A stroll around Arona

English

A strollaround Arona

3The cliffs of Rasca.

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This brochure is for you, as you are already here, to bring you closer to us.

We invite you to enjoy our sun all year round, our coasts bathed by Atlantic waters, leisure by day and by night, enjoyment, relaxation, walks in the countryside and amongst historical settings. A thousand ways to give yourself a change of scenery and go your own way. Arona for you…

In every sense.

¿Why ARONA?

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Arona, on the southern-facing slopes of Tenerife, is the third most populated municipality on the island, thus emerging as a major urban area and in addition as the most populated town in the south of the Canary Islands.

Arona, extending over almost 82 km2, and 610 metres above sea-level, offers visitors an unending list of possibilities.

Thousands of visitors choose this destination every year to spend their holidays thanks to the rich variety of proposals Arona has to offer. Here

you will find different enclaves which are a pleasure for your senses. Every one of them unveils a journey through picturesque places, where history has given way to the present, nevertheless leaving its indelible mark true to the passing of time.

Four places... Four ways for you to discover the best of Playa de Las Américas, Los Cristianos, Las Galletas and Historical Arona.

These sightseeing spots make up the essence of Arona.Welcome to a journey for your senses!

ARONA-Tenerife Sur• Los Cristianos• Playa de Las Américas• Las Galletas• Arona histórica

Four placesFour ways

to seduce you

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ARONA

Los Cristianos

Arona

Las Galletas

Playa de Las Américas

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Los Cristianos draws the line between sea traditions of past decades and the growth of tourism after the first tourists arrived in the 60s.

Its bay is the faithful witness of the change from being a fishing village to a cosmopolitan lively town where past and present walk hand in hand. Los Cristianos, loyal to its deeply-rooted traditions, offers a fusion between pure local ambiance and a tourist spot where hospitality comes first.

Los Cristianospast and present

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DON’T FORGET TO VISIT...

Playa de las Vistas esPlanade

One of the most well known due to its length and services, Playa de Las Vistas stretches over almost one kilometre of the esplanade that joins Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Américas.

A stroll along this area of the coastline can be a real pleasure at any time of day. There are plenty of establishments offering their services all along the esplanade.

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Montaña de Chayofita

This nature reserve rises up behind the esplanade.

Easily accessible on foot after a brief walk from Montaña de Chayofita, there is an excellent panoramic view of Playa de Las Vistas and part of Playa de Las Américas. Without doubt a spot from which it is worth capturing the scenery beneath our feet.

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Playa de los Cristianos

The glimmers of its fishing past can still be seen at this historical beach, remaining to this day.

Tourists and local residents both visit this beach which is characterised by its calm waters and fine sand.

It was here that the first Swedish tourists came in search of good weather both in summer and in winter, and for the quality of its water. The beneficial therapeutic effect on their illnesses turned Los Cristianos into a meeting point for Nordic tourism, so generating the birth of tourism in the south of the island of Tenerife at the beginning of the 60s, and thus making Arona a benchmark in tourism world-wide.

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the QUay

The small quay is still today a mooring point for small boats belonging to fishermen and for leisure boats.

Various boats make their departure from this point daily for the sighting of cetaceans, whose habitat is just a few miles off Los Cristianos. Cetacean is a term that groups together the animals we know as whales, dolphins and porpoises. Several species can be seen on our coastline every day, such as the short-finned pilot whale, the bottlenose dolphin and the Atlantic spotted dolphin. Specialised boats depart daily for sightings. A treat for sea and cetacean-lovers. You can get more information and buy your tickets on the quay itself.

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los Cristianos esPlanade

Playa de los Cristianos is lined by the esplanade, a meeting point for locals and visitors.

There are representative sculptures all along here, such as “La Pescadera”, in honour of all those women who in the old days lived off the fish they sold at the traditional fish market, which still exists today. Another representative element is the statue of Virgen del Carmen, Patron Saint of fishermen, an

element that evokes the tradition of a sea-faring people. On the first Sunday in September the boats are all adorned for a procession on the sea full of colour and fireworks.

Equally important are the ‘Los Cetáceos’ sculptures, themed on these animals. Through them Fernando Mena brings out the peculiarity of these precious mammals found off our coastline.

The boat located on the Esplanade reflects the sea-faring tradition. This is the hallmark of the sea-faring settlement that Los Cristianos was, and still is.

