Playa de El Socorro - a sandy beach with a blue ocean in the background
1 / 10

Playa de El Socorro

4.5
·2k reviews·, Spain

A dramatic volcanic beach on Tenerife's north coast, famed for its powerful surf and striking black sand.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Calmer waters for swimming

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Playa de El Socorro - a sandy beach with a blue ocean in the background

Playa de El Socorro

Best Time

Summer mornings

Calmer waters for swimming

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A dramatic volcanic beach on Tenerife's north coast, famed for its powerful surf and striking black sand.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"Excellent beach with dark volcanic sand and clear water, great for surfing!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Strategy

Arrive early to secure parking, as it fills up quickly. Consider bus transport if parking is scarce .

🏄‍♀️ Wave Watcher

Check lifeguard flags; strong currents can make swimming unsafe. Surfers love the big waves .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Volcanic Black Sand

Volcanic Black Sand

Playa de El Socorro

Experience the unique beauty of dark volcanic sand contrasting with the clear Atlantic waters.

Surfing Hotspot

Surfing Hotspot

Playa de El Socorro

Catch impressive waves thanks to the consistent swells, attracting surfers of all levels.

Scenic Coastal Views

Scenic Coastal Views

Playa de El Socorro

Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the coastline and the vast ocean from this stunning beach.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Surf's Up or Swim with Caution

Playa de El Socorro is renowned for its powerful waves, making it a surfer's paradise.TikTok However, these strong currents can make swimming challenging and sometimes forbidden.Reddit Always check local conditions and lifeguard advisories before entering the water.

Parking Pointers

While the beach offers ample space and lifeguards, parking can be a significant issue, especially during peak times.Reddit Arrive early or consider public transport options to avoid frustration.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Calmer waters for swimming
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoon
Why
Prime time for surfers
Crowd
High
When
Off-season weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Del mar al cielo 🤠 Aun no me puedo creer que consiguiesemos subir al Teide, desde el nivel del Mar 🌋 Hoy os enseño la ruta 040! Desde los 0 metros de altitud, en la playa del Socorro hasta la cumbre mas alta de España con un desnivel acumulado de 4 kilometros en vertical‼️ Fueron 15 horas muy duras, pero muy muy bonitas, el mejor atardecer del mundo, una caminata bajo el manto de estrellas, soleda...
@davidcabrero10
78K likes • 756.8K views

🚗 Parking Strategy

Arrive early to secure parking, as it fills up quickly. Consider bus transport if parking is scarce.Reddit

🏄‍♀️ Wave Watcher

Check lifeguard flags; strong currents can make swimming unsafe. Surfers love the big waves.TikTokReddit

Las vistas de la playa del socorro >> 🏝️🫠🩵 ig: carlaalemanych #tenerife #playadelsocorro #playadelsocorrotenerife
@carlaalemanych
27.1K likes • 302.9K views
🍷🎉🏖🎶 ESTE SÁBADO, GRAN FIESTA DE VINOS DE TENERIFE EN EL SOCORRO - Presentación 👇 La Playa de El Socorro volverá a albergar la mayor vinoteca al aire libre de Canarias este sábado 13 de septiembre con una nueva edición de su Gran Fiesta de Vinos de Tenerife, un encuentro que reunirá más de 90 referencias de vinos de las denominaciones de origen de la isla, sumadas a las de la DO El Hierro como in...
aytolosrealejos
526 likes • 17.8K views

🖤 Black Sand Beauty

The volcanic sand is striking but can get hot. Wear sandals or water shoes for comfort.TikTok

🚿 Rinse Off

Convenient showers are available to wash off the sand and saltwater after your beach day.

💡Kövessetek be további tartalmakért💡- Tenerife utazási tippek 2. Rész 📍Playa del Socorro, Tenerife, Kanári-szigetek, Spanyolország🇮🇨🇪🇸 •a part különlegessége a fekete homok, amely a sziget vulkáni eredete miatt van, látványa mellett kevésbé éget, mint a rendes homok🏖️ •a part tökéletes szörfözésre a nagy hullámok miatt🏄‍♀️ Tenerife egyik legjobb strandja erre a célra •Kék Zászló minősítésű part, m...
@anna.utazik
11.7K likes • 144.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Strategy

Arrive early to secure parking, as it fills up quickly. Consider bus transport if parking is scarce.Reddit

🏄‍♀️ Wave Watcher

Check lifeguard flags; strong currents can make swimming unsafe. Surfers love the big waves.TikTokReddit

🖤 Black Sand Beauty

The volcanic sand is striking but can get hot. Wear sandals or water shoes for comfort.TikTok

🚿 Rinse Off

Convenient showers are available to wash off the sand and saltwater after your beach day.

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Playa de El Socorro for its stunning volcanic black sand, clear waters, and excellent surfing conditions. The presence of lifeguards and showers adds to its appeal. However, the strong currents can make swimming difficult, and parking can be a significant challenge during busy periods.

"excellent beach, well-maintained, there are lifeguards, and most importantly there are showers. But there is a big minus if you go by car because there is often no space"

Aleksandr Podvalniy

"Playa del Socorro is located on the north coast of Tenerife, near the town of Los Realejos.

The beach has dark volcanic sand and clear water, making it a great spot to spend the day.

Playa del Socorro is well-known for its excellent surfing conditions, attracting surfers of all levels.

MORE PLACES ON WEB HONEST TENERIFE"

Honest - Tenerife

"One of to closest beach to me. Clean and bus transport is available from the beach to Los Realejos directly."

