A stroll
around Arona
English
The cliffs of Rasca.
ÂżWhy
ARONA?
This brochure is for you, as you are already here, to bring you closer to us. We invite you to enjoy our sun all year round, our coasts bathed by Atlantic waters, leisure by day and by night, enjoyment, relaxation, walks in the countryside and amongst historical settings. A thousand ways to give yourself a change of scenery and go your own way. Arona for you‌ In every sense.
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ARONA-Tenerife Sur • • • •
Four places
Four ways
Los Cristianos Playa de Las Américas Las Galletas Arona histórica
to seduce you
Arona, on the southern-facing slopes of Tenerife, is the third most populated municipality on the island, thus emerging as a major urban area and in addition as the most populated town in the south of the Canary Islands.
you will find different enclaves which are a pleasure for your senses. Every one of them unveils a journey through picturesque places, where history has given way to the present, nevertheless leaving its indelible mark true to the passing of time.
Arona, extending over almost 82 km2, and 610 metres above sea-level, offers visitors an unending list of possibilities.
Four places... Four ways for you to discover the best of Playa de Las Américas, Los Cristianos, Las Galletas and Historical Arona.
Thousands of visitors choose this destination every year to spend their holidays thanks to the rich variety of proposals Arona has to offer. Here
These sightseeing spots make up the essence of Arona. Welcome to a journey for your senses!
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ARONA
Arona
Playa de Las AmĂŠricas
Los Cristianos
Las Galletas
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Los Cristianos
past and present
Los Cristianos draws the line between sea traditions of past decades and the growth of tourism after the first tourists arrived in the 60s. Its bay is the faithful witness of the change from being a fishing village to a cosmopolitan lively town where past and present walk hand in hand. Los Cristianos, loyal to its deeply-rooted traditions, offers a fusion between pure local ambiance and a tourist spot where hospitality comes first.
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DON’T FORGET TO VISIT...
Playa de Las Vistas Esplanade
A stroll along this area of the coastline can be a real pleasure at any time of day. There are plenty of establishments offering their services all along the esplanade.
One of the most well known due to its length and services, Playa de Las Vistas stretches over almost one kilometre of the esplanade that joins Los Cristianos and Playa de Las AmĂŠricas.
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Montaña de Chayofita Easily accessible on foot after a brief walk from Montaña de Chayofita, there is an excellent panoramic view of Playa de Las Vistas and part of Playa de Las Américas. Without doubt a spot from which it is worth capturing the scenery beneath our feet.
This nature reserve rises up behind the esplanade.
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Playa de Los Cristianos
Tourists and local residents both visit this beach which is characterised by its calm waters and fine sand.
The glimmers of its fishing past can still be seen at this historical beach, remaining to this day.
It was here that the first Swedish tourists came in search of good weather both in summer and in winter, and for the quality of its water. The beneficial therapeutic effect on their illnesses turned Los Cristianos into a meeting point for Nordic tourism, so generating the birth of tourism in the south of the island of Tenerife at the beginning of the 60s, and thus making Arona a benchmark in tourism world-wide.
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the QUAY
The small quay is still today a mooring point for small boats belonging to fishermen and for leisure boats.
Various boats make their departure from this point daily for the sighting of cetaceans, whose habitat is just a few miles off Los Cristianos. Cetacean is a term that groups together the animals we know as whales, dolphins and porpoises. Several species can be seen on our coastline every day, such as the short-finned pilot whale, the bottlenose dolphin and the Atlantic spotted dolphin. Specialised boats depart daily for sightings. A treat for sea and cetacean-lovers. You can get more information and buy your tickets on the quay itself.
element that evokes the tradition of a sea-faring people. On the first Sunday in September the boats are all adorned for a procession on the sea full of colour and fireworks.
LOS CRISTIANOS ESPLANADE
Playa de los Cristianos is lined by the esplanade, a meeting point for locals and visitors.
Equally important are the ‘Los Cetáceos’ sculptures, themed on these animals. Through them Fernando Mena brings out the peculiarity of these precious mammals found off our coastline.
There are representative sculptures all along here, such as “La Pescadera”, in honour of all those women who in the old days lived off the fish they sold at the traditional fish market, which still exists today. Another representative element is the statue of Virgen del Carmen, Patron Saint of fishermen, an
The boat located on the Esplanade reflects the sea-faring tradition. This is the hallmark of the sea-faring settlement that Los Cristianos was, and still is.
