Los Hervideros Lava Coast

Stand at a viewpoint on a rough day and the sea comes up through the rock. Waves run into the caves and channels under the cliff and blow out of the gaps in the lava as spray, like a pot boiling over, which is exactly what the Spanish name means.

The cliffs are black, twisted lava, cut into arches and deep cracks, with almost nothing growing on them. Paths run along the top to several viewpoints, and each one gives a different angle on the same swell. The coast faces open Atlantic to the west, so towards sunset the light comes in low across the water and catches the spray against the dark rock.

• There are no toilets and no drinking water at the site, and none nearby. Bring water with you.
• Wear solid shoes: off the paths the lava is sharp and uneven, and an ankle turns easily in sandals.
• The coast is exposed and windy. Bring a layer even when it is warm inland.
• The spectacle depends on the swell. On a calm sea the caves barely stir, so a rough day is the one to come on.

The car park sits right beside the site, about 80 m away, with a second parking area about 235 m away and roadside spaces along the road as well. From the car park, paths lead straight out along the cliff top to the viewpoints, and you can follow them to where the path ends.

Public transport does not come close. The nearest bus stop, Rotonda La Hoya, is about 2.5 km away in a straight line, and the distance on foot is at least that, so a car is the practical way to arrive.

Best: a day with a heavy swell, from late afternoon through to sunset.

Avoid: a flat, calm sea.

The caves only boil when big waves run into them, and the coast faces west, so the evening sun sets into the Atlantic in front of the viewpoints and lights up the spray.