News from Tenerife #10, a weekly summary of the past week’s highlights on your favourite website
In this series, we publish a selection of events and news from the past week. Each article in News from Tenerife #10 is a synthesis of various facts, actions, and incidents that are too brief to be presented as standalone articles.
Motor Circuit in Atogo
News from Tenerife #10/1
The Cabildo of Tenerife has allocated more than €13.5 million for the motor circuit in Atogo (Granadilla de Abona). This amount is included in the 2025 budget for the first phase of the motor complex. The government has awarded the project for €44.1 million with an execution period of 40 months.
The partial budget includes €13.3 million for the first phase of construction, €100,000 for the second phase of northern access roads, and €104,328 for the development of the international park.
The motor circuit, approved during the previous administration by CC, PP, and PSOE, represents just over 17% of mobility sector investments, which total €78.4 million. The works have been awarded to the temporary joint venture (Unión Temporal de Empresas – UTE) Sacyr Construcción SA-Contratas en Servicios Bahillo SL for €44,165,489, with a projected execution time of approximately 40 months.
The works include the construction of channels for three ravines, the installation of removable stands, a racetrack, a parking area, and an autocross circuit. During preliminary works, the company discovered protected animal species and potential archaeological findings, which were reported to the Cabildo to determine whether a new environmental declaration is necessary.
Strategic Projects on Tenerife
News from Tenerife #10/2
The Cabildo has earmarked just over €1.2 million in the 2025 island budget for planning and implementing strategic projects of island-wide importance, marking a 12.9% increase from the current year.
In addition to the motor circuit, six strategic projects have been outlined: the marina in Puerto de la Cruz, DISA-Granadilla, project SP1-01 (Granadilla industrial area), Adeje film city, expansion of Tenerife South Airport, and the marine theme park in Guía de Isora.
Three new projects have also been added: the new abattoir (Matadero Insular), the Añaza sociosanitary centre, and the revision of the modernization plan for Puerto de la Cruz.
The abattoir project is considered particularly important, as most planning and approval will take place in 2025. The modernization plan for Puerto de la Cruz focuses on essential facilities, equipment, and infrastructure vital to the municipality’s development. Finally, work has begun on the new Añaza sociosanitary centre, which aims to address “severe shortages” in public elderly care services.
Earthquake Under Puerto de la Cruz Felt in 14 Municipalities on Tenerife
News from Tenerife #10/3
On Saturday, 8 December 2024, an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.3 on the Richter scale occurred at a depth of 21 kilometers. The event was recorded by the National Geographic Institute (IGN) and was perceptible in urban areas.
The seismic activity, which occurred deep below the ground near Puerto de la Cruz, deviated from the usual tremors that are either too minor or entirely undetectable. This quake was felt in 14 municipalities on Tenerife, albeit as a subtle sensation experienced by residents.
Earthquakes on Tenerife are not uncommon, but this one was of a different magnitude. It took place shortly after 3:00 p.m., precisely at 3:04 p.m. The epicenter was located 21 kilometers beneath Puerto de la Cruz, an iconic tourist destination in the island’s north. Reports from 13 other municipalities further confirmed its impact, showcasing commendable public participation in scientific research.
The tremor was reported in Puerto de la Cruz neighborhoods such as El Durazno, San Fernando, El Tope, Taoro-Malpaís, and Las Arenas. Other municipalities that filed reports included Los Realejos, La Orotava, Santa Úrsula, Candelaria, Güímar, Tacoronte, El Sauzal, La Matanza de Acentejo, La Victoria de Acentejo, La Laguna, Garachico, and La Guancha. Residents likened the sensation to a large truck driving past.
Saboteur of Phone and Electricity Lines Arrested in Tenerife
News from Tenerife #10/4
The Civil Guard has arrested a man accused of committing at least 25 acts of sabotage targeting various telecommunications infrastructures, photovoltaic platforms, and wind turbines. These actions caused significant damage in multiple municipalities in the south of Tenerife, including Arona, Adeje, Santiago del Teide, Arico, and Granadilla de Abona.
The investigation began following numerous complaints from citizens, emergency services, and affected companies regarding the damage to networks. The suspect used improvised explosive/incendiary devices, which he crafted manually and placed in remote, isolated, and hard-to-reach locations.
After thorough investigation by the Civil Guard, the perpetrator was identified and detained. The suspect, a 58-year-old man from the municipality of Adeje (Tenerife), was subsequently subjected to a search of his home and vehicle. During these searches, officers found substantial evidence necessary to prove the 25 acts of sabotage.
The operation was carried out by agents from the Civil Guard’s Information Service, along with other units and specialists. The pre-selected targets were infrastructures within wind farms and renewable energy projects. The suspect employed self-protection measures, security protocols, and counter-surveillance tactics to avoid detection or being linked to his crimes. He used mechanical tools to breach perimeter fences and disable the security cameras of the facilities, allowing him to gain access to the installations. Once inside, he cut cables and/or used the improvised devices to cause fires and destruction.
Vandalism at the Arts Shopping Centre in Playa de las Américas
News from Tenerife #10/5
The vandals, whose identities remain unknown, caused damage to the facade of the shopping centre as well as the sculptures and artworks that adorn the site. The graffiti not only harms the aesthetics of the location but also delivers a significant blow to the entrepreneurs who have worked tirelessly to maintain this iconic shopping centre.
This act of vandalism represents not only considerable material damage but also a direct attack on the core of the local economy and the international reputation of the municipality. It is essential to defend cultural and commercial heritage, especially as it forms an integral part of what makes Playa de las Américas an attractive destination for visitors from around the world.
Local authorities have increased security measures in the area and announced that an investigation is underway to identify those responsible for these acts. The community hopes that this alarming incident will not tarnish Playa de las Américas’ reputation and that both the shopping centre and the spirit of harmony will be swiftly restored, allowing this iconic venue to finally reopen its doors to the public.
Renovation of the Teno Lighthouse
News from Tenerife #10/6
The Cabildo of Tenerife will commence the renovation of the Teno Lighthouse in January 2025. The project includes improvements to access roads, parking areas for authorized vehicles, and the creation of a turning zone. The investment totals €1,646,651.60 and is funded by the European Union’s Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, supported by Next Generation EU. The project is expected to take ten months to complete.
This initiative is of great importance, not only for the restoration of a piece of heritage but also to make it accessible to the public. The interpretation center will highlight the cultural and social values of the Parque Rural de Teno and transform the lighthouse into a local economic attraction.
The lighthouse will be equipped with modern facilities to emphasize the cultural and social significance of the Parque Rural de Teno. Water and electricity supplies will be installed throughout the building, and the property will be adapted to potentially house a café or restaurant. Additional features include underground toilets and storage facilities.
Furthermore, improvements will be made to mobility infrastructure in the area, alongside landscaping efforts to enhance the natural surroundings while minimizing the environmental impact of the works.
The Cabildo and the municipality of Buenavista have agreed to execute the renovation of the lighthouse and the surrounding infrastructure simultaneously. The project is expected to take ten months. During this period, access to Punta de Teno will remain closed to vehicular traffic both day and night, except for authorized vehicles and public transport operated by Titsa within the established schedules.
These events and developments significantly impact life on Tenerife, highlighting the island’s diverse challenges, advancements, and opportunities.
Unknown © Photography
News from Tenerife #10 ©
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