La Matanza de Acentejo Beaches

Overview

La Matanza de Acentejo, nestled on Tenerife's north coast, offers a distinct beach experience compared to the island's bustling south. Here, you'll discover a coastline characterized by dramatic cliffs, black volcanic sand, and a wilder, more natural ambiance. While the town itself has one small black sand beach, El Caletón, formed by lava flows meeting the sea, the broader Costa de Acentejo protected landscape is where the region's rugged beauty truly shines. This area is prized for its tranquility and stunning, less crowded beaches, appealing to visitors seeking a more authentic and peaceful coastal escape.

Among the notable beaches easily accessible from La Matanza de Acentejo, Playa El Bollullo stands out as a famous natural black sand beach, offering a quintessential north Tenerife experience. For those seeking breathtakingly wild and scenic landscapes, perfect for photography, Playa de Benijo is an excellent choice. A favorite among locals, Playa del Socorro is known for its beautiful coastline and good surfing conditions. While a bit of a day trip, the iconic golden sands of Playa de las Teresitas offer a contrasting coastal experience worth considering. Many of the beaches in this northern region are characterized by their dark volcanic sand.

Beyond these highlights, the northern coast is dotted with numerous other coves and wilder beaches, often requiring a bit more effort to reach but rewarding visitors with seclusion and unspoiled nature. The Costa de Acentejo itself is a protected area known for its steep cliffs and unique flora and fauna. While El Caletón offers some natural pool formations, the wider Acentejo region and surrounding municipalities are also known for their 'charcos' or natural swimming pools. For a comprehensive look at all the coastal gems this area has to offer, be sure to explore our longer list of beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Are there any beaches actually in La Matanza de Acentejo town?

Yes, La Matanza de Acentejo has one beach within the town itself called El Caletón. It's a small black sand beach, about 60 meters long and 20 meters wide. It also features a small dock and an area for anchoring boats. This beach was formed by a lava flow meeting the Atlantic, creating a small inlet and some natural pools with clear water. It can get crowded during peak season.

What are the swimming conditions like at El Caletón beach in La Matanza?

The sea at El Caletón is usually calm. However, strong winds can cause the swell to become rough, so it's always good to be aware of the current conditions. The beach also has natural pools formed by lava, which offer calmer bathing spots.

How do I get to the beaches near La Matanza de Acentejo?

To reach La Matanza de Acentejo and its nearby coastal areas, you can drive by taking the TF-5 motorway (Autopista del Norte) or the TF-217 highway. Public transport is also an option, with bus services provided by TITSA (Transportes Interurbanos de Tenerife) offering several routes to the area. Some nearby beaches, like Playa de Rojas or Playa El Ancón, might require further local access routes or walking paths from the main roads.

Playa de Rojas

El Ancón Beach

What is the best time of year to visit the beaches in La Matanza de Acentejo for swimming?

The best time to visit La Matanza de Acentejo for swimming and enjoying the beaches is generally during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. May to October also offers pleasant air temperatures (around 21-27°C or 70-80°F) and water temperatures (around 21-24°C or 70-75°F). However, Tenerife's climate is mild year-round, allowing for sea enjoyment in other seasons too, though water might be cooler.

Are there places to stay with sea views or easy beach access in La Matanza de Acentejo?

Yes, La Matanza de Acentejo offers various accommodation options, including apartments and houses, some of which boast sea views due to the town's position on the coast. While direct beachfront properties might be less common than in larger resorts, you can find rentals situated close to the coast or with convenient access to El Caletón beach or the paths leading to other coastal spots. Some accommodations are located on the cliffs overlooking the Costa Acentejo.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Are the beaches in La Matanza de Acentejo suitable for families with children?

While La Matanza's coastline is rugged, El Caletón in town offers a smaller, more accessible beach. Some nearby natural pools, like those at Bajamar (though not in La Matanza itself but in the Acentejo region), are specifically designed with families in mind, sometimes including children's pools. Always supervise children closely, especially near the open ocean, as conditions can change.

