Authorities Clear Illegal Settlements in Tenerife’s La Caleta Protected Area
Tenerife authorities have launched a joint operation to clear illegal settlements and unauthorized camping from the protected La Caleta Site of Scientific Interest to mitigate ongoing environmental damage.
Human pressure on protected ecosystems in southern Tenerife has once again put the La Caleta Site of Scientific Interest under the spotlight. Authorities from the Tenerife Island Council, the Canary Islands Police, and the Adeje Local Police recently launched a joint operation to clear illegal settlements from the coastal area.
The operation aimed to stop unauthorized camping, resulting in seven administrative complaints, the removal of two makeshift structures, and one formal summons. These patrols are part of an ongoing strategy to manage the 78.3-hectare site, where visitors frequently ignore restrictions on the three-kilometer stretch of coastline.
This area is vital for nesting seabirds and native plants, making it highly sensitive to human activity. Authorities have remained vigilant since a major 2020 cleanup, which saw the removal of nearly 1,800 tons of waste—including plastic, rubble, and organic debris—along with over a hundred illegal cabins and cave dwellings.
Despite these restoration efforts, the area continues to face sporadic occupations. The site has seen recurring issues, including a February operation that resulted in 25 reports, following a large party that drew nearly 70 people just weeks prior.
The Cabildo’s Natural Environment department states that these interventions are part of a broader, ongoing monitoring program that will extend to other sensitive locations across the south of the island. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing public recreation with the need to protect areas that are legally designated for their biological value.