Discover Granadilla De Abona

Granadilla de Abona brings together cultural heritage, volcanic landscapes and coastal attractions. When planning your trip, you can weigh up these different highlights: from historical collections and architecture to hiking trails, beaches and activities by the sea.

History and Cultural Heritage

In the historic centre, the Museo de Historia de Granadilla de Abona is housed in a traditional Canarian home dating from the late 19th century. Its collections are arranged chronologically and explore the customs, activities and history of the municipality, from the time of the Guanches to the present day. The museum has eleven rooms; one displays reconstructions of various Indigenous burial practices and grave goods. The exhibition thus brings together a chronological overview and tangible evidence of burial customs.

The Secadero de Tabaco tells another part of the history of tobacco growing. José García Torres built it in 1878, when tobacco cultivation emerged as an alternative amid the crisis in cochineal production. García Torres was one of the most prominent tobacco growers in the Comarca Abona. A decree issued by the Government of the Canary Islands on 15 July 2008 protected the Secadero as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Sitio Etnológico category.

Architectural styles and religious heritage also lend the area distinct cultural character. The Iglesia de San Antonio de Padua has a single nave and a Latin-cross floor plan. Its features include a Mudéjar coffered ceiling in the rafter-and-knot style, decorated with geometric patterns. The Cueva del Santo Hermano Pedro is a shrine dedicated to Saint Pedro de San José Betancur. Alongside a wooden sculpture of Santo Hermano Pedro, it contains offerings and prayers left by the faithful.

After the conquest of Tenerife, Las Vegas was the site of the first colonial settlement in the Comarca Abona and retains the character of a traditional Canarian hamlet. The Danza de Varas de Las Vegas is a ritual dance performed every year on 26 July by seven dancers carrying palm sticks wrapped in colourful ribbons. It is considered a tradition unique to the Canary Islands. The Danza de Varas de Chimiche is considered the only dance in the archipelago to use decorated sticks.

The festival calendar also includes Granadilla de Abona’s main Romería in June, during the patron saint festivities, and the Romería Barquera de El Médano in late September. During the latter, the image of the Virgin is carried by water from Playa Chica in a maritime procession. Dates and programmes may change; check the latest festival information before your trip.

Volcanic Landscapes and Hiking Trails

Los Escurriales, also known as Paisaje Lunar, lies within a forest and features white volcanic pumice formations shaped by wind and water erosion. The Los Derriscaderos Natural Monument is a 268-hectare geological landscape with pale volcanic landforms, also formed by erosion. The Montañas de Ifara y Los Riscos Natural Monument comprises two well-preserved volcanic cones. Several bird species can be observed there, as well as a longhorn beetle endemic to the area. Sightings may vary depending on the season.

The linear PR-TF 83 Altos de Granadilla hiking trail is 7.8 kilometres long and runs from Cruz de Tea to Los Escurriales. From the hamlet of Cruz de Tea, it follows a branch of the former Camino Real de Chasna towards Los Escurriales. By contrast, the PR-TF 83.1 starts in the hamlet of Las Vegas, passes through farmland and pine forest, and follows a lava flow towards Risco del Muerto. These details distinguish the trails by their length, route and described landscape. Before setting out, it is advisable to check the latest trail conditions and any closures.

Another way to explore the region on foot is the Camino Real del Sur between Granadilla and San Miguel. This historic trail starts at Plaza González Mena in Granadilla de Abona and can still be walked today. Unlike the two PR-TF routes, it connects the towns of Granadilla and San Miguel.

Coast and Activities by the Sea

La Tejita is an extensive natural beach with clean water and a largely unspoilt setting next to Montaña Roja. El Médano is also a natural beach, known for its golden sand and generally calm, clear water. Sea conditions can vary. Fishing, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, bodyboarding, stand-up paddleboarding and diving are possible along the coast of Granadilla de Abona; conditions for individual activities may differ.

At Los Abrigos, lava formations have created small natural pools where you can enjoy a calm swim. Bathing conditions can also vary here. The coast offers a different travel experience from the historic sites and inland trails: when choosing where to stay, you can decide whether to focus mainly on culture, hiking or activities by the sea.

Discover more destinations: San Isidro, La Mareta, El Salto, Atogo, Chimiche, Palomas, Amarilla Golf, El Médano.

For the broader travel overview: Tenerife.