Tenerife's La Centinela Heritage Project Stalls Amid Disrepair
Canary Islands social archaeology group Imastanen has condemned the "deplorable" abandoned and vandalized state of Tenerife's La Centinela viewpoint, originally planned as an archaeological interpretation center, despite the Island Council's 1.4 million euro restoration project being stalled in a negotiation phase.
The La Centinela viewpoint building, located in San Miguel de Abona within the protected Roque de Jama area, was originally planned to be Tenerife's first archaeological interpretation center. However, over the years, this project has become another example of the poor management of the island's ancient Guanche heritage.
The site remains closed, in disrepair, and without a clear opening date. This is despite its location in the Abona region, an area rich in archaeological sites and numerous ancient rock carvings.
Since its construction, various alternative uses have been suggested for the complex, ranging from a hospitality school with a restaurant to initiatives linked to private interests. This lack of clear direction has been made worse by disagreements over which authority is responsible for the site.
In 2022, the Tenerife Island Council (Cabildo) finally took over the management of the viewpoint. This followed a long and complex process, largely due to the site's location on the border between Arona and San Miguel, with both municipalities interested in its operation.
In 2023, the Island Administration announced plans to update the viewpoint, confirming it would house an interpretation center. This announcement had the support of the Canary Islands Government, and representatives from both local town councils were present.
In September 2025, Imastanen, a social archaeology group based in the Canary Islands, released a statement warning about the building's abandoned state. They described the situation as "deplorable," noting "a broken padlock, clear signs of vandalism, rubble, broken windows, and forced doors." Although the local police were informed, the collective reported that a week later, no preventative actions had been taken.
For the collective, the project holds strategic value that goes beyond just the building itself. Their spokesperson, Sixto García, told this newspaper that it "would be the first center that could join a network of similar museums. It's urgently needed as a place for students, young people, and anyone interested to learn about our indigenous heritage." He added that the current management's performance is "a total disappointment."
The spokesperson also pointed out that the 2019 Canary Islands Cultural Heritage Law clearly states that spreading awareness, protecting, and preserving heritage are key responsibilities.
Meanwhile, sources from the Tenerife Island Council (Cabildo) stated that the contract for the restoration and repair work at the La Centinela viewpoint was approved in September of last year.
This project, which involves a planned investment of 1.4 million euros and a nine-month timeline, was initially halted when the tender process failed. It has now moved into a negotiation phase, where it currently stands.
However, the collective mentioned that in October, the San Miguel Town Council informed them that the works had begun.