Los Roques Beach is a natural cove of rock and pebbles in San Juan de la Rambla, on the north coast of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Volcanic cliffs close it in on either side, and it lies open to the Atlantic, whose powerful waves make the sea unsuitable for swimming. A path leads down to the shore. The beach is known for its wild setting and its views of the surf against the cliffs.
Los Roques Beach
Local name: Playa de Los Roques
Rocky, pebbly cove between volcanic cliffs on the north coast of Tenerife, with rough Atlantic surf.
- Accessibility
- A path leads down to the beach, and the shore is rock and pebble. No toilets nearby.
- Parking
- Two car parks, about 180 m and 240 m away in a straight line; the one at 240 m is asphalt and free.
- Difficulty
- A path leads down to the cove; on the beach, the footing is rock and loose pebbles.
- Transport
- Bus stop La Marina, about 160 m away.
- Address
- Playa de los Roques, 38420, Spain
What makes it special
The noise comes first: Atlantic swell breaking on rock and dragging the pebbles back down the shore. Los Roques Beach is a cove of dark volcanic stone boxed in by cliffs on both sides, and it keeps the raw look of a coast nobody has tidied up. Beach crowds stay away.
People come here to sit on the rocks, watch the waves roll in and photograph the cliffs with white water at their feet. Nobody swims. The sea is the whole show, and on a day of big swell it is a loud one.
Good to know
- No swimming. The sea is rough and the waves are powerful; come to watch the water.
- It can close. Access to the beach can be shut when the waves run high.
- Rock and pebble underfoot. Wear shoes with grip. With the rough sea, this is no beach for small children.
- No toilets or drinking water nearby. Bring water with you.
Getting there
Two car parks sit about 180 m and 240 m away in a straight line; the farther one is surfaced in asphalt. The La Marina bus stop is closer still, about 160 m away, and a tourist information office stands about 240 m off.
A path leads down to the cove. Once you reach the shore, expect to pick your way over rock and pebbles to find a spot above the waterline.
Best time to visit
Best: a calm day with a moderate swell, when the waves still break hard against the cliffs and the beach stays open.
Avoid: days of big surf.
This coast faces north and takes the heaviest Atlantic swell in winter, and when the waves run high access to the beach can be closed.
Sun & daylight
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Los Roques Beach on the map
The Atlantic breaks hard on this shore and swimming is unsafe. Stay back from the waterline, never turn your back on the waves, and keep clear of the foot of the cliffs.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Los Roques Beach?
No. The sea is rough and the waves are powerful. It is a beach for watching the Atlantic, and access can be closed when the waves run high.Is there parking near Los Roques Beach?
Yes. Two car parks sit about 180 m and 240 m away in a straight line, and a path leads down to the cove.Can you get to Los Roques Beach by bus?
The La Marina bus stop is about 160 m away.Are there toilets at Los Roques Beach?
No, and there are none nearby. There is no drinking water either, so bring your own.Is Los Roques Beach good for children?
It is a poor choice for small children: the shore is rock and pebble, and the sea is rough.