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los Cristianos Pedestrian shoPPing area. Market

There are plenty of shops of various types for tourists and residents to spend some leisure and shopping time in Los Cristianos.

Taking a wander around the pedestrian shopping area can be really gratifying. Passers-by can take a rest at the various terraced bars and restaurants in this area. The Sunday Market in Los Cristianos takes place every Sunday of the year where it is easy to lose track of time wandering around the multi-coloured stalls offered to the public.

Parish of nUestra señora del CarMen

The Parish of Nuestra Señora del Carmen was built right in the middle of Plaza de Los Cristianos

The first Chapel was built in 1924, after all the inhabitants of Los Cristianos worked together to collaborate. The wealthy families contributed financially while the more humble residents did so with their personal effort. All of this coincided with the first festivities in honour of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Carmen. From that time until now, the festive customs that perpetuate the identity of a people who still feel the virgin to be part of them, continue to prevail.

Towards the end of the 80’s, the Plaza and the Parish of Virgen del Carmen changed in appearance. The old Chapel was demolished, as it was considered insufficient for the great population growth. On the 23rd of December1990 the one we can now contemplate was blessed.

los Cristianos CUltUral Centre

This space is considered the hub of cultural life in Los Cristianos.

Exhibitions that are constantly renewed allow visitors to contemplate the works of different artists.

This cultural centre is the meeting point for leisure-cultural activities. There is a library for residents and tourists to read the daily press or any book of interest.

The auditorium is the perfect place for holding performances and concerts of all different kinds. Here, visitors can experiment musical events from the purest Canary Island folk music, through fusion music from different parts of the world to the chords of classical music. Theatre, jazz concerts, gospel and activities of every kind fit in here perfectly. Without doubt the perfect scenario for any type of celebration.

nightlife in los Cristianos

Nightlife in Los Cristianos takes centre stage.

San Telmo Shopping Centre has pubs and clubs for all tastes. Terraced bars, chill out zones, varied music, all right by the sea make nightlife in Los Cristianos a luxury 365 days a year.

LOS CRISTIANOS PAST AND PRESENT

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TAKE HOME A PHOTOGRAPH OF

1. Playa de las Vistas esPlanade

2. Playa de los Cristianos

3. CetaCean sCUlPtUres

4. “la PesCadera” MonUMent

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PLACES OF INTEREST IN LOS CRISTIANOS

Playa de las Vistas esPlanade 1

Montaña Chayofita 2

Playa de los Cristianos 3

the QUay 4

los Cristianos esPlanade 5

Pedestrian shoPPing area 6

Market 7

Parish of Virgen del CarMen 8

los Cristianos CUltUral Centre 9

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Montaña de Guaza

Golf Las Américas

Playa de Las Vistas


Playa del Camisón

Playa de Los Cristianos

Motorway TF-1S/C de Tenerife

Carretera de Las Galletas

AronATeide national ParkAdeje

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Los CristianosLas Américas

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Playa de Las Américas is one of the most important tourist spots in south Tenerife.

It is worth highlighting its wide range of modern, high quality hotel accommodation together with a host of leisure activities for all the family to enjoy. Take a stroll along one of its broad, palm tree-lined avenues where you will come across and lose yourself in the magical atmosphere of Playa de Las Américas.

Playa de Las Américaseverything you can imagine

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the esPlanade

Let the sea breeze blow gently around you over the 2 kilometres of esplanade that border the shoreline of Playa de Las Américas.

You’ll discover all the nooks and crannies of the coastline, dotted with its different beaches. Have a relaxing drink in one of the terraced bars while you enjoy the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

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the “golden Mile” shoPPing area

Right in the centre of Playa de Las Américas you will find one of the biggest shopping areas on the island.

n the ‘’Golden Mile’’, as this avenue of shopping centres is known,you have at your disposal the most prestigious shops and best known brand names, where youwill be offered the latest fashion trends. Enjoy a morning’s shopping and take advantage to sample the best international cuisine in any one of a number of restaurants along the way.

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Playa del CaMisón

This beach is the perfect place to relax in the sun on its fine, golden sand.

Its crystal clear waters are the best invitation for a quiet dip, or perhaps you would rather try out new sensations with one of the many water activities that are offered on this beach..

