Public opposition to the proposed expansion of the port in Los Cristianos, in the south of Tenerife, has taken organised shape with the launch of the area's first neighbourhood platform.
The group was officially established during a packed meeting held at the Cultural Centre, where more than 300 residents gathered, far exceeding expectations.
The newly formed platform’s first major action will be the presentation of an institutional motion to all political parties within the municipality, urging them to take a formal stand against the expansion of the Los Cristianos port. Jorge Bello, who was elected president of the platform, defended the town’s identity, saying: “Being ‘playero’ [beach-born] is a feeling many of us wear with pride.”
Concerns Over Loss and Degradation
During the assembly, residents and spokespersons voiced their frustration at the negative impact the existing port infrastructure has already had on the local area, citing the loss of public space, environmental degradation, the decline of local businesses, and direct effects on the beaches that helped birth tourism in the south of the island.
“The area that everyone once chose as their favourite spot has disappeared,” said Bello. Attendees recalled that a similar expansion plan was presented back in 1994, with officials at the time promising no adverse impact on the beaches. “Not only did it affect them, but it caused the complete disappearance of Los Tarajales beach,” one resident remarked.
Reviving Fonsalía and Sustainable Proposals
A recurring theme throughout the meeting was frustration over the abandonment of the alternative Fonsalía port project in Guía de Isora, which would have alleviated pressure on Los Cristianos. “It’s been discarded without a clear explanation,” lamented one attendee.
The platform criticised the current expansion proposal, warning it would destroy 200,000 square metres of marine environment and result in a decade of disruption due to construction works and sediment displacement. They also challenged official traffic impact estimates: while the island’s Mobility Councillor claims the port contributes just 4% to local congestion, the platform argues the true figure is closer to 28%.
Instead of large-scale expansion, the group advocates low-investment, sustainable measures, such as:
The Mayor of Arona, Fátima Lemes, attended the event alongside representatives from all local political parties, signalling the significance of the issue for the municipality.
