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Costa El Sauzal coastal path, natural pools and viewpoints in North Tenerife

Rugged lava headlands, wave-carved pools and a beautifully paved promenade make Costa El Sauzal one of the most photogenic stretches of Tenerife’s north coast. This guide follows the walk in a logical order—starting with wide panoramas, then the access, paths and pools, before finishing with the small hermitage and intriguing ruins.

Panoramic coastline

Wide panorama of Costa El Sauzal with terraced slopes, black lava headlands and the Atlantic on a cloudy morning.

This overview shows the essence of the area: terraced slopes dropping to dark basalt platforms and long Atlantic horizons. From here you can appreciate how the path threads the cliffs while keeping safe distances from the swell.

Clifftop view toward jagged lava platforms and turquoise water along the Costa El Sauzal shoreline.

The coastline alternates between jagged reefs and calmer inlets where the water turns a clear turquoise—good spots to watch the surf without getting too close to the edge.

Signage and parking

Entrance boards for Costa El Sauzal showing safety icons and opening hours beside a low lava-stone wall.

At the entrance, the information boards list opening hours and safety advice. Pay attention to the swell icons—conditions change quickly on the north coast.

Upper parking area with marked bays above the cliffs and an open Atlantic view.

Parking is available on the upper platform above the cliffs, so you can start the walk without negotiating steep village streets.

Cliff-top promenade and connecting paths

Broad paved promenade bordered by volcanic stone walls and coastal vegetation.

The main promenade is broad, even and family-friendly, with stone walls built from local basalt that blend into the landscape.

Narrow stone walkway with timber handrail hugging the cliff at Costa El Sauzal.

Side sections narrow as the path approaches lookout spurs. Handrails and non-slip paving help, but it’s still best to wear proper shoes.

Zigzag stairway between lava rocks offering safe access toward the rocky shoreline below the promenade.

Several stairways give controlled access toward the rocks. Only descend when the sea is calm and never step onto wet, shiny lava where waves reach.

Natural pools and lava shelves

Tide-fed rock pools connected by a boardwalk across black basalt at Costa El Sauzal.

A small boardwalk leads to tide-fed pools used for sunbathing and quick dips on quiet days. Always check the swell first and follow the posted warnings.

Sunbathers on a narrow lava platform with Atlantic waves breaking around natural basins below the cliffs.

Narrow shelves provide sheltered pockets to stretch out. These are natural formations—there is no sand here—so bring a mat or towel for comfort.

Sea caves and eroded tuff

Row of shallow sea caves in honeycombed tuff beside the path, with the cliff rising above.

Along the route you’ll pass a striking band of shallow caves where softer rock has been carved by wind and spray—great for photos and shade.

Ermita de Las Rojas

Small white chapel called Ermita de Las Rojas set on a stone terrace near the coastal path.

This tiny hermitage sits on a terrace framed by tamarisks. It’s a peaceful pause point before the path continues to the lookouts.

Abandoned structures on the cliffs

Rusting skeletal frame of an unfinished building perched dramatically on the cliff edge.

An unfinished frame clings to the cliff, a stark contrast to the natural lava formations and a reminder of halted coastal projects.

Graffiti-covered ruin on a narrow road with ocean views near El Sauzal.

Higher up, a graffiti-covered ruin overlooks the sea—photogenic, but keep a safe distance and respect private property signs.

Curving lane leading toward the abandoned building, edged by volcanic scrub and stone walls.

The access lane curves along the slope, linking the upper terraces with the clifftop promenade and offering additional lookouts over the reefs.

Final lookout over the reefs

High lookout above black lava reefs with Atlantic swells rolling in along Costa El Sauzal.

This high lookout gives a last sweeping view of the reefs and the powerful Atlantic. On clear days, the water glows green over the shallow shelves.

Whether you come for photography, a relaxed coastal stroll or to scout the tide pools on calm days, Costa El Sauzal delivers classic North Tenerife scenery with safe, well-built paths. Check conditions, follow the notices and enjoy this wild stretch of volcanic shoreline.