Tenerife holiday hotspot locked down following concerning discovery in the sea

A popular tourist hotspot in Tenerife has been closed due to high levels of harmful bacteria

The popular beach in the Canary Islands was fenced off from the public after being declared a no-swim zone by local authorities. Officials banned swimming at La Pinta beach in Costa Adeje after water samples were taken showing harmful bacteria in the water.

Adeje Town Hall has placed barriers on the seafront while the samples are reviewed. Daily monitoring of the water detected signs of microbiological levels linked to harmful enterococci bacteria, officials said.

The bacteria is found naturally in the intestines of both humans and animals but can cause unpleasant illnesses. The beach has remained closed since May 14.

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Swimming in contaminated water can cause stomach illnesses as well as skin, eye and respiratory infections. The beach is now littered with red flags, barriers and tape to deter holidaymakers from taking a swim.

The sunny spot also boasts an inflatable assault course which is extremely popular in the summer. The beach is set to remain closed until the sample tests come back clear of the bacteria.

People have been left fuming at the news. One person said: “Again? This isn’t great.” Another added: “How sad.” While a third said: “Many tourists, many problems.”

This comes after the Government of the Canary Islands warned of “maximum temperatures throughout the archipelago” with a “pre-alert” issued for a heatwave today.

The heatwave will see temperatures that, in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, may reach and even occasionally exceed 37C, especially in inland areas in the southern half of the islands.

Advice issued by the government urges people to stay in the shade. It also says “do not drink alcoholic beverages” in the extreme heat. The official alert for maximum temperatures issued by the General Directorate of Emergencies is set to come into force at 11am.

In Gran Canaria, maximum temperatures may reach and even exceed 34C in inland areas and on the southern slopes, especially those facing south and west, the government has warned.

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Meanwhile on Tenerife and La Gomera, temperatures may exceed 32C in the midlands and on the summits, especially on south-facing slopes.