La Arena Beach

Look north from the black sand and the cliffs of Los Gigantes close off the view, dark rock falling sheer into the sea. The sand itself is natural volcanic sand, fine and soft underfoot. It is dark enough to soak up the sun, and by midday it burns bare feet.

This is a resort beach and a well-kept one. There are showers, changing rooms and a lifeguard, the cove is clean, and it has flown the European Blue Flag for years. Behind it a promenade runs past restaurants, bars and shops, so lunch and a cold drink are never far from your towel. In the evening the sun goes down over the open sea to the west.

• The black sand gets very hot in the sun: wear shoes or sandals to cross it.
• Sunbeds and umbrellas are for rent, and your own towel is fine too.
• Showers, a foot rinse and toilets with changing rooms stand by the beach; the toilets charge a fee.
• The sea ranges from small waves to strong waves and currents, so check it before you swim.
• Restaurants and bars line the promenade behind the sand.

Playa de la Arena sits inside the resort, so the last stretch is a walk through town streets to the promenade. By bus, get off at the La Arena stop, about 150 m from the beach in a straight line. Drivers can park on the street in the resort or use one of two car parks about 230 m and 270 m away. A map board stands about 75 m from the beach. Puerto Santiago and Los Gigantes lie to the north along the same coast.

Best: late afternoon into sunset.

Avoid: the middle of the day in strong sun.

The beach looks west over the open sea, so the evening sun sets over the water, with La Gomera on the horizon on a clear day, while at midday the black sand takes the full sun, burns bare feet and offers no shade beyond a rented umbrella.