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Los Cristianos Pedestrian shopping area. Market Taking a wander around the pedestrian shopping area can be really gratifying. Passers-by can take a rest at the various terraced bars and restaurants in this area. The Sunday Market in Los Cristianos takes place every Sunday of the year where it is easy to lose track of time wandering around the multi-coloured stalls offered to the public.
There are plenty of shops of various types for tourists and residents to spend some leisure and shopping time in Los Cristianos.
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PARISH OF NUESTRA SEÑORA DEL CARMEN
The Parish of Nuestra Señora del Carmen was built right in the middle of Plaza de Los Cristianos The first Chapel was built in 1924, after all the inhabitants of Los Cristianos worked together to collaborate. The wealthy families contributed financially while the more humble residents did so with their personal effort. All of this coincided with the first festivities in honour of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Carmen. From that time until now, the festive customs that perpetuate the identity of a people who still feel the virgin to be part of them, continue to prevail. Towards the end of the 80’s, the Plaza and the Parish of Virgen del Carmen changed in appearance. The old Chapel was demolished, as it was considered insufficient for the great population growth. On the 23rd of December 1990 the one we can now contemplate was blessed.
LOS CRISTIANOS CULTURAL CENTRE
This space is considered the hub of cultural life in Los Cristianos. Exhibitions that are constantly renewed allow visitors to contemplate the works of different artists. This cultural centre is the meeting point for leisure-cultural activities. There is a library for residents and tourists to read the daily press or any book of interest. The auditorium is the perfect place for holding performances and concerts of all different kinds. Here, visitors can experiment musical events from the purest Canary Island folk music, through fusion music from different parts of the world to the chords of classical music. Theatre, jazz concerts, gospel and activities of every kind fit in here perfectly. Without doubt the perfect scenario for any type of celebration.
NIGHTLIFE IN LOS CRISTIANOS
Nightlife in Los Cristianos takes centre stage. San Telmo Shopping Centre has pubs and clubs for all tastes. Terraced bars, chill out zones, varied music, all right by the sea make nightlife in Los Cristianos a luxury 365 days a year.
LOS CRISTIANOS PAST AND PRESENT
TAKE HOME A PHOTOGRAPH OF
1. Playa de Las Vistas Esplanade 2. Playa de Los Cristianos 3. Cetacean sculptures 4. “La Pescadera” Monument 1
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PLACES OF INTEREST IN LOS CRISTIANOS
PLAYA DE LAS VISTAS ESPLANADE Monta単a Chayofita Playa de Los Cristianos THE quay LOS CRISTIANOS ESPLANADE PEDESTRIAN SHOPPING AREA MARKET PARISH OF VIRGEN DEL CARMEN LOS CRISTIANOS CULTURAL CENTRE
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Las Américas
Los Cristianos Arona Teide National Park
Adeje
Motorway TF-1 S/C de Tenerife
Playa de Las Américas
Golf Las Américas
Carretera de Las Galletas
2 9 Playa del Camisón
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1 Playa de Las Vistas
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Playa de Los Cristianos
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Montaña de Guaza
Playa de Las Américas everything you can imagine
Playa de Las Américas is one of the most important tourist spots in south Tenerife. It is worth highlighting its wide range of modern, high quality hotel accommodation together with a host of leisure activities for all the family to enjoy. Take a stroll along one of its broad, palm tree-lined avenues where you will come across and lose yourself in the magical atmosphere of Playa de Las Américas.
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DON’T FORGET TO VISIT... THE ESPLANADE
You’ll discover all the nooks and crannies of the coastline, dotted with its different beaches. Have a relaxing drink in one of the terraced bars while you enjoy the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Let the sea breeze blow gently around you over the 2 kilometres of esplanade that border the shoreline of Playa de Las Américas.
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The “Golden Mile” shopping area
Right in the centre of Playa de Las Américas you will find one of the biggest shopping areas on the island.
n the ‘’Golden Mile’’, as this avenue of shopping centres is known, you have at your disposal the most prestigious shops and best known brand names, where you will be offered the latest fashion trends. Enjoy a morning’s shopping and take advantage to sample the best international cuisine in any one of a number of restaurants along the way.
Playa del Camis贸n
This beach is the perfect place to relax in the sun on its fine, golden sand. Its crystal clear waters are the best invitation for a quiet dip, or perhaps you would rather try out new sensations with one of the many water activities that are offered on this beach..
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Crazy golf
The ideal place for fun with all the family. Entertainment is guaranteed along a course full of light and colour in the midst of an exotic Cactus Garden.
