Los Patos Beach Remains Closed for Third Summer
One of Tenerife’s most stunning beaches, Los Patos, remains closed to visitors as it heads into its third summer without access. The local Socialist Group in the Cabildo has condemned the lack of progress by the governing coalition of Coalición Canaria and the Partido Popular, which has failed to act on promises made during discussions in December 2022.
Socialist councillor Javier Rodríguez Medina expressed frustration that over six months have passed without any meaningful steps taken towards reopening the beach, which has been closed since December 2022. “It’s not just a failure to meet our initial proposal; it’s worse because the commitments made have come to nothing. There’s been no progress, no administrative actions started, and we’re facing yet another summer with Los Patos shut,” he said.
The Socialist Group previously warned that the beach could remain closed indefinitely due to the absence of a clear plan and timeline from the island government. Six months later, they feel their concerns have proven valid.
“Two full summers have passed since the beach closed. We find ourselves exactly where we started, with no public plan or necessary procedures initiated, leaving everyone questioning when this key space will reopen for residents and tourists alike,” Rodríguez Medina stated.
He highlighted the worrying lack of administrative action needed to move towards a solution, saying, “When not even the initial paperwork is started, it becomes impossible to set reasonable timelines. What we’re seeing is a complete lack of political drive.”
As thousands seek beach access, Rodríguez Medina urged the island government to provide answers. “Los Patos is a key part of Tenerife’s identity and cannot be left to suffer indefinitely due to administrative inaction.”
The Socialist Group insists the area of El Rincón has specific governance tools and legal frameworks to coordinate the necessary actions from various authorities, making the absence of progress unjustifiable. They are demanding that the Cabildo publicly report on actions taken since December 2022 and present a clear roadmap for the safe reopening of Los Patos Beach.
“We cannot allow this closure to become permanent. The public deserves transparency, planning, and solutions, not excuses and broken promises,” Rodríguez Medina concluded.
