Playa de Tazacorte

Playa de Tazacorte is the sunniest beach on La Palma — a broad sweep of black volcanic sand on the island's western coast, sheltered by a long breakwater and blessed with some of the most reliable sunshine on the "green island". With its palm-lined promenade, cluster of seafood restaurants and easy-going seaside village feel, it's the natural place to swim and unwind on an island far better known for its forests, volcanoes and star-filled skies than for beach life.

How to get there

The beach sits below the town of Villa y Puerto de Tazacorte, on La Palma's west coast, a short drive down from Los Llanos de Aridane in the wide, fertile Aridane valley. Having a hire car is by far the easiest way to reach it and to explore this side of the island, as roads twist through banana plantations down to the coast; local buses also serve the town. The descent from Los Llanos is quick, so many visitors staying in the valley pop down to Tazacorte for an afternoon by the sea.

What it's like

Tazacorte is a proper working seaside village with a relaxed, local character. The beach is a generous stretch of dark grey-black sand, protected on one side by a harbour breakwater that keeps a good part of the bay calmer than the open Atlantic. Behind it runs a pleasant promenade with palms, benches and a run of restaurants and cafés, while the little port adds a working, salt-and-fish atmosphere. Because this is the sunniest, driest corner of La Palma, it often basks in clear skies even when the north of the island is under cloud.

When the greener north is wrapped in cloud, Tazacorte is where La Palma keeps its sunshine.

Swimming and safety

The breakwater gives the beach a sheltered zone that's generally the calmest and safest place to swim, and there are lifeguards in the main season. That said, this is still an Atlantic beach: the sand shelves fairly steeply, the swell can pick up, and away from the protected end the sea can be livelier with a shore break. Watch the flag system, swim within the patrolled area, and keep children close in the water.

Facilities

For a small island beach, Tazacorte is well set up. There are showers and toilets, seasonal lifeguards, sunbed and parasol hire, and plenty of parking near the front. The promenade's seafood restaurants are a highlight — this is one of the best spots on La Palma for fresh fish, often served simply grilled with papas arrugadas and mojo. Cafés, a couple of shops and easy flat access round out a beach where you can comfortably spend the whole day.

Best for whom

Playa de Tazacorte is ideal for anyone visiting La Palma who wants a dependable beach day: families, couples and walkers coming down from the hills for sun, a swim and a good seafood lunch. It suits travellers who like their beaches unpretentious and authentically local rather than glossy and resort-like. It's less of a match for those expecting soft golden sand, a big buzzy resort strip or extensive water sports — La Palma simply isn't that kind of island, and that's much of its charm.

Nearby

Just inland, Los Llanos de Aridane is the island's liveliest town, with a handsome old quarter, murals and plenty of places to eat. From Tazacorte you can join boat trips down the wild southwest coast, and the surrounding banana country makes for scenic drives. Further afield, La Palma rewards visitors with the vast Caldera de Taburiente, laurel forests and world-class stargazing under some of Europe's clearest skies. To plan the rest of your trip, see our full guide to La Palma.