Tenerife Puerto de la Cruz: British holidaymakers banned from entering sea at beach in popular winter sun destination over water quality

There is an indefinite ban on swimming at Playa Jardín in Puerto de la Cruz due to recent tests that discovered e-coli bacteria. Anyone who ignores the warning could be at risk of a nasty infection.

Following a public health report by the Canary Islands government that revealed the poor state of the water, signs have been put up along the entrances to the beach. Puerto de la Cruz council said: “There is epidemiological evidence that this situation can cause gastrointestinal symptoms due to ingestion of water, as well as other types of conditions such as acute respiratory infections and infections of the ears, eyes, nasal passages and skin.

“This decision will be extended indefinitely and is a measure in response to the decline in water quality that has been occurring at least since 2016 in the Playa Jardín area and, above all, in this last year 2024.” According to the Metro, Mayor Marco González said there are fears the water quality issue will harm tourism in the area and also affect Tenerife’s reputation as a tourist destination.

Mr González said “if all administrations prioritise the actions that are already not only planned but also have the necessary financing” then the water problem could be dealt with. An investigation is underway to try and get to the source of the problem, with authorities looking at the local treatment plant and pumping station.