Granadilla de Abona facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Granadilla de Abona
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Municipality
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San Antonio de Padua Church
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Municipal location in Tenerife
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 Granadilla de Abona
Location in Tenerife
Granadilla de Abona
Location in Canary Islands
Granadilla de Abona
Location in Spain, Canary Islands
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| Country |  Spain |
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| Autonomous Community |  Canary Islands |
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| Province | Santa Cruz de Tenerife | ||
| Island | Tenerife | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 162.4 km2 (62.7 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation
(AMSL)
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650 m (2,130 ft) | ||
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 48,374 | ||
| • Density | 297.87/km2 (771.48/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC+0 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+1 (CEST (GMT +1)) | ||
| Postal code |
38600
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| Area code(s) | +34 (Spain) + 922 (Tenerife) | ||
| Climate | Csb | ||
| Website | Town Hall | ||
Granadilla de Abona is a lively area in the south of Tenerife, one of Spain's beautiful Canary Islands. It's a municipality, which is like a local government area, covering about 155 square kilometers. In 2013, around 43,608 people lived here. The population has grown a lot recently, with many people moving in from different countries, making it a diverse and interesting place.
This municipality stretches from the high mountains in the center of Tenerife all the way down to the Atlantic Ocean. You can find Mount Guajara here, which is the third-highest mountain on the island. It stands tall at 2,718 meters, only a bit shorter than Teide and Pico Viejo.
Granadilla de Abona is also home to Reina Sofía Airport, which is a major gateway for visitors to Tenerife. You'll also find the popular beach town of El Médano here. This town is famous for its strong winds, making it a top spot for windsurfing competitions. Near El Médano is La Montaña Roja, or "The Red Mountain," which is a volcanic cone and a protected natural area. In fact, about 25% of Granadilla de Abona's land is protected, helping to keep its natural beauty safe.
Contents
Towns and Villages in Granadilla
Granadilla de Abona is made up of several communities, each with its own charm. The main town is also called Granadilla de Abona.
Other important towns and villages include:
- San Isidro
- El Cabezo
- Castro
- Los Abrigos
- Charco del Pino
- El Médano
- Montaña de Yaco
- El Salto
- Los Llanos
Population Growth Over Time
The number of people living in Granadilla de Abona has changed quite a bit over the years. Here's a look at how the population has grown:
| Year | Population |
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| 1991 | 16,884 |
| 1996 | 18,508 |
| 2001 | 21,135 |
| 2002 | 27,224 |
| 2003 | 28,927 |
| 2004 | 30,769 |
| 2013 | 43,608 |
A Glimpse into Granadilla's Past
Long ago, before the Spanish arrived in the late 1400s, this area was part of a kingdom called Abona. It was ruled by the Guanches, the native people of the Canary Islands. The kingdom stretched across a large part of the island. The name "Granadilla" didn't appear until the late 1500s, but European settlers began arriving soon after the Spanish conquest.
An interesting historical fact is that the Bay of El Médano was the very last stop for Ferdinand Magellan and Juan Sebastián Elcano to get supplies before they sailed around the world! This happened in 1519. Antonio Pigafetta, who was on their journey, wrote about their stop here, mentioning "Monte Rosso" (which is now Montaña Roja).
Records show that a church existed in the municipality as early as 1575. A Franciscan convent was also founded here in 1665. A very important person, Saint Peter of Saint Joseph Betancur (1626–1667), spent time in a small cave near what is now El Médano. This cave is now a special shrine dedicated to the saint, and many people visit it.
Granadilla de Abona officially became a municipality in the 1800s. In the 1930s, a highway was built, connecting it to other parts of Tenerife. Before that, the only way to travel to other areas was by boat, leaving from the coastal towns of El Médano and Los Abrigos.
Natural Wonders and Protected Areas
Granadilla de Abona is home to several beautiful natural spaces. One of the most famous is La Montaña Roja, or "The Red Mountain," which is a volcanic cone right by the sea in El Médano. This area, along with five other "espacios naturales" (natural spaces), is protected to preserve its unique environment. These protected areas make up a quarter of the municipality's total land.
The municipality also has a wind farm, which uses wind power to create electricity. This shows a commitment to using renewable energy sources.
See also
In Spanish: Granadilla de Abona para niños
