevancia-arqueologica-del-municipio/)
- ● La creación de la parroquia de San Antonio Abad y la festividad de San Antonio Abad son parte del patrimonio cultural de Arona. (https://www.soldelsurtenerife.com/articulo/arona/presentacion-nueva-edicion-libro-arona-recorrido-historia/20240527140724083127.html)
Frequently asked questions about Arona
How many days do I need to see Arona?
With 3-4 days you can combine Arona’s historic quarter, the Punta de Rasca Lighthouse, the Montaña de Guaza, Monkey Park and the beaches of Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas. If you want to add whale-watching trips or hiking routes through the La Rasca archaeological zone, add one more day. The average stay in Arona is 6.69 nights (INE), which gives you room to explore without rushing.
What is the best time to visit Arona?
With an average temperature of 23.8°C in summer and 19.0°C in winter, and annual rainfall of just 117.2 mm, Arona can be visited all year round. September is ideal if you want to experience the Fiestas Mayores in Honour of the Santísimo Cristo de la Salud and Nuestra Señora del Rosario, with processions, street parties and fireworks.
How do I get to Arona from Madrid?
The most common way is to fly to Tenerife South airport and from there take a TITSA bus (20-30 minutes to Los Cristianos) or drive along the TF-1 (15-20 minutes). The Estación de Guaguas de Los Cristianos is the municipality’s main bus hub.
Is Arona just beaches, or does it have cultural heritage?
Arona has significant cultural heritage: the Conjunto Histórico de Arona was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 2006, the Parroquia de San Antonio Abad is the municipality’s oldest church, and the Zona Arqueológica de La Rasca preserves traces of Guanche culture. Arona is also home to Tenerife’s largest concentration of rock engravings, most of them in Valle San Lorenzo.
Where can I find more practical information on opening times, tickets and what’s on?
You can check the official Arona tourism website, where you’ll find up-to-date information on opening times, attraction tickets, the calendar of festivities and food events such as ‘Saborea Arona’.