Arona

The Origins of Arona: From Antiquity to Independence

The history of Arona is rooted in the pre-Hispanic era, when these lands were part of the Menceyato (kingdom) of Abona, inhabited by the Guanches—the indigenous people of Tenerife. Archaeological finds in coastal areas indicate that ancient settlers used local caves as dwellings and shelters for livestock.

The official establishment of the town in its modern sense began after the Spanish conquest of the island at the end of the 15th century. However, 1798 is considered the key milestone, when Arona officially separated from neighboring Vilaflor, gaining the status of an independent municipality and its own parish.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of Arona was determined by a combination of geographical and social conditions that shaped the unique character of the settlement:

• Religious Center: The core of the town's formation was the San Antonio Abad chapel, built in the early 17th century by Antón Domínguez "the Elder." The historic center gradually grew around this temple.
• Geography and Climate: Its location in the south of Tenerife provided the region with a dry and warm climate. The historic center established itself in the so-called "medianías" (midlands), where conditions for living and farming were more favorable than on the arid coast.
• Water Resources: The presence of water sources in the mountain areas allowed for the development of agriculture, which became the basis for the survival of the first colonists.

Early Economy and Cultural Features

For centuries, Arona's economy was exclusively agrarian. The life of the local population was centered on cultivating the land. Different crops dominated in various eras: first, cereals for domestic consumption, then, in the 19th century, a boom in the production of cochineal (a natural dye), and later, the cultivation of tomatoes and bananas for export.

An interesting feature of early Arona was the sharp contrast between the main part of the municipality in the mountains and the coast. While "Upper" Arona lived off agriculture, the coastal zone (now popular resorts like Los Cristianos) consisted of tiny fishing hamlets or entirely deserted beaches used only for limestone extraction and fishing, long before the dawn of the tourism era.

Key Milestones in Arona's History

A chronology of the municipality's development from a small agricultural settlement to one of the primary tourist centers of the Canary Islands.

• Before 1496 — The territory of modern Arona is part of the Menceyato (kingdom) of Abona, inhabited by the island's indigenous people, the Guanches.
• Circa 1627 — Antón Domínguez "the Elder" founds the San Antonio Abad chapel, around which the core of the future town begins to form.
• 1796 — Arona is granted the status of an independent ecclesiastical parish, separating from the parish of Vilaflor.
• 1798 — Official attainment of administrative independence and the creation of its own municipality, finally separating from Vilaflor.
• 1812 — In accordance with the Spanish Constitution of 1812 (Cadiz Constitution), the first official Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) of Arona is formed.
• Mid-19th Century — A period of economic prosperity driven by the mass production of cochineal (a natural dye) for European markets.
• Early 20th Century — The decline of cochineal production leads to an economic shift toward growing tomatoes and bananas for export.
• 1909 — Construction begins on the first pier in Los Cristianos, transforming the small fishing village into an important transport hub.
• 1960s — The birth of the tourism industry and the beginning of the transformation from an agrarian lifestyle to a service-based economy.
• 1966 — Approval of urbanization plans for the coastal zones of Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas, launching large-scale construction.
• Late 20th Century — Arona finally establishes its status as one of Tenerife's leading resorts with a multi-ethnic population.

Key Stages of the City's Transformation

The development of Arona is a story of transformation from a quiet agricultural community into a dynamic international resort. Below are the major milestones that defined the modern economic and architectural landscape of the municipality.

• The Era of Export Agriculture (19th – Early 20th Century).
  The transition from subsistence farming to the cultivation of cochineal, followed by tomatoes and bananas for export.
  Significance: This brought the first significant influx of capital and stimulated the development of a complex system of irrigation and water galleries, without which the further urbanization of the arid south would have been impossible.
• Development of the Port of Los Cristianos (From 1909).
  The construction and subsequent expansions of the port infrastructure.
  Significance: The port brought the region out of isolation, becoming the main maritime gateway for southern Tenerife and the primary link to the island of La Gomera, laying the foundation for future commerce.
• Approval of Tourism Zoning Plans (1960s).
  The adoption of urbanization plans for Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos.
  Significance: A turning point in urban planning. The deserted coastline began to be developed with hotels and apartments, forever shifting the economic center of gravity from the historic mountain part of the town (Arona Casco) to the ocean.
• Opening of the South Highway (TF-1) (1970s).
  The construction of the high-speed motorway connecting the south with the capital, Santa Cruz, and the new airport.
  Significance: The problem of transport accessibility was solved. Arona became easily reachable for mass tourism, leading to a sharp increase in investment in real estate and the service sector.
• Demographic Explosion (Late 20th – Early 21st Century).
  Rapid population growth driven by migrant workers and European expats.
  Significance: The transformation of Arona into a cosmopolitan hub. The urban environment adapted to the needs of a multicultural society (schools, cultural centers, services in different languages).
• Modernization of the Urban Environment (Current Stage).
  Renovation of old tourist zones and improvement of coastal promenades.
  Significance: A shift from quantitative to qualitative growth. The focus has moved toward creating a barrier-free environment (Arona is a leader in accessible tourism in Europe) and updating the aging housing stock from the 1970s.

