Police Crack Down on Illegal Settlements in Tenerife Amid Growing Housing Crisis
A major police operation in Arona, Tenerife, resulted in the sealing of 17 illegal structures and multiple arrests as authorities crack down on a growing crisis of unauthorized settlements across the island.
Urban planning issues in southern Tenerife reached a breaking point this Tuesday, July 21, following a major police operation in the Arona municipality. Authorities targeted "Los Vivitos," a rural area where a rise in illegal, makeshift housing forced a coordinated response between local officials and security forces.
The operation involved over 80 officers, including specialized Civil Guard units from the mainland, as well as National and Local Police. During the sweep, officials sealed 17 structures and inspected 64 properties. They identified 92 individuals, arrested one person with a criminal record, discovered a cockfighting ring, and seized narcotics. Additionally, 59 people are now facing administrative proceedings regarding their residency status.
This is not an isolated incident; it reflects a broader crisis across the coastal and mid-altitude regions of southern Tenerife. The growth of these settlements—built on protected or rural land where residential construction is banned—has placed unsustainable pressure on municipal services. With an estimated 4,000 people living in such conditions across a 30-kilometer stretch, local councils in Adeje, Granadilla, San Miguel, and Santiago del Teide are calling for urgent help from island and regional governments.
The situation in Arona, which saw a similar operation in August 2025, aligns with a recent report from Cáritas Diocesana. The study highlights the complexity of the issue, noting that these settlements house a mix of people, from European citizens seeking alternative lifestyles to local residents forced into squatting by a lack of affordable housing.
Frustrated by the inaction of the Canary Islands’ Natural Environment Agency, the Arona city council has taken the lead, warning that the Los Vivitos operation is just the first of several planned for the coming weeks. The conflict highlights a growing tension between environmental protection, public safety, and the housing crisis—a combination that local officials say has far exceeded their ability to manage alone.