Living in Arona

What is it like to live in Arona?

Living in Arona means enjoying both seaside energy and peaceful countryside views. You might start your morning with a swim at Playa de las Vistas, hike through the Guaza or Amarilla mountains in the afternoon, then wind down with sunset drinks by the harbour. On quieter days, explore the historic centre of Arona itself, where colonial-style buildings and mountain views offer a different side of the municipality. Whether you love nature, festivals, or simply relaxing with a coffee and watching the world go by, there is always something to enjoy here.
There is a strong sense of community here, and the area has seen huge growth in the last fifty years. Neighbourhoods like Los Cristianos and Las Galletas are multicultural and home to people from across Europe and beyond. These communities have helped shape the town's food scene, culture, and schools. Many locals speak English, especially in hospitality or healthcare, which helps new arrivals feel at home.
Arona is also known for its annual events, including Carnival and the Romeria de San Antonio Abad. There are open-air concerts, food festivals, sporting events, and beach parties throughout the year. The landscape is dramatic, with lava cliffs, hidden coves, and the nearby Mount Teide always on the horizon.
For expats, this is a destination where settling in is simple and everyday life feels like a holiday.

Essential information

Population 

Arona is one of the most populous areas in southern Tenerife, with around 87,800 residents. The population is fairly balanced in terms of age, with many younger working-age adults, families, and retirees. There is a strong mix of nationalities and backgrounds, giving the area a multicultural feel and a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Property in Arona ranges from affordable apartments to high-end villas. In inland villages like Valle San Lorenzo, you can find three-bedroom homes with mountain views and local shops nearby. Areas like Chayofa and Palm Mar offer stylish homes in quieter surroundings, while the coastal resorts of Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas are perfect for those who want easy access to beaches, restaurants, and nightlife. On Kyero, you can find over 6,000 current listings including homes from around 110,000 euros, with sea view apartments, family houses, and modern developments all available.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Arona is well organised and easy to access. The public Hospital del Sur, located just outside Los Cristianos, is one of the two major hospitals on the island. It provides emergency care, specialist consultations, surgery, and maternity services. There are also multiple health centres, general practices, and pharmacies throughout the municipality.
For those choosing private care, there are several medical centres and specialist clinics in Arona and neighbouring Adeje. Many doctors and staff speak English and are used to working with international patients. Residents who are registered in the Spanish social security system can access public care, while private insurance is also widely accepted. Dental clinics and physiotherapy centres are also readily available.

Working in Arona

Tourism is the main source of employment in Arona. Many people work in hotels, restaurants, tour companies, water sports, or event management. With so many visitors year-round, demand for services remains strong across hospitality, retail, and leisure. If you speak Spanish and English, you will have an advantage in most customer-facing roles.
Other sectors include education, real estate, and small business services. There is also agricultural activity in the rural zones and a growing remote worker community, especially in quieter areas like Chayofa and Palm Mar. The internet infrastructure is good, and many cafés or coworking spaces offer places to work.
Non-EU citizens may be eligible for Spain’s digital nomad visa, which is designed to help remote workers settle legally. Jobs are often advertised through Facebook groups, local noticeboards, and regional job sites. Networking and local contacts can be just as helpful when finding work opportunities.

Schools and Education

Families living in Arona will find a wide range of education options. There are several public schools offering education in Spanish, many of which include bilingual programmes. Valle San Lorenzo and Cabo Blanco have local schools serving all levels from preschool to secondary.
For international education, The Wingate School is one of the most popular private schools in the area. It offers the British curriculum from early years to sixth form and is located between Arona and Adeje. Other international schools can be found in nearby Costa Adeje and beyond, providing options for multilingual or internationally recognised learning paths.
Extra-curricular activities are easy to find. There are music and dance schools, language classes, football academies, and cultural centres offering classes in art, theatre, and more.
 

Transport

Getting around Arona and the rest of Tenerife is straightforward. Public buses connect the inland and coastal areas, and you can easily travel to Santa Cruz, the airport, or neighbouring towns such as Adeje, Vilaflor, and Granadilla. Bus lines run frequently, and services are reliable.
There is also a tourist train that links Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas, offering a fun and easy way to get between these two busy resort towns.
Tenerife South Airport is less than twenty minutes from Arona and provides regular flights to mainland Spain and cities across Europe. Many residents also own cars, especially if they live in rural parts of the municipality or enjoy weekend trips to the mountains and national parks.

Things to Do in Arona

Explore the old town of Arona

Discover traditional Canarian streets, whitewashed buildings, and the central Plaza del Cristo de la Salud. The area is perfect for a relaxed morning walk or coffee in the square.

Relax on the beaches of Los Cristianos

Spend your days on the soft sands of Playa de las Vistas or Playa de los Cristianos. Swim in calm waters, enjoy local seafood, or simply soak up the sunshine.
 

Try hiking in the Guaza or Amarilla mountains

The local mountains offer a mix of coastal and inland trails with views of the Atlantic and nearby islands. Hikers will find routes suitable for all levels.
 

Go snorkelling and diving in Las Galletas

This coastal town is a hotspot for water sports. You can book snorkelling tours, learn to dive, or paddle out into clear, shallow waters to see local marine life.

Visit the Malpais de la Rasca nature reserve

This unique area has been shaped by lava flows and offers one of the most dramatic landscapes on the island. Trails lead through cactus fields to lighthouses and sea cliffs.
 

Expat Clubs and Activities

Arona has a thriving international community, and it is easy to meet people through social clubs, interest groups, and volunteering. You can join Facebook groups like Tenerife Expats and Locals or Tenerife's British and Irish Expat Community. Los Cristianos is especially popular with expats and has English-speaking meetup groups, walking clubs, and creative workshops.
Nearby Adeje and Costa del Silencio also offer a wider range of established expat associations. From language exchange to book clubs and beach yoga, there are plenty of ways to get involved in local life.