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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Playa de El Bollullo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded Tenerife beach with dramatic black volcanic sand and powerful waves, offering a wild and beautiful coastal escape.
"Amazing beach! Only locals here. There are quite large waves here. It is famous for that."
🚗 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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
Path to Playa de El Bollullo
Enjoy a beautiful walk down to the beach, offering stunning views of the coastline and surrounding greenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Waves (and the Walk!)
Timing is Key for Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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:🚶♀️ Consider the Walk
A 4km walk from Puerto de la Cruz offers a pleasant alternative to driving the tricky access road.
:walking:📸 Capture the Views
The black sand and dramatic waves make for incredible photo opportunities.
:camerawithflash: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.
:car:🌊 Respect the Waves
Bathing is often forbidden due to strong currents. Enjoy the spectacle, but prioritize safety.
:ocean:🚶♀️ Consider the Walk
A 4km walk from Puerto de la Cruz offers a pleasant alternative to driving the tricky access road.
:walking:📸 Capture the Views
The black sand and dramatic waves make for incredible photo opportunities.
:camerawithflash:🍹 Beach Bar Access
There's a bar on the beach, perfect for a refreshing drink after enjoying the scenery.
:tropical_drink:What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Alternatively, you can take a scenic 4km walk from Puerto de la Cruz.Yes, there is parking available, but it costs €5 for tourists.
Due to the narrow road, it's often advised to park further up and walk down to avoid potential traffic issues.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.
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.
Many travelers suggest parking your car about 1.5km away from the beach and enjoying a pleasant walk down.
Some even opt for a longer hike from Puerto de la Cruz.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Playa de El Bollullo is a public beach and does not require an entrance ticket.
As a natural beach, Playa de El Bollullo is accessible at all times. However, the beach bar may have specific operating hours.
There is no entrance fee for the beach itself. Parking may incur a fee for tourists.
While the beach is technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting.
The main restriction is regarding swimming due to strong waves and currents. Always heed local safety warnings.
🎫 🧭 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.
The beach features beautiful black volcanic sand, which is a striking contrast to the blue ocean.
There is a bar on the beach where you can get drinks and snacks.
However, there are no showers available.It's considered less touristy than southern beaches, often attracting locals.
However, it can get busy, especially during peak hours and seasons.The beach offers stunning views of the coastline, dramatic waves, and lush green surroundings, making it very picturesque.
📸 📸 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.
Absolutely! The unique black sand, powerful waves, and scenic surroundings make it a photographer's dream.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the dramatic scenery. Early morning can offer softer light and fewer people.
Generally, no. However, be mindful of other visitors' privacy. Some graffiti on the walls might be a subject for urban photography enthusiasts.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚶♀️ Adventurous Hikers & Nature Lovers
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. Pack water and wear comfortable shoes to make the most of your exploration of this unique corner of Tenerife.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Consider visiting during the golden hour in the late afternoon for the most magical light. 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. The overall raw, natural beauty makes it a highly photogenic spot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Access Road
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. Regardless of your chosen method, be prepared for a bit of an effort to reach this secluded gem.
Understanding the Waves and Swimming Safety
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.
The Allure of Black Volcanic Sand
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit