Las Aguas Beach

The boats set the scene. Luxury yachts, fishing vessels and recreational craft move in and out of Garachico's marina right beside the beach, and from the stones you watch the whole coming and going with the town's hillside behind.

The beach itself stays empty. It is the first beach you see as you arrive in Garachico, yet it is usually uncrowded, and the path in through the farmyards keeps it feeling hidden. The water runs clear over pebbles, gravel and patches of sand along roughly 250 metres of shore.

Afterwards, walk on into Garachico's old centre. The town was founded at the end of the 15th century, and its historic streets reward the stroll.

• No facilities. There are no toilets and no drinking water at the beach or nearby, so bring water with you.
• Swimming is risky. Strong currents run here, and the waves, usually moderate, can turn strong.
• On foot only. The walk in ranges from easy to awkward, and it does not suit wheelchairs or anyone with limited mobility.
• Stony shore. Pebbles and gravel with some sand: water shoes make getting in and out easier.

Two open car parks lie about 350 m and 450 m away in a straight line, one surfaced in concrete and one in gravel. The San Roque bus stop is about 400 m away.

The last stretch is on foot. From the entrance to the harbour, take the path to the right of the small church; it leads through farmyards to the beach, which sits right next to the marina.

Best: a calm summer day, when the Atlantic swell on Tenerife's north coast tends to ease.

Avoid: days of heavy swell, most common in winter.

The currents here are strong even when the waves are moderate, and a rough sea turns a risky swim into a dangerous one.