El Médano beach in Tenerife with surfers and Montaña Roja in the background.

Granadilla de Abona

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Granadilla is a successful combination of the old and the new. The Church of San Antonio de Padua is one of its main treasures, surrounded by other historic buildings that make the entire town centre a treat to discover. The coast of Granadilla has wonderful settings such as El Médano, a true paradise for water sports lovers, including windsurfing and kitesurfing, with a chilled bohemian atmosphere that suits the locals and tourists, many of which have fallen in love with this idyllic spot.

Granadilla de Abona covers a surface area of 155 km2 (59.8 sq miles) in southern Tenerife. This is the Island's third largest municipality, which goes all the way up to the Guajara Mountain, at an altitude of 2,718 m (8,917 ft). Granadilla comprises the regions of Chasna, Fasnia, Arico, Vilaflor de Chasna, San Miguel de Abona and Arona. Out of all of those municipalities, Granadilla de Abona is the one with the most Assets of Cultural Interest. It is believed that Granadilla de Abona was where the last members of the resistance held out against the Spanish conquest, and that it was visited by the fleet of Fernando de Magallanes on his first trip around the world.

The Reina Sofía Airport, also known as Tenerife South Airport, is also inside the municipal area of Granadilla de Abona. It was opened in 1978 and links the Island to hundreds of destinations in Spain and all over the world. Located just 20 minutes away from the areas of Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas, most of its passengers are tourists. It operates 24 hours a day and there are over 150 companies working in its facilities. The beaches of La Tejita and El Médano are really close to the airport and are a hugely popular place with tourists and locals because of their laid-back, surfy vibe.

The area is also full of fun and relaxing things to do and see for nature lovers. Granadilla de Abona is the world's first municipality to be recognised as a Starlight Tourist Destination. The natural monuments of Montaña Pelada, Los Derriscaderos and Montaña Colorada provide a variety of landscapes of great geological and natural interest. The municipality of Granadilla de Abona also houses the cave of Santo Hermano Pedro, which is dedicated to Tenerife's saint Pedro de San José Betancur. Born in 1626, Pedro de San José Betancur took care of his sheep and his family from a very early age, and this is the cave where he would stop to rest with his flock. Inside the cave is a wooden statue of the saint and outside it is an altar for the Eucharist.

The municipal parish church of San Antonio de Padua is considered an Asset of Cultural Interest. Built in several stages over the course of the 18th and 19th century, it contains a number of religious figures and altarpieces of significant cultural and historic value.

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The best way to discover the municipality's historic and cultural heritage is to follow na urban route around the historic quarter of Granadilla de Abona. We suggest you start at the Chapel of El Calvario, which was built in 1882 to bless everyone as they entered or left the city. The next stop is the 17th century monastery of San Luis, which was used as a home for the Franciscan monks. Throughout history, the monastery has been destroyed several times (once in 1745, again in 1963 and lastly in the 1990s), after which it was rebuilt and adapted to house the municipal library, an events hall and an exhibition hall. Before heading to the History Museum on Calle Arquitecto Marrero, visitors should stop off at the tobacco drying site, which was built in 1878.

The next landmark in the historic quarter of Granadilla de Abona is the Church of San Antonio de Padua, which is worth visiting to admire the religious artwork inside. Nearby is the spring known as Fuente del Lagar, around which the first of the municipality's hamlets emerged and which was believed to be inhabited by the Guanches due to the convenience of the water supply. The route ends at the water mill, where the power of the water was used to grind the grain. Today, all that remains is the aqueduct measuring roughly 7 m (23 ft), and the old mill house.

Approved trails in the municipality

The intermediate-high level trail PR –TF 72 Vilaflor – Lunar Landscape – Vilaflor runs through Granadilla de Abona. The first 7 km (4.35 miles) of the trail follow an upward path to the Lunar Landscape, also known as Los Escurriales. This stretch is also the last part of the PR –TF 83 Altos de Granadilla trail, which is also recommended for somewhat experienced hikers. This trail sets off from the hamlet of Cruz de Tea and climbs up through some of the best-known landscapes and nature areas in the municipality.

