Tenerife Post

Discover Tenerife

Your island guide to the best beaches, events, nature, life & culture

VIEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Punta Brava Beach: Tenerife’s Scenic Black-Sand Escape

Tucked on the western edge of Puerto de la Cruz, Punta Brava Beach offers a raw stretch of volcanic sand, colourful seafront houses and an authentic Canarian vibe. Below you’ll find practical information, panoramic views and the beach facilities that make this spot a favourite with locals and well-informed visitors.

Wide view of Punta Brava Beach with black sand and colourful houses in Puerto de la Cruz. Panoramic view from the breakwater looking east along Punta Brava's black-sand shoreline.

From the northern headland you’re treated to sweeping Atlantic vistas framed by Mount Teide (often cloaked in cloud). The arenas negras (black sands) absorb heat quickly, making sunbathing pleasant even on cooler winter days.

Gentle wave rolls onto the volcanic black sand in front of Punta Brava's seafront houses. Sunbathers spread out on the spacious black beach of Punta Brava under clear skies.

The beach shelves quite steeply, so swimmers should be mindful of the shore-break. Luckily, there is year-round lifeguard cover and clearly posted flag warnings.

Lifeguard tower with a red warning flag on Punta Brava Beach.

Keep an eye on the flag system: green for safe, yellow for caution and red (as shown above) signalling strong currents. Respecting the flags is essential, as rips can form quickly on volcanic beaches.

Stone restroom block providing accessible toilets at Punta Brava Beach promenade. Outdoor stainless-steel shower for rinsing off sand at Punta Brava Beach.

Punta Brava is one of the few northern beaches with accessible toilets, showers and ramps that reach the sand. These extras make family visits and longer beach days much easier.

Orientation board showing rip-current map and safety tips for Punta Brava Beach. Sign fixed to volcanic rock indicating that dogs are prohibited on the beach.

Before choosing your spot in the sand, check the orientación al usuario board for current conditions and note that pets are not allowed on the beach to keep the sands clean for everyone.

Shaded promenade lined with palm trees running behind Punta Brava Beach.

A palm-fringed promenade skirts the cove, offering shade, benches and unbeatable sunset viewpoints. It also links Punta Brava with the more touristy Playa Jardín complex to the east.

Seafront restaurant Casa Julián with terrace overlooking Punta Brava promenade.

Hungry? Try Casa Julián for grilled local fish and a cool Dorada beer accompanied by sea views and the soundtrack of crashing waves.

Facade decorated with a mermaid tail mosaic and seashells on a local holiday rental called La Sirena.

Wandering the back streets reveals artistic façades like La Sirena, echoing the village’s deep connection with the Atlantic.

Plan Your Visit

  • Access: On-street parking in Punta Brava; bus line 381 from Puerto de la Cruz centre.
  • Best time: Morning for calmer seas; late afternoon for golden-hour photography.
  • Nearby: Loro Parque is a 5-minute walk; Playa Jardín starts just beyond the breakwater.

Conclusion

Whether you’re chasing dramatic photos of Tenerife’s black-sand beaches or just want a quieter sun-and-sea session with proper facilities, Punta Brava delivers. Respect the flags, leave only footprints and you’ll understand why locals keep coming back to this Atlantic hideaway.