Place Opening times Telephone Web
Avda. Las AmĂŠricas. Parque Santiago V Daily from 10:00 to 00:00 922 746 103 www.parquesantiago.com
TOURIST TRAIN
Why not enjoy a more comfortable, easy and fun trip along Playa de Las Am茅ricas and Los Cristianos? In just over an hour on the Tourist Train you will not miss out on any corner of these two areas.. Place Timetable
Avda. Rafael Puig esquina Avda. Santiago Puig (apartments Col贸n I) Daily from 10:00 to 22:00
PLAYA DE LAS AMÉRICAS AT NIGHT
Sunset / Sculptures
Begin the evening by witnessing one of Nature’s most amazing spectacles. Take a seat on the shore of the Atlantic and enjoy one of the best sunsets in Tenerife, accompanied by an incomparable view of La Gomera, our neighbouring island. Watch how the sun beams pierce through the irregular shapes of the figures designed by sculptors Juan López Salvador and Drago Díaz. Close your eyes and let your imagination wander. A magical sunset where emotions run high.
SAFARI SHOPPING CENTRE FOUNTAIN
There is no better way to end the day than relaxing with this show full of light and colour. Every night, this signature fountain found in one of the best known shopping centres in Playa de Las Américas, comes into its own with its lights in rhythm to the music. Without a doubt a real pleasure for the senses. Place Timetable
Centro Comercial Safari Invierno: 20:00, 21:00, 22:00 h Summer: 21:00, 22:00 and 23:00 h
HORSE AND CART RIDE
Discover every hidden corner of Playa de Las Américas in a unique way. After a perfect dinner, enjoy a romantic ride with your partner or admire the trip calmly with your family. It will no doubt be an unforgettable experience on your holiday. Timetable 31
Open daily 20:00 - 23:30 hrs aprox.
CARMEN MOTA BALLET
This magnificent ballet under the direction of one of the most prestigious choreographers in Spain offers every evening her show on the best possible stage: The Pyramid of Arona.
Place Timetable Telephone e-mail
Let yourself be captivated by this ballet which combines flamenco and contemporary touches adorned with brushes of new dance tendencies.
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The Pyramid of Arona Mondays and Wednesdays: 19:30 hrs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays: 21:30 hrs Friday: 10:00 hrs 922 757 549 mnrpiramidearona@expogrupo.com
CLUBS / TERRACED BARS In the Verónicas area, or in the Starco Shopping Centre you can surround yourself in a more international setting and meet people from all over the world. On the other hand, if you fancy a drink and good music, you will find great variety of places on the rest of Playa de Las Américas to suit all tastes.
To end the evening, we invite you to discover the wide range of night entertainment offered in Playa de Las Américas.
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PLAYA DE LAS AMÉRICAS PAST AND PRESENT
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TAKE HOME A PHOTOGRAPH OF
1. SUNSET 2. SCULPTURES. ESPLANADE WITH A VIEW OF LA GOMERA 3. THE PYRAMID OF ARONA 4. SAFARI SHOPPING CENTRE FOUNTAIN
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Las Américas
Los Cristianos 8
PLACES OF INTEREST IN PLAYA DE LAS AMÉRICAS
Playa de Las Américas
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LAS AMÉRICAS ESPLANADE GOLDEN MILE (shopping area) Playa del camisón CRAZY GOLF SUNSET / SCULPTURES LIGHT AND MUSIC FOUNTAIN/ SAFARI SHOPPING CENTRE THE PYRAMID OF ARONA Bars and CLUBS
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3 Playa de Las Vistas
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Playa de Las Galletas Costa
del
Silencio
Water, symbol of life, is the essence of this seafaring village located in the southeast of the municipality of Arona. Feel the blueness of the sky, breathe the smell of the sea and let its calmness envelop you. Wander through its streets and mingle with its people. Live its traditions and participate in its festivities every year in the months of July (Virgen del Carmen) and August (San Casiano).
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a
sea
of
life
DON’T FORGET TO VISIT...
Marina del Sur
These modern installations greet visitors at the entrance to Las Galletas. Inaugurated in 2007, there is room for 153 vessels. From this port you can go on the cetacean sighting trips offered by a number of boats. Inside the building you will find several restaurants and cafĂŠs where you can enjoy matchless views from a front-row seat..
Fish Market
From early morning the fishermen commence their daily tasks in Las Galletas port. Every day you will find in the market a wide range of fresh fish just caught off our shores. You can’t miss the opportunity to try one of our delicious and varied traditional Canary Island dishes where the focus is on fish. Come and breathe this village’s real seafaring atmosphere.