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Crazy golf

The ideal place for fun with all the family.

Entertainment is guaranteed along a course full of light and colour in the midst of an exotic Cactus Garden.

Place Avda. Las Américas. Parque Santiago VOpening times Daily from 10:00 to 00:00 Telephone 922 746 103Web www.parquesantiago.com

toUrist train

Why not enjoy a more comfortable, easy and fun trip along Playa de Las Américas and Los Cristianos?

In just over an hour on the Tourist Train you will not miss out on any corner of these two areas..

Place Avda. Rafael Puig esquina Avda. Santiago Puig (apartments Colón I)Timetable Daily from 10:00 to 22:00

PLAYA DE LAS AMÉRICAS AT NIGHT

sUnset / sCUlPtUres

Begin the evening by witnessing one of Nature’s most amazing spectacles.

Take a seat on the shore of the Atlantic and enjoy one of the best sunsets in Tenerife, accompanied by an incomparable view of La Gomera, our neighbouring island. Watch how the sun beams pierce through the irregular shapes of the figures designed by sculptors Juan López Salvador and Drago Díaz. Close your eyes and let your imagination wander. A magical sunset where emotions run high.

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safari shoPPing Centre foUntain

There is no better way to end the day than relaxing with this show full of light and colour.

Every night, this signature fountain found in one of the best known shopping centres in Playa de Las Américas, comes into its own with its lights in rhythm to the music. Without a doubt a real pleasure for the senses.

Place Centro Comercial SafariTimetable Invierno: 20:00, 21:00, 22:00 h Summer: 21:00, 22:00 and 23:00 h

horse and Cart ride

Discover every hidden corner of Playa de Las Américas in a unique way.

After a perfect dinner, enjoy a romantic ride with your partner or admire the trip calmly with your family. It will no doubt be an unforgettable experience on your holiday.

Timetable Open daily 20:00 - 23:30 hrs aprox.

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CarMen Mota Ballet

This magnificent ballet under the direction of one of the most prestigious choreographers in Spain offers every evening her show on the best possible stage: The Pyramid of Arona.

Let yourself be captivated by this ballet which combines flamenco and contemporary touches adorned with brushes of new dance tendencies.

Place The Pyramid of AronaTimetable Mondays and Wednesdays: 19:30 hrs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays: 21:30 hrs Friday: 10:00 hrsTelephone 922 757 549 e-mail [email protected]

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ClUBs / terraCed Bars

To end the evening, we invite you to discover the wide range of night entertainment offered in Playa de Las Américas.

In the Verónicas area, or in the Starco Shopping Centre you can surround yourself in a more international setting and meet people from all over the world. On the other hand, if you fancy a drink and good music, you will find great variety of places on the rest of Playa de Las Américas to suit all tastes.

PLAYA DE LAS AMÉRICAS PAST AND PRESENT

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1. sUnset

2. sCUlPtUres. esPlanade With a VieW of la goMera

3. the PyraMid of arona

4. safari shoPPing Centre foUntain

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PLACES OF INTEREST INPLAYA DE LAS AMÉRICAS

Playa del Camisón

las aMÉriCas esPlanade 1

golden Mile (shopping area) 2

Playa del CaMisón 3

Crazy golf 4

sUnset / sCUlPtUres 5

light and MUsiC foUntain/ safari shoPPing Centre

the PyraMid of arona 7

Bars and ClUBs 8

Playa de Las Vistas


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Los CristianosLas Américas

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Water, symbol of life, is the essence of this seafaring village located in the southeast of the municipality of Arona. Feel the blueness of the sky, breathe the smell of the sea and let its calmness envelop you.

Wander through its streets and mingle with its people. Live its traditions and participate in its festivities every year in the months of July (Virgen del Carmen) and August (San Casiano).

Playa de Las Galletas Costa del Silencio a sea of life


Marina del sUr

These modern installations greet visitors at the entrance to Las Galletas.

Inaugurated in 2007, there is room for 153 vessels. From this port you can go on the cetacean sighting trips offered by a number of boats. Inside the building you will find several restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy matchless views from a front-row seat..

fish Market

From early morning the fishermen commence their daily tasks in Las Galletas port.

Every day you will find in the market a wide range of fresh fish just caught off our shores. You can’t miss the opportunity to try one of our delicious and varied traditional Canary Island dishes where the focus is on fish. Come and breathe this village’s real seafaring atmosphere.

