El Bollullo Beach - Image 1
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El Bollullo Beach

4.3
·3k reviews·La Orotava, Spain

Dramatic black sand beach in Tenerife, framed by lush cliffs, offering wild beauty and stunning ocean views.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
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El Bollullo Beach - Image 1

El Bollullo Beach

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Dramatic black sand beach in Tenerife, framed by lush cliffs, offering wild beauty and stunning ocean views.

4.3
(3k reviews)

"The location is very nice, with a great view to the sea and the food was decent."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Hassles

Limited parking costs 3€; arrive early or be prepared to walk.

🌊 Black Sand Beauty

Embrace the unique black sand and dramatic cliffs for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

El Bollullo Beach

El Bollullo Beach

Northern Tenerife

Dramatic black sand beach framed by lush cliffs, offering a wild and beautiful coastal escape.

Restaurant with a View

Restaurant with a View

Adjacent to the beach

Enjoy a drink or meal with breathtaking ocean vistas, a perfect spot to relax after a swim.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing El Bollullo Beach

Reaching El Bollullo Beach involves navigating a narrow, winding road. Parking is limited and costs around 3€, so arrive early. Some visitors note the road can be challenging, especially for larger vehicles. Reddit

Dining at Bollullo Beach

The restaurant offers stunning sea views, but reviews are mixed on food quality and price. While some praise appetizers and drinks, others found main dishes bland or oversalted. Be mindful of potentially high prices for shared fish platters. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Good beaches and areas of Tenerife but not too touristy? Maybe in the north?

🚗 Parking Hassles

Limited parking costs 3€; arrive early or be prepared to walk. Reddit

🌊 Black Sand Beauty

Embrace the unique black sand and dramatic cliffs for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:

🍽️ Mixed Dining Reviews

Appetizers and drinks are often praised; mains can be hit or miss. Reddit

⚠️ Be Wary of Flies

Some visitors reported annoying flies, especially near fish dishes. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Hassles

Limited parking costs 3€; arrive early or be prepared to walk. Reddit

🌊 Black Sand Beauty

Embrace the unique black sand and dramatic cliffs for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:

🍽️ Mixed Dining Reviews

Appetizers and drinks are often praised; mains can be hit or miss. Reddit

⚠️ Be Wary of Flies

Some visitors reported annoying flies, especially near fish dishes. Reddit

👟 Sturdy Footwear

The path to the beach can be steep; wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

El Bollullo Beach is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, particularly its dramatic black sand and cliffside setting. Visitors rave about the breathtaking views, especially from the adjacent restaurant. However, dining experiences are mixed, with some finding the food overpriced and inconsistent, while others praise the appetizers and service. Parking can also be a challenge due to limited spaces. Reddit

"Beautiful location above the beautiful black sand beach below, located right next to the paid parking lot. We got the seafood plate for two and it was decent. The fish lacked any real depth in the flavor and were somewhat bland. Service was very friendly and welcoming. Drinks are superb. Can definitely recommend for the location."

A. Thibodeaux

"The location is very nice, with a great view to the sea and the food was decent. However, two of us ordered fish (i think it was fish of the day) and it tasted HORRIBLE. It literally tasted like puke. I think they cut it wrong and cut the bile and then it spread throughout. Hundreds of small annoying flies were gathering around us because of the fish and we couldn't really enjoy the food. When we told this to our waiter he quickly dismissed us saying flies are normal because of the bananas (we didnt get flies anywhere else) and the fish was fresh (which ok, but it was poorly prepared)

However, the waiter in general was quite nice!

The place is also quite overpriced. For octopus we paid 17€ and the portion was definitely not filling.

It's and okay place if you want to eat before going to the beach but don't expect much."

Maria Siscu

"The place is nice but the kitchen was another story. The calamari were so oversalted they might as well have been salt licks. We did get a new batch, which was better, but the whole experience left something to be desired. The beer is good! Overall, it was okay, but there’s definitely room for improvement."

coinecco

What People Like

Stunning black sand beach
Dramatic cliff scenery
Beautiful sea views

What People Dislike

Overpriced food
Inconsistent food quality
Limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

El Bollullo Beach is located in the north of Tenerife. Access is via a narrow, winding road. Parking is available nearby for a fee of around 3€, but spaces are limited. Arriving early, especially on weekdays, is recommended to secure a spot. Reddit

The road is narrow and winding, which some visitors find challenging, particularly for larger vehicles. It's advisable to drive cautiously. Reddit

Public transport options directly to El Bollullo Beach are limited. It's generally easier to reach by car or taxi. You might need to take a bus to a nearby town and then arrange further transport. Reddit

Yes, there is a paid parking lot located right next to the restaurant and a short walk from the beach. The cost is approximately 3€. Reddit

To avoid the biggest crowds and find easier parking, aim for weekday mornings. Late afternoons can also be pleasant, offering beautiful light for photography. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entrance fee to access El Bollullo Beach itself. The fee is associated with the parking lot. Reddit

