Playa de Martiánez

Playa de Martiánez

Playa de Martiánez is the quintessential urban beach of Puerto de la Cruz, on the north coast of Tenerife. It extends at the foot of the Martiánez ravine, integrated into the lively promenade and a few steps from the iconic Lago Martiánez complex, the work of the Canary artist César Manrique. Its dark sand, of volcanic origin, runs along a beach of up to about 350 metres facing the open Atlantic, which makes it one of the most recognisable sights of the municipality and one of the most visited beaches of the northern island.

Unlike the sheltered coves of the south, Martiánez looks straight out at the ocean. That exposed character gives it personality: there is usually swell and the beach is a regular spot for those who surf, bodyboard and practise other board sports, both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. On calm-sea days it is pleasant for bathing and sunbathing, but bear in mind that conditions in the north Atlantic change quickly.

What the beach is like

The beach is of black volcanic sand, characteristic of the northern coast of Tenerife, and lies right in the town centre. Its location next to the promenade makes it easy to reach on foot from the centre of Puerto de la Cruz and from the nearby car parks. As a very busy urban beach, it gets high occupancy in peak season.

Services and surroundings

• Location: on the promenade, next to the Lago Martiánez of César Manrique.

• Type of sand: black volcanic, typical of northern Tenerife.

• Parking: parking areas nearby in the urban surroundings.

• Cleaning and bins: cleaning service and bins on the beach.

• Dining: bars and food and drink venues near the promenade.

• Sports: a regular surf and board-sports zone.

Safety when bathing

Because of its open-sea orientation, Martiánez can have strong swell and currents, especially on the more exposed side, where returning to shore can become difficult. Before bathing, always check the colour of the flag and follow the instructions on the Town Council's information panels, which mark the recommended bathing zones. If the sea is rough, take extra care and avoid going in; it is a great beach for enjoying the setting and for surfing, but the north Atlantic demands respect.

More official information on the island tourism portal Tenerife Tourism and on the website of the Puerto de la Cruz Town Council.