Arona’s Los Tarajales Beach Faces Permanent Loss Amid Port Expansion and Restoration Delays

The decline of the coastline in Los Cristianos, Arona, is no longer just a local issue; it has become a clear sign of the conflict between port expansion and sustainable tourism. A recent investigation shows that Los Tarajales beach, once a seamless stretch of sand, has been physically transformed, losing its functionality and damaging its ecosystem. Experts directly link these changes to the development of the local port.

Technical studies confirm that the coastline has been permanently altered by port growth, particularly since construction began in the mid-1980s. Sand that once formed the beach now collects inside the pier, where it must be removed to keep maritime operations running. Specialists also point to the loss of seagrass and the growth of algae in warmer waters as clear signs that the bay’s health is at risk.

Local resident Jorge Bello and his community group warn that the area risks becoming obsolete if this trend continues. The loss of this recreational space damages both the natural environment and the local tourism industry, which has long relied on its beaches as a primary attraction.

While the issue has reached government officials, progress remains uncertain. In 2022, the Arona City Council and the central government agreed to spend two million euros to restore the beach by 2026. However, the project’s management is under scrutiny. During the approval process, opposition members questioned whether the council has the technical expertise to handle such a complex maritime project, noting that previous, larger projects have stalled in the past.

With the 2026 deadline approaching, the local government has remained silent on the project's progress and how the funds are being used. This lack of transparency raises serious doubts about whether Los Tarajales will ever be restored or if administrative inaction will lead to the permanent loss of one of Arona’s most iconic beaches.