The network of trails known as Los Altos de Granadilla is comprised of three trails that end in Las Vegas. These trails are: the PR TF 83.3, which goes from Risco El Muerto, past Pino del Guirre on a 6.4 km (3.98 mile) hike; the PR TF 83.4, from El Seco, along the path of Camino del Molino for 2.4 km (1.5 miles); and lastly, the PR TF 83.5, which sets off from Los Hibrones and journeys through La Higuera on an 8.4 km (5.22 mile) walk.

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We answer to your frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about Granadilla de Abona

Where is Granadilla de Abona?

Granadilla de Abona is located in the south-east of Tenerife. The municipality combines midland areas, coastline and natural spaces, with a strong rural and traditional character.

How to get to Granadilla de Abona?

Getting to Granadilla de Abona is straightforward:

  • By car: access is via the TF-1 motorway, taking the exit towards Granadilla de Abona and continuing along well-signposted local roads.
  • By public transport: several bus routes operated by TITSA connect Granadilla de Abona with nearby municipalities and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Distance from Tenerife airports

  • From Tenerife South Airport, the distance to Granadilla de Abona is about 10–15 km, with a journey of around 15–25 minutes by car.
  • From Tenerife North Airport, the distance is approximately 70 km, with a journey time of around 50–70 minutes.

What is the weather like in Granadilla de Abona?

The climate in Granadilla de Abona is warm and mild throughout the year, with predominantly sunny days. Average temperatures generally range from around 18°C in winter to 28°C in summer, with slight variations depending on altitude and the different areas of the municipality.

What to see and to do in Granadilla de Abona?

Activities in Granadilla de Abona combine nature, sport, culture and unique experiences:

  • Hiking and nature trails: the municipality has several officially marked trails suitable for different levels.
  • Historic exploration: an urban route through the historic centre allows visitors to discover the cultural and religious heritage, including convents, churches, fountains and old mills.
  • Visits to agricultural estates: Granadilla de Abona maintains strong agricultural traditions, with opportunities to learn about local crops and taste products such as figs.
  • Stargazing and nature observation: thanks to its recognition as a Starlight Tourist Destination, it is an excellent place for astronomy and night photography.
  • Beaches and water sports: beaches such as La Tejita and El Médano are ideal for swimming, surfing or kitesurfing.

Can you go hiking in Granadilla de Abona?

Yes, hiking in Granadilla de Abona is very popular. The routes cross midlands, ravines and agricultural landscapes:

  • PR-TF 72 Vilaflor – Paisaje Lunar – Vilaflor, a medium-to-high difficulty trail that crosses the famous Paisaje Lunar, also known as Los Escurriales.
  • PR-TF 83 Altos de Granadilla, recommended for experienced hikers, linking traditional hamlets and natural viewpoints.
  • Los Altos de Granadilla trail network, including routes PR-TF 83.3, 83.4 and 83.5, with routes ranging from approximately 2.4 to 8.4 km.

Where to eat in Granadilla de Abona?

In Granadilla de Abona you will mainly find bars and restaurants serving traditional Canarian cuisine, where dishes are prepared using fresh local products such as cheeses, vegetables, fish and figs. Many of these establishments maintain a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, ideal for enjoying authentic gastronomy from the south of Tenerife away from the busiest tourist areas. Some restaurants also offer terraces with views of volcanic landscapes and the coastline, allowing visitors to combine good food with scenic surroundings. There are also cafés and small venues serving tapas, traditional Canarian pastries and coffee—perfect for a break during a walk through the historic centre or after a day at the beach.

What accommodation can I book in Granadilla de Abona?

Accommodation in Granadilla de Abona mainly consists of rural houses and holiday homes located in peaceful natural settings, making it a good option for travellers seeking rest and close contact with nature.

What festivals are celebrated in Granadilla de Abona?

Granadilla de Abona celebrates several festivals and traditions throughout the year, many linked to the municipality's history and religious life. Notable events include celebrations in honour of Saint Anthony of Padua and events connected with the Cave of Santo Hermano Pedro, one of the municipality's most emblematic places.

Why is Granadilla de Abona a Starlight Tourist Destination and what does it mean?

Granadilla de Abona was the first municipality in Spain to be declared a Starlight Tourist Destination by the Starlight Foundation. This international recognition certifies the quality of its night sky and its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable astrotourism. Thanks to low levels of light pollution, higher altitudes in parts of the municipality, and frequent clear skies throughout much of the year, the area offers excellent conditions for astronomical observation.