ChUrCh

The church in Las Galletas is called the Parish of San Casiano, alluding to Don Casiano, who, when the church was founded, owned practically all the land belonging to the village of Las Galletas.

The present church was built in 1977 and is characterised by its simple, functional style. It is located in the Rambla, adjacent to the Cultural Centre, hub of social and cultural life in Las Galletas. Inside, in the central nave, there is a statue of Cristo Resucitado, the resurrected Christ, and on both sides of the altar, images of San Casiano and Nuestra Señora del Carmen, joint Patron Saint of Las Galletas.

raMBla dionisio gonzález delgado

Leisure activities in Las Galletas are concentrated in this lengthy avenue.

It is here that the most important events during the festivities take place, as well as offering activities for children on certain days of the week, such as play areas, bouncy castles, children’s playgrounds, etc..

Pedestrian shoPPing area

In the centre of Las Galletas you will find a wide range of shops to choose from.

Take a pleasant walk through its pedestrian streets, visit its little shops and perhaps find a special treat to buy or that perfect holiday souvenir.

Costa del silenCio WalkWay

Very close to Las Galletas you will find Costa del Silencio.

This peaceful area is characterised by its small buildings dedicated to residential tourism. The esplanade follows the coastline, the perfect place from which to admire its abrupt shoreline, and, sea permitting, to enjoy a refreshing swim in its crystal clear waters.

LAS GALLETAS PAST AND PRESENT TAKE HOME A PHOTOGRAPH OF

1. Marina del sUr

2. Playa de las galletas

3. Costa del silenCio WalkWay

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Marina del sUr 1

fish Market 2

ChUrCh 3

raMBla dionisio rgUez. delgado 4

Pedestrian shoPPing area 5

Costa del silenCio WalkWay 6

PLACES OF INTEREST INLAS GALLETAS – COSTA DEL SILENCIO

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TF-1 1 MotorwayPlaya de Los CristianosPalm-Mar

GuargachoLas Chafiras

TF-1 1 Motorway

Playa de Las Galletas

“Charco del baño”

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The middle altitude zones of the municipality of Arona are where the capital and historical town centre are to be found.

Characterised as the hub of political life, with the Town Hall as the representative element, this place was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in the year 2006.

The wealth of historical attractions in the town of Arona enables tourists to savour this open-air museum, endowed with an architectural and scenic splendour bestowed on it by the traditional Canary Island atmosphere and the natural surroundings.

The celebration of the Procession in honour of San Antonio Abad (on the nearest Sunday to the 17th of January) and the Festivities in honour of Cristo de la Salud (1st weekend in October) are a true reflection of the traditions and customs firmly rooted in Arona.

ARONA an open-air museum

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Parish of san antonio aBad.Plaza del Cristo

The most important buildings are located around Plaza del Cristo de La Salud, the heart of the village.

Here we find the Parish of San Antonio Abad, built towards the end of the 18th century and renovated on several occasions until the present day. It has a basilica-shaped layout with a small chapel destined to Baptistery from the mid 30s. The gabled roof crowns the main façade which has a stone-made semi-circular arched entrance, repeated in the side façade, and a semi-circular arched window with a wooden balcony. The double stone cornice with scroll ends frames a two-storey semi-circular arched stone belfry decorated with scrolls. The Parish houses the images of Cristo de La Salud, San Antonio Abad and the Virgen del Rosario.

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arona toWn hall

The Town Hall is the centre of political life and is located in Plaza del Cristo de la Salud.

Its traditional aspect is in line with traditional Canary Island architecture, so deeply linked with Arona’s history.

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the MastiC tree, an eleMent that identifies the MUniCiPality of arona

The Mastic tree (pistacia atlantica) is a tree plant species widely distributed in the municipality of Arona.

Due to its geographical location, a large part of Arona’s municipality presents optimum conditions for the natural reproduction of mastic trees, and it is this tree that makes the vegetation cover of Arona so unique.

The presence of this indigenous plant species, together with the uses and applications that its characteristics offered the local people, and its unique beauty and robustness, managed to captivate the people of Arona who chose it as the emblematic symbol to represent all the municipality.

