Playa de Tacorón
A cove on the southern coast of El Hierro, in the municipality of El Pinar, beside the road running down to La Restinga. It is a run of lava inlets, dark volcanic sand and natural rock pools inside the Mar de las Calmas marine reserve, the most sheltered stretch of sea in the archipelago. There is little sand and a lot of rock, with steps down into the water, and a barbecue area beside the car park.
Tacorón takes up the volcanic shoreline of southern El Hierro, shortly before La Restinga. The coast breaks into small coves, arches and lava flows that hold rock pools and natural bathing pools, with dark sand gathering in the most sheltered corners. The water belongs to the Mar de las Calmas, the calmest and clearest band of sea around the island, protected as a marine reserve.
This is a place for swimming and snorkelling rather than for stretching out on sand: rock dominates, and you get in by way of built steps and ramps. On the upper level there is parking along with tables and barbecue points, well used at weekends by islanders. It is worth checking the state of the sea first, because a southerly swell makes the entry points awkward.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first!
Related places
Playa de las Arenas
Playa de las Arenas
Playa de las Teresitas
Playa de las Teresitas
Playa de Santa Cruz de La Palma
An urban beach of volcanic sand beside the capital's Avenida Marítima, at the foot of its historic seafront.
Playa de Santa Cruz de La Palma
An urban beach of volcanic sand beside the capital's Avenida Marítima, at the foot of its historic seafront.
Poema del Mar
One of Europe's most spectacular aquariums, home to the world's largest curved viewing window onto the deep sea.
Poema del Mar
One of Europe's most spectacular aquariums, home to the world's largest curved viewing window onto the deep sea.
Pirámides de Güímar
Six stepped pyramids surrounded by gardens and the enigma that fascinated Thor Heyerdahl.
Pirámides de Güímar
Six stepped pyramids surrounded by gardens and the enigma that fascinated Thor Heyerdahl.
Bodegas Teneguía
Fuencaliente winery known for its volcanic Malvasía wines, with visits in southern La Palma.
Bodegas Teneguía
Fuencaliente winery known for its volcanic Malvasía wines, with visits in southern La Palma.
Related guides
Which Canary Island should you choose for your holiday?
It isn't one destination, it's eight islands and each one plays a different game. We compare Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro by traveller profile, so you pick the exact island for your trip.
Renting a car with no deposit and taking it on the ferry between islands: the honest Canary Islands guide
Which companies rent without a deposit, what happens to your insurance if you cross by ferry to another island, and how to save with the car swap at the port. Verified facts, updated July 2026.