Arona is a pretty town dotted with interesting buildings that blend colonial and pre-Hispanic architectural styles. The town remains relatively untouched by tourism, in spite of its proximity to several scenic beaches. Enjoy this pleasant place for a stroll and a meal or use it as a quiet base for exploring the surrounding region.
Don’t miss the town’s pretty church, Iglesia San Antonio Abad, originally built in the 18th century.Inside, look for an original image of San Antonio Abad, which dates back more than 300 years.
San Antonio Abad is also at the center of Arona’s liveliest festival, held every January in honor of the church’s eponymous saint. During the weeklong festival, see traditional Canarian dancing, a procession of decorated wooden carts pulled by oxen and a fireworks display.
Just behind the church, find the start of a rewarding 4-hour round-trip hike to the peak of Rogue del Conde. Rising 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) above sea level, this flat summit offers fantastic views over southern Tenerife and the island of La Gomera.
The municipality of Arona also encompasses Parque Las Aguilas, a zoological and botanical park home to more than 100 different species. Watch for meerkats, orangutans and a rare white tiger as you explore the 800,000-square-foot (75,000-square-meter) grounds. See the park’s impressive bird-of-prey show, which features American bald eagles, vultures and condors.
Walk along the busy beachfront promenade of nearby Playa de Los Cristianos. Sheltered from strong winds, this golden-sand beach is an ideal place for swimming. Stay until evening to enjoy a drink at a lively bar overlooking the beach. Arona is also a perfect starting point for visiting Playa de Las Vistas, another stretch of golden sand where you can scuba dive or snorkel in the clear waters off the coast.
Arona is located in southern Tenerife. It’s well connected to nearby Los Cristianos by a regular bus service.
