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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmer waters for swimming
Playa de El Socorro
Best Time
Calmer waters for swimming

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic volcanic beach on Tenerife's north coast, famed for its powerful surf and striking black sand.
"Excellent beach with dark volcanic sand and clear water, great for surfing!"
🚗 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 .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Volcanic Black Sand
Playa de El Socorro
Experience the unique beauty of dark volcanic sand contrasting with the clear Atlantic waters.

Surfing Hotspot
Playa de El Socorro
Catch impressive waves thanks to the consistent swells, attracting surfers of all levels.

Scenic Coastal Views
Playa de El Socorro
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the coastline and the vast ocean from this stunning beach.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Surf's Up or Swim with Caution
Parking Pointers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
🖤 Black Sand Beauty
The volcanic sand is striking but can get hot. Wear sandals or water shoes for comfort.
🚿 Rinse Off
Convenient showers are available to wash off the sand and saltwater after your beach day.
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.
🏄♀️ Wave Watcher
Check lifeguard flags; strong currents can make swimming unsafe. Surfers love the big waves.
🖤 Black Sand Beauty
The volcanic sand is striking but can get hot. Wear sandals or water shoes for comfort.
🚿 Rinse Off
Convenient showers are available to wash off the sand and saltwater after your beach day.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Public bus transport is also available, offering a convenient alternative from Los Realejos.Yes, there are bus routes that connect Playa de El Socorro directly to Los Realejos, making it accessible without a car.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Playa de El Socorro is famous for surfing due to its consistent, powerful waves.
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.
The beach is well-maintained and offers facilities such as showers and public restrooms.
The dark volcanic sand can get quite hot under the sun, so wearing sandals or water shoes is advisable.
Swimming is possible, but be aware of the strong currents and large waves, which are ideal for surfing.
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.
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.
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
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing Paradise: Riding the Waves of El Socorro
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. 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.
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
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. 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.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit