The Arona council, made up of representatives from the PP, CC, and Vox, has acknowledged that contracts for sunbeds and umbrellas at three of its most popular beaches have expired. These beaches—Los Cristianos, Las Vistas, and Playa Honda—are some of the busiest not just in Arona, but across southern Tenerife.
A report from the council’s technical department, dated 7 July 2026, confirms that there have been no valid contractual agreements since mid-January 2023 for Los Cristianos, January 2025 for Las Vistas, and April 2026 for Playa Honda. This has prompted criticism from opposition parties, who argue that the council’s management of these key tourist areas is far from exemplary.
At Los Cristianos, according to a report from the Directorate General for Coasts dated November 2025, there are 300 sunbeds and 150 umbrellas covering approximately 2,400 square metres. Renting a sunbed costs €4 per day, with the same fee for an umbrella, remaining unchanged throughout the year.
Las Vistas features 1,200 sunbeds and 600 umbrellas across 11,133 square metres, with rentals priced at €5. Playa Honda provides 100 sunbeds and 40 umbrellas in around 800 square metres for €4 per day.
The contracts also include various services such as beach volleyball courts, a sailing school, restrooms, lifeguard stations, kiosks, shaded areas, and surf schools.
The report highlights a €60,000 fine imposed on the council in 2025 for operating seasonal services without permission, as well as a €24,000 penalty for organising an unauthorised volleyball championship. The council claimed it had submitted requests for these services on time and has the right to operate based on a preferential agreement established in the relevant regulations.
Regarding the volleyball championship, the council requested permission on 27 June 2024, but no response has been received, attributed to a backlog of applications since the transfer of coastal management authority to the community.
The report also notes claims that the council has systematically obstructed public access to essential information. A citizen’s request for details about the legal status of operations in protected coastal areas was denied, even though this information relates directly to alleged illegalities for which the council has faced sanctions.
Despite this, a municipal report from 7 July of this year reveals that there are no technical or legal documents supporting the continued operation of services at these beaches since the contracts expired, although services are still being provided.
The report indicates that preparations are underway for new contracts for services, including sunbeds and umbrellas at Las Vistas due to begin in November 2025, along with similar arrangements for the other two beaches.
Canarias Ahora has requested a comment from the local government regarding this situation but has not yet received a response.
