San Telmo Beach

The waves break on the black rocks right below the promenade, and a bar at the water's edge lets you watch them over a drink. Down at sea level it is calmer than the busy street above.

The swimming happens in the natural pools among the volcanic rock, where the water runs clear enough for snorkelling, best at low tide. For walking straight into the ocean there is one patch of gravel; the rest is rock and a concrete pier. It works for a swim and a long look at the sea. As a place to spread out for the whole day it is cramped and hard underfoot.

• No sunbeds or umbrellas to rent, and no shade on the rocks. Bring something to sit on and cover for the sun.
• The beach area is small and fills up fast; a spot for a towel is hard to find at busy times.
• The natural pools are closed at times.
• The ground is rock, gravel and concrete. Water shoes make getting in and out easier.
• Free public toilets stand about 25 m away.

The beach sits on the Paseo de San Telmo, the pedestrian promenade along the Puerto de la Cruz seafront, below the main street. Most people simply walk in along the promenade from the rest of town.

The nearest bus stops are Plaza Reyes Católicos, about 150 m away, and Zamora, about 200 m in a straight line. Drivers have two car parks close by: a free one about 250 m away and a paid one about 260 m away. From either, the last stretch is on foot through the streets to the promenade.

Best: low tide, for swimming and snorkelling in the rock pools.

Avoid: the middle of a hot day. The rocks give no shade and there is nothing to rent, so a long stay in full sun gets uncomfortable.

On a stormy day the swimming is off, but the sea running high against the rocks makes its own reason to come and watch from the promenade.