CHURCH The church in Las Galletas is called the Parish of San Casiano, alluding to Don Casiano, who, when the church was founded, owned practically all the land belonging to the village of Las Galletas.
The present church was built in 1977 and is characterised by its simple, functional style. It is located in the Rambla, adjacent to the Cultural Centre, hub of social and cultural life in Las Galletas. Inside, in the central nave, there is a statue of Cristo Resucitado, the resurrected Christ, and on both sides of the altar, images of San Casiano and Nuestra Se単ora del Carmen, joint Patron Saint of Las Galletas.
Rambla Dionisio GonzĂĄlez Delgado
Leisure activities in Las Galletas are concentrated in this lengthy avenue.
It is here that the most important events during the festivities take place, as well as offering activities for children on certain days of the week, such as play areas, bouncy castles, children’s playgrounds, etc..
PEDESTRIAN SHOPPING AREA
In the centre of Las Galletas you will find a wide range of shops to choose from. Take a pleasant walk through its pedestrian streets, visit its little shops and perhaps find a special treat to buy or that perfect holiday souvenir.
Costa del Silencio walkway
Very close to Las Galletas you will find Costa del Silencio. This peaceful area is characterised by its small buildings dedicated to residential tourism. The esplanade follows the coastline, the perfect place from which to admire its abrupt shoreline, and, sea permitting, to enjoy a refreshing swim in its crystal clear waters.
LAS GALLETAS PAST AND PRESENT
TAKE HOME A PHOTOGRAPH OF
1. Marina del Sur 2. Playa de Las Galletas 3. COSTA DEL SILENCIO WALKWAY
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PLACES OF INTEREST IN LAS GALLETAS – COSTA DEL SILENCIO
marina del Sur FISH MARKET CHURcH Rambla Dionisio Rguez. delgado PEDESTRIAN SHOPPING AREA COSTA DEL SILENCIO WALKWAY
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Guargacho Las Chafiras TF-1 1 Motorway
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TF-1 1 Motorway Playa de Los Cristianos Palm-Mar
2 Playa de Las Galletas
3 4 “Charco del baño”
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ARONA
an open-air museum
The middle altitude zones of the municipality of Arona are where the capital and historical town centre are to be found. Characterised as the hub of political life, with the Town Hall as the representative element, this place was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in the year 2006.
The wealth of historical attractions in the town of Arona enables tourists to savour this open-air museum, endowed with an architectural and scenic splendour bestowed on it by the traditional Canary Island atmosphere and the natural surroundings. The celebration of the Procession in honour of San Antonio Abad (on the nearest Sunday to the 17th of January) and the Festivities in honour of Cristo de la Salud (1st weekend in October) are a true reflection of the traditions and customs firmly rooted in Arona.
DON’T FORGET TO VISIT... Here we find the Parish of San Antonio Abad, built towards the end of the 18th century and renovated on several occasions until the present day. It has a basilica-shaped layout with a small chapel destined to Baptistery from the mid 30s. The gabled roof crowns the main façade which has a stone-made semi-circular arched entrance, repeated in the side façade, and a semi-circular arched window with a wooden balcony. The double stone cornice with scroll ends frames a two-storey semi-circular arched stone belfry decorated with scrolls. The Parish houses the images of Cristo de La Salud, San Antonio Abad and the Virgen del Rosario.
PARISH OF SAN ANTONIO ABAD. PLAZA DEL CRISTO
The most important buildings are located around Plaza del Cristo de La Salud, the heart of the village.
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ARONA TOWN HALL
The Town Hall is the centre of political life and is located in Plaza del Cristo de la Salud. Its traditional aspect is in line with traditional Canary Island architecture, so deeply linked with Arona’s history.
the MASTIC TREE, AN ELEMENT THAT IDENTIFIES THE MUNICIPALITY OF ARONA
TRADITIONAL CANARY ISLAND ARCHITECTURE
The Mastic tree (pistacia atlantica) is a tree plant species widely distributed in the municipality of Arona.
A pleasant walk through the cobbled streets of historic Arona becomes a journey through traditional Canary Island architecture.
Due to its geographical location, a large part of Arona’s municipality presents optimum conditions for the natural reproduction of mastic trees, and it is this tree that makes the vegetation cover of Arona so unique.
