The La Centinela Lookout will be rehabilitated and transformed into an interpretation centre linked to the archaeological heritage of the Abona region, specifically addressing the rock art sites in the surrounding area. To facilitate this, the Cabildo de Tenerife has approved the contract for the restoration works of this infrastructure located between the municipalities of San Miguel de Abona and Arona. The project involves an investment of 1.4 million euros and is set to be completed within nine months.

Strategic Framework of the Project

The project plan outlines strategic goals aimed at promoting awareness and valuing the archaeological heritage of southern Tenerife. It seeks to enhance the conservation of archaeological sites by establishing management mechanisms that improve control through public use, enrich the cultural tourism offering in southern Tenerife, create educational resources accessible to schools and society at large, and contribute to the socioeconomic development of the midlands while generating employment, including qualified positions related to archaeology, as reported by the island government.

Historical Context

The Cabildo constructed the La Centinela Lookout at the end of the last century—under the Tourism Department, which was then led by Pilar Parejo—and it remained unused for several years. This inactivity led to ongoing complaints from the municipal governments of Arona and San Miguel de Abona. It was in the early years of the current century that the management of this space was finally awarded with the operation of the restaurant set up within this public area, which remained in service until 2018.

Geological and Cultural Importance

The La Centinela Lookout is situated at kilometre 85 on the southern highway (TF-28). This area is geologically significant and is noted for a wealth of cultural heritage, evidenced by the proliferation of archaeological sites under the Roque de Jama, including rock engravings and small bowls carved into volcanic rock, which Indigenous people used in their rituals. The importance of this site led the Government of the Canary Islands to designate the Roque de Jama-La Centinela area as a Cultural Asset of Interest (BIC) with the classification of Archaeological Zone in 2018.

Support from Local Authorities

The president of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, emphasised that this restoration “represents an opportunity for socioeconomic development in the midlands,” arguing that it generates employment and supports the involvement of qualified professionals in archaeology and heritage management. “Today, we can say we are closer to restoring La Centinela to its rightful place: a cultural, scenic, and social reference that connects the past and present, memory and identity, knowledge and development,” Dávila stated.

Long-Awaited Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation of the La Centinela Lookout is a long-awaited initiative that has received support from the Government of Canary Islands and the local councils of San Miguel de Abona and Arona.

Aims of the Rehabilitation Project

The objective of the rehabilitation project is to “activate and enhance a resource with considerable potential from both a heritage perspective, as it is located in the area of greatest archaeological uniqueness and diversity on the Island, and from a socioeconomic standpoint.” To achieve this, the entire building will be refurbished and the lower floor will house the aforementioned interpretation centre for the archaeological heritage of Abona and the surrounding area of the La Centinela Lookout.