Abades, Tenerife facts for kids
Abades is a small holiday village on the southeast coast of Tenerife. Tenerife is the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands. Abades is part of the Arico area, located between Poris de Abona and La Jaca. It’s a quiet place, perfect for relaxing by the sea.
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History
A Village with a Past
Abades has an interesting history, even though it's a newer village. Long ago, people lived higher up in the mountains. They found water by digging deep channels into the mountainsides.
The Old Leprosy Station
Many years ago, a disease called leprosy was a big problem in Tenerife. Because of this, a special village was built in 1943 on a hill above Abades. This village was meant for people with leprosy. It had a hospital, a place for cremation, many small houses, and a large concrete church. The church had a big cross that you can still see from the nearby motorway.
However, doctors found better ways to treat leprosy. The disease almost disappeared from the Canary Islands. So, the village was never fully finished. Later, the area was used for military training. In 2002, it was sold to an Italian person. The church is now in ruins, but it still stands strong.
From Los Abriguitos to Abades
Before Abades became the holiday spot it is today, it was different. There was a small harbor called “enseñada de Abades.” This harbor was used to ship red stones from a local quarry to other islands. Fishermen also used it.
In 1902, a lighthouse was built between Abades and Poris de Abona. A new, taller lighthouse replaced it in 1978. The year 1978 was very important for this area. The Tenerife South Airport (Reina Sofia) opened, and a main road, the Autopista TF-1, connected the area.
Between 1978 and 1986, this place was called “Los Abriguitos.” Many wooden huts were built to house the new tourists. In 1986, all these wooden huts were burned down. That's when the modern Abades project began. A wall was built facing the sea. In 1987, the main square and a small church were built. By 1993, the roads were paved, and a tennis court and small park were finished.
Name Changes
- 1943: Sanatorio de Abona
- 1978 – 1986: Los Abriguitos
- Since 1986: Abades
Population
Abades has more than 760 small white bungalows. Most of these are owned by people from the wetter northern part of Tenerife. They use them as holiday homes. Some bungalows belong to older German citizens who spend their winter months here. Many of these bungalows can be rented for short holidays or longer stays. Most bungalows look similar, with white walls and dark green windows and doors.
Tourism
Abades is a very quiet place during the winter. But on warm weekends and during school holidays, it becomes much livelier. The village has nine restaurants and pubs around the main square. There are also new buildings near the sea with more places to eat.
You can find two small supermarkets, two real estate offices, a boxing studio, and a fitness studio. There is also a scuba diving centre that is open every day. The beach is easy to access for people with disabilities. A shower was added at the beach in late 2007.
Access
Getting to Abades is very easy because of the motorway. It's only a 12-minute drive from the Reina Sofia TFS airport. You take the Autopista TF-1 towards Santa Cruz, at what used to be exit 18 (now km 42).
The TITSA bus line offers connections to other places:
- 111 connects Abades to the Los Cristianos / Playa de las Américas area and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
- 115 connects to Las Galletas (currently not in service).
- 116 connects to El Medano (currently not in service).
- 341 connects to the airport South Reina Sofia.
See also
In Spanish: Abades (Tenerife) para niños
