Mesa del Mar & El Pris
Natural pools, a black sand beach, and a coastal path to the fishing village of El Pris. The north coast's best-kept secret.
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Mesa del Mar hides two crystal-clear natural pools and a black volcanic sand beach, Playa de la Arena. But the highlight is the 900-meter cliff path to El Pris, an authentic fishing village where time stands still.
TF-5 exit Tacoronte, descend the hillside to Mesa del Mar. Winding road with sharp curves, drive carefully.
Line 021 (TITSA) Tacoronte-Mesa del Mar. Line 023 Tacoronte-El Pris. Both depart from Tacoronte station.
Get here by busPark at Mesa del Mar (large free lot). NOT at El Pris - walk to the village via the coastal path. It's the best experience.
Navigate to parkingPark at Mesa del Mar, swim in the pool, then walk the coastal path to El Pris. Sit at Bar Pescador I, order fresh catch of the day with mojo and a house wine from Tacoronte. Walk back at sunset.
El Pris was founded by fishermen from Punta del Hidalgo seeking natural shelters for their boats. In the 16th century, the path between both villages was known as Puerto de la Madera: timber from the Agua García forest was shipped from here along the entire north coast.
Park at Mesa del Mar → swim in the natural pools → coastal path to El Pris (900 m, 15 min) → lunch with fresh fish at Bar Pescador → walk back along the path at sunset.
Coastal trail
Halfway between Mesa del Mar and El Pris, the rocks and coves with crashing waves. Best in afternoon light.
Playa de la Arena
From the tunnel entrance to the beach, the natural frame of black sand and ocean.