Coastal Walk Along Playa La Arenita in Palm-Mar Tenerife
Playa La Arenita in Palm-Mar, on the sunny south coast of Tenerife, is a peaceful rocky beach backed by a long seaside promenade and dramatic volcanic cliffs. Instead of crowds and sunbeds, visitors find wide ocean views, the sound of waves on stones and plenty of space for a relaxed coastal walk or a quiet afternoon by the sea.
From above, Playa La Arenita reveals its gentle curve of dark volcanic stones washed by the Atlantic, with low-rise apartments and hotels set just behind the shore. The coastal path follows the entire bay, making it easy to enjoy the sea breeze, watch small boats on the horizon and take photos of the sparkling water without ever leaving the promenade.
The main seafront walk at Playa La Arenita is broad and easy to follow, with a low wall and railings separating the path from the rocks below. It is ideal for a leisurely stroll at sunset, a morning jog or simply sitting on one of the benches to listen to the waves. This quiet atmosphere makes Palm-Mar attractive for visitors who prefer a calmer alternative to the busier resorts of the south.
Several accesses lead from the promenade down towards the stones, allowing visitors to get closer to the water. Although this is not a traditional sandy beach, the smooth pebbles and flat rocks invite you to sit near the shore, explore tidal pools or watch kayaks and paddle boards gliding across the bay.
Stairs connect the upper walkway with the lower part of the coast, where the stones become larger and the wild character of the shoreline appears. These access points make it simple to move between the comfortable, paved promenade and the raw volcanic landscape that defines this part of Tenerife’s south coast.
Families visiting Playa La Arenita will appreciate the small children’s play zone located directly by the promenade. Simple spring riders and shaded trees create a relaxed space where kids can play while adults enjoy the coastal scenery. With the sea just a few steps away, it is an easy stop during an evening walk or after lunch in nearby cafés.
Close to the waterline, the Atlantic is crystal clear, revealing layers of dark and golden stones below the surface. The constant movement of the waves has smoothed the rocks, producing the distinctive rounded pebbles typical of many natural beaches in Tenerife. This rugged beauty is perfect for photography lovers who want to capture the contrast between sea, sky and volcanic rock.
Along much of the coast the beach remains entirely stony, making it more suitable for walking, exploring and sunbathing on a towel than for building sandcastles. In exchange, visitors enjoy open views without crowded rows of umbrellas, as well as the authentic feel of a natural volcanic coastline shaped only by wind and waves.
At one end of Playa La Arenita, the landscape becomes even wilder as the promenade gives way to a dirt path that skirts the base of a volcanic headland. Hikers and adventurous walkers can follow this informal trail to enjoy more isolated corners of the coast, dramatic rock formations and uninterrupted views across the Atlantic towards La Gomera on clear days.
Seen from higher up the hillside, the entire bay of Playa La Arenita opens out, highlighting how the promenade follows the curve of the coast and how the breakwaters protect the shore from large waves. This elevated viewpoint shows why Palm-Mar is popular with walkers and residents looking for a tranquil place to live by the sea while staying close to the main tourist areas of southern Tenerife.
Playa La Arenita may not be a classic sandy resort beach, but its combination of ocean promenade, natural volcanic scenery and peaceful atmosphere makes it a rewarding stop on any trip to Palm-Mar. Whether you come for a coastal hike, an evening stroll or simply to enjoy the sound of the Atlantic at your feet, this rocky corner of Tenerife offers a quieter, more authentic side of the island’s south coast.