Thousands of people took to the streets of Los Cristianos today (Sunday) in a major demonstration against plans to expand the town’s port facilities, with protesters chanting “Beach yes, port no” as they called for the protection of the bay and the area’s beaches.

Organisers estimate that around 3,000 people joined the march, which was organised by the Platform in Defence of Los Cristianos, a coalition of social, cultural and business groups opposed to the proposed developments.

The demonstration began shortly after 11am at the town’s cultural centre before making its way to Plaza de La Pescadora, where a manifesto was read out calling for a development model that respects the coastline, the natural environment and residents’ quality of life.

“Enough Is Enough”

Participants, many wearing the platform’s distinctive red caps, voiced concerns about what they described as increasing pressure on Los Cristianos and its coastline.

“Today we say enough to environmental abuses and attacks,” the manifesto declared. “We must reduce the pressure from port activity and the impact it is having on the town. We have to defend our beaches.”

The statement also criticised what organisers see as a lack of consultation with local residents regarding future developments.

According to Jorge Bello, president of the platform, the turnout demonstrated the strength of public feeling: “The response from the people has made this a success,” he said after the march. “There was a real desire to protest, and now we must continue the work.”

Representatives from all political groups on Arona Council were reported to have attended the demonstration.

Opposition to Port Authority Plans

A key focus of the protest was the proposed reorganisation of the port by the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Port Authority.

Campaigners oppose plans that they say include the construction of a multi-storey parking structure on the current car park site, potentially rising three floors plus a rooftop level.

The platform describes the proposed building as an oversized structure that would significantly alter the character of the area.

The Port Authority’s plans also reportedly include relocating the passenger terminal within the port complex.

Concerns Over Floating Pier Proposal

Beyond the official reorganisation plans, protesters are also concerned about a separate proposal from two private companies to extend the old harbour breakwater with a floating pier for tourist boats.

Campaigners argue that the project would place tourist boats immediately alongside the beach and could further impact the bay’s environment and appearance.

The platform has described the proposal as “madness” and says a similar idea was previously considered and later abandoned.

Alternative Solutions Proposed

Rather than expanding the port, the platform argues that immediate improvements could be achieved through better management of existing operations.

Among its proposals are staggering ferry departure and arrival schedules to reduce congestion and redirecting freight traffic away from Los Cristianos to the ports of Santa Cruz or Granadilla.

Campaigners believe these changes could ease pressure on the harbour and help reduce the traffic problems regularly experienced in Los Cristianos and on the TF-1 motorway, which is heavily affected by the movement of freight vehicles, passengers and ferry traffic.

The group also argues that transporting goods directly from Santa Cruz to La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro could reduce costs, lower emissions and ease road congestion in southern Tenerife.

Fears for the Future of the Bay

The platform, which was established just over a year ago, says it is not opposed to improvements at the port but wants any future redevelopment to be carefully planned and shaped with local input.

Members have also raised concerns about what they describe as the ongoing deterioration of the bay due to increasing pressure from port activity.

They point to the recent loss of Los Cristianos’ Blue Flag status as a warning sign and fear that, if conditions continue to worsen, the area could eventually face restrictions on bathing quality.

For campaigners, Sunday’s protest was intended to send a clear message: they want the future of Los Cristianos shaped around its beaches, environment and community, rather than further port expansion.