Illegal shelters in Tenerife, mostly self-built constructions, in protected areas prompt discussions among mayors.
These types of housing usually consist of simple, self-built constructions made from concrete blocks, corrugated sheets, wood, or recycled building materials. Sometimes, tarpaulins or textiles are used to cover the structures.
These homes are often located in remote areas and are frequently not resistant to extreme weather conditions. Moreover, living in protected natural areas is prohibited by law, and that’s where the problem lies.
Abuse
The mayors of the nine municipalities in the south of Tenerife expressed their deep concern about the increase in settlements in protected areas. Additionally, they are calling once again for a full-fledged hospital and a healthcare centre.
They met in Arona to jointly tackle the main challenges of the region. During the meeting, they reaffirmed their political commitment to a coordinated strategy to promote sustainable development, improve crucial infrastructure, and manage territorial planning together. They also stated that not all settlements stem from a primary housing need; some are used as second homes or even for tourism purposes.
Looking for a solution
The meeting was attended by: Fátima Lemes (Arona), José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga (Adeje), Olivia Delgado (Arico), Javier González (Fasnia), José Domingo Regalado (Granadilla de Abona), Ana Dorta (Guía de Isora), Arturo González (San Miguel de Abona), Emilio Navarro (Santiago del Teide), and Agustina Beltrán (Vilaflor de Chasna).
To address the issue of illegal shelters in Tenerife, it was agreed to prepare a technical report that outlines the extent of the problem and present it to the competent authorities, aiming to find a coordinated solution that ensures both the right to housing and the preservation of the territory.
Social care
The mayors of the southern region also unanimously raised their voices to demand that the Southern Hospital finally be developed into a full-fledged facility, with all the necessary services to care for the population with dignity. They recalled that this is not a new request but a historical demand from a region experiencing continuous demographic and tourist growth.
They also emphasised the urgent need to expand the number of social-healthcare places, which are currently, in many cases, occupied by patients who have been medically discharged but have nowhere else to go. In this regard, it was agreed to request updated information from the various authorities on the status of this project.
During the meeting, the Tenerife South Airport and the port of Los Cristianos were also discussed.
Airport
The mayors acknowledged the improvements implemented by AENA at and around the airport, but they agreed that these were insufficient. They demanded the immediate modernisation of the control tower to avoid delays and urgent intervention in the gardens and outdoor areas, whose appearance directly affects the destination’s tourism image.
The nine mayors stressed that an international airport must match the prestige of southern Tenerife as a global tourist reference, and they urged AENA, the body that manages the national airport network, to prioritise these actions, as they are considered essential.
Los Cristianos
The saturation of the port of Los Cristianos was another major topic discussed at the meeting. Together, they pointed out its negative impact on mobility and proposed the use of the port of Granadilla de Abona as an alternative, which is currently underutilised. If technical feasibility is confirmed, they believe this measure could ease maritime traffic with the green islands and relieve the centre of Arona.
The meeting’s agenda also included cultural prospects. Among them, preparations led by the municipality of Vilaflor de Chasna stood out for the 2026 commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the birth of Santo Hermano Pedro, the first saint of the Canary Islands. An event that, according to the mayors, holds great identity value.
Unknown © Photography
Illegal shelters in Tenerife ©
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