The small fishing village of Playa de San Juan in Guía de Isora on the south west coast of Tenerife lies sheltered from the Trade Winds. The area has virtually all year sunshine and very little rainfall, making it an ideal destination for those seeking sun and tranquillity from a holiday on Tenerife.
Playa de San Juan has developed slowly and seriously; the construction of apartments and sea front amenities is sympathetic with the natural environment. It is still a Canarian fishing community first and foremost.
Due to a lack of lack of rainfall and therefore any source of water, the coastal area of Playa de San Juan existed only as a fishing centre and, up until the 1950s, a tuna factory, a lime kiln and fishermen’s cottages were all that lined the natural harbour and coves of the village.
Hardship and poverty had forced much of the small population to immigrate to South America in search of work; it was wealth brought back by those same families, returning in the 1950s, that financed the construction of galleries and wells, bringing water to the area and so initiating its economic development. The water enabled cultivation of bananas and tomatoes which are still the mainstay of the municipality’s economy.
To get the most out of a trip to the area make sure you have your copy of Real Tenerife Island Drives or Going Native in Tenerife
Restaurants in Playa San Juan
There's an excellent choice of restaurants in Playa San Juan offering Canarian and International cuisine and tapas. Being a fishing community, you won't have trouble finding good local fish and seafood dishes here.
Accommodation in Playa San Juan
Apart from the unmissable 5 star hotel on the headland, accommodation in Playa San Juan is restricted to a few apartments. This means it still retains more of a town and less of a resort feel.
Beaches in Playa San Juan
Playa San Juan has a lovely town beach sheltered by the harbour. Sometimes it's pale gold, sometimes it's not as it's man-made and can get washed away in the winter. There's another beach below the Abama Hotel.
The Pick of What to do in Playa San Juan
The Abama golf course has played host to prestigious golfers, including former US president Bill Clinton. Join the exclusive league of extraordinary gentlemen on the Abama’s beautiful, tropical par 72 course.
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