Playa de Tazacorte

Playa de Tazacorte: the great black-sand beach of western La Palma

At the mouth of the Barranco de las Angustias, beside the lively Port of Tazacorte, lies one of the longest and busiest stretches of black sand on La Palma. It is a beach with a seafaring character, with the scent of fresh fish, a promenade full of terraces and a coastline open to the Atlantic beneath the cliffs of the island's west. Its most sheltered sector has become a classic for families, while the rest of the beach keeps that volcanic, wild atmosphere so characteristic of La Palma's beaches.

A beach divided into three settings

Tazacorte's shoreline is not a single uniform beach but a set of zones with their own personality. The one known as Playa del Puerto Viejo, to the north and protected by the old pier, is the most family-oriented and frequented. To the south, beyond the ravine, lies the Los Tarajales area, more exposed and quieter in terms of crowds. Behind the new port pier there is also a stretch set aside as a naturist beach, signposted and with its own rules of respect and coexistence.

Black sand and Atlantic waters

The sand is of volcanic origin, an intense black that heats up strongly during the central hours of the day. The Puerto Viejo sector is partly sheltered by the breakwater, which softens the swell and makes it comfortable for family bathing. Even so, it is worth remembering that this is open sea: beyond the protected zone the swell can grow stronger, and you should always respect the safety signs and the lifeguard service's instructions before bathing, especially with children or on rough-sea days.

Services and accessibility

It is one of the best-equipped beaches on La Palma's western coast. The Port sector has a lifeguard service all year round, adapted access with ramps for people with reduced mobility, showers, toilets and changing rooms. The port surroundings provide nearby parking, beach bars and a wide range of fresh-fish restaurants along the promenade. The quality of its water and services is endorsed by the Blue Flag, which the Playa del Puerto has revalidated year after year.

Key points for your visit

• Where: Port of Tazacorte, western La Palma, at the mouth of the Barranco de las Angustias.

• Sand: volcanic black, typical of the Canary coast.

• Swimming: comfortable in the Puerto Viejo area, sheltered by the pier; greater exposure to swell beyond it, so heed the signs.

• Services: lifeguards all year, showers, toilets, changing rooms, beach bars and restaurants.

• Accessibility: ramps and adapted access in the Port sector.

• Distinction: Blue Flag at the Playa del Puerto.

More official information about the destination on the La Palma Tourism portal and on the Blue Flag environmental recognition scheme.