4.5 (5)•Black Sand Beach•La Orotava, North Tenerife
Playa El Bollullo is La Orotava's dramatic black-sand beach with a practical catch: it looks close to Puerto de la Cruz on the map, but the final approach, small parking and strong north-coast waves make it feel much wilder. The beach sits below cliffs in El Rincón, with volcanic sand, a bar/restaurant layer and lifeguard presence in season.
Go for scenery, surf atmosphere and a shorter wild-beach hit. Swim only when flags, lifeguards and the actual wave sets make it sensible.
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Blog context
Useful planning notes connected to this place: weather, transport, routes, and nearby decisions.
A practical 2026 La Orotava guide: historic centre, Casa de los Balcones, gardens, valley views, parking and a guachinche or north-food stop without rushing.
A practical 2026 Tenerife coast guide for choosing beaches, natural pools and view-only wild coast stops by sea state, wind, children and driving time.
Traveler photos
Guest review summary
Commonly mentioned by visitors.
Visitors praise the black volcanic sand, cliffs, green northern slopes and strong natural atmosphere.
The beach is memorable for photos, surf watching and the feeling of leaving the south-coast resort strip behind.
The walk or descent can be part of the appeal for people who want a wilder La Orotava coast stop.
Large waves can make swimming unsafe or restricted, even when the beach looks beautiful.
The approach road, small parking area and walk down are less convenient than serviced beaches.
Facilities exist but do not turn it into a full-comfort resort beach.
Recommended reviews
Maggie Nankya
Source: Google Maps
7 months ago
Beautiful Black Sand Beach Whether you’re looking to surf the strong waves or simply dip your toes in the water and listen to the soothing sound of the ocean, this is the perfect spot. It has a peaceful, almost private beach vibe and even offers some natural shade in the afternoon ,great for those who aren’t big on sunbathing. We explored everything on foot, but if you’re driving, I’d recommend parking uphill and walking down. It’s well worth the effort
Ivan Khokhlov
Source: Google Maps
9 months ago
Amazing beach! Only locals here. There are quite large waves here. It is famous for that. We came here at 6pm and enjoyed jumping into the waves and sometimes getting turned around. There is a bar here. If you come by car I recommend parking about 1.5km before desceding to the beach. Once the narrow road starts you will be in trouble it you meet a car coming towards you. I swear it in the 15 minutes we walked down to the beach we passed several cars trying to manevour the narrow road. Overall, I highly recommend this beach, but beware of the waves! Come here if you enjoy waves!
P I
Source: Google Maps
7 months ago
Playa El Bollullo is a hidden gem in Tenerife – stunning black volcanic sand that looks straight out of a postcard. It’s incredibly remote, far from tourist crowds, giving you pure peace and a real nature escape. The waves are mind-blowing, powerful and perfect for surfing – last time I was bodyboarding (that board you lie on to catch waves), and it was an epic rush! Big downside: swimming is now completely banned – currents and waves are way too dangerous, signs everywhere warn you to stay out of the water. Getting there is tricky as hell – steep, narrow cliff path demands good shoes and caution, but the views make it worth every step. Overall, an unforgettable earth-shaking experience if you love raw adventure and untamed beauty. Go for the thrill, just admire the sea from the shore!
Anca Albu
Source: Google Maps
9 months ago
Amazing beach, nice hike to get there. The waves are very big and you cannot swim but they are spectacular. There is no shower available but that's ok, this beach is totally worth it.
Ondřej Brožek
Source: Google Maps
9 months ago
Perfect beach with big waves, amazing to relax, bathing is forbidden though... 5€ for parking, but the road there is horror. You can tak a 4km easy walk there from Puerto. You have to handle a lot of tourists taking pictures. Bar at the beach is a plus, no bathing the downside.
The sea decides the visit
El Bollullo is at its best as a raw north-coast beach. If the shore break is heavy, keep the plan to photos, a walk and food nearby.
KnowTenerife
Only when conditions allow. The beach often has strong waves, so check flags, lifeguards and the water before entering.
It is easier than Los Patos, but still less convenient than urban beaches because of the small parking area and descent.
Yes, many visitors use the coastal side from Puerto / La Orotava, but allow time and wear sensible shoes.
A dramatic black-sand north-coast beach with cliffs, surf atmosphere and limited comfort compared with resort beaches.
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