El Puertito: One of the Last Tourist-Free Areas in the South of Tenerife
Looking for a place in Tenerife where mass tourism hasn’t yet arrived? Where instead of crowded hotel resorts you’ll find only local houses and a quiet bay with clear water? Then you should visit El Puertito – a small fishing village that has retained its authentic character to this day. This hidden gem in the south of Tenerife is one of the last places where you can enjoy the true atmosphere of the island without the crowds of tourists.
Authentic Fishing Village
El Puertito de Armeñime is a small fishing village located between the bustling resorts of Costa Adeje and Playa Paraiso. Yet it looks like it belongs to another world. No big hotels, crowded beaches with sunbeds and umbrellas or bars of noisy tourists having one drink too many. Just a few locals’ houses, a quiet atmosphere and beautiful nature await you. The only restaurant in the village offers fresh seafood and traditional Canarian specialties, so visitors can enjoy not only the tranquility but also an authentic dining experience overlooking the ocean.
Alternative Lifestyle in Caravans
In the hills around El Puertito there is a community of people living in caravans. Their owners, often looking for an alternative lifestyle, create makeshift shelters around their homes out of pallets, solar panels and other building materials. The whole area thus feels like a small enclave of “off-grid” life, where people try to live in harmony with nature and away from the traditional tourist spots.
Beautiful Beach and Opportunities to Relax
The beach in El Puertito is small but charming. Thanks to its remoteness, you won’t usually find large crowds here, so you can enjoy the sunshine on the fine sand or on the rocks lining the shore. The crystal clear water invites you to take a dip, and if you like quiet places where you can relax without worry, El Puertito provides the perfect retreat.
Underwater World and Friendly Turtles
One of El Puertito’s biggest attractions is its marine life. The bay is home to green turtles that swim freely and often approach divers and snorkelers. This makes El Puertito one of the best places in Tenerife for a snorkelling adventure. The average depth here is 6 metres and the maximum reaches 15 metres. Since 2005, there has been an ecological project to restore the seabed, which has been damaged by an overpopulation of sea urchins. Protecting the local ecosystem remains a key priority.
A Secluded Chapel Welcoming Visitors
The Ermita de la Virgen del Carmen chapel is one of the hidden but interesting features of El Puertito. It is located at the access road to the village, away from the main residential area, which makes it look rather strange. Why would anyone build a chapel so far from the local houses? Unfortunately, the exact reasons for its location are unknown. It is possible that it was built before the surrounding area began to develop, and the current layout is the result of the gradual use of the area. Whatever its history, the chapel stands as a silent witness to time, surrounded by caravans and improvised shelters.
Planned Development Project and Its Future
El Puertito has so far resisted commercial development, but the question is how long this will last. Recently, the ambitious Cuna del Alma project was unveiled, which plans to build 420 luxury residences, a hotel, swimming pools, restaurants and other amenities on a 437,000 sqm site. However, this plan has met with strong opposition from environmental activists and local residents who are fighting to preserve the unique character of the area. Only time will tell whether El Puertito will remain a pristine haven or turn into another tourist resort.
