Playa Las Salinas, Costa Adeje – Hidden volcanic cove with black-pebble shore, lava cliffs and coastal path

Between Playa Paraíso and Callao Salvaje sits Playa Las Salinas—a natural cove carved into reddish tuff and dark basalt. It is not a serviced beach; you come here for raw Atlantic scenery, the sound of rounded pebbles rolling in the wash, and a quick dip when the sea is calm. Below you’ll find photos that walk you from the panoramic viewpoint to the shoreline and the informal access paths.

Panoramic view from the coastal promenade

This wide view sets the scene: a horseshoe bay framed by honey-coloured cliffs, with colorful apartments and palms lining the promenade above.

Panoramic view of Playa Las Salinas cove in Costa Adeje, with lava cliffs, calm Atlantic water and colorful buildings on the promenade.

The small black-pebble beach inside the cove

From above you can see the compact fan of rounded volcanic pebbles that forms the beach. The contrast between dark basalt, red tuff and turquoise water is classic south-Tenerife geology.

Overhead view of the black-pebble beach at Playa Las Salinas surrounded by red volcanic cliffs.

Closer to the water the stones become larger boulders. Enter the sea with care—water shoes help—and only when conditions are gentle.

Close-up of rounded lava rocks and boulders on the shoreline of Playa Las Salinas with small waves.

Signage confirms an undeveloped, natural beach

At street level a municipal sign marks the cove as Playa Las Salinas and lists typical restrictions for an unguarded natural area—there are no lifeguards or services.

Municipal sign for Playa Las Salinas in Costa Adeje indicating no lifeguard and standard beach rules.

How to get down: informal access paths

Reaching the cove involves simple, unmaintained paths. Start from the seafront walkway and follow a worn concrete ramp toward the cliffs.

Narrow concrete path with lava-stone edges descending from the promenade toward Playa Las Salinas.

Near the bottom, sandy footpaths weave through low coastal vegetation to the pebble field. Expect uneven ground and occasional loose stones.

Sandy approach with shrubs leading to the cove of Playa Las Salinas.

Old dry-stone walls and rough terraces hint at past use of the area and now guide the last meters to the shore.

Dry-stone walls and rustic terraces beside the sandy track above the beach at Playa Las Salinas.

Stone stacks on the pebble field

Visitors often build small cairns on the concrete slab by the shoreline. While photogenic, consider leaving the pebbles where they lie to protect micro-habitats and keep the cove natural.

Small stone cairns arranged on a concrete platform among rounded pebbles at Playa Las Salinas.

Practical tips for visiting

Type: wild cove; no lifeguard, showers or sunbeds.
Footwear: water shoes recommended for the boulder entry.
Best conditions: low swell and light wind; avoid during strong surf.
Access: a few minutes on foot from the coastal path between Playa Paraíso and Callao Salvaje.

Conclusion. If you prefer natural corners over fully-serviced resorts, Playa Las Salinas is a rewarding stop in Costa Adeje. Come for the lava scenery, a quiet sit among ocean-polished pebbles and, on calm days, a refreshing dip with dramatic cliff views.

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