What has happened at Playa Jardín?
The Ayuntamiento de Puerto de la Cruz ordered a temporary bathing ban for Playa Grande Centro, the central section of Playa Jardín, on 7 October 2026.
The trigger was a letter from the Dirección General de Salud Pública of the Servicio Canario de la Salud following abnormal microbiological routine analyses. For the most recent incident, elevated levels of intestinal enterococci, in other words faecal bacteria, were reported.
The exact measurements and the specific breach of the limit value were not published. It was the fourth incident, as El Día reported on 9 October 2026.
Why is a longer closure now on the cards?
The Dirección General de Salud Pública is considering a possible longer closure of Playa Jardín. Its director general José Díaz-Flores explained, according to El Día, that such a step could be considered if the assessment showed that the incidents were no longer isolated but recurring.
The authority points to the history: Playa Jardín was closed for a total of 349 days between 2024 and 2025 due to water-related pollution and problems with sewage and treatment systems. A final decision on a longer-term closure has not been documented so far.
The reopening on 9 October 2026 does not mean the problem is solved, according to El Día. The authorities have not published a binding deadline for the next decision.
Which beach sections were affected?
Playa Jardín consists of several sections. The most recent incident affected Playa Grande Centro, also known as Punta Brava. Previously, Punta Brava and El Charcón were affected on 3 September 2026, and Playa Grande again on 30 September.
On 12 August 2026, Playa Grande had been closed because of faecal bacteria. On 9 October 2026, the Ayuntamiento announced that at least Playa Jardín – cala central had reopened.
During a closure, bathing is not allowed on the affected section. Barriers, red flags and warning signs must be observed. Other beaches are not automatically affected by the order.
What is the state of water quality in Tenerife?
According to the health service, 1,782 microbiological tests had been carried out in Tenerife by early October. 99 percent showed no contamination by intestinal enterococci or Escherichia coli, as the Dirección General de Salud Pública reported.
11 short-term closure recommendations were issued. Of these, three related to Playa Jardín. Further recommendations concerned, among others, El Camisón, Los Cristianos, El Médano, El Socorro and La Pinta.
A comparison figure for the previous month or the previous year is not given in the available information. The authority stresses that the overwhelming majority of bathing spots in Tenerife are classified as suitable.
What is the cause of the pollution?
The repeated closures are linked, according to El Día, to problems with wastewater treatment and the sewerage system in Puerto de la Cruz. Damage to the underwater outfall is also mentioned as context.
The Consejería de Transición Ecológica reviewed the permit for the Punta Brava underwater outfall. Routine checks at five points found no pathogens above the permitted levels.
The Gobierno de Canarias also pointed to several unauthorised discharges from land into the sea in the municipality. A definitive cause for the most recent incidents is not documented in the available sources.
What should visitors do now?
Visitors should check the current status of Playa Jardín before going to the beach. The reopening depends on further water samples and the assessment by Salud Pública.
There is no information on entry prices, compensation, application procedures or special deadlines for residents, foreign residents or tourists. Other beaches are not automatically affected by this specific order.
Anyone who wants to be on the safe side can use other bathing spots in the surrounding area. The authorities advise paying attention to local signage and the flags on the beach.