El Bollullo Beach is a natural beach and is accessible at all times. The adjacent restaurant has its own operating hours, which can vary. Reddit

No advance booking is necessary for the beach. Parking is first-come, first-served. Reddit

As a natural beach, general safety precautions apply. Be mindful of the waves and currents, and respect the environment. Reddit

Parking at the lot adjacent to the restaurant costs approximately 3€. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The dramatic black sand, rugged cliffs, and crashing waves provide stunning photographic opportunities. The viewpoint from the restaurant terrace also offers a panoramic vista. Reddit

Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful soft light and long shadows, enhancing the dramatic landscape. Reddit

Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations regarding drone usage in protected natural areas before flying. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastline. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the wet sand and water. Reddit

The contrast between the black sand and white foam of the waves is a classic shot. The rugged cliff formations also make for dramatic backdrops. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The restaurant primarily serves seafood, with options like fish platters, calamari, and octopus. They also offer appetizers, drinks, and bread. Reddit

Reviews suggest the restaurant can be quite overpriced, especially for larger fish dishes and bread. While some appetizers are considered reasonably priced, main courses can be expensive. Reddit

Appetizers like cheese and shrimp are often praised. Drinks are also frequently mentioned positively. However, main fish dishes have received mixed reviews. Reddit

Reviews are mixed. Some find the food decent or even delicious, particularly appetizers. Others have reported issues with blandness, oversalted dishes, or even unpleasant tastes. Reddit

Be aware of potential issues with food preparation (e.g., oversalted calamari, poorly prepared fish) and the presence of flies. Also, large fish platters can be very expensive. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

El Bollullo Beach offers a dramatic natural playground, but families should exercise caution. The black sand is fun for playing, but the waves can be strong and unpredictable, making it less suitable for very young children to swim unsupervised. The path down to the beach can also be steep, so consider this if you have strollers or very young toddlers. The nearby restaurant offers a place to rest and grab refreshments, but be mindful of the mixed reviews on food quality and price. Reddit

For a safer water experience, consider visiting during calmer periods or focusing on sand play. The limited and paid parking means arriving early is crucial, especially with kids in tow. Packing snacks and drinks is also a good idea, given the potential for higher prices at the restaurant. Overall, it's a visually stunning beach, but requires a bit more supervision and planning for families. Reddit

📸 Photographers

El Bollullo Beach is a dream for photographers seeking dramatic coastal landscapes. The contrasting black sand against the white sea foam is iconic. The rugged, lush green cliffs provide a stunning backdrop, especially when bathed in the soft light of late afternoon. Don't miss the opportunity to capture the power of the Atlantic waves crashing onto the shore. Reddit

Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the beach and cliffs. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections and enhance the colors of the sea and sand. The viewpoint from the restaurant terrace also offers a fantastic panoramic perspective for wider shots. Remember to check local drone regulations if you plan on aerial photography. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Dramatic Landscape of El Bollullo

El Bollullo Beach is renowned for its striking black volcanic sand, a stark contrast to the turquoise waters of the Atlantic. The beach is nestled within a dramatic cove, protected by rugged, verdant cliffs that create a sense of seclusion and raw natural beauty. This unique geological setting makes it a visually captivating destination, distinct from the more typical golden sand beaches found elsewhere. The powerful waves here add to the wild, untamed atmosphere, making it a popular spot for those seeking a more adventurous coastal experience. Reddit

Visitors often describe the beach as breathtaking and a must-see for its natural splendor. The journey to the beach itself, down a narrow, winding road, adds to the feeling of discovering a hidden gem. While the beauty is undeniable, the powerful surf means it's not always ideal for swimming, especially for families with young children. However, the sheer visual impact and the feeling of being immersed in nature's grandeur are significant draws for many. Reddit

Dining Experience: Views vs. Value

The restaurant at El Bollullo Beach offers an undeniable advantage: spectacular sea views. Many visitors choose to dine here specifically for the panoramic vistas, which can elevate any meal. The service is often described as friendly and welcoming, with specific staff members like Fabian receiving commendations for their pleasant demeanor. Enjoying a drink or a meal while watching the waves crash against the shore is a memorable part of the experience for many. Reddit

However, the dining experience is not without its criticisms. Several reviews highlight that the food quality can be inconsistent, with some dishes being bland or oversalted. The prices, particularly for shared fish platters and bread, are noted as being quite high, leading some to question the overall value. While appetizers and drinks tend to receive more positive feedback, potential diners should be aware that the culinary aspect might not always match the stunning scenery. Reddit

Despite the mixed reviews on food, the ambiance and location remain strong selling points. For those prioritizing a beautiful setting and a relaxed atmosphere over gourmet dining, the restaurant can still be a worthwhile stop. It's advisable to manage expectations regarding the food and perhaps focus on enjoying a drink or a lighter meal to fully appreciate the unique setting. Reddit

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