Arona confirms ‘low-density, quality tourism’ development of El Mojón with 9,000 new beds
After three decades of delays, the Arona Council has finalised the long-awaited Partial Plan for El Mojón in Los Cristianos. The development will cover almost one million square metres, creating up to 8,900 new beds across residential and tourist accommodation.
Officials insist the project will be guided by principles of “friendly construction” and low-density building, designed to attract a higher-quality visitor profile with greater spending power, distancing the area from the mass-tourism model.
Focus on tourism, not housing
Arona’s councillor for urban planning, Javier Baute, explained that most of the land belongs to private owners, who will now be able to request licences in line with the approved plan. The council has ruled out public housing in El Mojón, as no municipal land has been designated for that purpose. Instead, new homes for residents are being planned in other areas, such as Cho–Parque La Reina, where up to 1,000 units are projected.
Baute highlighted that the first hotel and commercial licences could be granted within six months, following the plan’s approval.
Investment and facilities
The project foresees a direct investment of at least €2–4 billion, with promoters estimating an indirect economic impact of up to €8 billion.
Arona Council will also receive 332,900 m² of public land, including:
- 120,000 m² for roads, parking, and pedestrian zones
- 11,400 m² for educational facilities
- 15,900 m² for sports infrastructure
- 17,000 m² for cultural use
Local leaders are already considering the possibility of building a large concert hall or auditorium as part of the cultural facilities, which could serve as a new attraction for southern Tenerife.
A “new stage” for Arona
Mayor Fátima Lemes described the approval as “a reality, not just promises,” and said the plan would bring long-awaited public land for community use.
The president of the El Mojón Compensation Board, Miguel Villarroya, called it “a giant step forward for the municipality after more than 30 years of paralysis.” He stressed that the development is aimed at attracting visitors who contribute more to the local economy, spending on shops, restaurants, and cultural activities, while avoiding excessive strain on infrastructure.
Background
The El Mojón Special Plan was first approved in 1996, with an urbanisation project drafted in 1998. However, legal and technical issues blocked its progress for almost three decades.
Now, with parks and green spaces already completed and awaiting handover, Arona sees the project as a turning point in the municipality’s transformation, balancing residential growth with a tourism model based on quality rather than quantity.
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