A section of Playa Jardín, the main bathing area in Puerto de la Cruz, has been temporarily closed due to high levels of E. coli. This closure extends not only to the Punta Brava cove but also to the El Charcón area, as confirmed by local advocacy group Stop Vertidos. This follows a similar closure at Punta Brava last August.
The local council informed Stop Vertidos that the closure would likely last no more than one or two days, potentially reopening by Monday, depending on the results of water quality tests.
Recent public health analysis from the Canary Islands Government has prompted the closure at Punta Brava, known for its finer sand quality, while tests commissioned by the council indicated contamination at El Charcón. After conflicting reports, the local administration (PP-ACP-CC) decided to close both areas. In both locations, E. coli levels exceeded 800, far above the recommended maximum of 500.
On August 21, Lope Afonso, the Vice President of the Tenerife Council and brother of the city’s current mayor, noted on a local radio station that the previous closure lasted about 24 hours, although it actually extended to 47 hours. He also mentioned ongoing challenges in repairing the sewage system and upgrading the La Orotava treatment plant, although he acknowledged the efforts of various authorities.
Leopoldo Afonso recently stated that repairs to the sewage system would not begin until May 2027, citing delays in obtaining permissions from Spain’s Coast Authority. However, these responsibilities now rest with the Canary Government, where the relevant approvals for both the sewage system and treatment plant are already in place, having transferred in 2023.
