Tenerife Unveils €80 Million Strategy to Revitalise Coastlines and Address Sanitation Issues
Tenerife's island council has introduced a comprehensive €80 million (approximately £70 million) initiative designed to cleanse the island's beaches and rectify longstanding sanitation deficiencies. During a meeting held on Wednesday, 25 February, council members collaborated with all local municipalities to formulate this ambitious plan, which prioritises enhanced management of water and sanitation systems across the popular tourist destination.
Zero Waste Ambitions and Collaborative Efforts
The Vice President of the Island Council, Lope Afonso, has urged every municipality to unite in pursuit of a "zero waste" objective for Tenerife. Mr Afonso emphasised that improving sanitation could elevate the island's reputation on both national and international platforms, showcasing it as a region committed to environmentally responsible waste control. Councillor Sonia Hernández described the plan as "ambitious," with a primary focus on achieving zero waste along the coastline.
If approved by all municipalities, the draft programme will implement extensive works on sanitation networks over a four-year period, concluding in 2030. This initiative aims to correct the sanitation deficit that has plagued Tenerife, addressing critical infrastructure gaps that have led to environmental and health concerns.
Historical Context and Environmental Challenges
In recent years, Tenerife and other Canary Islands have faced significant criticism for poor sanitation along their seafronts. While families are drawn to the region for its winter sun, expansive beach resorts, and child-friendly accommodations, beach closures due to health risks have occasionally marred the tourist experience. The environmental group Ecologistas en Acción highlighted these issues in their 2025 annual report, which ranks Spanish beaches based on severe environmental conditions.
Their Banderas Negras (Black Flags) report annually awards 48 black flags to beaches deemed polluted or poorly managed. In the latest assessment, 12 flags were issued for spills, sanitation system deficiencies, and wastewater treatment problems; nine for biodiversity impacts; and five for accumulations of rubbish, plastics, and microplastics on coastlines.
Specific Beach Concerns and Recent Incidents
In Tenerife, Ecologistas en Acción specifically criticised Playa Jardín, citing pollution from wastewater discharges due to inadequate waste infrastructure management. According to the Canarian Weekly, swimming at this popular beach was prohibited for nearly a year after high levels of E. coli were detected, eventually reopening in June 2025. The organisation also flagged Puertito de Adeje, where a controversial tourism development involving luxury villas along the seafront is underway, reportedly endangering local bird and plant species, some of which are at risk of extinction.
This €80 million plan represents a proactive step towards mitigating such environmental threats, fostering sustainable tourism, and ensuring the long-term health and appeal of Tenerife's coastal areas.
