El Sauzal Expands Coastal Protections to Secure Public Access and Prevent Development

The coast of El Sauzal is entering a new phase of legal protection. According to the Official Gazette of the Province, the General Directorate for the Coast and the Sea has begun the process of updating and expanding the boundaries of the public maritime-terrestrial zone along a 1.6-kilometer stretch between Punta del Puertito and Barranco Cabrera. This move replaces outdated 2002 boundaries, strengthening legal safeguards to restrict development and ensure the area remains open for public use.

This decision marks the final step in a long-term effort to reclaim the coastline. Between 2006 and 2010, following significant public pressure, 418 illegally built properties were demolished in this area. The land was subsequently restored with new public features, including a 1,500-meter pedestrian walkway, viewpoints, and native vegetation. This new administrative boundary serves to legally cement those improvements and protect the area from future encroachment.

To further support these efforts, the Tenerife Island Council (Cabildo de Tenerife) has extended funding and the project timeline for the Costa de Rojas promenade until August 2028. With an investment of over 602,000 euros, the project aims to better connect the coastline, improve access to swimming areas, and enhance safety for visitors.

The current proposal, now open for public review, defines both the public domain and the protected easement zone, which is essential for maintaining public access to the shore. By combining these legal protections with ongoing infrastructure investments, local and state authorities aim to finalize the recovery of the El Sauzal coastline, ensuring it remains protected under the Coastal Law, which limits development to only the most exceptional circumstances.