Adam Feldmann

What People Like

Beautiful black sand
Great surfing waves
Lifeguards and showers

What People Dislike

Strong currents for swimming
Limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Playa de El Socorro is located on Tenerife's north coast, near Los Realejos. You can drive there, but parking can be challenging.Reddit Public bus transport is also available, offering a convenient alternative from Los Realejos.Reddit

Yes, there are bus routes that connect Playa de El Socorro directly to Los Realejos, making it accessible without a car.Reddit

From Puerto de la Cruz, you can take a bus or drive towards Los Realejos. The beach is well-signposted once you are in the vicinity.

Yes, there is parking available, but it often fills up quickly, especially during peak season and weekends.Reddit Arriving early is highly recommended.

Depending on your starting point, it might be possible to walk, but it's generally recommended to use transport due to its location on the coast.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Playa de El Socorro is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can visit and enjoy it for free.

As a natural beach, Playa de El Socorro is accessible at all hours. However, lifeguard services operate during specific daytime hours for safety.

No booking is required for Playa de El Socorro as it is a public beach.

The main restriction is related to swimming conditions. Due to strong currents, swimming may be forbidden at times, indicated by lifeguard flags.Reddit

While beautiful, the strong waves can make it less ideal for very young children who want to swim freely. Surfing families will find it excellent.TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Playa de El Socorro is famous for surfing due to its consistent, powerful waves.TikTok You can also sunbathe, enjoy the scenic views, and walk along the unique black sand beach.

Yes, lifeguards are present at Playa de El Socorro, ensuring safety for visitors, especially during swimming hours.Reddit

The beach is well-maintained and offers facilities such as showers and public restrooms.Reddit

The dark volcanic sand can get quite hot under the sun, so wearing sandals or water shoes is advisable.TikTok

Swimming is possible, but be aware of the strong currents and large waves, which are ideal for surfing.TikTok Always heed the lifeguard's instructions and flags.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are typically no restaurants directly on Playa de El Socorro itself. You'll find dining options in the nearby town of Los Realejos.

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for a picnic on the beach. Remember to take all your trash with you.

In Los Realejos, you can find traditional Canarian cuisine, fresh seafood, and local tapas bars.

Historically, there haven't been prominent beach bars directly on the sand, but it's always worth checking for any seasonal pop-ups.

You'll likely need to head back towards Los Realejos for shops or small convenience stores to buy snacks.

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for capturing the black sand and coastal scenery.TikTok

The striking contrast of the black volcanic sand against the blue ocean, combined with dramatic waves and rugged cliffs, makes for unique and captivating photographs.TikTok+1

The cliffs surrounding the beach offer elevated perspectives. The drive to and from the beach also provides scenic overlooks.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastline, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating surfers or distant waves. A polarizing filter can enhance the ocean's colors.

Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone near the beach or cliffs.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

🏄‍♀️ Surfers

Playa de El Socorro is a dream destination for surfers. Its consistent, powerful waves are perfect for catching a thrilling ride.TikTok Whether you're an experienced pro or looking to hone your skills, the consistent swells offer a fantastic challenge. Be prepared for strong currents, and always respect the lifeguards' instructions regarding swimming safety. Many visitors come to Tenerife specifically for the surf at El Socorro.Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Young Children

While Playa de El Socorro is stunning, the strong waves and currents might make it less ideal for families with very young children who want to swim freely. The beach is better suited for older children who can enjoy playing on the black sand or for families who are content with watching the surfers. Always prioritize safety and be aware of the conditions.TikTok

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

If you're exploring Tenerife by car, Playa de El Socorro is a worthwhile stop. However, be mindful of the parking situation.Reddit Arriving early is key. Alternatively, consider using public transport from nearby towns like Los Realejos for a stress-free visit. The scenic drive along the north coast is an added bonus.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Surfing Paradise: Riding the Waves of El Socorro

Playa de El Socorro is a magnet for surfers, thanks to its consistent and powerful Atlantic swells. The beach's orientation and the underwater topography create ideal conditions for both experienced surfers and those looking to improve their skills.TikTok The waves here are known for their size and strength, making it a thrilling spot for a surf session. Many visitors come specifically for the surfing opportunities, with local surf schools often operating in the area during the warmer months.

However, these same powerful waves mean that swimming can be dangerous. Lifeguards are vigilant and will often prohibit swimming when the currents are too strong.Reddit It's crucial to respect their warnings and prioritize safety. For those new to surfing, it's advisable to take lessons from a qualified instructor who can guide you on the best techniques and safety protocols for this specific beach. The unique black sand also adds to the dramatic backdrop for any surf photography.TikTok

Beyond surfing, the beach offers a raw, natural beauty. The dramatic cliffs that frame the cove provide a stunning visual contrast to the churning ocean. While the waves might deter casual swimmers, they are the main draw for surfers seeking an exhilarating ride. The beach is also a popular spot for watching surfers carve up the waves, even if you're not participating yourself.

Navigating the North Coast: Getting to and Around El Socorro

Reaching Playa de El Socorro involves navigating Tenerife's scenic north coast. While driving offers flexibility, it comes with a significant caveat: parking. The beach's popularity, especially among surfers, means that parking spaces are often scarce, particularly during weekends and peak season.Reddit Visitors are advised to arrive early in the day to secure a spot. The drive itself is often rewarding, with winding roads offering glimpses of the island's lush interior and dramatic coastline.

For those who prefer to avoid the parking hassle, public transportation is a viable option. Bus services connect Playa de El Socorro to the nearby town of Los Realejos, providing a more relaxed way to reach the beach.Reddit This is a great choice for day-trippers or those staying in nearby towns like Puerto de la Cruz. Checking local bus schedules in advance is recommended to plan your journey effectively.

Once you arrive, the beach itself is well-equipped with essential facilities. Lifeguards are on duty to ensure visitor safety, and showers are available for rinsing off after a day in the ocean. The presence of these amenities enhances the overall visitor experience, making it easier to enjoy the natural beauty of this unique volcanic beach.

You may also like

1 of 2