Architectural Identity and Urban Planning

Arona’s architectural landscape is characterized by a distinct dualism: the historic center in the mountains preserves the features of a traditional Canarian settlement, while the coastal zone serves as an example of large-scale tourism-driven urbanism from the second half of the 20th century.

Traditional Canarian Architecture (18th–19th Centuries)

The town's historical core (Arona Casco) is a prime example of the rural architecture of southern Tenerife. This style is defined by functionality and simplicity, rooted in an agrarian way of life.

• Key Features: Thick whitewashed stone walls, gabled roofs covered with Arabic clay tiles, and the use of Canarian pine wood (tea) for joinery such as windows, doors, and balconies.
• Iconic Sites: Residential houses on Calle La Luna and Calle El Calvario. Many of these retain the internal courtyards (patios) typical of the colonial style.

Neoclassicism and Eclecticism (19th – Early 20th Century)

Following its administrative independence, the town saw the emergence of public buildings reflecting more "urban" styles, albeit in a restrained manner.

• Church of San Antonio Abad (Iglesia de San Antonio Abad): The current building, completed by the early 19th century, combines the structure of a traditional temple with Neoclassical elements. The main portal and the bell tower are of particular note.
• The Old Town Hall: Administrative buildings from this period demonstrate the strict lines and symmetry characteristic of Classicism.

Resort Modernism and Functionalism (From the 1960s)

The development of tourism radically altered the appearance of the coast. Here, urban planning was dictated by the needs of the hospitality industry, leading to the creation of an entirely new urban fabric.

• Style: International Style, Functionalism, and Brutalism. Mass construction of high-rise hotels and apartments made of concrete and glass.
• Urban Features: The creation of artificial beaches, wide promenades, and commercial zones.
• Examples: The Playa de las Américas district — an example of a fully planned resort city built on previously barren land.

Key Architectural Zones

The municipality is clearly divided into three zones with different urban planning philosophies:

• Historic Center (Casco Histórico): Declared an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) in 1993. High-rise construction is prohibited here, preserving the atmosphere of an old Canarian town.
• Los Cristianos: A mixed development zone. It retains elements of the old fishing village (low houses, narrow streets near the port) alongside modern tourist infrastructure.
• Costa del Silencio and Las Galletas: Examples of early tourism urbanization (Ten-Bel), where architects experimented with the "garden city" concept for tourists.

Notable Figures in the History of Arona

The history of Arona was shaped by the efforts of many people: from the founders of the first settlements to the visionaries who turned a barren coast into a tourist paradise. Below are the key figures who played a decisive role in the development of the municipality.

• Antón Domínguez "El Viejo" (The Elder)
  Landowner and Founder (17th Century)
  A key figure in the birth of the town. It was he who provided the land and funds for the construction of the San Antonio Abad chapel. The historic core of Arona subsequently formed around this religious center, and Saint Anthony himself became the patron saint of the municipality.
• Antonio Serrano
  Clergyman (18th Century)
  A parish priest who played a major role in Arona gaining its independence. He led the movement of local residents to separate from the parish of Vilaflor, arguing that the distance made services inaccessible for parishioners. His efforts were successful between 1796 and 1798.
• Juan Casanova
  First Mayor (18th–19th Century)
  He became the first "Royal Mayor" (Alcalde Real) of Arona after it gained the status of an independent municipality in 1798. He faced the honor and challenge of organizing the first local administration and establishing the town's independent life.
• Rosendo García Ramos
  Doctor and Humanist (20th Century)
  Known as the "doctor of the poor." In the mid-20th century, when medical care in southern Tenerife was extremely limited, he selflessly treated the residents of Arona and the surrounding areas, often refusing payment from the underprivileged. One of the town's streets bears his name.
• José Antonio Tavío
  Entrepreneur and Developer (20th Century)
  One of the pioneers of tourism in southern Tenerife. He was the visionary and creator of the Ten-Bel resort area (the name comes from "Tenerife" and "Belgium") in Costa del Silencio. His projects in the 1960s and 70s laid the groundwork for transforming agrarian Arona into an international tourism center.