It was the memory of the disappeared great Mastic tree of Arona (old quarter) that promoted the adoption of the latter as the representative element on the Heraldic Shield. Nowadays it has been retrieved as an element of urban decoration, and can be found in public gardens or in the Town Hall Square.

traditional Canary island arChiteCtUre

A pleasant walk through the cobbled streets of historic Arona becomes a journey through traditional Canary Island architecture.

Many of the houses are in an acceptable state of conservation, and reflect the specific features of domestic architecture in the rural sphere. The architectural forms seen in the old quarter reflect, to a great degree, the specific features of traditional architecture; although modified by stylistic trends imposed throughout the 19th century. The dwellings are spacious, arranged around a central patio, the rooms communicating via corridors. Variations offer a symmetric distribution of openings in the façade, sash windows predominating with no balconies and either tiled roofs or a rooftop terrace. As a whole the dwellings alternate between two-storied houses, linked to the more wealthy country middle classes. A second type of dwelling corresponded to a single storey house or “terrera”, associated with the more humble population.

el CalVario

This representative element is characterised by the use of reddish stonework, not at all common in Canary Island stations of the cross.

Here there is a modest chapel with the image of the crucified Christ, one of the main exponents of Holy Week in Arona. The views from this spot are fabulous, a haven of calmness and peace.

(Foto Rici)

the old CaMino real

The Camino Real is a place of historic interest, a faithful witness to the daily comings and goings of the local people.

With their farm-based economy, many travellers passed by accompanied by their pack animals, thus forging the path that has been a witness of the passing of the years. These days it is possible to see an oven and a communal threshing floor in this spot.

(Foto Rici)

san antonio Cross

Crosses were representative elements placed in the old days at the entrance or exit of villages.

The San Antonio Cross is characterised by being a Latin cross made of wood; it is placed on a spot from which any visitor can revel in the excellent

panoramic view of the Municipality of Arona seen from there. It is here that every Sunday nearest to the 17th of January the traditional

Procession in honour of San Antonio Abad comes to an end.

the PUBliC Washing PlaCe

Located in the area known as Caré, it is very close to the San Antonio Cross is characterised…

The public washing place is made up of a circular deposit, fed by two spouts, whose parapet acts as a washing place due to its concave shape.

It is in an area of great beauty. One of the stones reads ‘’Year 1863’’. Together with the washing place and water deposit as a whole, there are several irrigation ditches and an underground cistern.

Fully operative until the mid 50s, the public washing place was a silent witness to the daily conversations of the local women, who found a meeting point in this place for their daily chores.

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1. faÇade of the san antonio aBad Parish ChUrCh

2. area of traditional loCal arChiteCtUre and CoBBled streets (as representative elements of Arona as an Asset of Cultural Interest)

3. the CaMino real

4. PanoraMiC view from the san antonio Cross

ARONA PAST AND PRESENT


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TF-51Arona-Vilaflor

TF-51Los Cristianos

PLACES IN HISTORICAL ARONA

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Parish of san antonio aBad / Plaza del Cristo

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arona toWn hall 2

MastiC tree 3

traditional Canary island arChiteCtUre 4

el CalVario 5

the old CaMino real

san antonio Cross 7

the PUBliC Washing PlaCe 8

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PLAYA de LAS AMÉRICAS

Plaza del City Center.38660 Playa de Las Américas.Tel: 922 797 668 Fax: 922 757 198Mail: [email protected] - Fridays: 9.00 - 21.00 h.Weekends: 9.00 a 16.00 h.

PLAYA de LAS VISTAS

Playa de Las Vistas Esplanade.38650 Playa de Los Cristianos.Tel: 922 787 011 Fax: 922 750 444Mail: [email protected] - Fridays: 9.00 - 21.00 h.Weekends: 9.00 a 16.00 h.

PLAYA de LAS GALLETAS

Dionisio González Delgado Esplanade.38631 Playa de Las Galletas.Tel: 922 730 133 Fax: 922 735 504Mail: [email protected] - Fridays: 9.00 a 15.30 h.

MUNICIPAL BOARD OF TOURISM of THE TOWN HALL OF ARONA

C/ Calvario, 5. 38640. Arona.Tel: 922 725 203 / 922 725 180 Fax: 922 725 186Mail: [email protected] - Fridays: 9.00 a 14.00 h.

TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES

www.arona.travel

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A stroll around Arona

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