Playa de El Bollullo - a sandy beach with a blue ocean in the background
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Playa de El Bollullo

4.5
·3k reviews·, Spain

A secluded Tenerife beach with dramatic black volcanic sand and powerful waves, offering a wild and beautiful coastal escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late Afternoon

Fewer crowds, golden hour light

CrowdMedium
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Playa de El Bollullo - a sandy beach with a blue ocean in the background

Playa de El Bollullo

Best Time

Late Afternoon

Fewer crowds, golden hour light

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A secluded Tenerife beach with dramatic black volcanic sand and powerful waves, offering a wild and beautiful coastal escape.

4.5
(3k reviews)

"Amazing beach! Only locals here. There are quite large waves here. It is famous for that."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Park Smartly

Park about 1.5km before the beach to avoid the narrow road. Parking closer can be challenging. :car:

🌊 Respect the Waves

Bathing is often forbidden due to strong currents. Enjoy the spectacle, but prioritize safety. :ocean:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dramatic Black Sand Shoreline

Dramatic Black Sand Shoreline

Playa de El Bollullo

Experience the striking beauty of volcanic black sand against the powerful Atlantic waves. A truly unique coastal landscape.

Spectacular Ocean Waves

Spectacular Ocean Waves

Playa de El Bollullo

Witness the raw power of the ocean with impressive waves that are a sight to behold, though often too strong for casual swimming.

Scenic Coastal Hike

Scenic Coastal Hike

Path to Playa de El Bollullo

Enjoy a beautiful walk down to the beach, offering stunning views of the coastline and surrounding greenery.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Waves (and the Walk!)

Playa de El Bollullo is known for its powerful waves, making it more suited for experienced swimmers or those who enjoy watching the surf. The walk down to the beach is scenic but can be steep. Consider parking further up the road to avoid navigating the narrow, winding path with oncoming traffic. Reddit

Timing is Key for Access

While the beach itself is stunning, the access road is notoriously narrow. Arriving earlier in the day or later in the afternoon can help you avoid potential traffic jams and the hassle of finding parking. Some visitors recommend walking from Puerto de la Cruz to avoid the road entirely. Reddit

Best Times

When
Late Afternoon
Why
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Crowd
Medium
When
Early Morning
Why
Quieter atmosphere, cooler temps
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Bollullo Beach - Tenerife 🤍 #BollulloBeach #Tenerife #blacksandbeach
@ioana.grama
10.9K likes • 146.5K views

🚗 Park Smartly

Park about 1.5km before the beach to avoid the narrow road. Parking closer can be challenging. Reddit :car:

🌊 Respect the Waves

Bathing is often forbidden due to strong currents. Enjoy the spectacle, but prioritize safety. Reddit :ocean:

Respuesta a @Elena Prez muchas gracias 🥹🤍 aquí está el segundo día #vlogdeviaje #traveltiktok #tenerife #teide #elbollullo #itinerario #guachinche #fyp
@cris.rem
5.9K likes • 115.4K views
#tenerife #playaelbollullo #holidays
@maxiimosarrimo
4K likes • 150.3K views

🚶‍♀️ Consider the Walk

A 4km walk from Puerto de la Cruz offers a pleasant alternative to driving the tricky access road. Reddit :walking:

📸 Capture the Views

The black sand and dramatic waves make for incredible photo opportunities. TikTok :camerawithflash:

@Loro Parque ❤️ #canarias🇮🇨 #playaabamatenerife #bollullobeach #tenerife🇮🇨 #loropark #loroparque
@ggalinaaa.lp
2.5K likes • 44.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Park Smartly

Park about 1.5km before the beach to avoid the narrow road. Parking closer can be challenging. Reddit :car:

🌊 Respect the Waves

Bathing is often forbidden due to strong currents. Enjoy the spectacle, but prioritize safety. Reddit :ocean:

🚶‍♀️ Consider the Walk

A 4km walk from Puerto de la Cruz offers a pleasant alternative to driving the tricky access road. Reddit :walking:

📸 Capture the Views

The black sand and dramatic waves make for incredible photo opportunities. TikTok :camerawithflash:

🍹 Beach Bar Access

There's a bar on the beach, perfect for a refreshing drink after enjoying the scenery. Reddit :tropical_drink:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning black sand and dramatic waves at Playa de El Bollullo, calling it an amazing and unique beach. The scenic walk down is also a plus for many. However, the challenging access road and the fact that swimming is often forbidden due to strong currents are common drawbacks.

