Las Breñas Viewpoint & Coastal Path in El Sauzal, Tenerife

The Mirador Las Breñas crowns one of the most dramatic balconies on Tenerife’s Costa de Acentejo. From here a traditional coastal footpath descends toward El Puertito de El Sauzal, crossing volcanic terraces, tabaibal-cardonal scrub and rocky steps laid in basalt. This photo guide shows how to reach the trailhead, what the path looks like, and where the best ocean views unfold.

Atlantic panorama from the viewpoint

The balcony faces the north coast toward Puerto de la Cruz and the Anaga horizon, with the surf carving the dark lava shores below. It’s a perfect first stop to understand the scale of the cliffs before stepping onto the trail.

Access and orientation

At the upper road you’ll find clear brown tourist signs for Costa El Sauzal and Las Breñas. The area is easy to reach by car and also served by local buses, making the viewpoint a convenient starting point.

An onsite information board includes a location map and symbols for nearby points of interest—useful for planning short detours or deciding how far to walk.

Trailhead beside the plaza and sculpture

The Sendero Las Breñas – El Puertito begins directly below the viewpoint terrace. A footpath sign marks the descent and a low wall guides walkers to the first volcanic steps.

The terrace features a simple modern sculpture that honors the coastal community below—a reminder that these routes once linked cliff-top hamlets with their fishing coves.

Protected landscape and interpretation panels

The trail crosses the Costa de Acentejo Protected Landscape. Please stay on the paved or cobbled sections and avoid trampling the native tabaibas and cardones that bind the slopes.

Interpretive panels explain the geology and farming terraces that step down toward the ocean, giving context to the rugged scenery you are walking through.

What the path looks like

The descent alternates between cobbled segments and compacted earth, edged by low volcanic stones that keep you centered on the route.

Short, narrower stretches pass through shrub tunnels—peaceful and well-sheltered from the trade winds.

Further on, the path traverses the slope with constant views of historic terraces and the coastline running toward the Orotava Valley.

From higher bends you can look down to the rocky headland and tidal platforms at the base of the cliff—an impressive reward even if you don’t complete the full descent.

Lower down, hand-laid basalt steps help with the steeper sections. Good footwear is recommended, especially after rain when the stones can be slick.

Tips for visiting

Start early for softer light and clearer horizons, carry water, and respect closures or conservation signage. If time is short, walking just the upper viewpoint section still delivers outstanding photography of the Atlantic cliffs of El Sauzal.

Conclusion

The Mirador Las Breñas pairs an easy-access balcony with a scenic historic path toward El Puertito, making it one of the best short hikes on Tenerife’s Costa de Acentejo. Whether you come for the sweeping ocean vistas or the quiet cobbled trail, this route captures the island’s volcanic coastline at its most authentic.