Time-forgotten place
The Abades Sanatorium in the south of Tenerife has been a place forgotten by time and people since its construction in the 1950s. However, the original intention to build a sanatorium for lepers was never found to be fulfilled in practice. So far, only a place has been left, as if cut from a post-apocalyptic scenario, where many people get lost.
Abandoned sanatorium complex
The sanatorium complex is located near the town of Abades in the south of Tenerife, less than a quarter of an hour from South Airport. The area must be a short walk from the city on paths. The sanatorium was built in the 1950s with the vision of placing all the sick lepers in Tenerife. The disease greatly decimated the population in the first half of the 19th century. However, before they could open the sanatorium, thanks to the discovery of a cure for leprosy, the disease was almost eradicated and the sanatorium was never put into operation.
A large area of an abandoned sanatorium
The size of the whole area is dimensioned for really large numbers of patients. We will find a planned hospital, a crematorium, many accommodation bungalows, office buildings and a large church. All with scenic sea views.
The forgotten church
The dominant feature of the area is still a relatively well-preserved church, which only serves pigeons as a refuge from the sun. The area was used for military purposes in the past, and later in the 80's it was planned to convert it into a tourist resort. However, the plans failed and the last Italian owner, who bought the complex in 2002, made no progress with it. Whether the place will ever reach its visitors can only be estimated. So far, only young people have strayed here to test graffiti on the wall or ride a bike or motorcycle in the sand dunes.
Lighthouse
Right next to this abandoned sanatorium you can enjoy views of the lighthouse overlooking the cliffs into the sea. The original lighthouse was built in 1902 and the current form was given to the lighthouse in 1978, when the area began to develop thanks to the opening of a new nearby airport, Tenerife South.
Relax on the beach
Just a few minutes from the lighthouse you will find the small tucked beach Playa El PORIS, which provides the opportunity to learn the basics of surfing thanks to smaller waves in the shallows or scuba diving with equipment in the adjacent bay. Both activities are run by a small company. But if you want to recharge your batteries and relax on a quiet sunny beach, this is the ideal place.