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Playa Itamar Diez Tenerife – Remote Black Sand Beach Near Santa Cruz

On the wild northeast coast of Tenerife, far from the busy resort beaches, Playa Itamar Diez offers a dramatic mix of black volcanic sand, steep cliffs and powerful Atlantic swell. This remote cove in the municipality of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is best suited to hikers and nature lovers who enjoy untouched landscapes rather than sunbeds and beach bars. The photos below take you from the cliff path down to the shore, showing why this spot feels like one of the island’s last hidden beaches.

You may notice some confusion with the name: on Google Maps the cove appears as Playa Itamar Diez, but a fallen sign on the stones calls it Playa Zapata. In this article we use the map name Playa Itamar Diez for clarity, while mentioning the alternative name so visitors can recognise the place when they see the sign on the beach.

Wide view of Playa Itamar Diez from the cliffs, with a long strip of black sand and a rocky headland jutting into the Atlantic Ocean.

From high above the trail, Playa Itamar Diez appears as a dark ribbon of sand squeezed between the ocean and vertical rock walls. The headland closing the bay gives the impression of a natural amphitheatre open only towards the Atlantic. With no buildings in sight and only a faint path along the slope, it is clear this is a wild beach rather than a serviced urban one.

Panoramic perspective of Playa Itamar Diez with layered volcanic cliffs on the left and the massive rocky promontory closing the bay.

A second vantage point reveals the colourful volcanic strata that make this coastline so striking. Browns, reds and greys form clear bands in the rock face, telling the geological story of Tenerife’s eruptions. On calmer days a few boats anchor near the headland, using the shelter of the bay as a quiet stop on coastal routes from Santa Cruz or San Andrés.

View along Playa Itamar Diez from the shore, with rounded volcanic stones in the foreground and smooth black sand curving towards the rocky point.

Once you reach sea level, the character of the beach becomes more intimate. The upper edge of the cove is covered with rounded volcanic stones, while lower down the terrain changes into a smooth, fine black sand. The transition from rocks to sand is typical of remote coves on this side of the island and adds to the wild feeling of the place.

Foamy Atlantic wave breaking on the empty black sand of Playa Itamar Diez with the cliff face and headland in the background.

The Atlantic rarely rests here. Wave after wave washes over the dark sand, leaving bright ribbons of foam that highlight every curve of the shoreline. Even when the sky is partly cloudy the reflections on the wet sand make Playa Itamar Diez a great spot for atmospheric seascape photography.

High-angle view of Playa Itamar Diez showing the narrow strip of wet black sand, scattered boulders and the breaking surf of the Atlantic Ocean.

Seen from above, the narrow contact zone between rock slope and water stands out clearly. Large boulders lie at the base of the cliff, giving way to compact, wave-smoothed sand closer to the sea. This steep relief explains why the access path is demanding and why the beach remains so quiet even on good-weather weekends.

Low view from the sand at Playa Itamar Diez looking out to the Atlantic, with black sand in the foreground and cliffs closing the bay.

Turning towards the open sea, you feel the contrast between the tight rocky walls behind you and the wide horizon in front. A few offshore rocks break the surface and, depending on the day, you may see a distant cargo ship or ferry crossing the channel. Otherwise the soundtrack is mainly waves, wind and the occasional seabird.

Warning sign on the rocks at Playa Itamar Diez, labelled Playa Zapata, advising that this is a dangerous beach with strong currents and limited mobile coverage.

Close to the stones you will find a warning panel that calls the cove Playa Zapata and clearly marks it as a dangerous beach. The sign mentions strong currents, lack of lifeguards and limited mobile coverage, all reasons why swimming is not recommended. This sign explains why some hikers still refer to the cove as Playa Zapata even though online maps list it as Playa Itamar Diez.

Black sand at Playa Itamar Diez with footprints leading towards the cliffs and the sea reflecting the cloudy sky.

Walking along the shore leaves crisp footprints on the dark sand, quickly erased by the next wave. When the tide is low, the wet surface reflects the clouds and cliffs like a mirror, turning even a short stroll along the waterline into a very photogenic moment.

Central section of Playa Itamar Diez seen from above, with a broad expanse of black sand, scattered rocks and the calm ocean beyond.

From another high point you can appreciate the wide central area of the beach. There is plenty of space to sit quietly and watch the waves, but there is no shade and no services. Everything you need has to be carried in and out, which helps keep the cove clean and reinforces the feeling of being in a truly natural environment.

Close-up of small Atlantic waves gently rolling over the fine black sand of Playa Itamar Diez, highlighting the texture and subtle colour variations.

The final close-up focuses on the small waves that constantly polish the fine volcanic grains. The mix of darker and lighter particles creates a subtle sparkle when the sun breaks through the clouds, a distinct visual signature of Tenerife’s black sand beaches.

Is Playa Itamar Diez Worth the Hike?

Playa Itamar Diez is not a simple family beach with easy parking and calm water. It is a remote, rugged cove where access may involve steep paths and loose stones, and where the sea can be rough. For hikers, photographers and travellers who appreciate wild landscapes, this makes it a special place to visit. For casual bathers looking for a safe swim, better options can be found in nearby towns and organised beaches.

If you decide to explore Playa Itamar Diez, come prepared with good footwear, enough water and a realistic respect for the Atlantic. In return you will experience one of the most dramatic and solitary black sand beaches on the northeast coast of Tenerife, with memories that go far beyond what you see from the usual viewpoints along the road.