Playa del Socorro
Wild surfers' beach. Black volcanic sand, powerful waves and access via a narrow road through banana plantations.
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400 metres of black volcanic sand at the foot of cliffs in Los Realejos. Accessed via a steep, narrow road through banana plantations. A surf mecca - waves break far from shore, powerful in winter. Closed during heavy swells. At high tide it loses half its surface. Check conditions. Beautiful, but demands respect.
TF-5 exit Mirador de San Pedro, Los Realejos. Steep narrow road through banana plantations. 10 min from Puerto.
Free car park ~200 spaces by the beach. Fills quickly at weekends. GPS: 28.3935, -16.6040.
Navigate to parkingArrive early - the car park fills up by 10:00 at weekends. Always check the flag colour. The most beautiful sunsets on the north coast - the salt mist turns golden.
Playa del Socorro has held the Blue Flag since 1999 and is the most popular beach among surfers on Tenerife's north coast. In 1966 a DC-3 aircraft crashed into the sea near this coast. Local fishermen rescued the survivors - a monument at the nearby Mirador de Las Breñas honours their bravery. The wreck remains on the seabed.
Car park → walk down to the beach → stroll along the sand to the cliffs on the south side → climb to the elevated promenade for surfer photos → sunset from the beach → back to car park.
Path through banana plantations
Road through banana plantations - walls of banana plants with the Atlantic beyond, morning light.
Beach at sunset
Beach at sunset - black sand, white waves, cliffs and golden light.
Cliffs from the promenade
Surfers from the cliffs - from the promenade, a view of surfers against a dramatic backdrop.