From Playa de Las Americas, through Los Cristianos to Palm Mar and Las Galletas there was a swell of pride as the Mayor collected an award from Queen Sofia of Spain. The Reina Sofia Award for Universal Accessibility for 2009 was picked up by Jose Alberto Reveron in Toledo as just reward for the efforts the council has made to ensure that everyone can enjoy the parks, gardens and beaches that make the area such a popular tourist attraction.

Disabled and poor mobility citizens and visitors will find plenty of ramps, low kerbs, reserved parking and plenty of specialist advice from cultural and information centres in the municipality. Las Vistas beach, the biggest of all Arona’s bathing areas is particularly proud of its changing cubicles, wooden walkways to the shore and staff assisted bathing chairs to make sure that anyone can enjoy the refreshing sea water.

The award scours the whole of Spain to find worthy entrants, they need to be in a population of between 10,001 and 100,000 habitants. Take a bow Arona council, just another reason why life in Tenerife is fit for a King, or Queen. Have a look at some of the great places to live in Tenerife at www.gomasper.com