What are 'charcos' and are there any near La Matanza de Acentejo?

Charcos are natural swimming pools, often formed by volcanic lava flows meeting the sea, creating sheltered areas for swimming. While El Caletón in La Matanza has some small natural pool formations, the north of Tenerife is famous for larger charcos. Nearby, in the Acentejo coastal region and surrounding municipalities like San Juan de la Rambla (Charco de La Laja) or Los Silos (Charco Los Chochos), you can find well-known examples. These offer calmer waters protected from the open ocean.

Are there any hidden gem beaches or more secluded spots near La Matanza de Acentejo?

Yes, the northern coast of Tenerife, where La Matanza is located, is known for its wilder, more secluded beaches. Playa de Rojas, near El Sauzal (close to La Matanza), is considered a hidden gem with natural beauty and a well-maintained walkway. El Ancón beach (Santana) in La Orotava is another picturesque, more isolated option. Access to some of these hidden beaches can be more challenging, sometimes involving walks or descents.

Playa de Rojas

El Ancón Beach

People Also Ask

What is the sand like on the beaches near La Matanza de Acentejo?

The beaches in and around La Matanza de Acentejo, typical of northern Tenerife, predominantly feature black volcanic sand. Some areas might have pebbles or gravel mixed with the dark sand.

Are there facilities like sunbeds or cafes at the beaches in La Matanza de Acentejo?

El Caletón, being in town, is more likely to have basic amenities nearby. However, many of the beaches along the Costa de Acentejo are more natural and wild, meaning facilities like sunbed rentals, cafes, or extensive services might be limited or non-existent directly on the beach. It's advisable to bring your own essentials. Some larger, more developed natural pool complexes in the wider region, like Bajamar, will have more services.

Is La Matanza de Acentejo more for a quiet beach holiday or a lively one?

La Matanza de Acentejo and the surrounding northern coast offer a quieter, more tranquil beach experience compared to the bustling tourist resorts in the south of Tenerife. It's ideal for those seeking natural beauty, relaxation, and a less crowded atmosphere. While there are local restaurants and some activity, it's not known as a party destination.

Can you swim in the ocean year-round in La Matanza de Acentejo?

Tenerife's climate allows for the possibility of swimming year-round. However, the water will be cooler in the winter months (average around 18-21°C or 65-70°F from December to March) compared to the summer (22-24°C or 72-75°F). Some may find winter sea temperatures a bit chilly for prolonged swimming without a wetsuit.

How do the beaches in La Matanza/North Tenerife compare to those in South Tenerife?

Beaches in La Matanza and North Tenerife are generally characterized by black volcanic sand, dramatic cliffs, and a wilder, more natural setting. They are often less crowded and appeal to those seeking tranquility and stunning landscapes. In contrast, South Tenerife is known for its golden or lighter sand beaches (some man-made), calmer waters in many areas due to breakwaters, and a more developed tourist infrastructure with extensive amenities and a livelier atmosphere.

Are there any nudist beaches near La Matanza de Acentejo?

Yes, there are clothing-optional beaches in the vicinity of La Matanza de Acentejo. Playa Los Patos and El Ancón Beach (Santana), both located in La Orotava (a nearby municipality), are known as beaches where nudism is practiced. These beaches are typically more secluded and offer a natural, tranquil environment.

Playa Los Patos

El Ancón Beach

What is the Costa de Acentejo and what is it like for beaches?

The Costa de Acentejo is a protected coastal landscape in northern Tenerife, stretching across several municipalities including La Matanza. It's characterized by dramatic, steep cliffs, rugged beauty, and a number of small, often wild beaches and coves with black sand or pebbles. Access to these beaches can sometimes be challenging due to the terrain, involving paths or descents. It's an area valued for its natural and scientific importance, including protected flora and fauna.