Playa del Bollullo
A wild black-sand cove at the foot of a cliff in El Rincón (La Orotava), with open sea and strong waves, ideal for the scenery and for surfing.
Playa del Bollullo
Playa del Bollullo is one of the best-known black-sand coves in northern Tenerife. It lies in the El Rincón area, within the municipality of La Orotava, nestled at the foot of a cliff and surrounded by banana plantations, very close to Puerto de la Cruz. Its volcanic sand, the crags that frame it and the swell of the open Atlantic give it that wild, natural look that sets it apart from the more urban beaches and make it one of the favourite stops for those who seek scenery over comfort. It is just over 200 metres long and is considered one of the most photographed coastal spots in the La Orotava valley.
What the beach is like
The beach is of fine black sand mixed with rocky volcanic formations that reach into the sea. The setting is almost virgin: cliff walls, vegetation and banana plantations frame the cove, with no tourist buildings on the front line. The scene changes greatly with the tide and the state of the sea, which is part of its appeal. It is a place to enjoy the scenery and to bathe with caution, not to expect the infrastructure of a city beach.
Safety and bathing
Important: El Bollullo is an open-sea beach, with usually strong swell for much of the year and currents that can be dangerous. When sea conditions worsen, a red flag is usually flown and bathing is completely inadvisable. It is a spot valued by surfers precisely for its waves, but that same energy makes it risky for inexperienced swimmers. Always respect the flags and signage, do not bathe with a ground swell, keep children in sight and stay near the shore. It is not a calm-water beach.
Services and access
Despite its wild character, the cove has a beach bar where you can get something to eat and drink, as well as sunbed and parasol rental and a beach cleaning service. Access is not easy: the usual approach is to leave the car in the upper area, next to the El Bollullo restaurant in El Rincón, and walk down a path with sections of steps. You can also reach it on foot from Puerto de la Cruz via the coastal promenade. It is advisable to bring suitable footwear and water, as there are no major facilities up top.
Tips for your visit
Arrive early: parking in the upper area is limited and fills up quickly in high season.
Comfortable footwear: the descent has steps and a slope, not suitable for all mobility levels.
Watch the sea: check the swell and the flags before bathing.
Bring the basics: water and sun protection, as services are limited.
If you want to keep discovering more beaches in the north and across the island, check our beaches section. You can find more official information on the Tenerife Tourism website and on the portal of the La Orotava Town Council.
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Playa El Bollullo
El Bollullo is a black volcanic sand beach at the foot of a cliff, in the municipality of La Orotava, about two hundred metres long and forty wide. The sand mixes with rock formations that reach out into the sea, and the whole is sheltered beneath the slope. You get there on foot from Puerto de la Cruz in some forty-five minutes, or by a short stepped path from the El Rincón area. The waves are usually strong.
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