"Amazing beach! Only locals here. There are quite large waves here. It is famous for that. We came here at 6pm and enjoyed jumping into the waves and sometimes getting turned around. There is a bar here. If you come by car I recommend parking about 1.5km before desceding to the beach. Once the narrow road starts you will be in trouble it you meet a car coming towards you. I swear it in the 15 minutes we walked down to the beach we passed several cars trying to manevour the narrow road. Overall, I highly recommend this beach, but beware of the waves! Come here if you enjoy waves!"

Ivan Khokhlov

"Perfect beach with big waves, amazing to relax, bathing is forbidden though... 5€ for parking, but the road there is horror. You can tak a 4km easy walk there from Puerto. You have to handle a lot of tourists taking pictures. Bar at the beach is a plus, no bathing the downside."

Ondřej Brožek

"Amazing beach, nice hike to get there. The waves are very big and you cannot swim but they are spectacular. There is no shower available but that's ok, this beach is totally worth it."

Anca Albu

What People Like

Stunning black sand
Dramatic waves
Scenic walk

What People Dislike

Difficult access road
No swimming allowed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way is by car, but be warned the access road is very narrow and can be difficult to navigate, especially with oncoming traffic. Many visitors recommend parking about 1.5km before the beach and walking the rest of the way. Reddit Alternatively, you can take a scenic 4km walk from Puerto de la Cruz. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available, but it costs €5 for tourists. Reddit Due to the narrow road, it's often advised to park further up and walk down to avoid potential traffic issues. Reddit

Public transport directly to the beach is limited. It's more common to reach Puerto de la Cruz by bus and then walk or take a taxi to the vicinity of the beach. TikTok

Yes, the road is very narrow and winding, often described as 'horror' by visitors. It's best suited for one car at a time, making it challenging if you meet oncoming traffic. Reddit

Many travelers suggest parking your car about 1.5km away from the beach and enjoying a pleasant walk down. Reddit Some even opt for a longer hike from Puerto de la Cruz. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Playa de El Bollullo is a public beach and does not require an entrance ticket. TikTok

As a natural beach, Playa de El Bollullo is accessible at all times. However, the beach bar may have specific operating hours. TikTok

There is no entrance fee for the beach itself. Parking may incur a fee for tourists. Reddit

While the beach is technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting. TikTok

The main restriction is regarding swimming due to strong waves and currents. Always heed local safety warnings. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Swimming is often forbidden due to the large and powerful waves. It's best to admire the ocean's force from the shore or enjoy the black sand. Reddit+1

The beach features beautiful black volcanic sand, which is a striking contrast to the blue ocean. TikTokReddit

There is a bar on the beach where you can get drinks and snacks. Reddit However, there are no showers available. Reddit

It's considered less touristy than southern beaches, often attracting locals. Reddit However, it can get busy, especially during peak hours and seasons. Reddit

The beach offers stunning views of the coastline, dramatic waves, and lush green surroundings, making it very picturesque. TikTokReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The black sand contrasting with the white foam of the waves is a prime subject. Also, capture the dramatic cliffs and the overall coastal landscape. TikTok+1

Absolutely! The unique black sand, powerful waves, and scenic surroundings make it a photographer's dream. TikTok+1

Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the dramatic scenery. Early morning can offer softer light and fewer people. TikTok

Generally, no. However, be mindful of other visitors' privacy. Some graffiti on the walls might be a subject for urban photography enthusiasts. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastline. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections and enhance the colors of the sea and sand. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Playa de El Bollullo's powerful waves mean it's generally not suitable for young children to swim. However, families can still enjoy the dramatic scenery, the unique black sand, and the walk down to the beach. TikTok Consider bringing sand toys for the kids to play with on the shore. The beach bar offers refreshments, which can be a welcome break. If your children are older and experienced swimmers, they might enjoy watching the waves, but always supervise them closely. Reddit

