The mayor of Adeje (southern Tenerife), José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga (PSOE), continues to stress that the contentious project Birthplace of the Soul in the vicinity of Puertito, Armeñime (or Adeje) will proceed not only due to having the necessary permits but also because these upscale residences, which have led to significant environmental opposition, are viewed as an additional stage in its vision of growth and advancement. Nevertheless, while awaiting the realisation of this project, this area, still quite distant from the development seen in the rest of the municipality and a sizeable portion of Arona (another neighbouring and highly touristy municipality), has, for some time now, showcased “another urban development” that is not particularly inspiring, featuring unpaved roads, assorted dwellings (many constructed from wood), vehicles, and almost makeshift garages.
Before navigating the final bends leading to the quaint church, the beach, bar, and houses of Puertito, that increasingly frequented bay by pleasure vessels carrying tourists and still serving as a haven for turtles and an array of unconventional individuals, a miniature town featuring pallets, wooden dwellings, prefabricated timber structures, trailers, camper vans, and a myriad of improvised elements, has now become impossible to overlook, as depicted in the photos adorning these paragraphs. The bygone years when a different alternative urban development, predominantly comprising camper vans, bordered the shoreline on land that, for many years, had vast dunes diligently flattened by excavators dispatched by the City Council to avert precisely such a “settlement,” are now a memory of the past.
Nonetheless, on land that is reported as 99% privately owned, according to regional government sources speaking to Canarias Now, a genuine alternative urban development has been emerging in recent years, starkly contrasting the developments in Armeñime that fade into the distant backdrop or even the towering edifices and hotels in Playa Paraíso, still within Adeje but leaning more towards the municipality of Guía de Isora.
Canarias Ahora has conversed with a number of the inhabitants of these self-fashioned and impromptu “residences” (the majority being prefabricated wooden houses) and they clarify that, in reality, they are service industry workers who, nevertheless, struggle to make ends meet, are unable to afford current rents, and present a striking contrast with the current prosperous phase of the tourism subsector. There are also, of course, individuals in need who have discovered in these lands (in a somewhat Old West fashion) an opportunity to find shelter.
However, regional government sources are unequivocal and emphasise that, in reality, those in need or workers constitute a tiny minority. As per information from other sources relayed to this publication, this scenario is mainly dominated by holiday lettings (yes, in rooms furnished with pallets and others advertised online), second homes, and numerous foreign holidaymakers.
The government will issue a more comprehensive statement once it concludes a special report it has tasked to investigate this surge in illicit housing. Nevertheless, it stresses that 99.99% of this land is privately owned, and the landowners must take action to prevent forced evictions. These landowners, however, have already alerted the council that intervention is necessary in this matter. Among these “private parties” are also the developers of Birthplace of the Soul, according to sources. In fact, the consensus is that this proliferation has escalated precisely since the outcry against the Birthplace of the Soul project, which acted as a catalyst for this surge.
For now, in a location that still retains a touch of yesteryear and sustainability regardless of the fencing off of this development and the remainder of the hotel scene on the more
Controversial Real Estate Development Threatens Environment in Southern Tenerife
A visit to the bustling southern coast of Tenerife might not paint the most picturesque picture when witnessing an alternative urban development.
The Cuna del Alma tourism project in the southern region of Tenerife poses a significant threat to protected flora, has led to the destruction of an archaeological site, and commenced without conducting an environmental impact assessment. These discrepancies prompted the Canary Islands Government to halt the works in Puertito de Adeje during the previous term. Presently, despite environmental concerns, the regional Executive, led by the Canarian Coalition and the Popular Party, is pushing forward with the controversial construction of 420 luxury villas in an unspoilt area of the island. Within a year, two files have expired, and one has been shelved.
Segunda Casa Adeje SL, the developer behind Cuna del Alma, faced three ongoing investigations. The first inquiry, led by the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage, targeted the obliteration of an archaeological site and recommended a fine of 600,000 Euros citing a “very serious” violation against heritage assets. It was reported that construction commenced without the necessary approval on archaeological heritage, lacking on-site archaeologist guidance, and with full awareness of the archaeological and ethnographic components.
Despite findings indicating irreparable damage, the imposed sanction was not executed. The current ruling government in the Canary Islands, a coalition of CC and PP, allowed the file to lapse. Sources at the General Directorate of Heritage revealed that the document became void on August 31, 2023, under the new government administration. The current director, Miguel Ángel Clavijo, pledged to initiate fresh proceedings, emphasizing adherence to legal protocols and soliciting input from all stakeholders. Clavijo affirmed the necessity of imposing sanctions, stressing the seriousness of the violation.
However, as of early February, six months post-expiry, no action had been taken. The director reiterated the amicable relationship with the developer, who acknowledged the procedural shortcomings, akin to the Adeje City Council. Although the investigation elapsed, Clavijo underscored the urgency of addressing the matter without further delay.
