Playa de Roque Bermejo, Anaga – Remote Black-Sand Cove and Hiking Access in Tenerife

Tucked into the rugged northeast of Tenerife, Playa de Roque Bermejo is one of the island’s most secluded coves. Sheltered by volcanic headlands and facing the open Atlantic, it offers a rare mix of calm, emerald shallows and stretches of dark sand that appear and disappear with the swell. This is a true Anaga experience: there is no road to the beach, no bars or sunbeds—just a tiny hamlet, stark cliffs, and the sound of the ocean.

First Look: The Hamlet and the Cove

The best introduction to Roque Bermejo is from above. From the cliff path you see the small cluster of houses, the protective rock that gives the area its name, and the curve of the bay where waves turn turquoise over volcanic reefs. This overview also helps you judge sea conditions before committing to the descent.

Panoramic view of Playa de Roque Bermejo cove and its tiny hamlet on Tenerife’s Anaga coast, with the offshore rock and turquoise water. — Panoramic approach to the cove and hamlet of Roque Bermejo.

The Cove: Cliffs, Reef and Changing Sand

At shore level the bay forms a gentle arc backed by jagged cliffs. The seabed alternates between reef and sand, and depending on recent swell you may find a generous strip of black sand or a narrower, pebbly edge. On calm days the water is clear enough to spot fish around the rocks; when the swell picks up, expect strong shore break and currents typical of the Anaga coast.

Curved bay of Playa de Roque Bermejo framed by dark volcanic cliffs and clear Atlantic water inside Anaga Rural Park. — The sheltered arc of the bay, protected by volcanic headlands.

Black Sand Underfoot

Roque Bermejo’s sand is a fine, carbon-rich volcanic mix that warms quickly in the sun. After small sets, the receding wash polishes the surface to a mirrored sheen—great for photos and a hint of how dynamic this shore is. Enter the water cautiously: the bottom can drop unevenly, and waves may surge without warning.

Small Atlantic waves washing the fine black sand on Playa de Roque Bermejo during calm sea conditions. — Fine volcanic sand with a gentle shore break on a calm day.

How to Get There

On foot: Access is by marked hiking paths within Anaga Rural Park. The most common approach starts in Chamorga and descends toward the hamlet and the coast (some routes pass near the Faro de Anaga). Expect a sustained descent followed by a demanding climb back—allow ample time, sturdy footwear, water, and sun protection. There is no car road to the beach.

By sea: In very calm conditions, experienced locals sometimes arrive by private boat. There are no moorings, lifeguards, or services, so plan self-sufficiently and always prioritize safety and weather.

When to Visit & Practical Tips

Best conditions: light winds and low swell; mornings often feel quieter and clearer.
Facilities: none on the beach—bring everything you need and pack out all waste.
Swimming: only if the sea is calm; there are no lifeguards and currents can be strong.
Respect the hamlet: keep noise low and stick to paths; this is a lived-in coastal community.

Why Roque Bermejo Stands Out

Many Tenerife beaches are easy to reach; Roque Bermejo rewards effort with solitude, dramatic geology, and that classic Anaga contrast of black sand and luminous water. For hikers and photographers, it’s a highlight of the island’s wild northeast—remote, scenic, and unforgettable when the ocean is kind.

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