For a more relaxed family beach experience, you might consider other beaches in Tenerife that have calmer waters. However, if you're looking for a visually striking and memorable natural wonder, El Bollullo can still be a worthwhile visit for its unique landscape, provided you manage expectations regarding swimming. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Adventurous Hikers & Nature Lovers

The journey to Playa de El Bollullo is a highlight for those who appreciate a good walk. The scenic path leading down to the beach offers beautiful coastal views and a chance to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. Reddit For a more substantial trek, consider the hike from Puerto de la Cruz, which provides an extended opportunity to explore the coastline. Reddit The rugged beauty of the black sand and the powerful ocean waves will appeal to anyone who loves wild, untamed landscapes. TikTok

Be prepared for the terrain, especially the walk down and back up. The natural beauty of the area, away from the more developed tourist zones, is a significant draw. TikTok Pack water and wear comfortable shoes to make the most of your exploration of this unique corner of Tenerife. TikTok

📸 Photographers & Content Creators

Playa de El Bollullo is a dream location for photographers. The striking contrast of the black volcanic sand against the white surf and blue ocean creates incredibly dramatic and unique shots. TikTok+1 The powerful waves provide dynamic action for capturing stunning ocean photography. The scenic walk down to the beach also offers numerous vantage points for landscape and coastal shots. TikTok

Consider visiting during the golden hour in the late afternoon for the most magical light. TikTok While swimming is often restricted, the visual spectacle of the waves is captivating. Be aware that some visitors have noted graffiti, which might be an interesting element for urban or edgy photography styles. Reddit The overall raw, natural beauty makes it a highly photogenic spot. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Access Road

The journey to Playa de El Bollullo is part of the adventure, but the access road presents a unique challenge. Described as narrow and winding, it's often a point of contention for visitors. Many reviews highlight the difficulty of meeting oncoming traffic, leading to stressful maneuvers. Reddit To mitigate this, a common recommendation is to park your car approximately 1.5 kilometers before the beach and enjoy a pleasant walk down. Reddit This not only avoids the road's complexities but also allows you to appreciate the surrounding scenery more fully. Reddit

For those who prefer not to drive near the beach at all, a longer, scenic hike from Puerto de la Cruz is a viable option. This approach offers a more immersive experience of the coastal landscape and is favored by travelers seeking a more active exploration. Reddit Regardless of your chosen method, be prepared for a bit of an effort to reach this secluded gem. TikTok

Understanding the Waves and Swimming Safety

Playa de El Bollullo is renowned for its powerful and often unpredictable waves. These strong currents and surf conditions mean that swimming is frequently prohibited for safety reasons. Reddit+1 While the spectacle of the waves is a major draw for visitors, it's crucial to respect the warnings and refrain from entering the water if it's deemed unsafe. Many visitors come specifically to watch the impressive surf and enjoy the dramatic coastal atmosphere from the safety of the black sand. TikTok

For those who enjoy the thrill of the ocean, the beach offers a fantastic opportunity to witness nature's raw power. However, if your primary goal is a relaxed swim, this might not be the ideal spot. Always check local conditions and heed any lifeguard advice or posted signs. The beach bar provides a great vantage point to observe the waves and enjoy a drink while taking in the view. Reddit

The Allure of Black Volcanic Sand

One of the most striking features of Playa de El Bollullo is its unique black sand. This dramatic, dark shoreline is a direct result of the island's volcanic origins, offering a stark and beautiful contrast to the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean. TikTok The texture of the sand is often described as fine and pleasant underfoot, making it an inviting place to relax and soak in the atmosphere. Reddit

This distinctive sand creates a visually stunning environment, perfect for photography and for those seeking a less conventional beach experience. Unlike the golden sands found elsewhere, the black sand of El Bollullo lends a sense of raw, natural beauty to the landscape. It's a key element that contributes to the beach's secluded and somewhat wild charm, setting it apart from more typical tourist destinations. TikTok

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