Many of the houses are in an acceptable state of conservation, and reflect the specific features of domestic architecture in the rural sphere. The architectural forms seen in the old quarter reflect, to a great degree, the specific features of traditional architecture; although modified by stylistic trends imposed throughout the 19th century. The dwellings are spacious, arranged around a central patio, the rooms communicating via corridors. Variations offer a symmetric distribution of openings in the façade, sash windows predominating with no balconies and either tiled roofs or a rooftop terrace. As a whole the dwellings alternate between two-storied houses, linked to the more wealthy country middle classes. A second type of dwelling corresponded to a single storey house or “terrera”, associated with the more humble population.
The presence of this indigenous plant species, together with the uses and applications that its characteristics offered the local people, and its unique beauty and robustness, managed to captivate the people of Arona who chose it as the emblematic symbol to represent all the municipality. It was the memory of the disappeared great Mastic tree of Arona (old quarter) that promoted the adoption of the latter as the representative element on the Heraldic Shield. Nowadays it has been retrieved as an element of urban decoration, and can be found in public gardens or in the Town Hall Square.
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El Calvario
This representative element is characterised by the use of reddish stonework, not at all common in Canary Island stations of the cross. Here there is a modest chapel with the image of the crucified Christ, one of the main exponents of Holy Week in Arona. The views from this spot are fabulous, a haven of calmness and peace.
THE OLD CAMINO REAL
The Camino Real is a place of historic interest, a faithful witness to the daily comings and goings of the local people. With their farm-based economy, many travellers passed by accompanied by their pack animals, thus forging the path that has been a witness of the passing of the years. These days it is possible to see an oven and a communal threshing floor in this spot.
(Foto Rici)
San Antonio Cross
Crosses were representative elements placed in the old days at the entrance or exit of villages.
The San Antonio Cross is characterised by being a Latin cross made of wood; it is placed on a spot from which any visitor can revel in the excellent panoramic view of the Municipality of Arona seen from there. It is here that every Sunday nearest to the 17th of January the traditional Procession in honour of San Antonio Abad comes to an end.
THE public washing place
Located in the area known as Caré, it is very close to the San Antonio Cross is characterised… The public washing place is made up of a circular deposit, fed by two spouts, whose parapet acts as a washing place due to its concave shape. It is in an area of great beauty. One of the stones reads ‘’Year 1863’’. Together with the washing place and water deposit as a whole, there are several irrigation ditches and an underground cistern. Fully operative until the mid 50s, the public washing place was a silent witness to the daily conversations of the local women, who found a meeting point in this place for their daily chores.
1. FAÇADE OF THE SAN ANTONIO ABAD PARISH CHURCH 2. AREA OF TRADITIONAL LOCAL ARCHITECTURE AND COBBLED STREETS (as representative elements of Arona as an Asset of Cultural Interest) TAKE HOME A PHOTOGRAPH OF
3. The Camino Real 4. Panoramic view from The San Antonio Cross
ARONA PAST AND PRESENT
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TF-51 Arona-Vilaflor
PLACES IN HISTORICAL ARONA 6
PARISH OF SAN ANTONIO ABAD / Plaza del cristo ARONA TOWN HALL MASTIC TREE TRADITIONAL CANARY ISLAND ARCHITECTURE El Calvario THE OLD CAMINO REAL SAN ANTONIO CROSS THE PUBLIC WASHING PLACE
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TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES
PLAYA de LAS AMÉRICAS
PLAYA de LAS GALLETAS
Plaza del City Center. 38660 Playa de Las Américas. Tel: 922 797 668 Fax: 922 757 198 Mail: info-americas@arona.travel Mondays - Fridays: 9.00 - 21.00 h. Weekends: 9.00 a 16.00 h.
Dionisio González Delgado Esplanade. 38631 Playa de Las Galletas. Tel: 922 730 133 Fax: 922 735 504 Mail: info-galletas@arona.travel Mondays - Fridays: 9.00 a 15.30 h.
PLAYA de LAS VISTAS
MUNICIPAL BOARD OF TOURISM of THE TOWN HALL OF ARONA
Playa de Las Vistas Esplanade. 38650 Playa de Los Cristianos. Tel: 922 787 011 Fax: 922 750 444 Mail: info-vistas@arona.travel Mondays - Fridays: 9.00 - 21.00 h. Weekends: 9.00 a 16.00 h.
C/ Calvario, 5. 38640. Arona. Tel: 922 725 203 / 922 725 180 Fax: 922 725 186 Mail: turismo@arona.travel Mondays - Fridays: 9.00 a 14.00 h.
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Dep贸sito Legal: TF-751/2013 - Impresi贸n Imprenta Reyes, S.L.
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