# Playa de la Arena

Playa de la Arena, commonly referred to as "The Arena Beach", is a renowned tourist destination situated on the southwest coast of Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, Spain. This picturesque beach stretches approximately 175 meters in length and 75 meters in width, featuring a distinctive expanse of fine black sand, which is a characteristic of the volcanic origin of the island.
The beach is celebrated for its pristine environment and has consistently been awarded the European Blue Flag, a prestigious designation recognizing excellence in cleanliness, safety, and environmental management. In 2023, Playa de la Arena attracted around 5.8 million visitors, underscoring its status as a major attraction in Tenerife.
The area surrounding Playa de la Arena offers a range of amenities and facilities to enhance the visitor experience, including restaurants, shops, and accommodations. The beach's location provides a scenic view of the Atlantic Ocean, and its favorable climate contributes to its popularity as a year-round destination.

## Tourism

Playa de la Arena receives tourists mainly from Spain and the United Kingdom but also from Lithuania, Poland, Germany, and the Netherlands. There are three leading hotels in Playa de la Arena: the Playa de la Arena hotel, which can be seen from the central part of the town, Barcelo Varadero, and the Bahia Flamingo.

### Hotel Playa La Arena

The Hotel Playa La Arena is situated in the resort of Puerto Santiago, on the rise, overlooking Playa de la Arena village. The hotel has 432 rooms, three bars, a piano (evening), nightclub (every night), a pool (daytime) and two restaurants, one by the pool and a pool snack bar. The hotel is part of the 'Be Live' chain, whose parent company, 'Edustro SA' (Madrid), is developing on behalf of the group a brand new complex of residential homes and apartments 'Residencial Playa de la Arena' on the hill rising above the resort. This development aims to protect the area surrounding and overlooking the group's latest flagship hotel, the 'Hotel Costa Los Gigantes', which opened in late 2008. The development was delayed due to planning issues, as the land spanned two neighboring authorities.

### Barcelo Varadero

South of Playa de la Arena, is the Barcelo Varadero resort in El Varadero, around 500 meter/550 yard from Playa de la Arena. The hotel, part of the Barcelo hotel chain, has 319 apartments spaced over six blocks, named from A to F, as well as three swimming pools and a tennis court.

### Bahia Flamingo

With 142 rooms, the hotel Bahia Flamingo stands next to Barcelo Varadero. The hotel offers leisure and sports activities such as tennis, archery and football.

## Nearby sites

Playa de la Arena is conveniently situated near several notable attractions on Tenerife, enhancing its appeal as a prime destination. One of the most striking nearby landmarks is the Los Gigantes Cliffs, renowned for their dramatic vertical drops that reach heights of up to 600 meters. These imposing cliffs provide a breathtaking backdrop and are a popular spot for sightseeing and photography.
In addition to the natural wonders of Los Gigantes, the beach's location offers easy access to the neighboring towns of Puerto de Santiago and Los Cristianos. Puerto de Santiago is known for its charming atmosphere, with a variety of local dining options, shops, and vibrant cultural experiences. Meanwhile, Los Cristianos, one of the larger and more developed towns on the island, provides an extensive array of entertainment opportunities, including bustling shopping areas, diverse restaurants, and lively nightlife.